The URL can be used to link to this page

Home My Public Portal About20220928 - Agenda Packet - Board of Directors (BOD) - 22-23SPECIAL AND REGULAR MEETING BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT Wednesday, September 28, 2022 Special meeting starts at 5:00 PM* Regular meeting starts at 7:00 PM* REVISED A G E N D A Consistent with Government Code section 54953(e) and Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District Resolution 21-33, and in light of the declared state of emergency, the meeting will not be physically open to the public and all members will be teleconferencing into the meeting via a virtual platform. To maximize public safety while still maintaining transparency and public access, members of the public can listen to the meeting and participate using the following methods. THIS MEETING WILL BE VIA TELECONFERENCE ONLY 1. The meeting can be viewed in real-time at: https://openspace.zoom.us/s/83588268568 or listen to the meeting by dialing (669) 900-6833 or (346) 248-7799 (Meeting ID 835 8826 8568). 2. Members of the public may provide written or oral comments by submitting a public comment form at: https://www.openspace.org/public-comment •Comments on matters not on the agenda must be submitted prior to the time the board president calls for public comments. •Comments on agenda items must be submitted prior to the time public comment on the agenda item is closed. •All comments shall be subject to the same rules as would otherwise govern speaker comments at the board of directors meeting. •All written comments or requests to speak must be submitted via the public comment form. Requests to provide oral comments may be made by leaving a message at 650-772-3614. Comments via text or social media (Facebook, Twitter, etc.) will not be accepted. Any comments received after the deadline, will be provided to the Board after the meeting. 5:00 SPECIAL MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT ROLL CALL 1.Update on Agricultural Policy Development (R-22-105) Staff Contact: Lewis Reed, Rangeland Ecologist, Natural Resources General Manager’s Recommendation: Receive a presentation from staff on feedback received from outreach and stakeholder engagement, and review and provide feedback on the preliminary framework for the developing Agricultural Policy. Meeting 22-23 Rev. 1/3/20 ADJOURNMENT 7:00 REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT ORAL COMMUNICATIONS This portion of the agenda is for members of the public to comment on items not on the agenda; however, the Brown Act (Open Meeting Law) does not allow action by the Board of Directors on items not on the agenda. Individuals are limited to one comment during this section. SPECIAL ORDERS OF THE DAY Introduction of Staff • Ben Talavera, Management Analyst II ADOPTION OF AGENDA CONSENT CALENDAR All items on the Consent Calendar may be approved without discussion by one motion. Board members, the General Manager, and members of the public may request that an item be removed from the Consent Calendar during consideration of the Consent Calendar. 1. Approve the September 14, 2022 Board meeting minutes 2. Claims Report 3. Fiscal Year ending June 30, 2022 Annual Year End Report (R-22-106) Staff Contact: Ana María Ruiz, General Manager General Manager’s Recommendation: Informational item - no Board action required. 4. Cooley Landing Airboat Ramp Agreement (R-22-107) Staff Contact: Brian Malone, Assistant General Manager General Manager’s Recommendation: Authorize the General Manager to enter into an agreement with the City of East Palo Alto and Menlo Park Fire Protection District for the use and maintenance of an emergency airboat ramp in Cooley Landing Park. 5. Grant Agreement with the State Coastal Conservancy through their Wildfire Resilience Program (R-22-108) Staff Contact: Deborah Hirst, Grants Program Manager, Administrative Services General Manager’s Recommendation: Adopt a Resolution authorizing the General Manager to enter into a grant funding agreement with the State Coastal Conservancy for up to $1,080,000 in funds from their Wildfire Resilience Program. 6. Approval of an Adjustment to the Employer Contribution for Medical Insurance for Employees Represented by the Field Employees Association and the Unrepresented Office, Supervisory, and Management Employees (R-22-109) Rev. 1/3/20 Staff Contact: Candice Basnight, Human Resources Manager General Manager’s Recommendation: Adopt a resolution approving an adjustment to the employer contribution for medical insurance for employees represented by the Field Employees Association and the unrepresented Office, Supervisory, and Management employees that equals the 2022 Kaiser monthly premiums to become effective the first full pay period after Board adoption BOARD BUSINESS Public comment on agenda items at the time each item is considered by the Board of Directors. 7. Appointment of Three Measure AA Bond Oversight Committee Members (R-22-110) Staff Contact: Jennifer Woodworth, District Clerk/Assistant to the General Manager General Manager’s Recommendation: Select and appoint members to serve on the Measure AA Bond Oversight Committee for the three vacant positions from the candidates listed in the staff report. INFORMATIONAL MEMORANDA • Preserve Use Survey Recommendations – Implementation Update INFORMATIONAL REPORTS – Reports on compensable meetings attended. Brief reports or announcements concerning activities of District Directors and staff; opportunity to refer public or Board questions to staff for information; request staff to report to the Board on a matter at a future meeting; or direct staff to place a matter on a future agenda. Items in this category are for discussion and direction to staff only. No final policy action will be taken by the Board. A. Committee Reports B. Staff Reports C. Director Reports ADJOURNMENT SPECIAL MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT – CLOSED SESSION ROLL CALL 1. PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION. (GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54957(B)(1) ) Title of Employee:    Controller   General Counsel General Manager CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS. (GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54957.6)  Agency designated representatives: Board Appointee Evaluation Committee (Directors Kersteen-Tucker, Kishimoto, and Riffle)  Unrepresented Employees:   Controller  General Counsel  General Manager  Rev. 1/3/20 2. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL-- ANTICIPATED LITIGATION (GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54956.9(d)(2)) (1 case) ADJOURNMENT *Times are estimated and items may appear earlier or later than listed. Agenda is subject to change of order. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you need assistance to participate in this meeting, please contact the District Clerk at (650) 691-1200. Notification 48 hours prior to the meeting will enable the District to make reasonable arrangements to ensure accessibility to this meeting. Written materials relating to an item on this Agenda that are considered to be a public record and are distributed to Board members less than 72 hours prior to the meeting, will be available for public inspection at the District’s Administrative Office located at 5050 El Camino Real, Los Altos, California 94022. CERTIFICATION OF POSTING OF AGENDA I, Maria Soria, Deputy District Clerk for the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District (MROSD), declare that the foregoing agenda for the special and regular meetings of the MROSD Board of Directors was posted and available for review on September 23, 2022, at the Administrative Offices of MROSD, 5050 El Camino Real, Los Altos California, 94022. The agenda and any additional written materials are also available on the District’s web site at http://www.openspace.org. Maria Soria, CMC, CPMC Deputy District Clerk SPECIAL AND REGULAR MEETING BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT Wednesday, September 28, 2022 Special meeting starts at 5:00 PM Regular meeting starts at 7:00 PM* A G E N D A Consistent with Government Code section 54953(e) and Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District Resolution 21-33, and in light of the declared state of emergency, the meeting will not be physically open to the public and all members will be teleconferencing into the meeting via a virtual platform. To maximize public safety while still maintaining transparency and public access, members of the public can listen to the meeting and participate using the following methods. THIS MEETING WILL BE VIA TELECONFERENCE ONLY 1. The meeting can be viewed in real-time at: https://openspace.zoom.us/s/83588268568 or listen to the meeting by dialing (669) 900-6833 or (346) 248-7799 (Meeting ID 835 8826 8568). 2. Members of the public may provide written or oral comments by submitting a public comment form at: https://www.openspace.org/public-comment • Comments on matters not on the agenda must be submitted prior to the time the board president calls for public comments. • Comments on agenda items must be submitted prior to the time public comment on the agenda item is closed. • All comments shall be subject to the same rules as would otherwise govern speaker comments at the board of directors meeting. • All written comments or requests to speak must be submitted via the public comment form. Requests to provide oral comments may be made by leaving a message at 650-772-3614. Comments via text or social media (Facebook, Twitter, etc.) will not be accepted. Any comments received after the deadline, will be provided to the Board after the meeting. 5:00 SPECIAL MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT ROLL CALL 1. Update on Agricultural Policy Development (R-22-105) Staff Contact: Lewis Reed, Rangeland Ecologist, Natural Resources General Manager’s Recommendation: Receive a presentation from staff on feedback received from outreach and stakeholder engagement, and review and provide feedback on the preliminary framework for the developing Agricultural Policy. Meeting 22-23 Rev. 1/3/20 ADJOURNMENT 7:00 REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT ORAL COMMUNICATIONS This portion of the agenda is for members of the public to comment on items not on the agenda; however, the Brown Act (Open Meeting Law) does not allow action by the Board of Directors on items not on the agenda. Individuals are limited to one comment during this section. SPECIAL ORDERS OF THE DAY Introduction of Staff • Ben Talavera, Management Analyst II ADOPTION OF AGENDA CONSENT CALENDAR All items on the Consent Calendar may be approved without discussion by one motion. Board members, the General Manager, and members of the public may request that an item be removed from the Consent Calendar during consideration of the Consent Calendar. 1. Approve the September 14, 2022 Board meeting minutes 2. Claims Report 3. Fiscal Year ending June 30, 2022 Annual Year End Report (R-22-106) Staff Contact: Ana María Ruiz, General Manager General Manager’s Recommendation: Informational item - no Board action required. 4. Cooley Landing Airboat Ramp Agreement (R-22-107) Staff Contact: Brian Malone, Assistant General Manager General Manager’s Recommendation: Authorize the General Manager to enter into an agreement with the City of East Palo Alto and Menlo Park Fire Protection District for the use and maintenance of an emergency airboat ramp in Cooley Landing Park. 5. Grant Agreement with the State Coastal Conservancy through their Wildfire Resilience Program (R-22-108) Staff Contact: Deborah Hirst, Grants Program Manager, Administrative Services General Manager’s Recommendation: Adopt a Resolution authorizing the General Manager to enter into a grant funding agreement with the State Coastal Conservancy for up to $1,080,000 in funds from their Wildfire Resilience Program. 6. Approval of an Adjustment to the Employer Contribution for Medical Insurance for Employees Represented by the Field Employees Association and the Unrepresented Office, Supervisory, and Management Employees (R-22-109) Rev. 1/3/20 Staff Contact: Candice Basnight, Human Resources Manager General Manager’s Recommendation: Adopt a resolution approving an adjustment to the employer contribution for medical insurance for employees represented by the Field Employees Association and the unrepresented Office, Supervisory, and Management employees that equals the 2022 Kaiser monthly premiums to become effective the first full pay period after Board adoption BOARD BUSINESS Public comment on agenda items at the time each item is considered by the Board of Directors. 7. Appointment of Three Measure AA Bond Oversight Committee Members (R-22-110) Staff Contact: Jennifer Woodworth, District Clerk/Assistant to the General Manager General Manager’s Recommendation: Select and appoint members to serve on the Measure AA Bond Oversight Committee for the three vacant positions from the candidates listed in the staff report. INFORMATIONAL MEMORANDA • Preserve Use Survey Recommendations – Implementation Update INFORMATIONAL REPORTS – Reports on compensable meetings attended. Brief reports or announcements concerning activities of District Directors and staff; opportunity to refer public or Board questions to staff for information; request staff to report to the Board on a matter at a future meeting; or direct staff to place a matter on a future agenda. Items in this category are for discussion and direction to staff only. No final policy action will be taken by the Board. A. Committee Reports B. Staff Reports C. Director Reports ADJOURNMENT SPECIAL MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT – CLOSED SESSION ROLL CALL 1. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS. (GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54957.6)  Agency designated representatives: Board Appointee Evaluation Committee (Directors Kersteen-Tucker, Kishimoto, and Riffle)  Unrepresented Employees:   Controller  General Counsel  General Manager  ADJOURNMENT *Times are estimated and items may appear earlier or later than listed. Agenda is subject to change of order. Rev. 1/3/20 In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you need assistance to participate in this meeting, please contact the District Clerk at (650) 691-1200. Notification 48 hours prior to the meeting will enable the District to make reasonable arrangements to ensure accessibility to this meeting. Written materials relating to an item on this Agenda that are considered to be a public record and are distributed to Board members less than 72 hours prior to the meeting, will be available for public inspection at the District’s Administrative Office located at 5050 El Camino Real, Los Altos, California 94022. CERTIFICATION OF POSTING OF AGENDA I, Maria Soria, Deputy District Clerk for the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District (MROSD), declare that the foregoing agenda for the special and regular meetings of the MROSD Board of Directors was posted and available for review on September 23, 2022, at the Administrative Offices of MROSD, 5050 El Camino Real, Los Altos California, 94022. The agenda and any additional written materials are also available on the District’s web site at http://www.openspace.org. Maria Soria, CMC, CPMC Deputy District Clerk Rev. 3/15/21 R-22-105 Meeting 22-23 September 28, 2022 SPECIAL MEETING AGENDA ITEM 1 AGENDA ITEM Update on Agricultural Policy Development GENERAL MANAGER’S RECOMMENDATION(S) Receive a presentation from staff on feedback received from outreach and stakeholder engagement, and review and provide feedback on the preliminary framework for the developing Agricultural Policy. SUMMARY This agenda item will provide the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District (District) Board of Directors (Board) with an update on the development of a stand-alone Agricultural Policy (Ag Policy). The Ag Policy will outline the District’s role in agriculture within the region and guide its agricultural conservation partnership work and District management of agricultural lands. Outreach to District partners and stakeholders to solicit input extended through the first half of 2022 and included a survey, an Agricultural Producer’s workshop, multiple stakeholder meetings, and District staff holding office hours at the San Mateo Resource Conservation District (RCD) offices in Half Moon Bay, CA. Based on early Board direction and public feedback received through extensive community conversations, staff have developed a preliminary framework for the Ag Policy for Board review and feedback. Board guidance provided on September 28, 2022 will shape the draft policy language, which will be presented for Board review in winter 2022. BACKGROUND At the March 27, 2019 Board study session, staff reviewed existing agricultural uses on District lands, presented existing District policy and guidelines pertinent to the District’s role in agricultural preservation, and identified potential gaps in policies and guidelines that the new Ag Policy could address. Below is a list of the various policies and plans reviewed: • Basic Policy (adopted 1999, revised 2008) • Agricultural Use Policy Statements (adopted 1978) • Service Plan for the Coastal Annexation Area (adopted 2004) • Resource Management Policies (adopted 1994, revised 2022) • Integrated Pest Management Program Guidance Manual (2014) • Open Space Vision Plan (Vision Plan priorities adopted 2014) • Board Policy 4.01 Open Space Use and Management Planning Process (adopted 1977, revised 2013) R-22-105 Page 2 • Board Policy 4.02 Improvements to District Lands (adopted 1978, revised 2017) • Board Policy 4.11 Housing Policy (adopted 2017) Relevant sections of these documents are summarized and presented with more detail in Attachment 1. The Basic Policy, Agricultural Use Policy Statements, Resource Management Policies, Vision Plan, and other Board-adopted policies together have been guiding the management of agricultural resources and uses on District properties. The San Mateo Coastal Annexation Area Service Plan (Service Plan) and associated Environmental Impact Report (EIR), which were adopted as part of the Coastal Annexation Process, establish the policies, guidelines, and practices by which the District purchases agricultural lands and manages agricultural uses specifically within the San Mateo County coastside area to ensure compatibility with ongoing agricultural activities. Significantly, the Service Plan establishes an expanded mission statement for the Coastal Area that includes agricultural conservation goals: “To acquire and preserve in perpetuity open space land and agricultural land of regional significance, protect and restore the natural environment, preserve rural character, encourage viable agricultural use of land resources, and provide opportunities for ecologically sensitive public enjoyment and education” Following the March 2019 study session, the District focused its initial efforts on updating its Conservation Grazing Policy. This work culminated with Board adoption of the recommended policy updates in February 2021. With the Grazing Policy update completed, the District shifted its focus in 2021 to the larger Ag Policy development work, which at first proceeded slowly due to COVID-19 restrictions related to social gatherings and in-person interactions. This next phase of work included a series of public workshops to define the scope and potential role for the District in pursuing its coastside mission to encourage viable agricultural uses of land resources on the San Mateo County coast. At a December 15, 2021 Board study session, the Board received a presentation on the successful partnerships that balance the private economic interests and viability of agricultural producers with the resource conservation, agricultural preservation, and open space goals of public agencies and non-profit organizations. On the San Mateo County coast, this agricultural conservation delivery model is based on a partnership amongst three organizations – the District, the non-profit Peninsula Open Space Trust (POST) through their Farmland Futures Initiative program, and the public agency San Mateo Resource Conservation District (RCD) who has a long history of supporting farmers and ranchers and preserving natural resources. The District also works with many other groups and a diverse array of private farmers and ranchers who are part of the San Mateo County agricultural community, including the San Mateo County Farm Bureau with whom the District has a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), which establishes ongoing consultation on a variety of projects affecting the agricultural community. At the December 2021 study session, staff provided a summary description of the District’s current agricultural role and scope as well as two alternatives for expanding this current role. The Board affirmed their support for continuing within the current agricultural conservation model and commented on the desire to explore opportunities for expanding the District’s connections and partnerships with the agricultural community. Based on Board feedback, this expanded role could include funding partners who take the lead in preserving intensive agricultural lands, R-22-105 Page 3 exploring opportunities to further integrate regenerative and other eco-sustainable grazing practices on District lands, and supporting the viability of agriculture on the coast as new challenges arise. Individual Board members also noted the value of educating the public on the importance of supporting agriculture, expressed an interest in engaging more broadly within the county on agricultural planning and policy matters, and highlighted the need to balance the District’s agricultural role with the priority of natural resource protection. This report describes the community connections and conversations that have occurred since December 2021, and the public input received to inform the development of the Ag Policy. Ag Policy development work is also guided by the overarching policy framework discussed above to ensure overall consistency with the District’s mission, goals, and objectives. DISCUSSION As part of the agricultural policy development process, staff conducted significant outreach to gather feedback from a variety of stakeholders in local agriculture. This effort included a survey to solicit input, one workshop focused on agricultural producers of the San Mateo coast, and multiple presentations and discussions with eleven organizations involved in regional agriculture. In addition, staff created a public-facing webpage on the District’s main website to share information and updates about the policy development process. Staff also held office hours at the San Mateo Resource Conservation District office in Half Moon Bay to be available for in-person discussions with interested members of the agricultural community. The following summary provides a synopsis of each of the outreach components and the feedback received. Survey The District distributed an agricultural policy development survey on April 4, 2022, that stayed active through June 30, 2022. The bilingual, in English and Spanish, survey was distributed electronically via a link to organizations involved in agriculture in the region. Staff shared the link and hard copies (for meetings held in person) of the survey at each outreach event as well. The distribution was purposely limited to individuals and organizations with a stake in San Mateo County agriculture. The survey focused on several key topics, including environmentally sensitive agricultural practices, how to support agricultural uses other than grazing (e.g., row crop production), lease structure, and agricultural workforce housing. A summary of the survey results is provided here and more fully in Attachment 2. Twenty-three surveys were completed. Some respondents did not reply to all questions. For some questions respondents could choose more than one option: • 55% (11 of 20) of responses identified themselves as the primary decision maker in terms of day-to-day and seasonal operations on a farm or ranch in coastal San Mateo County. • 25% (5 of 20) indicated that they do not work directly at a farm or ranch but are interested in supporting the agricultural community in coastal San Mateo County. • 20% (4 of 20) indicated that they provide labor and carry out the basic work of operating a farm or ranch in coastal San Mateo County. • Nearly half of the survey respondents declined to identify as either conventional or organic operators but among those who did reply to this question, approximately 82% (9 of 11) identified as organic producers. R-22-105 Page 4 • Some respondents stated that they were not certified as organic yet implemented environmentally sensitive or regenerative practices in their operation. • Most respondents (13 of 19) had some involvement in livestock or grazing operations and there were several other types of agricultural operations represented among the survey participants. The survey included sixteen (16) questions asking how the District could best promote environmentally sensitive agricultural practices; how the District might best support different types of agricultural land uses; perspectives on a desirable lease structure; perspectives on agricultural housing; perspectives on water resource use; and potential roles for the District in marketing, outreach and education related to agriculture. Highlights of responses to the main questions are presented below. Some questions were scaled resulting in ranked results, some were allowed only one response, and some allowed multiple selections resulting in more responses than respondents. Environmentally Sensitive Agricultural Practices: (Questions 1, 2) Respondents rated each category from most preferred to least preferred When asked how the District could best promote environmentally sensitive agricultural practices (i.e., practices that promote wildlife habitat value, carbon sequestration, and efficient resource use on working lands and practices that reduce non-target effects of agricultural chemicals), the highest-ranking response was to offer incentives to implementing these practices. The second highest ranked option was to require such practices followed by supporting partners whose programs promote these practices, supporting research on environmentally sensitive practices, and supporting education and outreach on these types of practices, respectively. The latter four options scored very closely. Supporting Agriculture without Fee Title or Easement Land Rights: (Questions 3, 4, 5) Respondents rated each category from most preferred to least preferred Given that the District does not normally acquire fee title or easements on intensive agricultural lands (i.e., row crops, greenhouses), survey participants were asked how the District could best support these types of agricultural lands. The highest-ranking option was to support partners who implement new infrastructure projects that support environmentally sensitive practices on intensive agricultural lands followed by supporting partners in the acquisition of these lands for agricultural conservation, and lastly, expanding education and outreach efforts on the value of protecting these lands. Agricultural Lease Terms (Questions 7, 8 choose one) With regard to the management of agricultural leases, ten (10) respondents (45% of submittals) indicated that preference should be given to an existing operator if they remain in good standing for two lease terms versus soliciting competitive proposals for the lease after the creation of an agricultural plan (4) or after executing one five-year lease term (4). Respondents expressed a preference for longer lease periods with eleven (11) respondents (65% of submittals) indicating that the current arrangement (five-year lease with an optional five-year renewal) is too short and 6 saying it was just right. R-22-105 Page 5 Agricultural Workforce Housing (Question 9 choose all that apply) Twelve (12) responses (37.5% of responses) indicated that the District should explore the feasibility and suitability of working with partners to lease or sell land to non-profit housing organizations for them to build/install new agricultural workforce housing units. Twelve (12) responses indicated a priority for providing housing to onsite agricultural tenants as opposed to eight (8) responses for making housing available to the broader agricultural community. Comments supported both regional housing and onsite housing with statements that regional housing was much better for farm workers so that they are not under threat of losing both a job and housing, while farmers who leased or owned agricultural land preferred housing onsite to meet their staffing needs. Water Use (Question 10 choose one) Water is also a major limiting resource to agriculture on District lands and throughout the region. Eleven (11) respondents indicated a priority for investing in water storage, new wells, and/or other strategies on District lands to reduce the dependency on in-stream water use. Seven (7) respondents indicated a priority to partner with funders like the Resource Conservation District who have existing programs to support agriculture practices that promote efficient water use. Marketing Agriculture (Question 11 choose all that apply) Regarding marketing, half of the responses (13) indicated a preference for partnering with the District in regional efforts that educate the public about the land conservation and environmental benefits of local agriculture. The remaining questions in the survey were to obtain information about the characteristics of and practices employed by the survey respondents, including if they were the owner or employee of an agricultural operation, what types of crops they produced, how they grow crops (e.g., conventional or organic), and any other conservation practices respondents were familiar with. Please refer to Attachment 2 for details. Agricultural Producer’s Workshop On April 19, 2022, the District hosted a workshop in Half Moon Bay focused on the San Mateo County coastal agricultural producers. The workshop provided an opportunity for staff to share an overview of the agricultural policy development process and hear directly from producers about potential regional agricultural roles for the District. Invitation to the workshop was distributed to several organizations involved in regional agriculture with a request to further distribute the invitation among agricultural operators in their respective networks. These groups included the San Mateo County Farm Bureau, San Mateo Resource Conservation District, the San Mateo County Agricultural Commissioner’s Office, Ayundando Latinos A Sonar (ALAS), Puente de la Costa Sur, the San Mateo Food Systems Alliance, and tenants on both District agricultural lands and those on agricultural lands managed by Peninsula Open Space Trust. The workshop was attended by 17 participants, including several current District agricultural tenants, Farm Bureau members, and other community members involved in local agriculture. A staff member of Puente was the sole representee for farmworker interests. The workshop included an introductory presentation by staff and three breakout group discussions in which R-22-105 Page 6 participants were able to provide feedback and ask questions around four topical areas: supporting ecologically sensitive agricultural practices, supporting non-rangeland agriculture, lease structure, and agricultural workforce housing. Discussions of the topical areas were introduced by discussing the survey questions. Participants rotated through the different breakout groups so that everyone had the opportunity to comment on each subject area. Below is a summary of comments shared by the participants. Regional Needs • A holistic approach to running a farm or ranch is essential: crops and livestock need to be integrated - they are not separate. Ranching and farming go hand-in-hand. Best practices that are tailored to each operation, site and operator are needed. • Housing need is a crisis for San Mateo County agriculture. This contributes to labor shortage, which is an important limiting factor for sustaining agriculture. • There is a major need for water capture and storage for agriculture. • Producers should help develop resource management plans for grazing and other agricultural uses. • Young or new farmers cannot afford access to land. District Opportunities • Management goals should be communicated clearly to District agricultural tenants. • Existing District policies (e.g., limitations on which herbicides can be used and how they can be applied) are too restrictive and are impractical for agricultural operations. • Consider making land available for agricultural workforce housing. • Encourage and support operators who are actively and demonstrably working toward conservation goals, such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions or increasing carbon sequestration. • Running farms requires equipment. Providing amenities like sheds for tractors and providing maintenance of such facilities would be helpful. • Create an agricultural advisory board comprised of agriculturalists. • Agricultural housing on District lands can provide an opportunity to support a particular agricultural property, while regional housing opportunities