Voters around the metro area approved a $227 million bond measure designed to help protect specific natural areas in the region.

Measure 26-80 was on the ballot in Multnomah, Clackamas, and Washington counties. It directs Metro to buy natural areas in order to protect water quality, along with fish and wildlife habitats. Property taxes will help pay for the bonds, with the average homeowner expected to pay between $2.50 and $2.90 extra per month.

According to Metro leadership, target areas for purchase include: the Tualatin River and tributaries in the Stafford, Sherwood and Forest Grove areas; the Rock Creek watershed near Bethany in Washington County; and the Clackamas River and tributaries near Damascus.

Multnomah county voters gave the measure its biggest support. It passed with nearly 63% of the vote. 52% percent of Clackamas county voters said yes, while the measure passed in Washington county with 55% of the vote.