Few remember how controversial a serial property tax levy was a decade ago. But in May 2001, voters said yes to a two-year plan that generated $10 million and over the past 10 years has helped protect 10,300 acres of undeveloped space through acquisition, donation, conservation easement or land exchange. During the past two years, the Foothills preservation effort grew by more than 2,100 acres with acquisition of open space in the Stack Rock, Hammer Flat and Polecat Gulch areas. Gotta love some good long-range thinking.