that are not controlled by an agricultural lease or land holder offer better support for farm workers. • Lease terms and the selection process for agricultural tenants was of high interest, current tenants and farmers favored longer terms and noncompetitive lease awards to existing tenants, and local preference. • Participants seeking greater diversity and inclusion of non-traditional groups (farm workers and people of color) favor shorter terms on smaller lease areas, with competition that includes DEI criteria for selection. Outreach to Partners and Stakeholders Following the producer’s workshop, staff continued to reach out to numerous organizations involved in regional agriculture to gather input on the District’s current and prospective roles in agricultural conservation. This included meetings with twelve (12) organizations. The full list of organizations and details from discussions with each group are included in Attachment 3. The following is a brief summary of the feedback from this outreach effort. R-22-105 Page 7 Regional Needs • Housing was frequently identified as one of the most important limiting resources in the agricultural community. This includes general affordable housing available in agricultural communities to meet regional need as well as housing specifically associated with agricultural properties where having a residential presence is valuable to the operation. • There is a need for engagement directly with agricultural workers (in addition to the operators who own and run local farms). • There is a community need for programs that create opportunities for empowerment, equity, and inclusion among members of the agricultural labor community. • There is need for more water storage and basic infrastructure on agricultural properties. • General support was expressed for a greater understanding and implementation of more environmentally sensitive agricultural practices. • Consider herbicide trials for brush removal on rangelands as well as other research that support farmers and agriculture on the coast. • Local operators should be given a priority in the selection process for agricultural leases. • Create opportunities and to support smaller scale or newer agricultural operators. District Opportunities • The process to select tenants for both housing and agricultural land could be an important opportunity to address some of the needs described above. • Consider how agricultural conservation easements and leases could be tools to promote environmentally sound stewardship. • Support research on environmentally sensitive agricultural practices. • Regional partners involved in agriculture, such as POST, the RCD, and the NRCS, have existing programs that address many of the regional needs identified during stakeholder outreach. The District could help address regional needs by supporting these partners and their programs. Preliminary Agricultural Policy Framework Based on input received to date, staff identified eleven (11) potential policy areas (see Attachment 4). Many of these topics align with existing agriculture policies, guidelines, and implementation actions in the Coastal Service Plan, such as Permanent Policy PA.3, which emphasizes land protection through agricultural easements and leases with interested farmers and ranchers in the Coastal Annexation Area. In addition, emergent and relevant themes, such as Diversity, Equity and Inclusion considerations for leases and partnerships, reflect the diversity and needs of the agricultural community. As the Ag Policy development moves to the drafting of policies and guidelines, the potential policy areas outlined below are expected to be included in the preliminary draft Agricultural Policy. Each topic is presented in the attached Agricultural Policy Framework (Attachment 5) with a description of the potential issues and opportunities that relate to each potential policy area based on Board direction and feedback received from partners and stakeholders, while also remaining consistent with existing District policies (e.g., Basic Policy, Coastal Service Plan, etc.). R-22-105 Page 8 Main Topics/Potential Policy Areas: • Farmworker Advocacy and Engagement • Agricultural Housing • Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (Leases, Solicitations, Support) • Agricultural Infrastructure • Agricultural Land Protection • Agricultural Conservation Easements • Leases • Marketing and Promotion • Partnerships, Representation and Agreements • Recreation • Research, Sustainability and Environmentally Sensitive Agriculture Following the presentation and discussion of the feedback received from partners and stakeholders, the September 28, 2022 meeting will focus on these potential policy areas. The Board will first be asked to confirm whether these are indeed the policy areas that should be covered in the Ag Policy (i.e., confirm any gaps, additions, deletions). Next, the Board will consider the issues and opportunities for each potential policy area and decide which of these are sufficiently outlined per Attachment 5 to set aside, and which require further Board discussion. Time will be dedicated to those potential policy areas that require greater Board discussion. Board guidance and direction received at the meeting will inform the development of a draft Ag Policy, which is expected to be presented to the Board in winter 2022 for public review and input. FISCAL IMPACT This update on the process and timeline of the Ag Policy development has no immediate fiscal impact. Depending on the specific components adopted in the final policy, further fiscal impact analysis may be necessary. PRIOR BOARD AND COMMITTEE REVIEW In May 2017, a Board Meeting was held in the Coastside region to present an overview of the Coastal Service Plan and the progress made in meeting the commitments since its adoption in 2004. Agricultural conservation is a principal element to the District’s mission on the coastside, highlighting the need for an updated Agricultural Policy. The District began working on the Ag Policy in 2019 with a Board study session focused on summarizing existing District policies and guidelines; summarizing existing agricultural uses on District lands; and identifying gaps in policies and guidelines (R-19-36, minutes). Closely following this study session, the Grazing Management Policy Amendment also began with a Planning and Natural Resources Committee meeting on April 9, 2019 (R-19-40, minutes). R-22-105 Page 9 Another Planning and Natural Resources Committee meeting was held on October 22, 2019 (R- 19-139, minutes). This was followed by a final Planning and Natural Resources Committee meeting on December 15, 2020 (R-20-149, minutes) The Science Advisory Panel presented the Grazing Report to the full Board on November 4, 2020 (R-20-129, minutes). The PNR Committee reviewed and forwarded a recommendation for approval of the Grazing Management Policy Amendment on December 15, 2020 (R-20-149, minutes). The Board approved the Conservation Grazing Management Policy Amendment (R-21-22, minutes) on February 10, 2021. The amendments focused on management actions for mitigating and reducing livestock and predator conflicts that are protective of native wildlife, including mountain lions and coyotes. A workshop was held on September 22, 2021, to proceed with the broader Ag Policy development process and receive input on the timeline, key remaining steps, and potential topics (R-21-127, minutes). On December 15, 2021, the Board received an update on the development of the Ag Policy (R- 21-169, minutes). The Board provided additional direction to staff on the District’s potential agricultural role for the San Mateo County Coast. PUBLIC NOTICE Public notice was provided as required by the Brown Act. In addition, previous attendees to District meetings regarding the Agricultural Policy development were notified. CEQA COMPLIANCE This policy development is not a project subject to the California Environmental Quality Act. The Agricultural Policy will inform future actions that will be subject to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), and subsequent environmental review will be conducted at that time. NEXT STEPS Following this study session, staff will collate Board input on the scope of the District’s role within each of the identified policy elements and the proposed Ag Policy framework. Staff will return to the Board with proposed new policy language for additional feedback. If significant areas are identified where the District’s role is expanded beyond the current delivery model, then staff under direction of the General Manager will evaluate what additional resources and staffing may be needed to meet this expanded role and bring this forward to the Board as they consider the recommended Ag Policy. The tentative timeline for the remaining key steps in the process is as follows: • Winter 2022 - Board Study Session of proposed new policy language • Spring 2023 - Board consideration for approval of new policy language R-22-105 Page 10 Attachment(s) 1. Summary of Existing District Agricultural Policies 2. Agricultural Policy Stakeholder Survey Results 3. Stakeholder Outreach Notes Summary 4. Feedback Organized by Main Topic 5. Agricultural Policy Framework Responsible Department Head: Kirk Lenington, Natural Resources Prepared by: Lewis Reed, Rangeland Ecologist, Natural Resources Attachment 1 Page 1 Summary of Agricultural Policies The Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District’s (District) agricultural policies are covered in several different documents and policies. The value of agricultural lands are addressed in both the Basic Policy and the District’s coastal mission statement. More specific policies are included in the Coastal Service Plan (and associated EIR), Resource Management Policies, Housing Policy, Improvements on District Lands, Integrated Pest Management Program Guidance Manual, and Agricultural Use Policy Statements. Relevant policy statements and implementation measures from each of the following documents are excerpted below. • Basic Policy • Agricultural Use Policy Statements • Service Plan for the Coastal Annexation Area and accompanying Environmental Impact Report • Memorandum of Understanding between the San Mateo County Farm Bureau and the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District • Resource Management Policies • Integrated Pest Management Program Guidance Manual • Open Space Vision Plan • Board Policies: 4.01 Open Space Use and Management Planning Process, 4.02 Improvements on District Lands, 4.11 Housing Policy Basic Policy (2008) The Basic Policy provides general guidance on agricultural use, highlighting the District’s role in supporting continued agricultural use on open space land and reliance of sound agricultural land management practices that are consistent with the District’s Resource Management Policies: The District supports the continued agricultural use of land acquired for open space as an economic and cultural resource, including, but not limited to, grazing, orchards, row crops, and vineyards. The District does not consider commercial logging as agriculture. The District requires sound agricultural management practices on land it manages or monitors, in accordance with its Resource Management Policies.17 • OPEN SPACE: • Is land area that is allowed to remain in or return to its natural state. Open space lands may include compatible agricultural uses • Agriculture and Revenue-Producing Use Section f. The District supports the continued agricultural use of land acquired for open space as an economic and cultural resource, including, but not limited to, grazing, orchards, row crops, and vineyards. The District does not consider commercial logging as agriculture. The District requires sound agricultural management practices on land it manages or monitors, in accordance with its Resource Management Policies. Attachment 1 Page 2 Agricultural Use Policy Statement (1978) These Board policy statements reference the District’s role to “…sustain and encourage agricultural viability consistent with public use while minimizing the impact on the natural environment” and addresses the District’s authority to enter into and use agricultural leases. Coastal Service Plan (2004) In recognition of the importance of agriculture to the economy and heritage of the San Mateo coastside area, the District’s Service Plan provides guidance on the preservation and management of agricultural uses and protection of natural resources on District lands. Consistent with the purpose of San Mateo County’s policies and regulations related to agriculture, the Service Plan defines program guidelines to conserve resources on District-owned lands that could be used for agriculture, and to encourage the sale or leasing of District properties for outdoor agriculture. The Service Plan also establishes guidelines for managing the impacts of District programs that could potentially affect adjacent agricultural operations. In addition, the Service Plan provides for the acquisition of conservation easements from willing sellers over private agricultural properties, to promote the economic vitality of continued agricultural operations. In accordance with the Service Plan, the District can actively pursue agricultural easements and leases. The Service Plan emphasizes working in partnership with other land conservation interests, both public and private, in acquiring land and conservation and agricultural easements. Coastal Mission Statement • District To acquire and preserve in perpetuity open space land and agricultural land of regional significance, protect and restore the natural environment, preserve rural character, encourage viable agricultural use of land resources, and provide opportunities for ecologically sensitive public enjoyment and education. Role & Objectives • “….protect both the agricultural and natural resources of the Coastal Annexation Area. Although the District is not an agricultural preservation district, and does not propose any agricultural subsidy programs, its Service Plan does recognize the importance of agriculture to the economy and heritage of the Coastal Annexation Area.” • “As the District extends its services to the Coast, agricultural preservation will play a larger role in the District’s activities than it has within existing District boundaries.” Agriculture Agriculture is a very important rural land use and open space resource within the Coastal Annexation Area. Consistent with the purpose of San Mateo County's policies and regulations related to agriculture, the Guidelines and Implementation Actions below are directed at: Attachment 1 Page 3 1. preserving and fostering existing and potential agricultural operations in San Mateo County in order to keep the maximum amount of prime agricultural land and all other lands suitable for agriculture in agricultural production, and 2. minimizing conflicts between agricultural and non-agricultural land uses that may occur on District owned or managed lands. Permanent Policy PA.1: When acquiring lands in agricultural use, the acquisition shall be subject to continued use by the owner or operator until such time as it is sold or leased pursuant to the use and management plan adopted for the property. All agricultural land which is not needed for recreation or for the protection and vital functioning of a sensitive habitat will be permanently protected for agriculture and, whenever legally feasible, the District will offer for sale or lease the maximum amount of agricultural land to active farm operators on terms compatible with the recreational and habitat use. Lands that do not have significant recreation or sensitive habitat values and which can clearly support productive agricultural operations will generally be offered for sale while other agricultural lands will generally be offered for lease. (Reference: Mitigation Measure AGR-3g) Permanent Policy PA.2: The District shall actively work with lessees of District lands and with the owners of land in which the District has an agricultural easement interest to: a. Facilitate the provision of farm worker housing on District- owned lands by providing technical assistance in obtaining permits for such housing from the County of San Mateo. b. Seek grant funding for the continuation or establishment of viable agriculture through the California Farmland Conservancy Program and other agriculture grant programs. c. Provide technical assistance to secure water rights for the continuation or establishment of viable agriculture consistent with protection of sensitive habitats. (Reference: Mitigation Measure AGR-3j) Permanent Policy PA.3: The District shall actively pursue opportunities to enter agricultural easements and leases with interested farmers and ranchers. All agricultural easements and agricultural leases in the Coastal Annexation Area shall: a. Be tailored to meet individual farmers and ranchers needs while respecting the unique characteristics of the property; b. Specify uses that are unconditionally permitted pursuant to the easement or lease to provide certainty to the farmer or rancher entering the lease or easement with the District; c. Include terms that allow farmers and ranchers to adapt and expand their operations and farming practices to adjust to changing economic conditions; d. Include terms that ensure farmers or ranchers may provide farm labor housing as defined and approved by San Mateo County; e. Ensure compatibility of resource protection and management, low-intensity public recreation and viable agricultural operations; and f. In the case of leases, be for a sufficient period of time to gain a return on the investment in the agricultural operation. Attachment 1 Page 4 (Reference: Mitigation Measure AGR-3k) Guideline G.3.1: The District shall conduct its land management practices such that they do not have an adverse significant impact on the physical and economic integrity of prime agricultural lands on or contiguous to properties owned or managed by the District (e.g. establishing appropriate buffers on District lands, etc.). Guideline G.3.2: Improvements or public uses located upon open space lands other than agriculture shall be located away from existing prime agricultural lands and Unique Farmlands or Farmlands of Statewide Importance as shown on Farmland Mapping and Monitoring Program of the California Resources Agency. All trails and other public facilities should be located so as not to fragment agricultural operations unless no feasible alternative is available. While trails that bisect grazing lands would not be likely to fragment grazing operations, trails that bisect cultivated crops could adversely affect the vitality of agricultural operations and should be avoided. If trails must traverse cultivated lands then they shall be permitted only if adequate buffers, signs, and other measures necessary to ensure that trail use does not interfere with the agricultural operations are implemented." (Reference: Mitigation AGR-3a) Guideline G.3.3: All lands acquired by the District within the Coastal Annexation Area will be inventoried to identify and prioritize resource management issues. Where there are critical issues, such as the presence of non-native invasive species which threaten the habitat of endangered species or the economic viability of an adjacent agricultural operation, resource management plans will be prepared for these areas even if they remain closed to the public. The use and management plan shall include an agricultural production plan for District-owned agricultural lands or District lands adjacent to agricultural lands. For district-owned lands, the plan shall describe the crop and/or livestock potential for the property together with the management actions required to protect existing agricultural production (e.g., growing seasons, water requirements, pesticide, manure, and waste management) and the agricultural potential of the land. The plan shall consider the following factors: a. Availability of labor, including farm labor housing; b. Availability of farm support services and goods; c. Necessary capital improvements (e.g. water storage, fencing, land leveling) d. Farm operations, including erosion control, the season(s) and times of pesticide or herbicide usage, manure and waste management; e. Water use and availability; f. Access to transportation and markets; and g. Promoting agricultural production on District-owned land. In the case of District lands adjacent to agricultural production, the agricultural production plan shall develop site-specific measures to prevent activities on District lands from interfering with adjacent agricultural production. Attachment 1 Page 5 The development of use and management plans will include consultation with the current owner or operator of any agricultural operations on the land, adjoining landowners, the San Mateo County Environmental Services Agency in addition to other opportunities for public involvement (Reference Mitigation AGR-3h and BI0-3) Guideline G.3.4: In areas where trails would pass potentially hazardous adjacent land uses (e.g., timber operations), trail structures such as fences, barriers, and signs shall be used to deter trail users from leaving the trail and encountering unsafe conditions. Temporary trail closures shall be employed during intermittent operations, such as agricultural spraying, that would jeopardize the safety of an otherwise safe trail. (Reference: Mitigation LU-la) Guideline G.3.5: No new buildings or staging areas shall be located on prime agricultural lands or on Unique Farmlands or Farmlands of Statewide Importance as shown on Farmland Mapping and Monitoring Program of the California Resources Agency. Ranger office/maintenance facilities and staging areas may notbe located on prime agricultural lands or on Unique Farmlands or Farmlands of Statewide Importance as shown on Farmland Mapping and Monitoring Program of the California Resources Agency. (Reference: Mitigation AGR-la) Guideline G.3.6: Trails and habitat preservation areas shall either be located to avoid prime agricultural lands and Unique Farmlands or Farmlands of Statewide Importance as shown on Farmland Mapping and Monitoring Program of the California Resources Agency or traverse such lands in a manner that does not result in interference with agricultural activities or substantially reduce the agricultural potential of those lands. Owners and operators of agricultural lands shall be consulted to identify appropriate routes on those lands. The agricultural activities and the agricultural potential of traversed lands shall be protected and buffered from trail user impacts by means of distance, physical barriers (i.e., sturdy fences), or other non-disruptive methods. (Reference: Mitigation AGR-1b) Guideline G.3.7: The District shall provide private property signs where appropriate and provide trail users information regarding private property rights to minimize public/private use conflicts and trespassing. The District shall clearly sign trails adjacent to active agriculture and provide trail users with information regarding property rights to minimize trespassing and conflicts with agricultural users. (Reference: Mitigation AGR-3b) Guideline G.3.8: Trails shall either be located to avoid prime agricultural lands and Unique Farmlands or Farmlands of Statewide Importance as shown on Farmland Mapping and Monitoring Program of the California Resources Agency or traverse such lands in a manner that does not result in interference with agricultural activities or substantially reduce the agricultural potential of those lands. Operators of active agricultural activities on lands owned by or under easement to the District shall be consulted to identify appropriate routes on lands they cultivate. Owners and operators of agricultural lands adjacent to District lands used for non-agricultural purposes shall be consulted to identify routes that will avoid adverse effects on agricultural operations. The agricultural activities and the agricultural potential of traversed lands shall be Attachment 1 Page 6 protected and buffered from trail user impacts by means of distance, physical barriers (i.e., sturdy fences), or other non-disruptive methods. (Reference: Mitigation AGR-3c) Guideline G.3.9: The District lands or easements upon which trails are sited shall provide width sufficient for management and/or buffer space from adjacent uses so as not to preclude the viability of those uses. Buffers established to separate recreation and other open space uses from agricultural operations shall be designed and managed in accordance with the following standards: a. Buffers shall be designed in relation to the nature of the adjoining land use, potential land uses, and proposed public access; b. Buffers shall be designed in relation to the topography and other physical characteristics of the buffer area; c. Buffers shall be designed with consideration of biological, soil, and other site conditions in order to limit the potential spread of non-native invasive species or pathogens onto agricultural lands; d. Buffers shall be of sufficient width to allow agricultural use of adjoining agricultural lands including application of pesticides and other agricultural chemicals taking into account the likelihood and extent of potential pesticide drift; e. All lands used for buffers should be on land or interests in land owned by the District; adjoining landowners shall not be required to provide land for buffers. f. The District shall be responsible for the management and maintenance of all lands used as buffers. g. If a specific buffer fails to resolve conflicts between a recreational use and adjacent agricultural uses the recreational use shall be moved to a different location. h. All buffers shall be developed in consultation with the owners and operators of adjoining agricultural lands (Reference: Mitigation AGR-3d) Guideline G.3.10: Where pesticides are used, including pesticides for control of noxious weeds, they must be handled, applied, and disposed of in such a manner that they do not adversely affect adjacent agriculture including organic agriculture. Pesticide use shall be guided by label restrictions and any advisories published by the California Department of Pesticide Regulation (CDPR) or the County Agricultural Commission. These chemicals shall only be applied by a person who is properly trained in their application. (Reference: Mitigation AGR-3e) Implementation Action G.3.A(i): In acquiring lands and preparing site assessments, the District shall recognize that agriculture in the marketplace is dynamic and that agricultural use practices must be evaluated on a case-by-case basis, relative to current marketplace conditions. On a case- by-case basis, the District shall determine how best to continue agricultural uses consistent with protection of rare, threatened and endangered plant and animal species and their habitat. See also Guideline G.6.3 Attachment 1 Page 7 Implementation Action G.3.B(i) The development of agricultural policies, preparation of site assessments and preparation of access plans for low-intensity public recreation by the District affecting prime agricultural lands shall include consultation with local agricultural interests such as the San Mateo County Agricultural Advisory Committee, the Resource Conservation District, and the local Farm Bureau, and will be subject to public review. See also Guidelines G.6.3 Implementation Action G.3.C(i) Where the District acquires conservation easements on agricultural lands, the District will consider as a term of the easement on a case- by-case basis allowing all agricultural uses permitted by San Mateo County. Forestry The intent of the following guidelines is to recognize that the District is not in the commercial forestry business but that in limited circumstances the removal of trees is in the best interest of managing the ecological health and public safety conditions of the site. Guideline G.4.1: The District shall not propose commercial harvest of timber on District-owned property except in the limited cases described in Guideline G.4.3 below. Guideline G.4.2: On a case-by-case basis, the District may purchase property or an easement that includes approved timber harvest plans. Guideline G.4.3: On rare occasions, the District may permit limited tree removal on District- owned property where a timber harvest plan does not previously exist, if such actions are shown to be in the best interest of managing the ecological values, protecting public safety, or controlling disease within the property or watershed. In such cases, the timber may be sold. Guideline G.4.4: The District shall conduct its land management practices such that they do not have an adverse significant impact on the physical and economic integrity of timberland preserves on or contiguous to properties owned or managed by the District and so that the safety of visitors to District preserves is not compromised by timber harvesting (e.g., establishing appropriate buffers on District lands). (Reference Mitigation AGR-3f) Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the San Mateo County Farm Bureau and the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District (2004) The MOU with the San Mateo Farm Bureau memorializes parts of the Coastal Service Plan and associated environmental review and requires consultation with the Farm Bureau on site specific use and management plans and agricultural production plans in the coastal protection area. Attachment 1 Page 8 Resource Management Policies (2022) - Conservation Grazing Management Policy Key Points The Resource Management Policies define the policies and practices that set the framework and general guidance for protecting and managing resources on District lands. Agricultural resources are primarily addressed in goals, policies and implementation measures under Conservation Grazing Management and Climate Change. In the definition of the purpose of open space, the Resource Management Policies state, “[o]pen space may include compatible agriculture uses.” • Policy GM-1 Ensure that conservation grazing is compatible with and supports wildlife and wildlife habitats. • Inventory and assess sensitive habitats to identify areas requiring special management practices. The conservation of these areas will take precedence over other uses and management practices that are determined to have an adverse effect on these resources. • Prepare site-specific grazing management plans by a certified rangeland manager including best management practices (BMPs) for preserves where grazing will be utilized as a resource management tool. The site-specific grazing management plan will be a component of the agricultural production plan developed through the Use and Management Planning process. The Use and Management Planning process provides for public input and Board approval of site-specific grazing management plans. • Manage agricultural leases and easements to protect and enhance riparian areas and to maximize the protection or enhancement of water quality. (See WR-4) • Per the District’s long-standing policy of protecting native predators, continue to prohibit the lethal take of predators in response to livestock depredation. • Policy GM-2 Provide necessary infrastructure to support and improve grazing management where appropriate. • Utilize fencing that allows wildlife movement and fosters habitat connectivity (See WM-3:Measure 3). • Manage access to existing water features and where needed supply supplemental drinking water through stock ponds and water troughs to preserve clean water for livestock, protect water quality, and enhance habitat for wildlife. • Encourage and assist grazing tenants on District land to provide range improvements to restore or conserve wildland resources and to enhance range condition. • Inventory and assess roads and trails on District lands to identify significant erosion and sediment sources – abandon and where feasible restore to a natural condition poorly designed or sited roads (See WR-4). • Policy GM-3 Monitor environmental response to grazing on District lands. Attachment 1 Page 9 • Monitor forage utilization and distribution by grazing animals to assure appropriate amounts of residual dry matter (RDM) remain on the ground to achieve desired resource management objectives. In the course of RDM monitoring, evaluate and report on wildland fire fuel levels that may result in an increased risk of wildland fire (See WF policies). • Monitor livestock use levels and agricultural infrastructure condition to insure conformity with lease provisions to contribute to improved management. • Monitor wildland conditions with an emphasis on documenting the location, distribution and abundance of native grasses, wildflowers, and other native flora and fauna. • Monitor water quality in ponds, wetlands, and watercourses with unrestricted livestock access. • Monitor non-native vegetation response to grazing with an emphasis on documenting the location, distribution and abundance of target, invasive species. • Use information collected from monitoring to annually review rangeland conditions and response to livestock grazing. Use adaptive resource management decision making framework within grazing management plans. • Policy GM-4 Utilize different livestock species to accomplish vegetation management objectives. • Research the effective use of cattle, goats, sheep, and