What is the purpose of this park district?
A park district functions like your fire or water district but with a mission of serving the community as an advocate for essential conservation and recreation uses and opportunities not being provided through other means within the district. It is not just another park, nor is the intent to make the whole district one big park.
 
Will this affect what I can and can’t do with my land?
A park district has no regulatory authority to change the zoning or land uses which are allowed on your property; it only provides more options and funding sources for landowners and other park district residents who want to help protect the natural integrity of the Chuckanuts for future generations.

Will the park district purchase or own land?
The park district will have the ability to purchase and own land that helps meet conservation or recreational needs as determined by the elected commissioners. However, the district is not likely to become a major landowner. Some have asked whether the park district would invoke eminent domain (or condemnation) to acquire lands from landowners who are unwilling to sell. While it might be theoretically possible to condemn land, it is extremely unlikely it would ever occur in the CMPD. To be absolutely clear, the advisory committee is strongly opposed to the use of eminent domain (which is strictly regulated under state law), and instead believes in always working cooperatively with willing sellers to arrive at mutually acceptable terms. Candidates running for commissioner seats might want to consider making a pledge to voters that they oppose the use of eminent domain to acquire lands.
  
Why is my neighborhood included in this park district?
The boundary for this park district is based on the geographical region in Whatcom and Skagit counties which includes the most ecologically significant habitat and recreation corridors that exist inland and along the shoreline where the Chuckanut Mountains meet the sea. A guideline in the city was the Greenway III vote.
 
How do I know my neighborhood interests will be fairly represented?
By Washington state law, five elected commissioners will represent specific areas within this park district and will be directly accountable to taxpayers for any tax levy expenditures and other allowable projects or park district actions they approve.
 
How do I know the property tax rate won't be more than $0.25/$1,000?
The CMPD Advisory Board which has organized to establish this park district has committed to recommending Commissioners approve a maximum tax levy of $0.25 per $1,000 of assessed property value; it is our duty as voters to hold them to that tax rate.
 
I already pay a Greenways tax, so why should I support this one?
The specific conservation, recreation, and ecological needs of the Bellingham neighborhoods that exist within the greater Chuckanuts are not adequately represented by the limited Greenways tax dollars available for this portion of the city; as a park district resident, you will have a more direct influence on how and where your tax money is spent and the knowledge that spending decisions will be balanced based on the needs you and your commissioners prioritize for each area.
 
What's in it for me?
The beauty of the park district is that you get to decide what’s in it for you! You leave a legacy for future generations, your children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.