horses to manage vegetation on District lands. • Utilize appropriate species depending on management needs. • Policy GM-5 Preserve and foster existing and potential conservation grazing operations to help sustain the local agricultural economy. • Establish longer term grazing leases to promote financial viability for the operators and efficient land stewardship for the District. • Seek grants or other economic support for agricultural infrastructure maintenance and improvements. • Ensure site-specific grazing management plans are economically feasible and practical for conservation grazing operators. • Policy GM-6 Provide information to the public about the region’s rural agricultural heritage. (See PI-1) • Install display boards and give presentations highlighting historical and educational facts about ranching families and industry at appropriate sites. • Policy GM-7 Provide public access in a manner that minimizes impacts on the conservation grazing operation. (See PI-1) • Conservation Grazing operators on District lands or lands under easement to the District shall be consulted when public access is being planned and considered for the property to minimize conflicts between the public and the conservation grazing operation. Attachment 1 Page 10 • Prepare and distribute a brochure to educate visitors about etiquette for use of open space property with livestock animals. • Install signage where appropriate to educate the public about the resource benefits of conservation grazing and to educate visitors about approaching animals, closing gates, and other etiquette appropriate for moving through lands with livestock animals. • Policy GM-8 Conservation Grazing operations on District lands in San Mateo County will be managed in accordance with the policies established in the Service Plan for the San Mateo Coastal Annexation Area. • Consult with appropriate agencies and interest groups, including the San Mateo County Farm Bureau and San Mateo County Agricultural Advisory Committee in the development of site-specific Use and Management plans and agricultural production plan components in the Coastside Protection Area. • Policy GM-9 Safeguard native plants and wildlife while promoting the economic sustainability of conservation cattle grazing as a resource management toll and reducing predation of livestock. • Consider the economic impact of predation in setting lease rates for conservation grazing tenants. • Provide economic relief for conservation grazing tenants who, as required per conditions of a Board of Directors approved lease, are performing resource management services and are in good standing with the District, in response to confirmed cattle losses from predation to sustain conservation grazing as a viable tool for natural resource management. Require cattle grazing tenants to document annual livestock losses due to both predation and non-predation-related causes. • Support and promote scientific research on the effectiveness of wildlife and livestock protection methods, and their influence on wildlife behavior, grazing productivity, and livestock health. Periodically review research results and consider findings in future policy development. Resource Management Policies (2022) – Integrated Pest Management Policy Key Points Policy IPM-1 Develop specific pest management strategies and priorities that address each of the five work categories. • Manage pests in rangelands and on agricultural properties to support existing uses, while also protecting human health and surrounding natural resources. Policy IPM-2 Take appropriate actions to prevent the introduction of new pest species to District preserves, especially new invasive plants in natural areas, rangelands, and agricultural properties. Integrated Pest Management Program Guidance Manual (2014) Attachment 1 Page 11 9 IPM FOR RANGELANDS AND AGRICULTURAL PROPERTIES 9.1 DEFINITION AND PURPOSE Some District lands encompass rangelands, crop fields, and orchards that are actively managed as grazing or agricultural operations. Rangeland and agriculture activities on District preserves are primarily managed by lessees who typically operate under a Rangeland Management Plan or Agricultural Management Plan that is attached to their lease. These site-specific management plans guide the rangeland and agricultural activities to ensure compatibility with natural resource protection and low-intensity public recreation. This IPMP does not replace the requirements of the individual range or agricultural management plans, nor does it present the full range of agricultural or range management options. Rather, it seeks to provide staff with tools that are consistent with IPM principles to select the safest, least harmful, and most effective treatment options for rangeland and agricultural pests. Open Space Vision Plan (2014) The Vision Plan discusses overarching themes, subthemes and goals that guide the District’s work. The Viable Working Lands theme includes goals related to agricultural resources for protecting viable working lands that reflect our heritage and provide food and jobs. Subthemes of the Vision Plan: support agriculture and local food producers; model ecologically sound practices and educate. Board Policy 4.01 Open Space Use and Management Planning Process (2009) Board Policy 4.01 Open Space Use and Management Planning Process describes a systematic approach to the development of management plans and outlines the importance of use and management plans, which include the discussion of current agricultural uses and agricultural preservation needs of a District property, such as grazing and continuation of agricultural activities. The policy also discusses how the presence of active agricultural uses would be a factor in designating areas of preserves as Conservation Management Units which would restrict general public access. Board Policy 4.11 Housing Policy (2017) • 2. Agricultural. Attachment 1 Page 12 a. Agricultural Lease Holder. District housing offered for agricultural lease holder will either be negotiated in conjunction with an agricultural lease or be market rate. b. Agricultural Labor. District housing offered for agricultural labor is generally governed by a District lease or license. Agricultural housing rents and associated discounts are negotiated on a case-by-case basis and brought to the Board consistent with the policy regarding Improvements on District Lands (Policy 4.02). If District housing is made available to agricultural labor outside of a District Lease or License, the agricultural labor tenant is required to work for a District agricultural tenant on District Lands. Rent will either be negotiated in the agricultural lease, market rate, or an affordable housing rate. • 2. Agricultural. The selection of agricultural residential sites shall be based on their proximity to the District agricultural leases on District Lands. Due to the need for an on-site presence for some agricultural lands, this use may take priority over employees that provide direct services in some cases. Board Policy 4.02 Improvements on District Lands (2017) Board Policy 4.02 Improvements on District Lands guides the preparation of recommended actions concerning structures and improvements to inform the Board’s decision. The policy states that existing structures and other improvements on District lands are potential resources and as such will be evaluated for potential retention and will be addressed in site planning documents. These structures and resources include agricultural worker housing, agricultural and grazing infrastructure such as water storage facilities, outbuildings, corrals, fencing and etc. The policy states, “[a]s the District acquires agricultural properties, housing is needed for agricultural lease holders and their agricultural workers. Residences on District agricultural properties should be evaluated as potential housing for agricultural labor.” • C (1) As the District acquires agricultural properties, housing is needed for agricultural lease holders and their agricultural workers. Residences on District agricultural properties should be evaluated as potential housing for agricultural labor. • C (3) Improvements which Contribute to the Character of the Site: (e.g., Buildings with Unique Historical or Architectural merit, Barns, Sheds and Fences) Some structures associated with agriculture or other former uses of the site can contribute significantly to the site without detracting from its open space character. When economically feasible within the constraints of the land management budget, examples of these structures will be retained, maintained, and when possible put to use. • C (4) Improvements for Agriculture and Other Special Uses: Agricultural use which is consistent with the open space use of a site is encouraged by the District. Improvements for agriculture or other special uses will be retained or Attachment 1 Page 13 constructed as approved by the Board and stated in the site planning documents. In the Coastside Protection Area; leases, use, and improvements shall be consistent with the District’s Service Plan Policies ### Attachment 2 Agricultural Policy Stakeholder Survey Results Question 1 Midpen is interested in promoting more environmentally sensitive agricultural practices in our region given the ongoing effects of climate change and Midpen’s mission to protect the natural environment and encourage viable agriculture use. For example, practices that reduce greenhouse gas emissions from agricultural systems, practices that increase carbon capture or sequestration within agricultural systems, practices that reduce non-target effects of agricultural chemicals such as fertilizers or pesticides, and practices that promote habitat for wildlife. How might Midpen best support these goals in agricultural regions of the San Mateo Coast? Please rank the following options from 1 through 5 with 1 being the most valuable/preferred and 5 being the least valuable/preferred. If you have other ideas, please add them at the end of this question. Answered: 23 Skipped: 0 Scores below represent the overall ranking of each option across the group. Attachment 2 Question 2 Other ideas (not mentioned in Question 1) for how Midpen could promote more environmentally sensitive agricultural practices in our region? Please add them here or attach them as additional pages. Answered: 13 Skipped: 10 Written Responses • Have an advisory panel of expert scientists and non-profit advocates that help Supervisors develop countywide policy that requires action on climate change. • Education and community engagement efforts need to involve the people working the land, as well as the leaseholders. Also, multi-lingual trainings need to be available as needed. • All education and outreach efforts need to involve the people working the land as well as the leaseholders and multi-lingual trainings need to be available as needed. Support for efforts undertaken through RCD need to have specific goals in mind and benchmarks that anticipate an increase in the number of operators who are following environmentally sensitive practices in a mutually agreed upon time frame. Note: The last item on the list above is a duplicate of the 4th item. • Work to approve projects such as timed mowing in order to control invasive weeds before the opportunity passes. • Provide infrastructure, such as perimeter fencing and access to water, so grazers can implement holistic planned grazing methods. • There are numerous farmers out there who are looking for good land to do good things on. That's a huge oversimplification but its true. The biggest barriers that they face are the cost of land and housing, the next biggest barriers are infrastructure (water, electrical, old storage, etc). Give a farmer and chance with 60% of these things, and many of them are creative and hardworking enough to make it work. Anything that Midpen can do to support these barriers coming down is huge, but a commitment to linking them is game changing. What I mean by linking them is not just giving land access at an affordable rate, but doing so on properties that are feasible for agricultural production because they already have a infrastructure necessary to do so, or if its not existent, for Midpen to commit to supporting that development either independently or along with farmers. POSTS Farmland Futures Initiative is a good example of the beginnings of how this can look to help stabilize and support regional agriculture that is a win win for the land, those on it, and the greater community. • 1. develop a Carbon Farm plan for each property 2. Develop and implement an Effective rainfall management plan - practices to ensure rainfall infiltrates rather than runs off or is just stored in ponds. • Do not try to annex the coast again • Work to support smaller/new livestock operations and not just the same few large operations; increase the diversity of livestock types and give preference to heritage, native, or multi-use breeds (not just livestock raised for food). Attachment 2 • Highlight in newsletter examples of farmers and ranchers who are doing good practices and getting results including economic and science results so people know this is possible. Especially examples from the same Ecoregional (5 Mediterranean ecosystems) • Require certain such practices on MALs in combo with incentives – • Treat everyone as individuals- if you can trust them let them do there job. Every ranch has different needs. • Provide Farmworker Housing Attachment 2 Question 3 Midpen does not normally acquire fee title or easements on intensive agricultural lands (i.e., row crops, greenhouses). Are there other ways Midpen might consider supporting more intensive agriculture that align with its mission and role? Answered: 2 1 Skipped: 2 Question 3 Responses Yes 18 No 3 Question 4 If you answered YES to question 3, please prioritize the following ways Midpen might consider supporting more intensive agriculture: Answered: 1 9 Skipped: 4 Attachment 2 Question 5 If you have other thoughts or comments (not mentioned in question 4) about how Midpen might consider supporting more intensive agriculture, please add them here or attach additional pages. Answered: 6 Skipped: 1 7 Written Reponses • The downside of the MROSD, a public agency, not acquiring easements and fee title on agricultural lands is that there is little oversight on 1. the guidelines for offering and managing leases, 2. the use of environmentally sensitive agricultural practices, 3. the legal, fair and equitable treatment of farm workers and all those who are employed by the operator who holds the lease. (A partial list). I understand that there are regulatory and financial circumstances that make it difficult for MROSD to acquire and manage row crop agriculture but the public needs to have a clear view of the operations that its tax money is helping to finance. • Support building new infrastructure that works towards sustainable and environmentally responsible intensive agriculture such as growing *and processing* lower intensity crops such as industrial hemp. • Depending on the operator and the methodology, intensive row cropping and pasture grazing systems can demonstrably benefit both physical and chemical properties of the soil, improve soil organic matter, and support many tons of food production per year that is grown in a manner that is aligned with Midpen’s values those of the conscientious consumer. I highlighted some of those burdens above, and they remain evergreen here. Aligning with existing organizations who are already mobilized to provide various types of support could be a good starting place, or starting a panel made up of folks from those organizations could also be fruitful in helping steer this body of work. • Offer grants or funding to partners to • Do not try to annex the coast again • There are climate smart practices that could be applied to intensive ag - including rotation of livestock, compost, cover crops. Carbon Farm Plans can help outline those priorities. Or workshops by farmers/ranchers to show how this works. Attachment 2 Question 6 Midpen has remained primarily focused on preserving rangelands and maintaining its conservation grazing program as a tool to protect the biodiversity of grasslands, reduce fuels and fire risk, and promote viable agricultural use of land resources. Recognizing this focus, how might Midpen best support the protection of row crop land and other forms of non-rangeland (non-grazing) agriculture on the San Mateo County coast? Please choose one of the following: Answered: 1 9 * Skipped: 4 Separate these lands in the acquisition process so that they can be maintained under private ownership and management.6 Support partner organizations such as the Resource Conservation District or Peninsula Open Space Trust in their efforts to protect and manage these lands.9 Avoid involvement with these types of agricultural uses.3 *One survey respondent selected all except “Avoid involvement with these types of agricultural uses.” This data has not been included in the above table or corresponding graphic. 33% 50% 17% Question 6 Responses Separate these lands in the acquisition process so that they can be maintained under private ownership and management. Support partner organizations such as the Resource Conservation District or Peninsula Open Space Trust in their efforts to protect and manage these lands. Avoid involvement with these types of agricultural uses. Attachment 2 Written Responses • The two top options are ideal because getting the lands under the management or ownership of responsible operators from all backgrounds and organizational frameworks (individual, partnership, collective) who can: produce viable ag products, earn sufficient revenue to maintain and expand their businesses, provide fair and equitable pay and working conditions for their employees complete with housing options and follow environmentally sensitive practices -- seems to be the overall goal. • I can see how both options 1 and 2 could be viable, depending on the specific circumstance and I would have checked both of them if I could. I'm not knowledgeable about the level of experience RCD has in managing active ag operations. I know that POST is experienced. Getting the lands under the management or ownership of responsible operators from all backgrounds and organizational frameworks (individual, partnership, collective) who can: produce viable ag products, earn sufficient revenue to maintain and expand their businesses, provide fair and equitable pay and working conditions for their employees complete with housing options and follow environmentally sensitive practices -- seems to be the overall goal. • By and large private agricultural landowners tend to be better stewards of these agricultural lands as it is in their best interest. to preserve the areas being used in the best condition that gives them the highest value. • I think either option 1 or two here would work, POST and RCD are already doing pretty great work on the coast in this regard. Access and considerations for "who" gets access and an opportunity to be on those lands is a recurring opportunity to expand inclusiveness and leaning into supporting growers and ranchers that represent historically underserved communities. • Investigate how to integrate the grazing operations and the traditionally non-grazing lands. At one time most lands were grazed by undomesticated herds, followed by domestic animal grazing on crop lands. This all ended within the past few decades. Incorporating a rotation of grazing animals into croplands will help promote many ecological functions (public good) which ultimately support the producers also. • These lands are part of the “matrix” of working lands on the coast. IF climate friendly practices are deployed, these lands could contribute meaningfully to the County’s climate, water and air quality, and food production goals. For example, a farm field could be a fire break. At the same time, if that farm uses climate smart practices, it could help provide local food, sequester carbon, support pollinators, (And not negatively impact water and air quality through fertilizers, smoke from fire) and so on • Getting the lands under the management or ownership of responsible operators from all backgrounds and organizational frameworks (individual, partnership, collective) who can: produce viable ag products, earn sufficient revenue to maintain and expand their businesses, provide fair and equitable pay and working conditions for their employees complete with housing options and follow environmentally sensitive practices -- seems to be the overall goal. • I don't see how this question is different from Question 6 so I will copy my answer here. I can see how both options 1 and 2 could be viable, depending on the specific circumstance and I Attachment 2 would have checked both of them if I could. I'm not knowledgeable about the level of experience RCD has in managing active ag operations. I know that POST is experienced. Getting the lands under the management or ownership of responsible operators from all backgrounds and organizational frameworks (individual, partnership, collective) who can: produce viable ag products, earn sufficient revenue to maintain and expand their businesses, provide fair and equitable pay and working conditions for their employees complete with housing options and follow environmentally sensitive practices -- seems to be the overall goal. • Find good stewards who are as invested in preserving and improving the lands the District does own and foster long term relationships that will encourage responsible stewardship by making long term leases available rather than having short term leases of 7 years which has the opposite effect. • Easements and infrastructure support are the key to this being successful long term. Easements for agriculture to reduce the cost to the grower or rancher and then infrastructure support to ensure it is viable for those producers. Writing into contracts wording that ensures the land stays in meaningful production (not hobby farms) and giving producers options of renting to own or outright purchase, (with easements in perpetuity) would be a foundational cornerstone to supporting the long term success of agriculture in the region. • RCD does really good work. RCD could use support to have more staff trained in regenerative, climate smart practices so they can coach producers on what practices and resources are available to them *Question 6 was inadvertently repeated in the electronic survey as question 7. Responses for the two questions are combined here under question 6. Attachment 2 Question 7 When Midpen acquires an agricultural property, and there is an existing agricultural operator on site, our practice has generally been to work with the existing operator and to enter into a long-term lease with them (typically 5 years with one option for a 5-year extension at Midpen’s discretion). How and when might Midpen consider providing the opportunity for other ranchers/farm operators to compete for a lease on Midpen lands? Please choose one of the following: Answered: 2 2 Skipped: 2 Answer Choices Responses Once an agricultural production or rangeland management plan is approved for a property.4 After the end of a long-term lease, including any associated eligible lease extensions.4 Preference should be given to the current operator if they remain in good standing for at least two (2) lease cycles.10 Preference should be given to the current operator if they remain in good standing for at least three (3) lease cycles.4 18% 18% 46% 18% Question 7 Responses Once an agricultural production or rangeland management plan is approved for a property. After the end of a long-term lease, including any associated eligible lease extensions. Preference should be given to the current operator if they remain in good standing for at least two (2) lease cycles. Preference should be given to the current operator if they remain in good standing for at least three (3) lease cycles. Attachment 2 Question 8 Agricultural Leases: Currently, Midpen conservation grazing leases are typically set for a 5-year term with one option for a 5-year extension at Midpen’s discretion for a total of 10 years. Please choose one of the following. Do you consider these terms: Answered: 17 Skipped: 6 Answer Choices Responses Just right.6 Too short.11 Too long.0 Written Responses • Encouragement of private ownership makes the most sense for the ongoing success of the farm. • What is standard? It needs to be long enough so that the operator can adjust their model/practices to maximize their ability to see a profit but not so long that other interested parties are precluded from competing for the lease. MROSD needs a complete inventory of all the land you own and are planning to acquire complete with acreage, on site resources, current activity and allowable uses. • 5 years does not provide enough time for an agricultural operator to invest in the property if they are only going to have it for 5 years. 20 years would be a more reasonable term. Also allow for the families or partners of these lease holders to take over the lease in the event that the lease holder is unable to continue. • However, when acquires an agricultural property, that agricultural lease should be based on ecological outcomes that show their grazing practices are improving the health of the 0 2 4 6 8 10 12 Just right.Too short.Too long. Question 9 Responses Attachment 2 landscapes. If they do not demonstrate this or the land declines in health, their lease is then terminated. • Does Midpen have clear land goals for the lessee that can be quantified? If appropriate progress is made in moving the landscape toward Midpen's goals then the lease and lease option are the right length. If the goals are not being reached then the extensions should not be granted unless extraneous circumstances. • Do not try to annex the coast again • Need leases to be long enough that the grazer feels invested in the land and making it better. Some will work to improve the land just because it’s the right thing to do, others will if they stand to benefit from the work they put in. Attachment 2 Question 9 Agricultural Housing: Midpen currently provides one (1) discounted agricultural work force house for onsite labor. It also rents housing to agricultural operators (lessees) at two (2) other sites. What are your thoughts about Midpen’s role in agricultural work force housing? Answered: 2 2 Skipped: 1 Answer Choices Responses When housing units on Midpen’s agricultural lands are available for renting, and Midpen does not require the housing for its operational needs, Midpen should prioritize renting by onsite agricultural operators for their use or for their employee’s use. 12 When housing units on Midpen lands are not needed to support either Midpen operational needs or onsite agricultural operations, Midpen should prioritize regional agricultural work force needs when soliciting interested renters. 8 Midpen should explore the feasibility and suitability of working with partners to lease or sell land to non-profit housing organizations for them to build/install new agricultural workforce housing units. 12 Written Responses Attachment 2 • The following ideas for farmworkers having housing available on sites where they are not currently employed that help make it more equitable: **Owners and operators will not treat their workers like modern day slaves forcing them to accept unfair and unsafe working conditions under the threat of losing their jobs AND their housing. **Support the need for agricultural workforce housing throughout the region, not just on a farm by farm basis. **Encourage the development of housing on sites with the most land suitable for that purpose. It would be much easier to reach full occupancy when workers from all neighboring farms could rent any of the available units. • Making housing available on sites where farm workers are not currently employed is: 1. one way to discourage owners/operators from treating their workers like indentured servants: forcing them to accept unfair and unsafe working conditions under the threat of losing their jobs AND their housing 2. an important way support the need for agricultural work force housing throughout the region, not just on a farm by farm basis 3. a way to encourage the development of housing on sites with the most land suitable for that purpose. It would be much easier to reach full occupancy when workers from all neighboring farms could rent any of the available units. • Having the agricultural lease holder or their work force housed on or nearby the leased agricultural lands allows them to better monitor what is going on on these properties. The farther away from the property the lease holder lives the more difficult it is for them to be able to monitor it and to respond to issues when the need arises. • Housing is one of the biggest challenges facing producers. Low income affordable onsite housing ameliorates so many issues but also provide logistical and administrative challenges. Both should be taken into consideration. To me, housing should be prioritized for the operators on any given site of production. Excess housing -if there even is such a thing- should be apportioned to the next adjacent producer and their labor teams. • All agriculture housing should be discounted and not rented at market rate. • If I grazer is on site, MidPen should consider priority going to housing for the grazer as Livestock require 24 hour care at times. Also it might be considered that the grazer who lives on the Property will feel most invested in caring for. • Midpen should prioritize the regional agricultural operators and workforce when considering rental of Any and ALL available housing on Midpen agricultural lands. Why would Midpen need to use housing for its own "operational needs"? Attachment 2 Question 10 Water use: Midpen manages water consumption to balance operational/agricultural and environmental/ecological needs. How might Midpen best support agricultural water needs while maintaining this balance? Please choose one of the following: Answered: 2 2 * Skipped: 1 Answer Choices Responses Expand financial support to agricultural operations on Midpen lands for actions that facilitate water efficient practices.2 Fund partners like the Resource Conservation District who have existing programs to support agriculture practices that promote efficient water use.7 Invest in water storage, new wells, and/or other strategies on Midpen lands to reduce dependency of in-stream water use.11 *Two survey respondents selected all answer choices. This data has not been included in the above table. Attachment 2 Question 11 Marketing and Promotion: Midpen allows agricultural tenants to post signs within the lease areas that identify/promote the agricultural producer and educates visitors about the role of agricultural lands in protecting open space and natural resource values. What might Midpen’s role be as a public agency with regards to the marketing and promotion of agricultural uses/operators. Please choose from the following: Answered: 2 2 Skipped: 1 Answer Choices Responses Midpen should continue allowing tenants to post signs within lease areas. 7 Midpen should explore opportunities to promote producers on Midpen lands if they are interested. 6 Midpen should partner in regional efforts that educate the public about the land conservation and environmental benefits of local agriculture. 13 Midpen should prohibit all marketing on its lands. 0 27% 23% 50% 0% Question 11 Responses Midpen should continue allowing tenants to post signs within lease areas. Midpen should explore opportunities to promote producers on Midpen lands if they are interested. Midpen should partner in regional efforts that educate the public about the land conservation and environmental benefits of local agriculture. Midpen should prohibit all marketing on its lands. Attachment 2 Written Responses • In addition to allowing tenants to post signs within their lease areas, MROSD can join local and countywide efforts to promote agricultural products. There have been discussions for decades on how best to do this and the As Fresh As It Gets marketing program from 15-20 years ago is one attempt that met with some success. Public education about land conservation and the environmental benefits of local agriculture are also important but in order to stay in business, operators need to sell what they produce for a profit. The regional reach of MROSD's influence can be a real asset. A robust digital and social media marketing campaign should be considered if it isn't already in existence or planned. Successful operators like Jacobs Farm/Del Cabo can be consulted about distribution best practices and overall marketing strategies. • Midpen should allow and even help facilitate producers to provide educational opportunities for the public on District lands. Having agricultural workshops and tours would be one way to do this. • Unless it has great import to funding and resource generation for Midpen, I think this is the lowest priority issue here. I think outreach is key for community support, but the growers will be able to market and promote their operations just fine independently of Midpen. • The more education is available the better as the public generally doesn’t know or understand what livestock can do for the land. Or why they are on MidPen lands. If they understand livestock are playing an important role, they may be more supportive of them. • And Midpen should partner in regional efforts that educate the public about the land conservation and environmental benefits of local agriculture. Attachment 2 Question 12 How might Midpen better preserve the rural character and promote viable agricultural use on the San Mateo coast while continuing to protect and restore the natural environment and provide opportunities for public enjoyment and education? Answered: 1 4 Skipped: 9 Written Responses • Midpen should partner in regional efforts to educate the public about the environmental benefits of local agriculture. • Meet, engage and speak with the farmworkers and ag operators. Listen and ask them for ideas, you will be surprised how knowledgeable they are of the environment. San Mateo County is dedicated to advancing equity! Equity is the goal of just and fair inclusion into a society in which all can participate, prosper, and reach their full potential. To achieve equity, we must create the conditions that allow all to reach their full potential. This agency needs to get out of their comfort zone, bubble for the status quo and evolve to the 21st Century. Explore proposals from ag collectives and create ways to make ag land available to a more diverse group of farmers and ranchers. MROSD needs a liaison with the farmworker community to build trust and ensure that their interests, as well as those of the operators, are a priority. In celebration of MROSD's 50th anniversary, this is an outstanding opportunity to evolve and expand its vision to update your policies and re-imagine the possibilities for a productive, protected and accessible landscape for the next 50 years and more. • Talk with the farm workers and multiple generations of ag operators, listen and ask for ideas from them. Explore proposals from ag collectives and create ways to make ag land available to a more diverse group of farmers and ranchers. MROSD should identify a staff member to become a liason with the farm worker community to ensure that their interests, as well as those of the operators, are a priority. This 50th year anniversary year provides an outstanding opportunity for MROSD to expand your vision, update your policies and re-imagine the possibilities for a productive, protected and accessible landscape for the next 50 years. • I am unaware of ANY areas within the District that are not and have not been subjected to the impacts of Man... it needs to be understood that the "rural character" INCLUDES farming. Man's footprints are indelible, whether that is visible in the invasive noxious weeds growing throughout District lands or it is cattle grazing or crops growing. Until and unless the District is able to understand these realities there is little that can be done to improve the situation. • By educating the public on the value of grazing. • Utilize a lease guide (see TomKat Ranch's lease document) to ensure leaders employ climate- smart, environmental practices to protect our agricultural landscapes and create resilient agricultural lands. Attachment 2 • In addition to my above comments, the key priority here to ensuring this happens in my opinion is proper vetting. Both of the land for agricultural feasibility, and in determining the producers who will come onto the land to implement and land management plan, Whom are aligned from an ecological perspective, and whom are capable and have the bona fides to actual do what they say they want to. There are ample opportunities for Ag-Tourism and community engagement around all facets here, conservation, ecological stewardship, and sustainable food production, and the secondary effects of this could be further amplification of the need to support Midpen and other organizations whom aim to achieve a similar goal. We tend to think of the world as having shapes and boundaries, and not as the relationship between features. Continuing to support ecologically sound conservation, and adding in greater support of sustainable agriculture on the coast could be a shining example of the latter notion, that everything is connected and we need to support the whole system, and not just aspects of it, if we want to fight climate change, grow healthy food, and have beautiful and meaningful and educational outdoor spaces for people to enjoy. • Be more flexible – everything can’t be the same for all the different ranches. Support local regenerative Ag that heals soils. • Support and promote local organic AG! • Provide farmworker housing Attachment 2 Question 13 Please help us understand your role in local agricultural production by selecting from the following (choose all that apply) Answered: 1 9 Skipped: 4 Answer Choices Responses I am the primary decision maker in terms of day to day and seasonal operations on a farm or ranch in coastal the San Mateo County.11 I provide labor and carry out the basic work of operating a farm or ranch in coastal San Mateo County.4 I don’t work directly at a farm or ranch, but I am interested in supporting our agricultural community in coastal San Mateo County.5 I would like to become more involved in the operation and management of a farm or ranch in coastal San Mateo County.0 Written Responses • Operate programs in support of agricultural worker health. 55% 20% 25% 0% Question 13 Responses I am the primary decision maker in terms of day to day and seasonal operations on a farm or ranch in coastal the San Mateo County. I provide labor and carry out the basic work of operating a farm or ranch in coastal San Mateo County. I don’t work directly at a farm or ranch, but I am interested in supporting our agricultural community in coastal San Mateo County. I would like to become more involved in the operation and management of a farm or ranch in coastal San Mateo County. Attachment 2 • I live in Pacifica, and a former farmworker from the Salinas Valley, in essence a farmworker advocate. As a public relations professional and community leader, I work closely with Coastside community based organizations that serve the farmworker community. Furthermore, I am the Chair of the Farmworkers Affairs Committee, a group that originally organized as a standing committee of the San Mateo County Democratic Party. Our activities are mainly non-partisan and we frequently collaborate with ALAS, Coastside Hope and Puente de las Costa Sur, the community based organizations who provide services to farmworkers and their families on the San Mateo Co Coastside. NOTE: This committee was formed because when COVID hit, the same Farmworkers who were declared to be essential workers by the federal government were left out of the conversation and had to continue working without protective gear. Yet they are the driving force that keeps the nation's grocery stores stocked. The various issues farmworkers face especially with housing have always existed. But COVID exposed these inequities to the overall community that pay taxes and contribute billions to our economy and feed the country. Our Mission is to amplify the voices of farmworkers, advocate for and achieve equity and gain access to resources and representation. • I'm a member of the Farm Workers Affairs Committee, group that originally organized as a standing committee of the San Mateo County Democratic Party. Our activities are mainly non- partisan and we frequently collaborate with ALAS, Coastside Hope and Puente de las Costa Sur, the community based organizations who provide services to farm workers and their families on the San Mateo Co Coastside. I'm a former member of the SM Co Ag Advisory Committee and was one of the organizers of the 1998 Measure F campaign, an advisory measure that was approved by local voters and started the political process to expand the boundary of MROSD to the Coast. • My name is James Nakahara and I work for Kitchen Table Advisors, which supports the viability of small scale family farms and ranchers throughout the bay area. We currently support over 100 farms in 16 counties around the SF Bay. My region of support is north Santa Cruz County, SMC Coastside, and the East Bay. I used to farm on the coast from 2014-2017, and have deep connections to numerous farms there, almost all of whom are current KTA clients or alumni from our business advising program. I have also sat on the board at EcoFarm (currently on planning committee and diversity advisory group). I currently sit on the board at the Friends of the Farm and Garden, which supports the UCSC Center for Agroecology, the premier agricultural apprenticeship program that has been running from over 50 years, and where I was an apprentice in 2013. I care deeply about the future of agriculture on the coastside in particular. I have worked in multiple ways with POST over the last year, presenting with Dan Olstein on a POST webinar about coastal grower challenges as well as feasibility studies for several properties that POST has considered putting out RFP's for. I am well connected with the local agricultural network of advisors, mentors, and regional organizations like RCD, PUENTE, CAFF, UCCE, and more. • We educate people about the benefits of livestock grazing done in a holistic manner with the primary goal of mimicking nature to improve the health of the ecosystems. Attachment 2 Question 14 Please help us understand your role in local agricultural production by selecting from the following (choose all that apply) Answered: 1 9 Skipped: 4 Answer Choices Responses Floral and Nursery crops 7 Vegetables 8 Fruit and Nuts 7 Livestock (e.g., cattle, goats, pigs, poultry etc.)13 Livestock Products (Honey, cheese, eggs, wool etc.)6 Field Crops (Beans, grain, oat rye, hay, pasture)7 7 8 7 13 6 7 0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 FLORAL AND NURSERY CROPS VEGETABLES FRUIT AND NUTS LIVESTOCK (E.G., CATTLE, GOATS, PIGS, POULTRY ETC.) LIVESTOCK PRODUCTS (HONEY, CHEESE, EGGS, WOOL ETC.) FIELD CROPS (BEANS, GRAIN, OAT RYE, HAY, PASTURE) Question 14 Responses Attachment 2 Question 15 If you are an agricultural operator or work for an agricultural operation, please indicate the type of operation you engage in: Answered: 1 3 Skipped: 10 Answer Choices Responses Conventional Agricultural Operation 2 Organic Operation 9 Other 2 *Respondants could choose “Other” in additon to Converntional or Organic Written Responses to “Other? Please explain:” • I have infrastructure on land that is meant for field crops and want to see that farm thrive. Educating farmland owners about leasing practices and the benefits of organic farming might be beneficial. • N/A • Not applicable to me. • I have not become USDA Certified Organic due to the costs and managing the paperwork, but all of the practices on the property are organic. • regenerative ranch • Regenerative / climate smart • Beyond organic AG • Regenerative Rancher • I am no longer certified organic, but employ NOPA standards across my operation, and participate in a number of conservation programs Attachment 2 Question 16 To expand our understanding of current practices, please let us know what practices, if any, your operation uses to reduce operational greenhouse gas emissions, increase carbon capture and/or sequestration, reduce non-target effects of agricultural chemicals, and/or protect habitat for wildlife. Answered: 1 7 Skipped: 6 Written Responses • We have added water tanks this year, have introduced dry-farming techniques this year; and we are removing invasive species in the wild lands of our farm, planning to restore a pond and planting native species of plants and trees. • N/A • Not applicable to me. • I manage and operate the Chestnut orchard (Incerpi property). Chestnut trees are one of the more efficient species in terms of Carbon Sequestration. I am eager to start growing nursery trees and planting more chestnut trees on the property if possible. This is an extremely high impact to benefit ratio (low impact, high benefit). • We use deep water hydroponic greenhouse techniques, to vastly reduce land foot print, tractor and machinery use. We use about 1/16th to 1/32nd of the amount of water compared to field ag. Any chemicals used are within enclosed spaces • By practicing low intensity grazing • pollinator strips, no till, mulch, cover crops • We use regenerative, holistic land practices with the use of multi-species livestock to sequester carbon, build and create healthy soil, support wildlife and biodiversity (above and below ground), while providing healthy food for our community. • Grazing operation: have a Carbon farm plan. Use an Adaptive Grazing plan to maximize for water infiltration, plant biodiversity- especially the native perennial grasses and forage production, address (balance) invasive plants through targeted grazing rather than chemical applications. Multi specifies - cattle, goats, sheep to increase the percentage of local plants that can be consumed as forage generating more protein and reducing fuel for fires (carbon release). • We have "wildlife corridors" throughout our lands. We water if needed at night. Our livestock live outside and we provide natural habitat for them to breed and we do not allow the public on the farm to disturb them. We have planted a continue to plant thousands of trees. • Certified bird friendly by Audubon Show increase in soil organic carbon every year • on farm composting, compost applications to row crop fields, cover cropping, crop rotation, organic system plans. • Transitioning to no-till; implementing a complete Carbon Farm Plan (thank you, RCD); planting hedgerows and buffer strips to increase wildlife habitat and corridors. • We practice Regenerative organic practices including planned grazing, compost, cover crops, no- till (where we do any crops) and stacked agriculture as a natural way to provide nutrients to the soil. Attachment 2 • Hedgerows to provide habitat & alternative forage & water resources for wildlife, compost application on pastures, rain catchment, mechanical removal of invasive species (jubata grass & broom) and ceded riparian corridor on west property line to wildlife habitat. • Audubon Certified for regenerative. Includes carbon sequestration practices! • Audubon Certified & Common Sense Attachment 3 Summary of notes from the agricultural policy stakeholder outreach organized by group. Notes on Group Meetings: Comments were from individual participants and do not necessarily reflect the interests or position of a larger group or the majority of the participants; summary only includes comments that are directly relate to the policy development work. Producer’s Workshop, Held on April 19, 2022 at the Senior Coastsider’s Center in Half Moon Bay attendance was primarily from District tenants and Farm Bureau Members and one representative from Puente. • Many participants commented that agricultural leases need to be longer so that operators can capture a return on long term investments related to agricultural operations. • Some participants expressed interest in having agricultural leases be multigenerational. • A participant expressed concern that longer term leases and non-competitive awards to existing operators would lock out workers/prospective ranchers and farmers who have not had access to owning or leasing agricultural lands. • Some participants expressed interest in the formation of an agricultural advisory committee that includes producers to inform agricultural policy and decision making. • Many participants expressed an interest in having a preference for local tenants in the selection of agricultural tenants. • Some participants wanted more communication about the District’s land management goals. • Several participants commented that if an agricultural tenant is performing well in stewarding the land, that their lease should be renewed. • Some participants expressed a need for agricultural housing. • Some indicated that there should be a priority for available housing to be used to support onsite operations as opposed to being used to meet regional needs. • Some stated that housing should be developed to meet regional needs rather than be dedicated or assigned to an underlying agricultural lease holder. • Some participants felt the District would benefit from having more in house expertise in agriculture. • Many participants felt that some of the District’s policies and procedures around resource management were a burden to agricultural operators (for example restrictions on pesticide use or protections for sensitive species). Some of the concerns were around requiring compliance with existing law. • Several participants communicated that it would be valuable to have agricultural producers involved in developing rangeland and agricultural production plans. • Several participants expressed interest in seeing more trials of new resource management strategies on District lands (such as integrated pest management approaches). Attachment 3 Ayudando Latinos a Sonar (ALAS), March 29, 2022, Phone call. • Consider how the lease structure for agricultural lands might facilitate access/entry for small-scale or newer producers who may not have the same resource base or tenure as compared to larger or longer standing ranchers and farmers. Puente, June 1, 2022, Virtual meeting. • Consider the role and needs of farmworkers in the policy. • Availability and access to housing for farmworkers and the agricultural workforce is a major need in the agricultural community. • Lease terms should allow for competition and should not be so long as to reinforce current exclusion of farmworkers from operating and leasing farms. • Leases should consider treatment of farmworker’s health, pay, and housing conditions. • The Request for Proposals (RFP) process for housing and agricultural leases is an important opportunity to address Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) aspects of the agricultural policy. • DEI criteria should focus on the inclusion of people of color and farmworkers. Farmworker Affairs Coalition, June 17, 2022, Virtual meeting. • Consider the role and needs of farmworkers in the policy. • Availability and access to housing for farmworkers and the agricultural workforce is a major need in the agricultural community. • The RFP process for agricultural leases is an important opportunity to address DEI aspects of the agricultural policy. • Even if there is just an opportunity for a few additional agricultural workforce housing units, an allocation of some housing is important. San Mateo Food Systems Alliance, June 28, 2022, Virtual meeting. • Staff provided an informational briefing on the agriculture policy development process. Sustainable Pescadero, July 6, 2022, Virtual meeting. • Provide clarification on why the District has focused on grazing land (as opposed to cropland) in its land conservation and management work. • Consider outreach specifically focused on farmworkers as a stakeholder group. • Consider re-introducing agricultural uses on parts of Cloverdale that are not currently active. • Consider partnering with State Parks to help add grazing management to some State Park lands that are adjacent to District lands. Environmental Conservation Group, July 7, 2022, Virtual meeting. • Expressed support for the District’s ownership of grazing lands. Attachment 3 • Consider how agricultural conservation easements could ensure more than just keeping land in active production, such as also promoting environmentally sensitive agricultural practices. • Consider how fencing on grazing lands could be designed or modified in anticipation of potential future tule elk presence. • Consider moving toward the District owning cattle for land management rather than leasing lands to profit-driven operators. Farm Bureau Executive Committee, July 8, 2022, San Mateo Farm Bureau Office, Half Moon Bay • Top priority is to establish a regional marketing effort for San Mateo County agriculture. • Does not see the need for additional Farm Labor housing. • Promotes the inclusion of a local preference criterion for agricultural leases. • Requests that the District not comment on agricultural practices that occur on adjacent land that could affect District lands. • District agricultural leases should be longer, up to 50 years. • Avoid favoring organic agriculture over conventional agriculture. • Participants asked about opportunities to build equity on District ranchlands similar to POST’s work on farmland. • Wilder Ranch (State Parks, Santa Cruz County) was mentioned as an example – where ranchers can buy leases from other ranchers if they decide not to ranch anymore or that year. • Consider herbicide trials for brush control and other research that would support farmers and agriculture on the coast. • Members expressed that the District and POST should not be allowed to subdivide property. Agricultural properties that include both grazing and row crops should be managed as one parcel even if they have separate operators. • The Farm Bureau specifically asked for the following to be considered in the Ag Policy: 1. Members expressed that the District needs to more strongly vocalize its support for farmers. They would like to see the District consider a more robust marketing campaign of agriculture on the coast. 2. Members expressed interest in expanding the branding of agriculture. 3. Members would like to see more scientific research that assists agriculture. 4. Members would like an additional study of coastal farm labor housing and did not necessarily see a need for more regional farm worker housing. 5. Members would like locals to be considered for grazing and agricultural leases first before outside operators are solicited for future opportunities. San Mateo Agricultural Advisory Committee, July 11, 2022, Virtual meeting. • Suggestion that the District re-acknowledge its Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the San Mateo Farm Bureau. Attachment 3 • Farmworker housing is one of the biggest challenges for agriculture in San Mateo County. • Consider how the District could support development of more agricultural work force housing. • Housing is one of many issues facing farmworkers. Another overarching issue is the availability of economic opportunities outside of agriculture for farmworker families. Would the District supporting/allow other economic opportunities compatible with agriculture and open space uses? • Expressed support for more environmentally sensitive agriculture. • Consider how the District can stay up to date as environmentally sensitive agricultural practices, systems, and technology develop over time. Pescadero Municipal Advisory Committee, July 12, 2022, Virtual meeting. • Staff responded to several questions about District funding and land ownership. • Staff responded to questions about how conservation easements might work in an agricultural context. • Members expressed concern about the potential impact of District land ownership and easements on local tax revenue that supports schools. • Staff addressed questions about how the District handles infrastructure improvements on its agricultural lands. San Mateo Resource Conservation District/Natural Resource Conservation Service, July 13, 2022, Virtual meeting. • Lease Terms – Short term leases can be problematic for farmers to participate in grant programs that typically need ‘land-control’ for a period of 3-5 years, 7-10 years preferred. • One solution could be to include clause in lease terms that allows flexibility to partner for grants, i.e., - if grant requires 5-year land control, allow lease extension to meet 5-year grant requirement. • Expressed support for the sustainability and security of agricultural operations. • Integrated farming systems with diversified operations/crops have proven to be successful on the coast. These tend to be primarily organic operations. • Not owning land contributes to the insecurity of farmers. • Contiguous land use opportunities – could the District consider giving preference to neighbor proposals that expand adjacent agricultural operations. • In the San Mateo County coast, slopes over 8% are generally highly erosive and therefore not suitable for cultivation. • Responsiveness to timely requests for action is important for farmers. • Agricultural funding/grant programs are covering less and less of the total cost to implement conservation practices. This highlights the need for and importance of cost sharing by the District. Attachment 3 Peninsula Open Space Trust, July 14, 2022, Virtual meeting. • Agricultural Workforce Housing is important for the sustainability of farms. Would the District allow tenants (farmers and/or workers) to expand housing with use of mobile homes/trailers? • POST’s work to conserve farms and retain farmer ownership has highlighted the need to consider the viability of an agricultural operation. This is often related to the size of the cropland. How will the District determine the adequate size of an agricultural field for a sustainable operation? • Can the District provide financial support for agricultural conservation projects that do not result in real property land rights? Attachment 4 Feedback on the Development of the Agricultural Policy Grouped by Main Themes Page 1 of 6 Topic (listed in random order) General Feedback/Comments1 Advocacy, engagement with and support of farmworkers • The District needs to more strongly vocalize its support for farmers. • Consider the role and needs of farmworkers in the agricultural policy development. • A large overarching issue is the availability of economic opportunities for farmworker families outside of agriculture.  What is District policy for supporting/allowing other economic opportunities compatible with agriculture and open space uses?  • Consider outreach specifically focused on farmworkers as a stakeholder group. • There is a need for engagement directly with agricultural workers (in addition to operators who own and run local farms). Agricultural Housing • Farmworker housing is one of the biggest challenges for agriculture in San Mateo County. • Availability and access to housing for farmworkers and the agricultural workforce is a major need in the agricultural community. • Conduct an additional study of Farm Labor Housing along the Coast.  • Consider how the District could support the development of more agricultural workforce housing. • Housing need is a crisis for San Mateo County Agriculture. This contributes to labor shortage, an important limiting factor for sustaining agriculture. • Consider making land available for agricultural workforce housing. • Housing was frequently identified as one of the most important limiting resources in the agricultural community. This includes general affordable housing available in agricultural communities to meet regional need and housing specifically associated with agricultural properties where having a residential presence is valuable to an agricultural operation. • Housing has repeatedly been identified as a need limiting the viability of agriculture in the region. • The District should explore the feasibility and suitability of working with partners to lease or sell land to non-profit housing organizations for them to build/install new agricultural workforce housing units. • Prioritizing housing to onsite agricultural tenants as opposed to making housing available to the broader agricultural community. • Farm workers advocates, value regional agricultural housing independent of a particular operation. • Having onsite housing for agricultural operators and workers provides 24- hour stewardship and shorter response time when issues arise on agricultural lands. Attachment 4 Feedback on the Development of the Agricultural Policy Grouped by Main Themes Page 2 of 6 Topic (listed in random order) General Feedback/Comments1 Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) • The Request for Proposals (RFP) solicitation process for housing and agricultural leases is an important opportunity to address Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) aspects of the agricultural policy. • There is a community need for programs that create opportunities for empowerment, equity, and inclusion among members of the agricultural labor community. • Agricultural workforce housing is key aspect in which social equity can be addressed. Agricultural infrastructure • Consider how fencing on grazing lands could be designed or modified to better facilitate the movement of native wildlife, including the potential future presence of large mammals (e.g., tule elk). • Running farms requires equipment. Providing amenities like sheds for tractors and providing maintenance of such facilities would be helpful. • There is a need for more water storage and basic infrastructure on agricultural properties. Agricultural Land Protection • Provide clarification on why the District has focused on grazing land (as opposed to crop land) in its land conservation and management. Agricultural conservation easements • Consider how agricultural conservation easements could ensure more than just keeping land in production such as promoting environmentally sensitive agricultural practices  • Provide more education on how conservation easements might work in an agricultural context. • Concern about the potential impact of District land ownership and easements on local tax revenue that supports schools. • There could be important advantages in the District acquiring fee title or easements on intensive agricultural lands, including providing more oversight on: 1. Guidelines for offering and managing agricultural leases. 2. Use of environmentally sensitive agricultural practices. 3. Legal, fair and equitable treatment of farmworkers and all those who are employed by the operator who holds the lease. Leases • Consider how the lease structure might facilitate access for small-scale or newer producers who may not have the same resource base that larger or longer tenured producers may have. • Opportunity for tenants to build equity on District ranchlands similar to POST’s work on farmland.  • Ranchers at Wilder Ranch State Park can buy leases from other ranchers if they decide not to ranch anymore or that year.  • Locals should be considered for grazing and agricultural leases first before outside operators are solicited for future [lease] opportunities.  Attachment 4 Feedback on the Development of the Agricultural Policy Grouped by Main Themes Page 3 of 6 Topic (listed in random order) General Feedback/Comments1 • Lease Terms – Short term leases can be problematic for farmers to participate in grant programs that typically need ‘land-control’ for a period of 3-5 years, 7-10 years is preferred.  • Possible for other people to have access to land (e.g., not exclusive land control).  • One solution could be to include a clause in the lease terms that allows flexibility to partner for grants (e.g., if grant requires 5-year land control, then could reset lease term to make lease term be 5-years at time of grant application) • Responsiveness to timely requests for action is important for farmers. • Young or new farmers cannot afford access to land. • Management goals need to be communicated more clearly to District tenants on agricultural lands. • Existing District policies (e.g., limitations on which herbicides can be used and how they can be applied) are too restrictive and are impractical for agricultural operations. • With regard to management of agricultural leases, preference should be given to an existing operator if there is one during acquisition of an agricultural property (as opposed to starting with a competitive request for proposals). • Preference for longer lease periods, with 11 of 17 responses indicating that the current arrangement of a five-year lease with an optional five-year renewal is too short. 6 of 17 respondences indicated that the current arrangement is just right. • Several respondents highlighted the importance of a lease being long enough for an agricultural operator to see returns on investments and that this is generally much longer than five years. • Renewal of a lease should be contingent on performance and stewardship of the land.   Marketing and promotion • Consider a more robust agriculture marketing campaign on the coast.  • Expand branding of agriculture in the District. • Preference for partnering with the District in regional efforts that educate the public about the land conservation and environmental benefits of local agriculture. • Marketing should be the business of the operator, not the District and marketing is among the lowest priority issues for District involvement in the agricultural community. • There is value for the District to partner in regional efforts that promote and raise awareness around local agriculture. Attachment 4 Feedback on the Development of the Agricultural Policy Grouped by Main Themes Page 4 of 6 Topic (listed in random order) General Feedback/Comments1 Partnerships, representation and agreements • Consider partnering with State Parks to help add grazing management to some State Park lands that are located adjacent to District lands. • The District should re-acknowledge its Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the San Mateo Farm Bureau. • Create an agricultural advisory board comprised of agriculturalists. • Regional partners involved in agriculture such as POST, the RCD, and the NRCS have existing programs that address many of the regional needs identified during stakeholder outreach. The District could help address regional needs by supporting these partners and their programs. Resource management and restoration • There is a major outlying need for water capture and storage for agriculture. • Water is also a major limiting resource to agriculture on District lands and throughout the region. • Prioritize investing in water storage, new wells, and/or other strategies on District lands to reduce dependency on in-stream water use followed by funding partners like the Resource Conservation District who have existing programs for supporting agricultural practices that promote efficient water use. • Agricultural funding/grant programs are covering less and less of the total cost to implement conservation practices. This highlights the need and importance of cost sharing by the District. Research, Sustainability and environmentally- sensitive agriculture • Support more environmentally sensitive agriculture.  • Consider how the District can stay up to date as environmentally sensitive agricultural practices, systems, and technology develop. • More integrated farming systems that have diversified their operations/crops have been successful on the coast.  These tend to be primarily organic operations.  • Not owning land contributes to the insecurity of farmers.  • Contiguous land opportunities – could the District give preference to neighbor proposals that expand adjacent agricultural operations/access? • In the San Mateo coastside area, slopes that are generally over 8% are highly erosive and therefore not suitable for cultivation.  • A holistic approach to running a farm or ranch is essential: Crops and livestock need to be integrated; they are not separate. Ranching and farming go hand-in-hand. Best practices are needed, tailor each operation to site and operator. • General support for understanding and implementing more environmentally sensitive agricultural practices. • More scientific research that assists agriculture is needed. • Support research on environmentally sensitive agricultural practices. • Consider herbicide trials and other research that would support farmers and agriculture on the coast. Attachment 4 Feedback on the Development of the Agricultural Policy Grouped by Main Themes Page 5 of 6 Topic (listed in random order) General Feedback/Comments1 • Encourage and support operators who are actively and demonstrably working toward conservation goals such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions or increasing carbon sequestration. • Provide more education about how the District handles infrastructure improvements on its agricultural lands. • When asked how the District could best promote environmentally sensitive agricultural practices (e.g., practices that promote wildlife habitat value, carbon sequestration, and resource use efficiency on working lands and practices that reduce non-target effects of agricultural chemicals), most respondents preferred options that provide incentives for voluntary adoption of specific practices rather than requiring such practices. The option of requiring such practices on District lands was the second most popular option. • Supporting partners (such as the Resource Conservation District and Natural Resources Conservation Service) who promote environmentally sensitive agricultural practices ranked as the third most popular option and scored very close to the option of investing in research on scientifically validated practices for environmentally sensitive agriculture. • Investing in education and outreach about environmentally sensitive agricultural practices ranked the lowest among these options. Several respondents provided additional comments. • Create an advisory panel of scientists and advocates to guide policy on addressing climate change in agriculture. • Education and outreach around environmentally sensitive agricultural practices needs to involve the people working the land as well as leaseholders. • Barriers to adopting environmentally-sensitive agricultural practices include the cost of land and housing and infrastructure (water, electrical, cold storage, etc.). POST’s Farmland Futures initiative provides as a good example of addressing these barriers. Support for row crops, greenhouses, and other intensive agricultural land use.  • Offer grants to partners who are implementing new infrastructure projects that support environmentally sensitive practices on intensive agricultural lands followed by offering grants and/or funding contributions to partners who are actively acquiring easements and fee title to preserve intensive agricultural lands (highest ranking option). • Expand community education and outreach to help build awareness and appreciation for local intensive agriculture among the general public (lowest ranking option) • Several respondents pointed to specific practices that the District could support on more intensively managed agricultural lands such as rotation of livestock (and integrating livestock and cropping systems) and using compost and cover crops. Attachment 4 Feedback on the Development of the Agricultural Policy Grouped by Main Themes Page 6 of 6 Topic (listed in random order) General Feedback/Comments1 • Carbon Farm Plans are a way to help outline those priorities; workshops by farmers/ranchers can show how these practices work could be helpful. • Need for supporting alternative crops (such as industrial hemp) and heritage livestock breeds.   • In terms of protecting row crop land and other forms of non-rangeland (non- grazing) agricultural lands on the San Mateo County coast, respondents preferred the option of supporting partner organizations such as the Resource Conservation District or Peninsula Open Space Trust in their efforts to protect and manage these lands followed by separating these lands in the acquisition process so that they can be maintained under private ownership and management.  1Feedback noted above is based on Agricultural Producer Survey, Agricultural Producers Workshop and input received during engagement activities. Attachment 5 Agricultural Policy Framework Staff assembled the main topics that emerged through conversations with stakeholders and part- ners (see Attachment 4, Feedback Organized by Main Topic). These topics, such as Diversity, Equity and Inclusion considerations for leases and partnerships; have been identified to reflect the diverse participants and needs within the local agricultural community. This Agricultural Policy Framework document presents the potential policy areas that potentially could be incorporated into a preliminary draft Agricultural Policy. Each potential policy area (numbered AG-1 through AG-11) is presented with both a key issue as well as potential opportu- nities for how the District could address the policy area. These potential policy areas were iden- tified based on the early Board direction and the feedback received from partners and stakehold- ers and remain consistent with existing District policies (e.g., Basic Policy, Coastal Service Plan, etc.). Potential Policy Area AG-1: Farmworker Advocacy and Engagement Issue: Community-wide need for direct farm worker engagement and support (in addition to oper- ators who own, lease, and run local farms and ranches). Opportunity: • Partnering with organizations that are focused on supporting local agricultural workers through grants and periodic staff consultation. Potential Policy Area AG-2: Agricultural Housing Issue: Housing availability for operators and farm workers to retain the local workforce that sus- tains agricultural operations. Opportunities: • Parther with and support regional partners that provide affordable agricultural work force housing. • When housing supports an agricultural use on District lands, consider leasing an onsite (or nearby) residence to the operator/lessee or farm/ranch worker who is actively working on the land. • Consider discounted rates for District housing that is occupied by a farm/ranch worker. Potential Policy Area AG-3: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Issue: Community need for programs that create opportunities for empowerment, equity, and in- clusion among members of the agricultural labor community. Attachment 5 Opportunities: • Partnering with local organizations that are focused on addressing issues of diversity, eq- uity, and inclusion that affect the agricultural community. • Consider how DEI issues could be addressed in the solicitation process for agricultural leases. Potential Policy Area AG-4: Agricultural Infrastructure Issue: Investments in basic infrastructure are needed to keep lands in active agriculture and to build capacity for good stewardship. Opportunities: • Future investments in basic infrastructure on District lands for fencing to contain and man- age livestock, water development, storage and distribution, and access roads. • Financial contributions and/or grants to partner organizations such as the Resource Con- servation District that have existing programs to support investments in infrastructure and environmental sensitive practices for intensive agricultural uses (e.g., row crops, green- houses). Potential Policy Area AG-5: Agricultural Land Protection Issue: Conservation Grazing continues to be the primary agricultural use on District lands given the role and contribution of conservation grazing for achieving multiple District goals. Intensive agricultural uses, like grazing, are equally under threat from redevelopment/change in land use and discontinued use. Opportunities: • Current model allows for the protection of both rangelands and intensive agricultural lands with the District focused on retaining and managing rangelands in perpetuity and with in- tensive agricultural lands retained or transferred over to private ownership via partnerships with organizations like Peninsula Open Space Trust. • Consider keeping agricultural uses within the same or contiguous properties together when grazing and intensive agricultural uses are run by the same operator and are intrinsic to their business model. Potential Policy Area AG-6: Agricultural Conservation Easements Issue: Effective tools are needed to ensure agricultural lands stay in production and to reduce bar- riers to entry for prospective agricultural operators. Attachment 5 Opportunity: • Partnerships to acquire and manage agricultural conservation easements provide an effec- tive means for protecting agricultural lands and uses by preventing conversion of produc- tive working lands to non-agricultural uses. • Other entities and partners, including POST, are better equipped and have existing re- sources, tools, and frameworks to receive, hold, and monitor agricultural conservation easements. • Agricultural conservation easements can be structured to protect the environmental quality, historic significance, and wildlife habitat and open space values of agricultural lands. Potential Policy Area AG-7: Leases Issue: Lease terms need to be long enough for operators to see returns on investments in agricul- tural lands yet also allow opportunity for entry of new operators into the agricultural economy. Opportunities: • Consider how the lease structure might facilitate access for small-scale or new/early-career producers who may not have the same resource base compared to larger producers. • Consider how to balance lease terms to motivate operators to invest in the land and their onsite operation yet at same time provide opportunities for competition to choose a quali- fied operator who best meets District goals and selection criteria. • Consider the possibility of allowing competition for additional lease cycles to tenants who have demonstrated good stewardship practices and have effectively implemented Board- approved resource management plan(s) for District agricultural site(s). • Consider selection criteria pertaining to local preference, DEI, and environmental sustain- ability when soliciting proposals for agricultural operations. Potential Policy Area AG-8: Marketing and Promotion Issue: Local agricultural viability depends in part on effective marketing and promotion. The Dis- trict, as a public agency, is restricted from using public funds to promote a private interest. In addition, the District depends on maintaining a high level of public trust in how it communicates and what information it puts forward for public knowledge and consumption. Opportunities: • Partnering in regional efforts that promote the environmental benefits of local food sources and agricultural land uses is a viable way for the District communicate with the public, is aligned with the District’s mission, and serves a public good. Attachment 5 • Allowing District tenants to promote their products on District lands. Potential Policy Area AG-9: Partnerships, Representation, and Agreements Issue: The District will need support from others to achieve its agricultural policy goals and ob- jectives; there are numerous existing entities and organizations supporting coastside agricultural needs that can lend institutional knowledge, networks, and resources to help ensure success. Opportunity: • Expanding existing partnerships and entering into new partnerships with organizations that support local agriculture to achieve mutual goals and leverage resources. Potential Policy Area AG-10: Recreation Issue: Agricultural operations vary in their compatibility with recreational access. Opportunities: • Evaluating the compatibility of recreational access for different agricultural uses on Dis- trict lands and facilitating access where compatibility is high. • Prioritizing agricultural uses, such as conservation grazing, that have high compatibility with recreational uses. Potential Policy Area AG-11: Research, Sustainability, and Environmentally Sensitive Ag- riculture Issue: Technical and financial barriers are limiting the adoption of environmentally sensitive ag- ricultural practices. Opportunities: • Investing in research of new techniques for improving efficient use of resources, reducing impacts of agricultural practices, and enhancing habitat value on working lands. • Providing technical support and incentives for implementation of environmentally sensi- tive practices on District lands. Requiring such practices to protect natural resources by both conventional and organic farming operations. • Supporting regional partners with existing programs that encourage the adoption of envi- ronmentally sensitive agricultural practice ### September 14, 2022 Board Meeting 22-22 SPECIAL AND REGULAR MEETING BOARD OF DIRECTORS MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT Wednesday, September 14, 2022 The Board of Directors conducted this meeting in accordance with California Government Code section 54953(e) and Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District Resolution 21-33. All Board members and staff participated via teleconference. DRAFT MINUTES SPECIAL MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT – CLOSED SESSION President Kersteen-Tucker called the special meeting of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District to order at 5:00 p.m. ROLL CALL Members Present: Jed Cyr, Larry Hassett, Zoe Kersteen-Tucker, Yoriko Kishimoto, Curt Riffle and Pete Siemens Members Absent: Karen Holman Staff Present: General Manager Ana Ruiz, General Counsel Hilary Stevenson, Controller Mike Foster, Human Resources Manager Candice Basnight, Human Resources Supervisor Rebecca Wolfe 1. PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION. Government Code Section 54957(b)(1)  Title of Employee:    Controller   General Counsel General Manager CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS. (GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54957.6)  Agency designated representatives: Board Appointee Evaluation Committee (Directors Kersteen- Tucker, Kishimoto, and Riffle)  Unrepresented Employees:   Controller  General Counsel  General Manager  Public comment opened at 5:00 p.m. Meeting 22-22 Page 2 District Clerk Jennifer Woodworth reported no public comments had been submitted for the closed session items. The Board convened into closed session at 5:01 p.m. ADJOURNMENT President Kersteen-Tucker continued adjourned the special meeting of the Board of Directors of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District to the close of the regular meeting at ___ 6:56 p.m. REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT President Kersteen-Tucker called the regular meeting of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District to order at 7:01 p.m. ROLL CALL Members Present: Jed Cyr, Larry Hassett, Zoe Kersteen-Tucker, Yoriko Kishimoto, Curt Riffle, and Pete Siemens Members Absent: Karen Holman Staff Present: General Manager Ana Ruiz, General Counsel Hilary Stevenson, Assistant Assistant General Manager Susanna Chan, Chief Financial Officer/Director of Administrative Services Stefan Jaskulak, District Clerk/Assistant to the General Manager Jennifer Woodworth, Land & Facilities Manager Brandon Stewart, Visitor Services Manager Matt Anderson, Foothills Area Superintendent Brad Pennington President Kersteen-Tucker announced this meeting is being held in accordance with Government Code section 54953(e) and Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District Resolution 21-33, allowing Board members to participate remotely. The District has done its best to conduct a meeting where everyone has an opportunity to listen to the meeting and to provide comment. The public has the opportunity to comment on the agenda, and the opportunity to listen to this meeting through the internet or via telephone. This information can be found on the meeting agenda, which was physically posted at the District’s Administrative Office, and on the District website. President Kersteen-Tucker described the process and protocols for the meeting. CLOSED SESSION REPORT President Kersteen-Tucker stated there was no reportable action from the closed session ORAL COMMUNICATIONS Eileen Midgard expressed concern regarding the Bear Creek Stables request for proposals process and provided additional information supporting her belief that Pamela Ashford should Meeting 22-22 Page 3 have been awarded the concessionaire agreement, such work and personal funding by Ms. Ashford. Pamela Warren spoke in support of Ms. Ashford and the programs she created at Bear Creek Stables, such as the pony and goat co-op, which should be continued. Ms. Warren stated the boarding fees help fund maintenance and upkeep of the site and expressed concern that boarding fees will increase and current boarders may be evicted. Ms. Warren spoke in support of a seamless transition to the new concessionaire. Ryan Augustine, member of the Midpeninsula Rangers Peace Officers Association (POA), commented regarding the potential for injuries to rangers and the associated costs for disability insurance. Mr. Augustine stated the District’s annual budget surplus would be able cover an increase in costs to fund the POA’s request for safety retirement. District Clerk Jennifer Woodworth read the submitted comments into the record following the Measure AA Bond Oversight Committee interviews. Alex Hapke, President of the Midpeninsula Regional Peace Officers Association, stated the Midpeninsula Rangers Peace Officers Association will be boycotting the upcoming staff recognition event due to its members belief that the District is not interested in listening to its employees or engaging on difficult issues during negotiations. Mr. Hapke asked the District’s negotiators come to the negotiating table with an open mind and willingness to address concerns. Sonia Roberts shared an experience she had at Bear Creek Stables where a boarder attacked Pam Ashford, but Ms. Ashford stated the boarder could not be evicted due to the rules and regulations set by the District. Stacy Lane requested the Board reconsider its decision to award the Bear Creek Stables concessionaire agreement to Chaparral and expressed concern regarding Chaparral’s safety regulations. Garry Stewart requested the Board reconsider its decision to award the Bear Creek Stables concessionaire agreement to Chaparral due to a CalOSHA complaint against Chaparral. Janet Shaw supported Pam Ashford continuing to manage the Bear Creek Stables due to her stellar reputation and hard work to give the best to her students. Ms. Shaw stated complaints against Ms. Ashford were false. Michael Billings expressed concern regarding the amount of money budgeted by Chaparral for maintenance for Bear Creek Stables and stated this amount is too low to adequately pay employees to maintain the site. Anne Mulligan expressed concern regarding Chaparral being awarded the concessionaire agreement for Bear Creek Stables due to an ongoing class action lawsuit against Chaparral by former employees. Caitlin Morais expressed concern regarding Chaparral being awarded the concessionaire agreement for Bear Creek Stables due to a CalOSHA complaint against Chaparral, an ongoing Meeting 22-22 Page 4 class action lawsuit against Chaparral by former employees, and incomplete information included in the submitted financial statement. Lisa Moore expressed concerns regarding the financial information submitted by Chaparral as part of the request for proposals process and suggested the District learn more about the corporation before entering into an agreement with them. Susan Rice asked that the District release documents that have been requested by members of the public regarding Bear Creek Stables. ADOPTION OF AGENDA Motion: Director Cyr moved, and Director Riffle seconded the motion to adopt the agenda. ROLL CALL VOTE: 6-0-0 (Director Holman absent) SPECIAL ORDERS OF THE DAY Introduction of Staff  Andrea De Lara, Public Affairs Specialist II CONSENT CALENDAR Public comment opened at 7:18 p.m. Ryan Augustine spoke in favor of a return to in person public meetings to ensure the members of the Board hear all public comments. Public comment closed at 7:20 p.m. Motion: Director Riffle moved, and Director Kishimoto seconded the motion to approve the Consent Calendar. ROLL CALL VOTE: 6-0-0 (Director Holman absent) 1. Approve the August 24, 2022 Board meeting minutes 2. Claims Report 3. Teleconferenced Board Meetings Pursuant to the Brown Act and Assembly Bill 361 (R-22-104) General Manager’s Recommendation: Adopt a resolution affirming findings on the continued need for remote teleconferenced public meetings pursuant to AB 361. 4. Capital Equipment Purchase for Fiscal Year 2022-23 (R-22-102) General Manager’s Recommendation: Meeting 22-22 Page 5 1. Authorize the General Manager to execute a purchase contract with the California Department of General Services and associated contract dealers for two patrol vehicles and one administrative vehicle, for a total cost not-to-exceed $250,000. 2. Authorize the General Manager to execute a purchase contract with the California Department of General Services and associated contract dealers for one green mower, one track flail mower, and one track chipper for a total cost not-to-exceed $350,000. 5. Consultant Contract Amendment for the Radio System Assessment and Upgrade Project (R-22-103) General Manager’s Recommendation: 1. Authorize the General Manager to amend a contract with Forrest Telecom Engineering, Inc., in the amount of $90,660 to support expanded scope and additional tasks associated with the Radio System Assessment and Upgrade Project, bringing the total not-to-exceed contract amount to $201,660. 2. Authorize a 10% contingency of $20,166 to cover unforeseen tasks beyond the amended scope to complete the Project for an aggregate not-to-exceed contract amount of $221,826. BOARD BUSINESS 6. Measure AA Bond Oversight Committee Interviews The Board of Directors interviewed the applicants for the three positions on the Measure AA Bond Oversight Committee for terms ending 2026. Public comment opened at 8:59 p.m. Ms. Woodworth reported no public comments were submitted. Public comment closed at 8:59 p.m. No Board action required. INFORMATIONAL REPORTS A. Committee Reports Directors Hassett and Siemens Legislative, Funding, and Public Affairs Committee met on September 13, 2022 to discuss proposed parking lot naming conventions and the proposed design guidelines for the Highway 17 crossing. B. Staff Reports General Manager Ana Ruiz reported on the District’s recent 50 th anniversary Coastisde event on September 10, 2022 and thanked staff for their work to create and support an incredible event. Public Affairs Manager Kori Skinner provided highlights from the 50th anniversary Coastisde event, including the number of attendees, music and dance performances, and educational talks. Meeting 22-22 Page 6 C. Director Reports The members of the Board commended staff for the wonderful 50 th anniversary Coastisde event and thanked them for their hard work to make it a success. Director Kishimoto reported she attended the Santa Clara County Special District’s Association meeting on September 12, 2022. President Kersteen-Tucker shared an email she sent praising the 50 th anniversary Coastisde event and the employees’ work to support the event. President Kersteen-Tucker reported on the recent San Mateo County Board of Supervisors meeting where the Board of Supervisors took action to enable the Johnston Ranch project to move forward. ADJOURNMENT President Kersteen-Tucker adjourned the regular meeting of the Board of Directors of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District at 9:37 p.m. ________________________________ Jennifer Woodworth, MMC District Clerk MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT CLAIMS REPORT MEETING # 22-23 MEETING DATE: September 28, 2022 Fiscal Year 21-22 EFT:66.38% Fiscal Year 22-23 EFT:66.60% Payment Number Payment Type Payment Date Notes Vendor No. and Name Invoice Description Payment Amount 4956 EFT 09/16/2022 10343 - Granite Rock Company Alpine Road Regional Trail Construction 8/1/22-8/20/22 333,450.00 4949 EFT 09/16/2022 12166 - BHM Construction, Inc.AO Office Renovation Project July 2022 159,572.92 4962 EFT 09/16/2022 12185 - Pitcher Services, LLC Groundwater Well Decommissioning 7/29/22-8/19/22 33,425.00 4943 EFT 09/09/2022 10302 - Stevens Creek Quarry, Inc.BCR, Mindego and SFO Road Work Base Rock 30,010.86 4946 EFT 09/09/2022 10978 - Vollmar Natural Lands Consulting, Inc Bot. Resrcs Survey&Report - SA OSP, Work: Feb-May 2022 21,675.00 4927 EFT 09/09/2022 12214 - Ecosystems Northwest San Gregorio Watershed Carbon Inventory 4/18-6/30/22 21,450.00 4934 EFT 09/09/2022 12184 - Matter Unlimited, LLC 50th anniversary consulting services 20,520.00 4950 EFT 09/16/2022 10616 - BKF Engineers BCR NE Trailhead Crossing, ADA Barrier Removal projects 17,501.50 4966 EFT 09/16/2022 *10216 - Valley Oil Company Fuel for District vehicles 13,461.06 82720 Check 09/09/2022 10470 - Condor Country Consulting Bio Monitor & Permit Alpine Rd Trail Improvement July 2022 13,281.65 4969 EFT 09/16/2022 12050 - Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates, Inc.Hawthorns Area Structural Assessment 7/4/22-7/31/22 13,239.90 82725 Check 09/09/2022 12239 - Pie Ranch 2021 Grantmaking Prog Access, Interp and Edu Proj 3/1/22-6/30/22 11,870.14 4925 EFT 09/09/2022 10032 - Del Rey Building Maintenance Janitorial Services for SFO, CAO, and FFO July 2022 7,556.00 82719 Check 09/09/2022 11863 - Albion Environmental Inc BCR Landfill Characterization & Remediation July 2022 7,443.39 4938 EFT 09/09/2022 12020 - Panorama Environmental, Inc.Wildland Fire Resiliency Program July 2022 7,065.51 4926 EFT 09/09/2022 10546 - Ecological Concerns, Inc.Plant Install. & Maint. Multiple Mitigation Sites July 2021 6,768.50 4928 EFT 09/09/2022 11748 - Environmental & Energy Consulting Consulting & lobby services from July 16, 2022 - August 15, 2022 6,460.00 4960 EFT 09/16/2022 11617 - Mig, Inc.Bio Surveys at the Hawthorns Area July 2022 6,250.00 4968 EFT 09/16/2022 *11118 - Wex Bank Fuel for District vehicles 5,707.60 4930 EFT 09/09/2022 10343 - Granite Rock Company BCR Alma College Roadway Pulverization 5,500.00 4965 EFT 09/16/2022 11685 - Trailhead Labs Inc OuterSpatial platform renewal 8/1/2022-8/1/2023 5,000.00 82723 Check 09/09/2022 12251 - Irish Excavation TW Mechanical Fuel Reduction 5,000.00 82729 Check 09/16/2022 10606 - Ascent Environmental Inc CEQA Services for LHC Red Cabin Demo June 2022 4,735.00 82734 Check 09/16/2022 10932 - RDO Equipment Company T27 Repairs to John Deere 6330 Tractor 4,285.17 4958 EFT 09/16/2022 10313 - John Shelton Company, Inc Culverts (SA)3,693.65 4937 EFT 09/09/2022 10079 - Page & Turnbull, Inc.Hist Resources DHF Historic Dist Maint. 7/1/22-7/31/22 3,375.00 4931 EFT 09/09/2022 10222 - Herc Rentals, Inc.Excavator Rental for Phase II Trails (BCR)3,313.10 4941 EFT 09/09/2022 *10136 - San Jose Water Company RSACP & SAO Water Service 3,289.74 82730 Check 09/16/2022 12248 - Creative Security Company, Inc.Public Background Investigation - Park Rangers (2)3,270.00 4959 EFT 09/16/2022 10058 - Liebert Cassidy Whitmore Legal services for negotiations and related matters Aug 2022 3,159.00 4967 EFT 09/16/2022 11586 - W H Dempsey Engineering Replace Risers at 3393 Cloverdale Rd, Pescadero 2,800.00 4939 EFT 09/09/2022 11523 - PGA Design, Inc.Alma Cultural Landscape Rehabilitation Plan 7/13/22-7/24/22 2,497.50 4942 EFT 09/09/2022 10447 - Simms Plumbing & Water Equip., Inc.Repairs at Cloverdale, Lobitos Creek Residences 2,333.28 4933 EFT 09/09/2022 11906 - Law Offices of Gary M. Baum Legal Counsel Services July 2022 2,201.00 4948 EFT 09/16/2022 12053 - Anaya, Thomas Release Security Deposit - Ranger residence rental 1,850.00 4963 EFT 09/16/2022 12031 - Ray & Jan's Mobile Truck Service SFO BITS vehicle inspections, 7 vehicles; M231 & T32 repairs 1,823.95 82721 Check 09/09/2022 11075 - County of Santa Clara Dept. of Environ. Health Annual environmental health permit 1,741.00 82736 Check 09/19/2022 12256 - Red River Technology LLC Teams Calling phone service 6/13/22-7/12/22 1,655.38 82732 Check 09/16/2022 10366 - Montgomery Highlands Association Annual Road Maintenance Dues (ES) - FY23 1,500.00 4945 EFT 09/09/2022 10146 - Tires On The Go Tires for P07 & M235 1,365.89 4952 EFT 09/16/2022 11587 - Cifelli, John Release Security Deposit - Mora B residence rental 1,200.00 4924 EFT 09/09/2022 11318 - Confluence Restoration Plant Site Maintenance for BCR/Alma/Webb Creek 7/13/22, 7/26/22 1,110.00 4951 EFT 09/16/2022 10273 - Bruce Barton Pump Service Inc Replace Pump Motor at Slaght B 1,056.36 4954 EFT 09/16/2022 10642 - Forensic Analytical Consulting Services, Inc.Smith Property Demolition Project Aug 2022 1,050.00 82731 Check 09/16/2022 10509 - Geocon Consultants Inc Contingency - New Domestic Water Well Toto Ranch 1,016.48 4961 EFT 09/16/2022 12151 - Navia Benefit Solutions Flexible Benefits Accounts Disbursements 988.91 82727 Check 09/15/2022 11436 - Bay Trail Runners LLC Release of deposits for 3 event permits 900.00 Electronic funds transfer (EFT) for accounts payable disbursements to reduce check printing and mailing, increase payment security, and ensure quicker receipt by vendors page 1 of 2 MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT CLAIMS REPORT MEETING # 22-23 MEETING DATE: September 28, 2022 Fiscal Year 21-22 EFT:66.38% Fiscal Year 22-23 EFT:66.60% Payment Number Payment Type Payment Date Notes Vendor No. and Name Invoice Description Payment Amount Electronic funds transfer (EFT) for accounts payable disbursements to reduce check printing and mailing, increase payment security, and ensure quicker receipt by vendors 4947 EFT 09/16/2022 10001 - Aaron's Septic Tank Service Septic Tank Service (RSA-DHF)800.00 4940 EFT 09/09/2022 12031 - Ray & Jan's Mobile Truck Service SFO BITS vehicle inspections, 7 vehicles 770.00 4936 EFT 09/09/2022 10271 - Orlandi Trailer Inc T-37 Trailer Repair 701.40 4955 EFT 09/16/2022 10187 - Gardenland Power Equipment Stihl chain saw grinder parts, pruning tools 609.93 4944 EFT 09/09/2022 11751 - Stillwater Sciences Bio Services, Bear Creek Stables Project 7/4/22-7/31/22 598.50 4957 EFT 09/16/2022 11859 - Horizon Water and Environment, LLC San Mateo County Master Permit Application srvc July 2022 577.50 82726 Check 09/09/2022 10176 - RE Borrmann's Steel Co Steel Posts for Signs (RSA)524.83 4935 EFT 09/09/2022 12151 - Navia Benefit Solutions Flexible Benefits Accounts Disbursements 507.65 82728 Check 09/16/2022 12090 - Action Towing Towing Services for M236 407.00 82722 Check 09/09/2022 12176 - INWC Ignatius Nelson Water Treatment at Lobitos Ridge Houses June & July 2022 400.00 4953 EFT 09/16/2022 11042 - County of Santa Clara Office of the Sheriff Livescan background checks (5) July 2022 379.00 82724 Check 09/09/2022 10190 - MetroMobile Communications Install antenna system on M223 324.32 82718 Check 09/09/2022 *11880 - A T & T (Calnet3)Mt. Um Safety Phone- 7/7/22-8/6/22 303.60 4929 EFT 09/09/2022 10187 - Gardenland Power Equipment Stihl Equipment Parts, Chainsaw fuel 246.56 4964 EFT 09/16/2022 10143 - Summit Uniforms Uniform - ranger straw hat 141.09 82733 Check 09/16/2022 10160 - Office Depot Credit Plan Office supplies-pads, pens markers, tape 99.07 82735 Check 09/16/2022 11961 - Telepath Corporation Laptop repair for P122 79.16 4932 EFT 09/09/2022 *11991 - Kunz Valley Trash, LLC Garbage Service at 20000 Skyline Blvd - August 2022 53.48 Total of Payments:815,942.53 *Annual Claims **Hawthorn Expenses A### = Administrative Office Vehicle HC = Hendry's Creek P### = Patrol Vehicle SCNT = Stevens Creek Nature Trail AO2, AO3, AO4 = Leased Office Spac HR = Human Resources PCR = Purisima Creek Redwoods SCS = Stevens Creek Shoreline BCR = Bear Creek Redwoods IPM = Invasive Plant Maintenance PIC= Picchetti Ranch SFO = Skyline Field Office CAO = Coastal Area Office ISM = Invasive Species Management PR = Pulgas Ridge SG = Saratoga Gap CC = Coal Creek LH = La Honda Creek RR = Russian Ridge SJH = Saint Joseph's Hill DHF = Dear Hollow Farm LR = Long Ridge RR/MIN = Russian Ridge - Mindego Hill SR= Skyline Ridge ECdM = El Corte de Madera LT = Los Trancos RSA = Rancho San Antonio T### = Tractor or Trailer ES = El Sereno M### = Maintenance Vehicle RV = Ravenswood TC = Tunitas Creek FFO = Foothills Field Office MB = Monte Bello SA = Sierra Azul TH = Teague Hill FOOSP = Fremont Older Open Space PMR = Miramontes Ridge SAO = South Area Office TW = Thornewood GP = General Preserve OSP = Open Space Preserve SAU = Mount Umunhum WH = Windy Hill Abbreviations page 2 of 2 R-22-106 Meeting 22-23 September 28, 2022 AGENDA ITEM 3 AGENDA ITEM Fiscal Year ending June 30, 2022 Annual Year End Report GENERAL MANAGER’S RECOMMENDATION Informational item - no Board action required. SUMMARY Over the course of the last fiscal year, the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District (District) accomplished major milestones and made considerable progress on the 125 Action Plan Projects. Of this total, 117 projects were approved as part of the Fiscal Year 2021-22 (FY22) Capital Improvement and Action Plan (CIAP) by the Board of Directors (Board) in June 2021, and 8 were subsequently added and approved during the fiscal year. The District fully completed or made considerable progress on 117 Action Plan Projects, or 94% of the 125 total projects, many of which are also Vision Plan and Measure-AA funded projects. Despite ongoing COVID-19 pandemic disruptions to the supply chain, our adaptable and resilient staff remain committed to the mission. Two project highlights include the substantial completion of the Alma College Cultural Landscape Rehabilitation project at Bear Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve and the completion of the Radar Tower repairs at Mt. Umunhum in Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve. The full list of notable accomplishments is captured in the FY22 Major Accomplishments Report (refer to Attachment 1). This Year-End Action Plan Review provides a status update for each CIAP project as of the end of FY22 and, if applicable, the reason(s) for any variance from the anticipated schedule (refer to Attachment 2). DISCUSSION Major Accomplishments Report: A comprehensive list of the major accomplishments for FY22 is included as Attachment 1. Accomplishments are captured in five categories: (1) Land Acquisition and Preservation; (2) Natural Resources Protection and Restoration; (3) Public Access, Education and Outreach; (4) General/Midpen-Wide Support of Mission; and, (5) Awards/Grants/Recognition. R-22-106 Page 2 The list includes major and notable projects and milestones that were completed or underway as part of the FY22 Action Plan, as well as unanticipated projects initiated during the fiscal year. Highlights of the major accomplishments are provided below.  Purchased the 41.76-acre Vielbaum property as an addition to Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve. This purchase permanently protects forested lands and wildlife habitat within the Upper Los Gatos Creek watershed and furthers the greenbelt connection of protected open space lands and wildlife corridors.  Received Board approval for the purchase of the 644-acre Johnston Ranch Uplands property at Miramontes Ridge Open Space Preserve and entered into a Lease and Management Agreement with Peninsula Open Space Trust (POST). Additionally, a grazing lease was assigned to the District by POST.  Collared six mountain lions for the Mountain Lion Collaring Effort - Rancho San Antonio/Foothills Area Preserves as part of a study to reduce mountain lion-human conflicts to protect mountain lions and improve public safety.  Completed, continued or began numerous projects to restore and enhance the natural environment, including: • Began 5th year of targeted invasive species removal at Bear Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve with partial funding from a 5-year Valley Water grant consistent with the District’s Integrated Pest Management Program to restore native habitats. • Drafted the La Honda Forest Management Plan for the La Honda Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve, met with stakeholders and held a public meeting with neighbors. • Completed designs for the Lower Turtle Pond Repair project at La Honda Creek Open Space Preserve and began permitting partnership discussions with the San Mateo Resource Conservation District. • Collaborated with outside researchers to perform botanical surveys at multiple preserves. These surveys help assess the health of District habitats and protect sensitive plants during maintenance and construction activities.  Finished literature reviews and findings for all four topics selected by the Board as part of the first round of Science Advisory Panel (SAP) work. Information and learnings from the final reports is being integrated into other projects.  Substantially completed construction of the Alma College Cultural Landscape Rehabilitation project at Bear Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve. Opening public access to this area is anticipated in fall of 2022.  Made significant progress on removing ADA barriers to improve access for people with different physical abilities: • Removed ~ 30% of total ADA barriers identified in the ADA Transition Plan. • Made significant progress on ADA easy access trails at Pulgas Ridge Open Space Preserve, and Horseshoe Lake and Alpine Pond at Skyline Ridge Open Space Preserve. • Completed geotechnical survey work for the ADA Path to Deer Hollow Farm project at Rancho San Antonio Open Space Preserve. Developed a task order for ADA consultant services. R-22-106 Page 3  Completed construction of the 1.3 mile easy-access Grasshopper Loop Trail and opened the trail to the public, including seasonal on-leash dog access. This trail brings the District’s total trail milage that is open to the public to 250 miles.  Completed the Radar Tower repairs at Mt. Umunhum in Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve and re-opened the east summit area to public access.  The Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Staff Committees developed strategies and implementation action items that promote the District’s DEI goals and policy. The Board reviewed the items and provided feedback. The recommended first phase of DEI action items was included in the FY23 Budget and Action Plan.  Opened the District’s 50th Anniversary Celebrations with proclamations, Open Stories, Love Letters, hashtag campaigns, pop-up tabling, paid media and publicity campaigns. Held the Bayside Family Festival at Ravenswood Preserve, attracting an estimated 800 participants.  Opened the new Administrative Office facility for improved administrative functions and delivery of projects and services: • 99% completion of construction improvements, including major structural and mechanical renovations. Final punch-list items are underway. • Prepared the new building for occupancy. Procured equipment for and configured new workstations, coordinated with telecom vendors to install services at new building, installed wireless access throughout the building and parking areas, moved servers, assisted with installation of HVAC, Alarm, AV and security cameras.  • Reconfigured workstations to support return-to-office and new hybrid work environment. Year-End Action Plan Review: The FY22 Action Plan, for the period July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2022, was adopted by the Board at its regular meeting on June 9, 2021 (R-21-72). Of the 125 Action Plan Projects, the District made considerable progress on 117 Key Action Plan Projects, or 94% of the total project list as shown in Table 1 below. Of these, the District completed the projected fiscal year scope of work for 58 Action Plan Projects (47%) as of June 30, 2022. A total of 59 Action Plan Projects (47%) remain in progress, and of the remaining 8 projects (6%), 6 were deferred to FY23 or beyond and two were determined as unnecessary due to changing circumstances and therefore cancelled (see Attachment 2, items 16 and 50 for more details). Compared to prior years, the District is in line with past percentages of action plan items completed and in progress. The District made progress or fully completed on average 90% of annual projects undertaken in each of the last three fiscal years. Table 1 – Year-End Action Plan Project Fiscal Year Scope Status Project Scope Status FY22 FY21 FY20 Total Total (%) Total Total Total Total (%) Complete 58 47% 50 43% 41 36% In Progress 59 47% 52 45% 60 53% Deferred or Cancelled 8 6% 14 12% 12 11% Total 125 100% 116 100% 113 100% R-22-106 Page 4 A total of 125 action plan projects were adopted by the Board last fiscal year; 117 at the time of Budget and Action Plan adoption and an additional 8 during the fiscal year. One of the projects added during the fiscal year was related to land acquisition due to an unanticipated purchase opportunity: the Vielbaum Property Acquisition. Others included the State Coastal Conservancy Forest Health & Wildfire Wildland Fire Resiliency project and the Burton Property Site Cleanup project. Attachment 2 includes details on these project additions. FISCAL IMPACT The Annual Accomplishments report and FY22 Action Plan Year-End review have no fiscal impact on the FY23 budget. PRIOR BOARD AND COMMITTEE REVIEW • June 9, 2021: Board adopted the FY22 Budget and Action Plan (R-21-72, minutes) PUBLIC NOTICE Public notice was provided as required by the Brown Act. No additional notice is required. CEQA COMPLIANCE This item is not a project subject to the California Environmental Quality Act. Attachments: 1. Fiscal Year 2022 Major Accomplishments 2. Year-End Review of Fiscal Year 2022 Action Plan Key Projects Responsible Department Head: Ana María Ruiz, General Manager Prepared by: Rafaela Duran, Budget & Analysis Manager Elissa Martinez, Management Analyst II Lupe Hernandez, Management Analyst II Contact person: Ana María Ruiz, General Manager Major Accomplishments Report July 1, 2021- June 30, 2022 Above, left to right: Skyline Ridge Open Space Preserve (C. Lambert), Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve (Wing Yung), La Honda Creek Open Space Preserve (Leigh Ann Gessner), Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve (Renate Elster), El Sereno Open Space Preserve (E. S. Mills), Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve (Tian Lin) Attachment 1 Page 2 FY22 MAJOR ACCOMPLISHMENTS Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District Mission: To acquire and preserve a regional greenbelt of open space land in perpetuity, protect and restore the natural environment, and provide opportunities for ecologically sensitive public enjoyment and education. Coastside Mission: To acquire and preserve in perpetuity open space land and agricultural land of regional significance, protect and restore the natural environment, preserve rural character, encourage viable agricultural use of land resources, and provide opportunities for ecologically sensitive public enjoyment and education. The following accomplishments highlight the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District’s focus on a balanced mission: land acquisition and preservation; natural resources protection and restoration; public access and education; and for the Coastside, encouraging viable agricultural uses of land resources and preserving rural character. These accomplishments encompass projects to expand public access, including the opening of the 250th mile of publicly accessible trail with the addition of Grasshopper Loop Trail in La Honda Creek Preserve, completion of the Mount Umunhum radar tower repairs in Sierra Azul Preserve, and substantial completion of the Alma College cultural landscape rehabilitation project in Bear Creek Redwoods Preserve. Progress was also made on various priorities and goals, including habitat restoration; wildlife corridors; reduction of wildland fire risk; land conservation partnerships; and the protection of more than 65,000 acres of public open space lands. On the San Mateo County Coast, accomplishments include progress toward acquiring key agricultural lands to preserve natural resource and scenic open space values and improving agricultural infrastructure to support the conservation grazing program that helps protect the biodiversity of coastal grasslands. In addition to completing projects on the land, Midpen placed significant effort in strengthening the administrative and organizational systems that are necessary to support our mission, including substantial completion of and relocation to the new administrative office. In FY22, Midpen also began celebrating 50 years of public open space protection, restoration and connection through successful public events, organized activities, informational tablings, and social media posts. COVID-19 continued to impact project and program delivery in FY22. Halfway into the year, Midpen office staff successfully transitioned to a hybrid remote work model. While some construction activities experienced delays due to supply chain disruptions, and costs escalated in most areas, our adaptable and resilient staff remain committed to the mission. All in all, FY22 was a busy, productive, and rewarding year. Much was accomplished and many projects were accelerated forward, ensuring the preservation of open space lands now and into the future. Attachment 1 Page 3 LAND ACQUISITION AND PRESERVATION  Purchased the 41.76-acre Vielbaum property as an addition to Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve. This purchase permanently preserves forested lands and wildlife habitat within the Upper Los Gatos Creek watershed and furthers the goals for a continuous open space greenbelt and the protection of wildlife corridors.  Received Board approval for the purchase of the 644-acre Johnston Ranch Uplands property at Miramontes Ridge Open Space Preserve and entered into a Lease and Management Agreement with Peninsula Open Space Trust (POST). The purchase preserves coastal open space, protects grazing and agricultural lands, protects the Arroyo Leon Creek watershed and provides for future public trail opportunities in partnership with the City of Half Moon Bay and California State Parks. Additionally, a grazing lease was assigned to Midpen by POST.  Received a 60-foot-wide public access easement from PG&E over a portion of Mt. Umunhum Road in Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve to ensure ongoing general public use, including vehicular driving, hiking, bicycling, and equestrian uses along with the right to repair and maintain the roadway. PG&E also granted Midpen a 100-foot-wide public access easement over a portion of Woods Trail to ensure ongoing general public trail access and the right to repair and maintain the trail. In exchange for the public access easements, Midpen granted PG&E a 50-foot-wide gas line easement over a portion of Pulgas Ridge Open Space Preserve for an existing high-pressure PG&E gas line.  Received an access easement at La Honda Creek Open Space Preserve for operational use (no public access) over an existing road across neighboring private property. This access easement is important for crossing La Honda Creek bridge to access the Lone Madrone (central) area of the preserve. Also received a waterline easement across private property to allow for ongoing maintenance of an existing waterline. In exchange for the access and waterline easements, Midpen granted the neighboring property owner access and waterline easements over the preserve.  In preparation for the potential purchase of the approximately 6,500-acre Cloverdale Ranch property, held numerous community engagement meetings with individuals and attended Pescadero Municipal Advisory Council and Sustainable Pescadero meetings. Also held a site visit at Lower La Honda with the Pescadero community members to discuss the project. Completed a second year of botanical studies, drafted a road and trail inventory, and began the rangeland management plan. Worked with the Grants Program to prepare State and County grant agreements to help offset the purchase cost. Attachment 1 Page 4  Reviewed, identified, and catalogued prospective lands considered for future land conservation and worked with GIS to prepare maps of prospective lands. Completion of the Land Conservation Guidance Document is pending review by the Real Property Committee. NATURAL RESOURCES PROTECTION AND RESTORATION  Completed projects and actions that protect sensitive animal species and wildlife corridors: • Completed annual California red-legged frog and San Francisco garter snake monitoring to support the recovery of the species. Submitted annual report to California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) and US Fish and Wildlife. Applied for an extension of the current recovery permit with anticipated renewal in FY23. • Monitored sensitive species populations to assess the success of habitat restoration projects in La Honda Creek and Russian Ridge Open Space Preserves. • Completed final study analysis and report for the Badger/Burrowing Owl project. The study identified a core area of badger habitat in Skyline preserves, narrow and limited pathways for badger movement throughout the peninsula, and questionable genetic condition of badgers in the peninsula. Attachment 1 Page 5 • Finalized and presented a report on newt mortality for the Alma Bridge Road Newt Mortality and Population Study project at Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve, demonstrating the need for developing a newt crossing across an existing county public road. Developed a cooperative agreement with Santa Clara County and solicited a request for proposals and qualifications (RFPQ) to begin the design of wildlife crossing safety infrastructure and outline the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) review process for a future capital project. The Cooperative Agreement with the County was approved in February 2022. • Continued the Highway 17 Wildlife and Regional Trail Crossings project that will provide a safe wildlife corridor and a separate regional trail crossing of the highway:  Completed environmental field surveys and technical studies that will inform environmental review documents.  Secured full funding for the Project through the design phase.  Completed the Accessibility Requirements report.  Identified trail alignments to connect adjacent open space preserves on the east and west side of the proposed crossings, and to connect further beyond into El Sereno Open Space Preserve and Sanborn County Park. • Collaborated with outside researchers to perform bird counts and surveys at multiple preserves to assess populations and protect sensitive resources during maintenance and construction activities. • Completed annual data collection (via in-person surveys and recording units) in murrelet habitat to inform general resource management and specific project planning for the Marbled Murrelet Recovery project. Murrelets are listed as endangered in California and as threatened by the US Fish and Wildlife Service. Annual monitoring of populations within preserves contribute to region and state- wide recovery goals and enable Midpen to comply with wildlife agency requirements.  Collared six mountain lions within Midpen preserves for the Mountain Lion Collaring Effort - Rancho San Antonio/Foothills Area Preserves as part of a study to reduce mountain lion- human conflicts to protect mountain lions and enhance public safety. Provided an informational presentation to docents and volunteers to inform outreach efforts. Received approval from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Institute of Animal Care and Use Committee to pursue behavioral modification methods. Implemented behavioral Attachment 1 Page 6 modification with one individual mountain lion. Continued the Wildlife Picture Index project to understand how visitor use may influence wildlife movement and behavior.  Collected and processed monthly wildlife camera data to submit special status species information in the in GIS database. Executed an agreement to utilize the Wildlife Insights platform with IST support. Continued the collection of image data and cataloging efforts with support from the UC Santa Cruz PUMA Project to integrate the image data with the Mountain Lion Collaring Study.  Completed projects and actions that protect sensitive plant species and restore habitats: • Began 5th year of targeted invasive species removal at Bear Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve with partial funding from a 5-year Valley Water grant that is guided by Midpen’s Integrated Pest Management Program to restore native habitats. • Removed mature, non-native, invasive French broom, cape ivy, and periwinkle as part of the Bear Creek Redwoods Invasive Weed Treatment and Restoration project at Bear Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve. • Accepted a final feasibility report for the Irish Ridge Restoration project at Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve. Began the development of the biomass removal and restoration plan. • Drafted the La Honda Forest Management Plan for La Honda Creek Open Space Preserve, met with stakeholders and held a public meeting with neighbors to review the current project status and recent findings. • Completed the designs for the Lower Turtle Pond Repair at La Honda Creek Open Space Preserve. Began permitting partnership discussions with the San Mateo Resource Conservation District. • Implemented annual Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program activities to improve native habitats by removing invasive plants that negatively impact native plant and animal communities. Attachment 1 Page 7 • Collaborated with outside researchers to perform botanical surveys at multiple preserves. These surveys help assess the health of Midpen habitats and protect sensitive plants during maintenance and construction activities. • Completed removal of final bridge stream crossing at Hendrys Creek in Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve. This is the last piece of the Hendrys Creek Restoration project to remove unpermitted roads and structures to restore important creek habitat for wildlife and water quality. The bridge crossing was a poorly built, unpermitted structure that would eventually fail and cause stream channel issues.  Completed projects and actions to rehabilitate lands: • Received a fish passage assessment report from the San Mateo Resource Conservation District (RCD) for the Madonna Creek Fish, Water Supply and Bridge Replacement project at Miramontes Ridge Open Space Preserve. Completed geotechnical and hydrologic studies in support of dam stability, fish passage and bridge evaluations. • Completed oil well investigations at Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve and cleaned an above ground storage tank containing hazardous oil. • Completed an analysis of potential water supply improvements and pond restoration priorities at Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve and identified two springs to undergo future improvements in FY23. • Contracted with historic and hazmat consultants to recover resources at Bear Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve; recovery of historic materials will precede remediation activities to remove hazardous materials that were deposited prior to Midpen ownership of the property. • Completed grading and drainage repairs to along legacy road located below Bear Creek Stables. Stabilized the site with temporary erosion control measures to minimize sedimentation to a tributary to Briggs Creek. • Hired a consultant to evaluate sediment sources in Skyline Ridge and Long Ridge Open Space Preserves that may be affecting the larger Pescadero Watershed to understand whether there are locations on Midpen lands that need to be addressed. • Decommissioned four unused wells as part of the Groundwater Well Decommissioning project to protect the water aquifer. Placed one well on 'stand by' for future use. Attachment 1 Page 8 • Successfully completed the Billingsley Site Cleanup project at Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve. Removed site structures, metal shop, shipping containers and all associated debris from the site. Salvaged four existing water tanks and staged the tanks at an existing concrete pad site that will be retained as a future helicopter landing zone and/or as a wildfire response staging location. Completed hazardous materials abatement, performed site grading and installed final erosion control. • Successfully completed the Burton Property Site Cleanup project at Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve. Abated and removed two unpermitted structures, two horse corral structures and miscellaneous debris from across the site. Performed site grading and installed final erosion control.  Protected the Lehigh Quarry Ridgeline Easement at Rancho San Antonio Open Space Preserve through a partnership with Santa Clara County, allowing Midpen to enforce violations of the easement. Partially completed the first annual monitoring of the Ridgeline Easement. Provided review and comment on a number of related topics to the Lehigh Quarry Reclamation Plan to protect public interests.  Finished the literature review and synthesis for four topics selected by the Board as part of the first round of Science Advisory Panel (SAP) work. Midpen formed the SAP in 2019 to provide an independent, science-based review of key issues and serve as a resource for guiding future land management decisions. The panel includes scientists and experts in local ecology and natural history, climate change and land management from two locally-esteemed research organizations: San Francisco Estuary Institute and Point Blue Conservation Science.  Modeled carbon storage and carbon flux for soils and vegetation communities on Midpen preserves in the San Gregorio Watershed and produced recommendations for how to improve the resilience of carbon stocks as part of the Carbon Storage Study Pilot Project.  Adopted an Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration, submitted permit applications, and received a 401 Permit from the Regional Water Quality Control Board and 1602 permit from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife for the Programmatic State and Federal Environmental Permitting project, which allows Midpen to conduct open space maintenance activities in an environmentally sensitive manner.  Board adopted the Mitigation Policy as a new chapter to the Resource Management Policies (RMPs) after receiving input from the public and environmental advocacy groups. Completed staff training and policy rollout.  Worked with PG&E to reduce impacts from a road improvement and power-line clearance project at Woodruff Creek in Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve, then transferred mitigation funds from PG&E to support a partnership with the San Mateo Resource Conservation District (RCD) to conduct fisheries stream restoration at the Apple Orchard property in La Honda Creek Open Space Preserve. Attachment 1 Page 9  Completed projects that support Midpen’s conservation grazing program and grassland management, including: • Completed fence and water infrastructure at Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve to add 98 acres of grasslands to the conservation grazing program, including adding a watering trough for equestrian use. • Held a Board study session and a workshop for the Agricultural Policy project. Distributed a survey to help gather feedback from stakeholders. PUBLIC ACCESS, INTERPRETATION, EDUCATION AND OUTREACH  Garnered regulatory and County permits for the Alpine Road Regional Trail in Coal Creek Open Space Preserve. Completed the construction documents and successfully bid the project. Entered into a funding agreement with Santa Clara County for Stanford Recreation Mitigation Funds. Retained the services of a bio-monitor and prepared for construction to commence.  Completed 6th year of native planting at Cooley Landing and Ravenswood Open Space Preserve.  Continued progress on public access projects at Bear Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve: • Completed geotechnical investigations and 65% design drawings for the northeast trailhead as part of the Phase II Trail Improvements. Completed construction documents and a bid package for two slide repairs. Crew completed construction of the Briggs Creek Trail, rocking of the Public Stables Loop Trail, and improvements to the future all-season patrol access route. Attachment 1 Page 10 • Substantially completed construction of the Alma College Cultural Landscape Rehabilitation project. Completed work includes a concrete overflow weir at Upper Lake and an overflow connection to the Webb Creek Culvert under the parking lot; site improvements at St. Joseph's shrine; construction of accessible walkways throughout the site; hazardous materials abatement; architectural rehabilitation of the remaining structures; site grading and masonry rehabilitation; and the demolition of building ruins. • Submitted a Use Permit application for the Bear Creek Stables Repair project and hosted an inter-departmental coordination meeting with Santa Clara County.  Made significant progress on removing ADA accessibility barriers to improve access for people with different physical abilities: • Removed ~30% of total ADA barriers identified in the ADA Transition Plan. • Made significant progress on ADA easy access trails improvements at Pulgas Ridge Open Space Preserve and Horseshoe Lake and Alpine Pond at Skyline Ridge Open Space Preserve. • Completed geotechnical survey work for the Rancho San Antonio ADA Path to Deer Hollow Farm at Rancho San Antonio Open Space Preserve. Developed a task order for ADA consultant services to help design the improvements.  Continued efforts to open additional areas of La Honda Creek Open Space Preserve to the public: • Completed construction of and opened the 1.3 mile easy-access Grasshopper Loop Trail to the public; includes seasonal on-leash dog access. This trail brings Midpen’s total trail milage open to the public to 250 miles. Attachment 1 Page 11 • Completed multiple technical studies (traffic, biological, botanical, arborist, wetlands delineation, cultural resources, topographical and geotechnical) for the La Honda Creek Parking and Trailhead Access project in preparation for an opportunity and constraints analysis report to be presented to the Planning and Natural Resources (PNR) Committee in FY23. Provided a project update for the community through tabling at the Grasshopper Loop Trail opening event and La Honda Fair. • Completed cultural and wildlife resource surveys and reports for the Phase II Trails project. Hired a consultant to evaluate proposed trail alignments. Initiated field investigations and protocol-level botanical surveys.  Made significant progress on multimodal access projects to improve transit, bicycle and pedestrian access to preserves, including: • Completed the installation of new bike racks and a bike repair station related to the Rancho San Antonio (RSA) Multimodal Access projects (VP and MAA) at Rancho San Antonio Open Space Preserve. Negotiated commitments with the City of Cupertino for road improvements to be implemented in FY23. Released a Request for Proposals for the development of subsidized ride hail and shuttle programs. • Completed over 20 public and outreach engagement activities and events for the Purisima Preserve Multimodal Access Study project that aims to reduce single occupancy vehicle parking demands and improve the visitor experience at Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve. Completed two rounds of visitor surveys and data collection activities. Presented to Sustainable Pescadero, Pescadero Municipal Advisory Committee and Midcoast Community Council. Conducted a hike with Spanish-speaker hiking group. Implemented short-term strategies, including a pilot to try out wayfinding signage, mapping improvements and website format changes to assist visitors with planning their trips. Presented the transportation demand management (TDM) strategies to the PNR Committee on March 15, 2022. Shared TDM strategies and a project update with the community at a joint open house on Attachment 1 Page 12 June 29, 2022 that included Purisima-to-the-Sea Trail and Parking Project and Purisima Multimodal Access Project. • Completed intercept surveys, science panel benefits and impacts literature review, noise study, and agency surveys to evaluate potential e-bike use on Midpen lands. Presented findings to the Board. Received Board approval to allow Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes on designated paved and improved bicycle trails in Rancho San Antonio and Ravenswood Open Space Preserves and continue the prohibition of e-bikes on all other Midpen (unpaved) trails to limit potential impacts to preserves.  Completed numerous projects and actions to improve public access and safety at Purisima Creek Redwoods Preserve: • Completed topographic survey and initiated traffic study for the Hwy 35 Multi-use Trail Crossing and Parking project. Conducted spur trail scouting with the SFPUC. Led a kick-off meeting with the SFPUC, Ridge Trail and POST funders/stakeholders. Completed biological resource surveys and assessments. Coordinated with the Purisima Preserve Multimodal Access Study project to incorporate TDM recommendations into design concepts. Presented to stakeholders from the Kings Mountain Association and Mid Coast Community Council. • For the Purisima-to-the-Sea Trail and Parking Area project:  Conducted virtual stakeholder meetings with neighbors, coastal interested parties, and trail users via Zoom in July 2021.  Completed technical studies: biological and cultural assessments, topographic/boundary surveys, culvert and drainage assessment and opportunities and constraints analyses.  Presented the vision, goals, opportunities and constraints to the Board and community at the December 1, 2021 Special Board meeting and virtual community open house.  Completed consultation with San Mateo County Farm Bureau, neighbors, grazing tenant, and equestrian and mountain bike stakeholders.  Developed and released a visitor survey in collaboration with the Purisima Multimodal Access Study.  Developed draft conceptual parking area design alternatives.  Presented a draft of the conceptual designs for trail and parking alternatives at the June 29, 2022 in-person open house in Half Moon Bay.  Continued regional trail planning actions and efforts to connect the public to open spaces: • Completed a report for the California Riding & Hiking Trails project and shared the findings with a State representative. Sent a request to the State to initiate the process of quitclaiming trail rights at Russian Ridge and Lower La Honda Creek Open Space Preserves that facilitate connections to Sam McDonald Park in San Mateo County. • Continued participation in the Peninsula Trails Team and Santa Cruz Mountains Stewardship Network Trails Committee. Coordinated and communicated with partner Attachment 1 Page 13 agencies on the Bay to Sea Trail, Bay Area Ridge Trail priorities, SFPUC South Skyline Ridge Trail Extension, Stevens Creek Trail, Unincorporated San Mateo County Active Transportation Plan and State of the Trails project in Santa Cruz Mountains. • Designated the Stevens Creek Nature Trail, Skid Road Trail and White Oak Trail in Monte Bello Open Space Preserve as part of the regional Stevens Creek Trail. • Completed project scouting for the Long Ridge Trail Connection to Eagle Rock and Devils Canyon project at Long Ridge Open Space Preserve and documented opportunities and constraints for a trail connection.  Completed numerous projects and actions to improve public access and safety at various other preserves: • Initiated the CEQA process for the proposed La Honda Creek Redwood Cabin Removal and Site Restoration project at La Honda Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve, which included release of a Notice of Preparation (NOP) for an Environmental Impact Report (EIR). Completed and published the Draft EIR for public review and comments. • Completed 95% design plans for the La Honda Creek White Barn Structural Rehabilitation project at La Honda Creek Open Space Preserve. • Procured security fencing materials for the Beatty House Site Security Improvements project at Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve. • Coordinated with the city of East Palo Alto on open space elements of their Parks Master Plan and Cooley Landing management agreement. East Palo Alto provided staffing to open existing restrooms for daily use that were previously only open for events to the general public at Ravenswood Open Space Preserve and Cooley Landing Park.  Completed Radar Tower repairs at Mt. Umunhum in Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve, including abatement of all interior hazardous materials, installation of a new roof and roof hatch, exterior concrete and rebar repairs, guardrail installation, gutters and downspout installation, ventilation louvers and wildlife screening installation, installation of interior floor coverings and miscellaneous interior item demolition and disposal. Notice of completion was filed and the summit area was re-opened to the public.  Presented the Vision and Goals for the Hawthorns Area Plan at Windy Hill Open Space Preserve to the PNR Committee in August and November; presented the Hawthorns Area Plan planning and public engagement process to the PNR Committee in March. Held successful project collaboration meetings with the Town of Portola Valley and community stakeholders. Received Board approval of the Project Vision and Goals on March 23, 2022. Released a Transportation Planning Services Request for Proposals. Initiated technical studies pertaining to property boundary delineations, wetland resources, wildlife resources, archeological resources, historic resources and hazardous materials at the Hawthorns Area. Conducted an in-person Neighborhood Meeting with Town residents in June. Attachment 1 Page 14  Completed multiple Districtwide actions in support of public outreach goals: • Increased circulation of the quarterly newsletter by 59%, including two insertions in regional newspapers that increase the quarterly print newsletter circulation from approximately 13,000 to approximately 100,000. • Pitched 14 ideas about Midpen projects and activities resulting in 11 of those pitches being reported via more than 40 stories and calendar listings published by diverse local television, print, digital and radio media outlets to inform the public about Midpen activities and reach new audiences. • Continued emphasis on incorporating social media into Midpen’s communications channels, increasing reach 11% to nearly 2.9 million and total followers 11% to 26,075.  Returned the Interpretation & Education, Volunteer, and Community Outreach Programs to in-person activities: • Docent Naturalists contributed approximately 1,450 volunteer hours and provided 85 guided activities to the public at the preserves and enriched the nature experiences for approximately 1,200 participants. These activities included horseback rides and night hikes. Special hikes were also provided by request to organizations and entities. • Student field trips facilitated by Outdoor Education Docents returned on a very limited school-request basis in late spring and served 75 fourth graders. • The Wander & Wonder family-focused activity series was established to engage children in the absence of school field trips due to the pandemic. These seasonal nature exploration hikes were facilitated by duos of Docent Naturalists and Outdoor Education Docents at a variety of preserves. Outdoor Education Docents contributed approximately 135 volunteer hours. • Offered three “Days on the Deck” at the Daniels Nature Center in fall 2021 to welcome visitors to stop by for topic-themed discovery days, all hosted outdoors by program staff and docents using displays and offering engaging activities. • Collaborative programming with the Santa Clara County Library District and their summer reading program “Off the Beaten Path” resulted in two docent-led outdoor activities and one virtual event offered to children and adults with over 60 people served. Attachment 1 Page 15 • Two interpretation enrichments were conducted for Midpen rangers by in-house Certified Interpretive Trainers. • Delayed since 2020, a comprehensive 14-week Docent Naturalist training course was provided from April to June 2022. Twenty-four trainees engaged with a professional ecology instructor, guest instructors, and staff presenters to complete over 80 hours of lectures and field sessions. These new docents began developing, leading and assisting with guided activities in the late summer. Midpen has a Memorandum Of Understanding with the University of California that confers California Naturalist certification status to these trainees. • Daniels Nature Center at Skyline Ridge Preserve reopened April 2022 for weekend visitation hosted by Nature Center Docents who contributed approximately 160 volunteer hours reaching approximately 1,200 visitors. Rolo the gopher snake was re- established as a special reptile ambassador to meet and greet interested children and adults. • Volunteer Trail Patrol contributed over 5,000 hours along the trails and submitted 2,261 online reports, which included 623 reports of trail conditions or violations, supporting Midpen’s land stewardship and public outreach goals. • Provided 86 volunteer project opportunities for new and returning volunteers, special groups and partner agencies who perform crucial ongoing stewardship work in preserves. • Advanced Resource Management Stewards (ARMS) volunteers contributed over 1,750 hours at their assigned resource management project sites, helping to restore native habitat across Midpen preserves by removing nonnative vegetation. • Went live with the District's new Volunteer Management System, GetConnected. This cost-effective software, provides an integrated approach to recruit, organize, track and report on volunteers.  Issued 7,743 permits for a variety of activities, including research work, public use of the backpack campground and after-hours astronomy viewing as allowed under the changing public health orders. Attachment 1 Page 16 GENERAL/MIDPEN-WIDE SUPPORT OF MISSION  The Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion staff committees developed strategies and implementation action items that promote Midpen’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion goals and policy. The Board reviewed the items and provided feedback. The recommended first phase of DEI action items were included in the FY23 Budget and Action Plan.  Made significant progress in implementing the Climate Action Plan. Continued to purchase offsets for air travel, purchased 100% renewable electricity, utilized renewable diesel and expanded telecommuting after the COVID-19 pandemic. Emissions were calculated to be 24% below the 2016 baseline, ahead of schedule for the first goal of achieving 20% reductions by 2022.  Continued work to prevent, prepare for and respond to wildland fires in response to the increasing fire threat in California: • Completed fuel reduction projects in Pulgas Ridge and Rancho San Antonio Open Space Preserves. Supported work of other agencies applying for grants to work on Midpen properties by mapping and initiating botanical surveys. Negotiated a contract to allow the San Mateo FireSafe Council/Woodside Fire to perform work in Thornewood Open Space Preserve using their grant funding. Gathered fire agency input for future fuel reduction priorities as part of annual cycle of project planning. • Completed forest health work and fuel reduction for the Santa Clara County Forest Health and Wildfire Wildland Fire Resiliency grant project in Pulgas Ridge, Los Trancos, Montebello, Skyline Ridge and Windy Hill Open Space Preserves. • Finalized a Memorandum of Understanding with the Santa Clara County Fire Safe Council for the Los Gatos Creek Watershed Forest Health Grant project. Completed resource surveys and started invasive species pre-treatment work at priority sites at Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve. • Finalized Fire Suppression Program recommendations for Midpen consideration. • The California Special Districts Association (CSDA) wrote an article entitled “Midpen uses web mapping to answer your burning questions about wildfires” that showcases the Interactive Wildland Fire Map developed internally by GIS staff. • Improved Vegetation Management mapping applications to be able to edit enhanced fire management and ecosystem resiliency data layers, develop annual work plans, track work progress and report year-end metrics to support the Wildland Fire Resiliency Program. • Completed five stakeholder meetings with fire agencies, local Native American tribes, partner agencies, regulatory agencies and advocacy groups for the Wildland Fire Resiliency Program. Communicated how Midpen's proactive expansion of environmentally sensitive vegetation management promotes healthy, resilient, fire- Attachment 1 Page 17 adapted ecosystems to reduce wildland fire risk and facilitate the response of fire agencies. • Received final deliverables for San Mateo County, including the fine scale vegetation map and canopy mortality GIS dataset. Continued to provide technical support to Santa Clara and Santa Cruz counties as part of the Santa Clara and Santa Cruz Vegetation mapping project. • Completed wildland fire pre-plan maps at eight preserves to support emergency response and planning. Completed field data collection on the remaining four preserves. • Mowed and maintained approximately 561 acres of vegetation for fire safety and public access. Maintained defensible space around Midpen-owned structures. • Procured one maintenance truck to be assigned for fuel management work in Skyline Area and one mini excavator for Foothills Area.  Procured, configured, and implemented Laserfiche Vault to act as the Midpen’s trusted records management system in conjunction with Board-approved records policies and procedures. Converted over 150,000 pages files into digital files.  Launched online public records portal for the public to be able to easily access historic records, including meeting packets, resolutions, previous budgets, etc.  Opened Midpen’s 50th Anniversary Celebrations with proclamations, Open Stories, Love Letters, hashtag campaigns, pop-up tabling, paid media and publicity campaigns. Held the Bayside Family Festival at Ravenswood Preserve, which attracted an estimated 800 participants.  Continued systems implementation of critical Financial and Operational Sustainability Model Study recommendations to enhance Midpen’s delivery of Measure AA and Vision Plan projects: • Published the new 2021 Patrol Map geoPDF to Avenza Maps store for staff and partner organizations to easily download maps of Midpen lands. • Developed a Rental Property Dashboard web app for property management staff to get a snapshot of active and proposed leases and quickly access tenant contact information. • Configured Tyler Munis Enterprise Resource Planning system and migrated three years of financial data. Munis will result in a more robust functionality, introduce numerous efficiencies, expand capabilities and replace multiple legacy Access databases. Attachment 1 Page 18 • Completed migration and redesign of Midpen website to the updated Drupal 8 platform. New graphic design components were added to the site that allow for the visual display of information and integration of stories across multiple pages on the site. • Continued to migrate files to SharePoint from network servers. Deployed and trained staff on a new digital signature solution, which greatly improves the signature routing process of electronic documents. • Selected new Customer Relationship Management software to create a seamless management system for public notification. Finalized the implementation plan for development of forms, workflows, and lists. • Procured, configured, and implemented a new modern phone system that is more secure, provides increased functionality, and allows for seamless telecommuting and enables desk sharing. Staff can make and receive calls from their District computer, personal cell phone or physical phone all using their original District phone numbers.  Opened the new Midpen administrative office facility for improved administrative functions and delivery of projects and services: • Completed 99% of the construction improvements, including major structural and mechanical renovations. • Prepared the new building for occupancy. Procured equipment and refurbished workstations, coordinated with telecom vendors to install services at new building, installed wireless access throughout the building and parking areas, moved servers, assisted with the installation of the HVAC, Alarm, AV and security cameras.   Completed transparent ward redistricting process with the public and Board. Coordinated voter assignment updates with county election offices and ensured all web content reflects newly adopted ward boundaries for the upcoming November election.  Completed Historic Resources Procedural Manual to provide guidance regarding the identification, evaluation, documentation, disposition and management of historic resources on properties managed by Midpen. Established the Historic Resources Database framework in the enterprise GIS system for cataloging historic status and details across twelve datasets, including building footprints. Conducted historic resource coordination with consultant review and preparation of Historic Resources Evaluations for several Midpen-owned structures and sites. Attachment 1 Page 19  Initiated the Hawthorns Historic Complex Structural Assessment. Hired a consultant to provide a structural assessment of all buildings and structures. The consultant reviewed the historical and existing information, performed site reconnaissance and structural assessment, and prepared a draft memorandum of findings and recommendations, regulatory requirements and project constraints.  Completed structural site improvements for the Agricultural Workforce Housing project in La Honda Creek Open Space Preserve.  Obtained initial County staff support to pursue a San Mateo County master permit for maintenance and small-scale restoration projects. Started preparing master permit application and initiated stakeholder outreach.  Completed the Coastal Management Plan, which evaluates potential new land purchase opportunities, management, restoration and future public access priorities and identifies staffing and facilities needs on the San Mateo Coast. Presented the plan to the Board on April 27, 2022.  In response to COVID-19 and return to office: • Continued to vigilantly respond to changes in State, OSHA, and County protocols to protect Midpen from an outbreak. • Regularly upgraded Midpen’s COVID-19 Health Check application to support evolving health guidelines. Added new workflows for travel restrictions, facilities warnings and vaccinated employees. • Reconfigured workstations to support return to office and new hybrid work environment. AWARDS/GRANTS/RECOGNITION  Secured twelve new grant awards totaling $16,760,493 for District projects: • $8,000,000 from the California Department of Parks and Recreation for the potential purchase of the Cloverdale Ranch property from the Specified Grants Program, at the request of Assemblymember Marc Berman. • $2,000,000 from the California Department of Parks and Recreation for the Highway 17 Crossings Project to support planning and studies to complete final plans, specifications and estimates for wildlife undercrossing, directional wildlife fencing, trail overcrossing and regional trail connections from the Specified Grants Program, at the request of Senator Cortese. • $1,590,000 from the Los Gatos Creek Watershed Collaborative Forest Health Grant for implementation of the Wildland Fire Resiliency Program on District land in Bear Creek Redwoods, Sierra Azul, and Long Ridge Open Space Preserves. This award was the result of a collaborative effort led by the Santa Clara County FireSafe Council Attachment 1 Page 20 for a larger multi-agency project totaling over $7,000,000 for work to be completed on lands also owned by Santa Clara County Parks, San Jose Water and private landowners. • $1,500,000 from the Wildlife Conservation Board for the Los Gatos Creek Watershed Wildland Fire Resiliency Project for coordinated work on District land in Bear Creek Redwoods, Sierra Azul, and Long Ridge Open Space Preserves. • $1,428,000 from the California Department of Parks and Recreation in Proposition 68 Recreational Infrastructure Revenue Enhancement Program for the potential acquisition of the Cloverdale Ranch property. • $1,000,000 from the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation to support the final environmental documents and plans, specifications and estimates for the Highway 17 Wildlife and Trail Crossings Project. • $400,000 from the State Coastal Conservancy in Wildfire Resiliency Program funding for the Wildland Fire Resiliency Implementation project in eleven preserves in San Mateo County. • $295,000 from the Wildlife Conservation Board for the Santa Cruz Kangaroo Rat: Habitat and Population Management Plan in Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve. • $272,211 from Santa Clara County for Stanford Mitigation funding for the Alpine Road Trail, Coal Creek Open Space Preserve. • $200,000 from California Department of Parks and Recreation in Habitat Conservation Fund funding for the Johnston Ranch Acquisition as an addition to the Miramontes Ridge Open Space Preserve. • $50,000 from the Windward Fund for the Highway 17 Mitigation Credit Agreement. • $25,000 from the Orange County Community Foundation for general operating support (invited to apply and award received). Managing seven pending grant proposals for up to an additional $3,253,000 in awards, if fully funded, from federal, state, local and private foundation sources: • $1,600,000 in Community Project Funding Program funding requested by Senator Alex Padilla for the Wildland Fire Resiliency Program Implementation and Capacity Project through the United States Forest Service. • $748,000 in Community Project Funding Program funding requested by Congresswoman Jackie Speier for the Wildland Fire Resiliency Program Implementation and Capacity Project through the United State Department of Homeland Security. • $400,000 in Community Project Funding Program funding requested by Congresswoman Anna Eshoo for the Highway 17 Spooky Knoll Trial Project in El Sereno Open Space Preserve. Attachment 1 Page 21 • $1,080,000 from the State Coastal Conservancy in Wildfire Resiliency Program funding for the Wildland Fire Resiliency Implementation and Capacity Project. • $500,000 from the State Coastal Conservancy in Proposition 1 funding for the Johnston Ranch Acquisition Project as an addition to the Miramontes Ridge Open Space Preserve. • $500,000 from San Mateo County for the potential purchase of the Cloverdale Ranch property; Measure K funding award pending Board of Supervisors approval. • $25,000 from the Orange County Community Foundation for general operating support (invited to apply for a new two-year funding opportunity).  Held a successful solicitation for the Grantmaking Program resulting in 10 new funding awards totaling $341,977 to support nonprofit, academic and other partners in projects aligned with the District’s mission and highlighting support for science, youth connection with nature and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.  Disbursed $109,000 in reimbursements to 8 Grantmaking Program FY2018 grantees in support of environmental networks, access to Midpen lands with environmental education for youth and adults, and applied science projects that support the protection and restoration of natural resources on Midpen lands.  Managed over $28M in secured funding for 23 active grants supporting acquisitions, public access improvements, environmental restoration, planning, and implementation of the Wildland Fire Resiliency Program.  Received the Operating Budget Excellence Award from the California Society of Municipal Finance Officers for the fourth time in a row.  Received a special Triple Crown medallion for receiving all three Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) awards: • Received the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award (sixth year). • Received the Outstanding Financial Reporting Award for the Consolidated Annual Financial Report (fourth year). • Received the Popular Annual Financial Report Award (third year).  Received both the Award of Merit and Award of Excellence for Public Outreach for La Honda Public Access Working Group from the American Planning Association.  Received the Technology Innovation Award in the Citizens category from Government Technology News’ Special Districts Award Program for the publicly accessible Wildland Fire Web Map tool.  Recognized as a 2022 Idea Worth Sharing in the Technology Innovation Citizens category from Government Technology for the use of mapping applications in its redistricting process. Attachment 1 Page 22  Received the Best Overall Performance award in the Workers Comp Program from CalJPIA. The Risk Management Awards highlight dedicated efforts and accomplishments in risk management, recognizing Authority members that have demonstrated the best overall performance in the Workers’ Compensation Program.  The Ravenswood Bay Trail Project received the following awards: • The Silicon Valley Bicycle Coalition Project of the Year Award. • American Public Works Association Silicon Valley Chapter Project of the Year Award in transportation category. ### YEAR‐END REVIEW OF FY22 ACTION PLAN KEY PROJECTS ATTACHMENT 2 Project Number Project Name FY22 Adopted Project Scope FY22 Scope Status Reason for FY22 Scope Variances or Delays Land Acquisition and Preservation 1 None Districtwide purchase options and low‐value land fund As low‐value purchase opportunities become available, move to complete deals under general manager's authority. Complete 2 MAA23‐009 Vielbaum Property Acquisition N/A Complete (Added Mid‐Year) Seller approached the District with an unanticipated purchase opportunity and the District proceeded with the acquisition. 3 20125 Cal‐Water Land Exchange, Teague Hill Preserve Negotiate and execute letter of intent, exchange agreement and easements. In Progress Delayed pending receipt of the letter of intent from Cal Water to finalize exchange agreement documents. 4 MAA01‐005 Johnston Ranch Land Acquisition In partnership with Peninsula Open Space Trust, complete land division application with San Mateo County. Upon approval of application by county, purchase Johnston upland property; assign grazing lease. Enter into Memorandum of Agreement with City of Half Moon Bay for future shared parking and trails at city's Johnston House property. In Progress County approval of the lot line adjustment application delayed pending Farm Bureau appeal. 5 MAA03‐006 South Cowell Upland Land Conservation Upon approval of a land division application by San Mateo County, complete fee transfer of upland property to Midpen. In Progress Pending San Mateo County review of the minor subdivision application. 6 Supporting Land Conservation Guidance Document Real Property will complete review of existing policies and procedures, incorporate changes and updates, keep what is relevant and identify modifications such as lands acquired under the Coastal Service Plan. In Progress Delayed to focus efforts on land purchase projects. 7VP08‐001 Upper San Gregorio Land Conservation For Woodruff Redwoods property, negotiate alternative access easement with adjoining private property owner, survey alternative easement and record new easement. In Progress Additional time needed to draft and negotiate an alternative access easement with the property owner. 8VP13‐001 Cloverdale Ranch Land Opportunity Prepare a preliminary use and management plan, develop a staffing plan, continue community outreach, and further develop the communications plan. In partnership with POST, prepare land division application for the Cloverdale Ranch property, with agricultural parcels to be retained by POST. In Progress Geophysical surveys were delayed to FY23. 9VP19‐002 El Sereno Land Conservation Recontact property owner to negotiate and execute a trail easement. In Progress Pending property owner reponse. 10 VP23‐004 Mt. Umunhum Land Conservation Negotiate and enter into a purchase and sale agreement with property owner and close transaction. In Progress Pending completion of the property appraisal. 11 VP25‐001 Sierra Azul Loma Prieta Land Conservation Negotiate and close potential land transactions needed to complete Midpen ownership of Loma Prieta Road as a future regional trail corridor. In Progress Unable to reach agreement on property value with property owner. 12 VP39‐001 Lower San Gregorio Creek Watershed Land Conservation Pursue opportunity to protect watershed and farmland in the lower San Gregorio watershed. In Progress Delays in completing surveys, legal drafting, and flood plane modeling. Pending also completion of the property appraisal. 13 VP08‐002 Upper Alpine Creek Land Conservation Negotiate and execute purchase of property. Deferred Unable to reach agreement on property value with owner's trustee. 14 VP15‐001 Redwood Forest Land Opportunity Focus on opportunities to purchase redwood forest lands in the Oil Creek watershed. Deferred Staff contacted two property owners. One owner is not interested at this time, and other was unresponsive. Page 1 of 11 YEAR‐END REVIEW OF FY22 ACTION PLAN KEY PROJECTS ATTACHMENT 2 Project Number Project Name FY22 Adopted Project Scope FY22 Scope Status Reason for FY22 Scope Variances or Delays 15 VP24‐002 Valley Water Exchange Agreement at Rancho de Guadalupe Area of Sierra Azul Preserve Project on hold pending Valley Water reinitiating Guadalupe Reservoir Dam Repairs Project. Deferred Pending a response from Valley Water. 16 VP25‐003 Forest of Nisene Marks Connection Negotiate and purchase right‐of way from Highland Way into the Soquel Demonstration Forest. Cancelled The purchase of the right‐of‐way is no longer needed to achieve a regional trail connection. Natural Resource Protection and Restoration 17 61014 Bear Creek Stables Road Drainage Repairs Complete any outstanding road abandonment and erosion control tasks under the California Department of Fish and Wildlife routine maintenance agreement to improve drainage and stabilize lands. Monitor temporary erosion control best management practices during wet season to ensure site stability. Complete 18 61017 Fuel Reduction Implementation Implement first year of fuel reduction work outlined in vegetation management plan to reduce fuels and lessen wildfire risk. Complete 19 80063 Districtwide Vegetation Mapping Provide technical project support and coordination; review GIS deliverables; and provide feedback on project. Complete 20 80069 Mountain Lion Collaring Effort ‐ Rancho San Antonio/Foothills Area Preserve Receive first year status report, refine methods and ongoing research. Complete 21 80070 Carbon Storage Study ‐ Pilot Project, San Gregorio Watershed Hire a consultant to use existing data, gather data in representative ecosystem types, and extrapolate using remote sensing data. Complete 22 80072 Irish Ridge Restoration Begin development of a habitat restoration plan. Complete 23 80074 Science Advisory Panel Continue Science Advisory Panel process. Present findings on landscape‐level monitoring and recreation benefits and impacts topics. Integrate findings from previous reports into operating and action plan projects. Complete 24 80003‐10 Wildland Fire Resiliency Program Continue implementation of priority Fire Fuels Management Projects and associated grant funding support and partnership management. Continue development of Wildland Fire Pre‐Plans/Resource Advisor Maps for Open Space Preserves. Begin phase 2 of the Wildland Fire Resiliency Program development (Prescribed Fire) with Stakeholder Outreach Meetings. Complete 25 MAA01‐004 Remediation Plan and Ranch Debris Clean Up, Madonna Creek Ranch Conduct monitoring and plant maintenance for first year of three‐year project. Complete 26 MAA03‐007 Purisima‐to‐the‐Sea Habitat Enhancement and Water Supply Improvement Plan Prepare analysis of preferred water supply for Elkus. Feed information into and release a RFPQ for consultant to develop a plan that identifies high‐priority habitat restoration and water supply actions. Complete 27 MAA07‐008 Lower Turtle Pond Repair Begin engineering and permitting work to repair and maintain Lower Turtle Pond in La Honda Creek Open Space Preserve. Complete Page 2 of 11 YEAR‐END REVIEW OF FY22 ACTION PLAN KEY PROJECTS ATTACHMENT 2 Project Number Project Name FY22 Adopted Project Scope FY22 Scope Status Reason for FY22 Scope Variances or Delays 28 MAA21‐007 Bear Creek Redwoods Preserve Plan: Invasive Weed Treatment and Restoration Implement third year of targeted weed treatments at Bear Creek Redwoods Preserve to restore native habitats along roads and trails. Project is expected to require five years of treatment before habitats are restored to maintenance levels. Complete 29 MAA21‐010 Bear Creek Redwoods Landfill Characterization and Remediation Hire historic resources firm to survey the cleanup area with additional services for health and safety plan. Complete 30 MAA22‐001 Hendrys Creek Property Land Restoration Per the Long Term Management Plan, Conservation Easement, and in accordance with resource agency permits, remove final bridge stream crossing in Hendrys Creek. Implement improvements as outlined in the adaptive management and monitoring plan for the project. Complete 31 Supporting Districtwide Wildlife Camera Program Continue to manage and monitor existing Midpen wildlife cameras and implement additional cameras. Contribute data to and incorporate findings from regionwide efforts to improve wildlife and habitat management. Complete 32 Supporting Mitigation Policy Complete policy development work and bring to the full board for consideration of adoption. Complete 33 VP22‐001 Alma Bridge Road Newt Mortality and Population Study FY22 scope will be based on recommendations developed from the newt study that is completed in FY21. May include design and CEQA services for a future capital project to install one or more wildlife crossing structures and associated directional fencing. Complete 34 MAA09‐006 Mindego Ranch South Pasture N/A Complete (Added Mid‐Year) Added mid‐year given outside delays in project approvals. 35 61023 Los Gatos Creek Watershed ‐ Wildland Fire Resiliency If funding is successful, implement first year of fuel treatments, which includes both mechanical and manual treatment options. In Progress Additional time needed to reach agreement with the Santa Clara Firesafe Council. The council had staffing shortages and only recently hired a project manager. 36 80054 Badger/Burrowing Owl Habitat Assessment Finalize data collection and analysis, management recommendations, and identify next steps. Present recommendations to the full board to confirm next steps. In Progress Additional time required to analyze and complete the draft report. 37 80059 Groundwater Well Decommissioning Obtains permits and hire a contractor to decommission approximately 10 abandoned domestic wells in Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve. In Progress A complex decommissioning process increased the scope and cost per well, therefore fewer wells were completed this fiscal year. 38 80065 IPM Implementation of Santa Clara Valley Water District Grant Oversee contractor to implement IPM to address high‐priority weeds in riparian areas within Bear Creek Redwoods, Rancho San Antonio and Picchetti Ranch preserves. In Progress Delays in obtaining a signed task order from Valley water significantly reduced the amount of work that would be performed during the window of treatment for various invasive species. Completed 15% of the scope for the year. Staff are working with Valley Water to extend the grant time line to retain the budget for work in FY23. 39 80073 Lehigh Quarry Reclamation Plan Review Work with partners, stakeholder, county and Lehigh to maximize protection of District interests during the review and approval process for the Lehigh Quarry Reclamation Plan Amendment. In Progress Reclamation Plan Amendment was withdrawn in fall 2021. Awaiting County action on several permit and compliance issues. Page 3 of 11 YEAR‐END REVIEW OF FY22 ACTION PLAN KEY PROJECTS ATTACHMENT 2 Project Number Project Name FY22 Adopted Project Scope FY22 Scope Status Reason for FY22 Scope Variances or Delays 40 80034‐44‐ 100000 Programmatic State and Federal Environmental Permitting Finalize steps to secure State and Federal environmental permits. Complete CEQA. Begin annual permitting once obtained. In Progress Delay in receiving 404 permit from the Army Corps of Engineers. 41 MAA01‐006 Madonna Creek Fish, Water Supply and Bridge Replacement Contract with the San Mateo Resource Conservation District to develop fish passage study and water supply evaluation. Contract with engineer to evaluate vehicle bridge replacement. In Progress A full regulatory review of the fish‐passage feasibility on site is scheduled for July 25th. The water supply study was delayed to accelerate engineering studies of the dams, but is scheduled with the RCD to begin in July. 42 MAA03‐002 Purisima Upland Site Clean up and Soil Remediation Continue oil well investigation & assessment, evaluate level of site cleanup, conduct CEQA review, permitting, and coordinate with internal partners. In Progress County ordered the emergency cleanup of a tank with hazardous materials that took priority. The evaluation of the hazardous materials on site continues and a cleanup plan still needs to be developed before starting CEQA and local permitting. 43 MAA05‐010 Restoration Forestry Demonstration Project Hire a consultant to begin implementing restoration forestry and fuels management actions in select areas. Hire separate consultant to initiate design work to reduce sedimentation from former logging roads. In Progress The review, approval, and implementation of the Forest Health and Management Plan was deferred, pending further public input as directed by the Board. 44 MAA05‐011 Lone Madrone Ranch Fence Installation Scope, plan, design and determine location of riparian protection fencing for pasture 4. In Progress Delayed the project schedule to combine the solicitation with the Elkus/Lobitos Fencing project to increase contractor interest. 45 MAA20‐001 Wildlife Corridor: Highway 17 Crossing Finalize environmental review, continue public and partner outreach, and seek funding opportunities. In Progress Preparation of the CEQA project description and document was delayed by unanticipated need for engineered designs for trails in the Caltrans right‐of‐ way and refined connecting trail alignments as part of MAA20‐002; which is being completed in parallel. 46 Supporting Agricultural Policy Compile and review existing agricultural policies, guidelines and current practices. Evaluate gaps and areas requiring greater clarification. Develop comprehensive board‐approved agricultural policy. In Progress Schedule delayed to expand outreach and engagement with stakeholders and partners regarding scope of the District's agricultural conservation actions. 47 Supporting Marbled Murrelet Recovery Work with other departments to determine need for surveys prior to future projects to comply with multiyear survey requirements where murrelet habitat is present. Continue participation in multiagency Santa Cruz Mountains murrelet recovery efforts. In Progress Habitat Suitability Assessment (led by California State Parks) delayed due to contracting and COVID impacted work loads. 48 Supporting Pescadero Sediment TMDL Implementation Hire consultant to evaluate all Midpen road and trail sites within the Pescadero watershed (Skyline Ridge and Long Ridge preserves). Develop prioritization plan to address high and medium sediment producing sites. In Progress Schedule delay due to complex road agreements and long‐term planning needs (e.g. road or trail). 49 61028 SCC Forest Health & Wildfire ‐ Wildland Fire Resiliency N/A In Progress (Added Mid‐Year) Project was added mid‐year because a new grant was received to allow for this work to take place. 50 Supporting Kennedy Trail Re‐route Scope, plan, design and permit. Cancelled Alternative alignment was not feasible. Public Access Education and Outreach 51 31901 ADA Barrier Removal Complete year three of priority barrier removals. Complete 52 31903 Hwy 35 Multi‐use Trail Crossing and Parking ‐ Feasibility Study Continue feasibility studies for the trail crossing and parking area expansion. Initiate multiyear biological surveys. Complete Page 4 of 11 YEAR‐END REVIEW OF FY22 ACTION PLAN KEY PROJECTS ATTACHMENT 2 Project Number Project Name FY22 Adopted Project Scope FY22 Scope Status Reason for FY22 Scope Variances or Delays 53 31904 Purisima Preserve Multimodal Access Study Continue working with selected consultant to advance study. Flesh out transportation demand strategies relevant to Purisima Creek, based on strategies developed for Rancho, to better manage and address parking and access issues. Complete 54 MAA02‐001 Cooley Landing Interpretative Facilities Design and Implementation Complete habitat restoration work (final year of three‐year contract). Complete 55 MAA03‐005 Purisima‐to‐the‐Sea Trail and Parking Area ‐ Feasibility Study Continue feasibility studies of trail extension, parking area, connector trails and roadway crossings. Submit grant deliverables as due by February 2022. Conduct stakeholder and public outreach. Complete 56 MAA05‐007 La Honda Creek Phase II Trail Connections Initiate technical studies including biological assessments, wetland delineations, and cultural resource evaluations and develop permitting approach. Complete 57 MAA06‐002 Hawthorns Area Plan Continue visioning and goal setting process with board; implement the public engagement process; hold public workshop; continue permitting discussions with the Town of Portola Valley; conduct biological surveys and wetland delineation. Complete 58 MAA07‐011 Phase II Loop Trails, Lower La Honda Creek OSP Complete construction and close out building and grading permits. Evaluate suitability for on‐leash dog access. Complete 59 MAA10‐001 Alpine Road Regional Trail, Coal Creek Finalize the construction documents and local/regulatory permitting. Complete the bid phase. Enter into funding agreement with Santa Clara County for Stanford Recreation Mitigation Funds. Complete 60 MAA16‐001 Long Ridge Trail Connection to Eagle Rock and Devils Canyon Scope and conduct field investigations for conceptual trail connection to Eagle Rock and Devil's Canyon waterfall. Evaluate opportunities and constraints at site and document findings. Complete 61 MAA21‐006 Bear Creek Redwoods ‐ Alma College Cultural Landscape Rehabilitation Complete the architectural rehabilitation and demolition work, begin the site construction work. Complete 62 MAA25‐002 Billingsley Property Acquisition and Site Cleanup Secure permits. Develop the demolition bid package, solicit bids and award the contract. Complete the demolition and site restoration work and closeout project. Complete 63 Supporting E‐Bike Policy Evaluation (Paved Trails) Continue collecting data until December 31, 2021. When data collection is complete, organize and report findings to inform board consideration of e‐bike use on paved trails. Complete 64 Supporting E‐Bike Policy Evaluation (Unpaved Trails) Develop a partnership with a local parks agency(ies) and begin conducting surveys, collecting data on their unpaved trails where bikes/e‐bikes are already permitted in summer and fall of 2021. Present findings to committee/board in March 2022 to inform next steps. Complete Page 5 of 11 YEAR‐END REVIEW OF FY22 ACTION PLAN KEY PROJECTS ATTACHMENT 2 Project Number Project Name FY22 Adopted Project Scope FY22 Scope Status Reason for FY22 Scope Variances or Delays 65 Supporting Regional Trails Planning and Coordination Continue participation in regional trails planning and active transportation planning efforts that include Bay‐to‐Sea Trail, Bay Area Ridge Trail priorities, SFPUC South Skyline Ridge Trail Extension, Stevens Creek Trail, Caltrans D4 Pedestrian Plan, Unincorporated San Mateo County Active Transportation Plan, etc. Complete 66 Supporting Stevens Creek Trail Signage Continue regional trail signage pilot program at Monte Bello Preserve. Coordinate with regional trail partners, Santa Clara County Parks and other jurisdictions. Present proposed regional trail designation to committee and board for consideration pending coordination with regional partners. Complete 67 VP05‐002 La Honda Creek Parking and Trailhead Access ‐ Feasibility Study Work with selected consultant to conduct feasibility studies of board‐directed suite of options. Conduct public and stakeholder outreach. Complete 68 VP23‐003 Mt. Umunhum ‐ Radar Tower Repair Complete the repairs, which include: abatement of all interior hazardous materials, installation of new roofing, exterior concrete and rebar repairs, fall protection and site safety improvements, drainage improvements, installation of new window ventilation louvers, and wildlife screening. Complete 69 40011 Website Redesign N/A Complete (Added Mid‐Year) Carryover work not completed in FY21 was completed in FY22. 70 MAA25‐003 Burton Property Site Cleanup N/A Complete (Added Mid‐Year) This work was added and combined with the Billingsley demolition project contract mid‐year due to the similar nature of the work and close proximity of the sites. 71 35008 Kennedy Trail Retaining Wall Conduct property line survey and fence line adjustment. If large vehicle emergency access can't be provided through a fence line adjustment, the full retaining wall scope will be reinitiated in FY23. In Progress Additional time needed for negotiations with the neighboring property owner. 72 61025 FFO Trail Bridge Replacements Scope, plan, develop design documents and initiate local/regulatory permitting. In Progress Delay due to higher priority projects. 73 61027 Rancho San Antonio ADA Path to Deer Hollow Farm Develop a scope of work for the feasibility analysis of improvements to the RSA ADA pedestrian path to Deer Hollow Farm. In Progress Scope development is pending preliminary site assessment by engineering consultant. 74 MAA05‐008 La Honda Creek White Barn Structural Rehabilitation Complete environmental review and permitting, and solicit design‐build bids for the structural rehabilitation project. In Progress Delay due to unanticipated staff vacancy. 75 MAA05‐009 La Honda Creek Redwood Cabin Removal and Site Restoration Complete environmental review, permitting and solicit bids for the demolition work. In Progress Delayed to provide additional time to prepare the DEIR and adequately respond to DEIR comments. Page 6 of 11 YEAR‐END REVIEW OF FY22 ACTION PLAN KEY PROJECTS ATTACHMENT 2 Project Number Project Name FY22 Adopted Project Scope FY22 Scope Status Reason for FY22 Scope Variances or Delays 76 MAA20‐002 Bay Area Ridge Trail: Highway 17 Crossing Finalize technical field studies, continue collaboration with Caltrans to develop CEQA/NEPA, hire ADA/ABA consultant to assist with basis of design for trails crossings, initiate and complete three use and management plan amendments for extension of the Ridge Trail connection at El Sereno, St. Joseph's Hill and Sierra Azul Preserves; obtain committee concurrence and board approval for the CEQA project description for the UMP amendments, complete environmental analysis, initiate and finalize MOUs with at least five partner agencies, and continue seeking funding opportunities. Confirm location of the connecting trail alignments, specifically El Sereno to Sanborn connection. Continue design, initial permit development and field studies to support CEQA. In Progress Completion of the U&M plans were delayed while staff determined whether to consolidate U&M Plan amendments into a single U&M Plan for clarity and efficiency and whether to bring the U&M Plan Amendments to the Board at the same time as the CEQA adoption. Preparation of the CEQA project description and environmental analysis was delayed by unanticipated need for engineered designs for trails in the Caltrans right‐of‐way and refined connecting trail alignments. 77 MAA21‐004 Bear Creek Stables Project Complete Use Permit and Construction Documents. In Progress Use Permit delayed due to extensive negotiations with the County. Construction Documents are not able to begin until the Use Permit nears approval. 78 MAA21‐011 Phase II Trail Improvements, Bear Creek Redwoods OSP Finalize design work. Secure regulatory permits, including Caltrans/County right‐of‐ way permit. In Progress Regulatory permits are still in progress. Some permitting delays due to an error made on the permitting agency's part. Final design documents were still pending feedback from USACE, SHPO, and RWQCB. 79 MAA22‐005 Beatty House Site Security Improvements Install site fencing, tree trimming and site cleanup. In Progress Fencing installation re‐scheduled for fall 2022 due to presence of bats. 80 Supporting Cooley Landing Site Use Agreements Finalize and complete site use agreements. In Progress Expanded project to include coordination on East Palo Alto's Parks Master Plan, community access from University Ave neighborhood, and coordination with San Fransiquito JPA on the shoreline levee. Discussions ongoing on EPA easement over Midpen access road alignment correction. 81 Supporting Parking Area Naming Conventions Continue working with counties to designate new addresses/resolve incorrect addresses for 11 existing parking areas. Finalize name selections. Update the official names and addresses in the enterprise GIS database. Schedule dependent upon county response time. In Progress Delayed due to slow outside agency response and prior project manager's departure. 82 Supporting Preserve Use Survey Implementation Report to board on status of implementing Preserve Use Survey recommendations. Future implementation projects will be incorporated into core operating work or individual action plan projects. Report out on implementation and transition to ongoing operational work. In Progress Report out to the Board was delayed to FY23 given othe project priorities. 83 VP11‐001 Rancho San Antonio (RSA) Multimodal Access ‐ Implementation Initiate scoping for priority/tier 1 recommendations and discussions with potential implementation partners; retain consulting support as necessary; begin implementing strategies primarily utilizing in‐house support, e.g., installation of bike amenities at trailheads and parking areas and deployment of variable message signs. In Progress Installation of dynamic sign delayed due to industry‐wide supply chain issues. Page 7 of 11 YEAR‐END REVIEW OF FY22 ACTION PLAN KEY PROJECTS ATTACHMENT 2 Project Number Project Name FY22 Adopted Project Scope FY22 Scope Status Reason for FY22 Scope Variances or Delays 84 VP14‐001 California Riding & Hiking Trails Evaluate alignment and viability of existing California Riding and Hiking Trail easements held by the State of California. Work with State Parks on obtaining quitclaim deeds for easements to be transferred to Midpen and potentially San Mateo County Parks. In Progress Additional time needed to engage and work with State Parks. 85 MAA11‐003 Rancho San Antonio (RSA) Multimodal Access ‐ Implementation N/A In Progress (Added Mid‐Year) When the Board considered the FY22 Budget, only a placeholder for implementation of the Rancho San Antonio (RSA) Multimodal Access Project was included. Since then, the Board has approved moving forward with the recommended multi‐modal strategies, some of which were MAA eligible. Installation of dynamic sign delayed due to industry‐wide supply chain issues. 86 35006 Kennedy Restroom Replacements Complete design work and conduct CEQA. Conduct public outreach and engagement. Secure permits. Deferred Public comment from neighbors prompted the District to re‐evaluate the feasibility of a larger parking lot. Assets and Organizational Support 87 10001 Records Management Complete records inventory. Continue document digitization. Continue implementation of Trusted Records Management System in compliance with CA Government Code 12168.7(c). Begin proper disposition of paper documents per the board‐approved retention schedule once documents are inputted into the trusted electronic system. Complete 88 10002 San Mateo County Master Permit Prepare master permit application and initiate stakeholder engagement. Complete 89 31902 Historic Resources Procedural Guide/Library With assistance of a historic resources consultant, develop historic resource database framework. Design/modify systems to support the framework, including the electronic document management system, geographic information system, and work order and asset management system. Update historic resources procedural guide with any new practices and inventory management processes. Complete 90 35009 Red Barn Roof Repair Scope roof repair and biological, historical and materials requirements. Contract with historic architect. Complete 91 35010 Structure Disposition Conduct research and assess conditions of two to three structures. Develop disposition recommendations for board consideration. Based on board direction, develop plans, pursue permits, conduct environmental review for board certification and project approval. Complete 92 40013 50th Anniversary Public Events and Activities Finalize plans for series of events and activities that kick off in January 2022. Complete 93 51704 Ward Boundary Redistricting Finalize analysis, produce maps and written descriptions, and present findings to board for consideration of final adoption. Submit final ward boundary maps and data to county offices. Complete 94 61009 Russian Ridge ‐ Bergman Residences Reconstruction Complete board‐approved demolition of the grandma house, original horse stable building and outbuilding. Complete Page 8 of 11 YEAR‐END REVIEW OF FY22 ACTION PLAN KEY PROJECTS ATTACHMENT 2 Project Number Project Name FY22 Adopted Project Scope FY22 Scope Status Reason for FY22 Scope Variances or Delays 95 Supporting Coastside Lands Management Plan Collate information to compare alignment with acquisition, public access and land management targets established in the Coastal Service Plan. Evaluate existing management practices, trends and projections within the Service Plan area. Identify possible options for updating the coastal management targets. Complete 96 Supporting Environmentally Preferable Purchasing Policy Complete research work, draft policy, and present to Legislative, Funding and Public Affairs Committee for concurrence and to the full board for approval. Begin implementing policy. Complete 97 Supporting Nuisance Abatement Legislation Work with delegation to pursue legislation that enables independent special districts defined in Public Resources Code Section 5500 to define and administer their own nuisance abatement policies. Complete 98 Supporting Phone System Investigate, select, procure and implement new phone system. Complete 99 Supporting Public GIS Hub Gather requirements and prioritize data service and application needs. Author data extract, transform and load procedures, publish services to ArcGIS Online, create views, and build open data library. Develop beta ArcGIS Hub site. Begin developing high‐priority beta applications. Complete 100 Supporting Real Property Database Facilitate additional training, support user adoption and implement system refinements as needed. Complete 101 Supporting SharePoint ‐ Document Management System Begin designing a comprehensive paperless workflow approach. Investigate integration between SharePoint, Laserfiche, Munis ERP, electronic signature and final records repository. Continue network drive departmental migrations to electronic document management systems. Complete 102 Supporting Trail Information System Develop web mapping application and pilot data collection, processing and representation for two preserves: Skyline Ridge and Rancho San Antonio preserves. Solicit public feedback on public facing products. Complete 103 Supporting Volunteer and Docent Management System Make refinements to the new Volunteer and Docent Management System (that is planned to go‐live in FY21) as necessary. Complete 104 VP07‐002 Agricultural Workforce Housing ‐ La Honda Creek Finish construction. Conduct biomonitoring and begin revegetation/reseeding. Complete 105 31905 Basic Policy Update Compile and review current districtwide policies, guidelines and practices. Evaluate gaps, inconsistencies and/or areas requiring greater clarification. Develop a framework for the Basic Policy update. Develop public and stakeholder engagement strategy. In Progress Proposed project scope and workplan required additional departmental review and input before commencing GMO review. Compilation of Districtwide policies, guidelines, and practices and evaluation of inconsistencies will begin upon GMO approval of scope and workplan 106 35004 Sierra Azul Ranger Residence Complete structural assessment and complete repair plans. Secure/resolve permits. In Progress Structural assessment identified several previously unknown code violations. Proposed repair plans are being evaluated ahead of completion of the structural assessment. Repair plans were not completed due to slow County response and internal staff shortage. Page 9 of 11 YEAR‐END REVIEW OF FY22 ACTION PLAN KEY PROJECTS ATTACHMENT 2 Project Number Project Name FY22 Adopted Project Scope FY22 Scope Status Reason for FY22 Scope Variances or Delays 107 35007 Hawthorn Roof Replacement Work with historic architect on reroof alternatives and design. Coordinate with Town of Portola Valley on permits. Begin environmental review. In Progress Design for the reroofing and the construction documents are in progress by the design team. Design, permits, and environmental review were delayed to align scope with a larger area wide structural assessment. 108 50005 Tyler Munis Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Migration Migrate data from New World System to Munis. Go live in Q3. In Progress Go‐live delayed to due to constraints on staff resources related to the move and District auditors recommending delaying go‐live until fiscal year closeout completed. 109 61010 Toto Ranch Well Drilling and Construction, Tunitas Creek Pending receipt of permits, drill well and connect to residential water system. In Progress Water delivery system not fully complete due to additional time needed to get a contractor on board given the receipt of no bids after initial RFB. 110 61016 Burkhart Spring Construction Complete waterline construction. In Progress Construction was delayed due to the contractor's schedule. Work will be completed early FY23 to complete the water line installation. 111 61020 Thornewood Residence Evaluation Complete structure evaluation and implement board direction for structure disposition. In Progress Structural and conditional assessment stalled due to contract agreement issues that required the District to issue a new RFB. 112 61026 Quam Residence Road Repair If driveway repair approved, install road base along 4,300 feet of road. Replace five culverts and repair/clean two 16" culverts. Alternately limit driveway repair extent to former Bergman residences. In Progress Repair work delayed to first obtain a Board decision on future of the Quam Residence. 113 65407 Radio System Assessment and Upgrade Develop request for bid for new equipment purchase and installation based on board‐approved scope. Select vendor, purchase equipment, pursue new tower space and begin installation of new system. In Progress Delayed pending receipt of a master equipment list from Motorola. The equipment list delay is due to Motorola staff turnover and supply chain issues. 114 31202‐11‐ 100000 New Administrative Office (AO) Facility Finish construction. Install new interpretive exhibits and elements. Install owner‐ furbished items. Train key staff on new systems management/trouble‐shoot as necessary. Hire move company and address logistics for moving into the building. Hold public open house. In Progress Delay in part due to supply chain issues. 115 None Vehicle and Machinery/Equipment Purchases Replace three patrol vehicles that have reached their life expectancy. Purchase an additional vehicle for the field resource specialist position. Replace a 10‐wheel dump truck which does not currently meet California emission regulations. Replace a water tender that does not currently meet California emission regulations with a fire‐ certified tender. Replace a mini excavator and purchase an additional tractor. In Progress Manufacturing delays due to global supply chain issues have impacted the receipt of three vehicles. Relocation and relaunch of the John Deere factory prevented the manufacture of an additional tractor. 116 Supporting Bear Creek Stables Operator RFP/Lease Issue RFP, review/rank/interview proposers and prepare recommendation for board approval. Enter into a long‐term lease with a stables operator. In Progress Additional time needed to prepare a two phase approach for the RFP to help attract more applicants. 117 Supporting Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Select, configure and go‐live with new CRM solution. The focus will be on creating a seamless list management system for public notification. Train departments in data integrity and management. In Progress Launch of new HubSpot CRM delayed by two months due to need for staff to cover 50th Anniversary project. 118 Supporting Design‐Build Legislation Conduct background research on utilization and efficiencies. Refine existing legislation based on lessons learned. Conduct outreach to stakeholders and introduce legislation January 2022. In Progress Waiting for the Senate floor vote and consideration by the Governor. Page 10 of 11 YEAR‐END REVIEW OF FY22 ACTION PLAN KEY PROJECTS ATTACHMENT 2 Project Number Project Name FY22 Adopted Project Scope FY22 Scope Status Reason for FY22 Scope Variances or Delays 119 Supporting Emergency/Disaster Preparedness Response and Recovery Plan Develop business continuity plan for the administrative office and IT infrastructure. Update the emergency/disaster preparedness response and recovery plan and align with the business continuity plan. In Progress First draft completed and reviewed. Delay in project due to management of ongoing emergency response to Covid pandemic. 120 Supporting Fire Suppression Program: Review Staffing, Equipment and Training Present findings and recommendations to the board for review and approval and begin implementation as appropriate. In Progress General Manager's implementation recommendations were not complete in time to make recommendations for FY23 budget. Recommendations will be finalized in time for the FY24 budget. 121 Supporting Fleet Transition Plan Release an RFPQ, hire a consultant, and manage the production of a fleet transition plan to inform future fleet management decisions, including replacements and purchases. In Progress The RFPQ process and project start date were deferred due to staff capacity limitations and project manager vacancy. 122 35011 Hawthorns Historic Complex Structural Assessment N/A In Progress (Added Mid‐Year) To explore a possible new partnership to rehabilitate areas of the historic complex, staff initiated scoping and retained consultants to conduct structural assessments of buildings in Hawthorns Historic Complex. Board directed staff to proceed with structural assessments on March 23, 2022 when they awarded a contract to consultant. 123 61011 Install Solar Panels at Skyline Field Office N/A In Progress (Added Mid‐Year) Added mid‐year, project originally projected to be complete in FY21. Permitting was more complex than anticipated due to non‐permitted backup generator so work continued into FY22. 124 None New Servers for Administrative Office Gather requirements and investigate new server infrastructure options. Deferred Deferred due to workload constraints given the building move and Munis implementation. 125 Supporting Good Neighbor Policy Update Solicit public input on Good Neighbor Policy revisions. Prepare draft recommendations and policy revisions for Board consideration of approval. Post updated policy online and publish revised Good Neighbor brochure. Deferred Deferred due to staff capacity and COVID restrictions. Page 11 of 11 Rev. 3/15/21 R-22-107 Meeting 22-23 September 28, 2022 AGENDA ITEM 4 AGENDA ITEM Cooley Landing Airboat Ramp Agreement GENERAL MANAGER’S RECOMMENDATION Authorize the General Manager to enter into an agreement with the City of East Palo Alto and Menlo Park Fire Protection District for the use and maintenance of an emergency airboat ramp in Cooley Landing Park. SUMMARY The General Manager recommends approval of an agreement for use of an airboat ramp at Cooley Landing Park. The City of East Palo Alto (City) manages a portion of Ravenswood Open Space Preserve, as part of Cooley Landing Park, through a management agreement with the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District (District). As part of the development and improvement of the site into a bayfront city park, an existing beach area was developed into an airboat ramp for use by the Menlo Fire Protection District (Menlo Fire) as emergency access to perform rescues of people stranded on the San Francisco Bay. The proposed agreement formalizes the allowed uses and responsibilities for maintenance associated with the airboat ramp. DISCUSSION Cooley Landing is located on a peninsula at the eastern end of Bay Road in the City of East Palo Alto. Operated by the City, the park was created in partnership with the District, which owns portions of the peninsula as part of Ravenswood Open Space Preserve. Cooley Landing Park (Park) opened to the public in July 2012. Final park improvements, including an outdoor classroom, restroom, picnic area, extension of main pathways, secondary trails, seating areas, interpretive signs, and lighting, were completed in early 2019. One of the improvements that was part of the development of the park was an airboat ramp to allow Menlo Fire access to the San Francisco Bay (Bay). Menlo Fire responds to approximately 12 to 14 emergency calls per year for stranded boaters, kayakers, hunters, hikers, and medical calls on the Bay as well as calls associated with the Dumbarton Bridge. Due to the shallow nature of the Bay, people get stuck in mudflats that are inaccessible by boat but accessible by airboat. The Cooley Landing access point provides much quicker access to the area around Cooley Landing than the Redwood City airboat launch ramp. The airboat ramp lies on District property and is managed by the City. The term of the agreement is for 5 years with an automatic additional 5-year term extension unless any party gives notice not to extend the agreement. Staff at all three agencies have reviewed the agreement and Menlo R-22-107 Page 2 Fire has signed the agreement. The City requires that the agreement be brought to their City Council for review and approval for final execution. The proposed agreement key points are: • Limited to use by Menlo Fire for emergencies, training, and maintenance. • Emergency use at any time, 365 days a year. • Training and maintenance only during September 1 to January 31, to ensure rare species protection. • Notification to the District and City seven days in advance of maintenance or training. • Notification to US Fish and Wildlife Service seven days in advance of training. • A 200-foot buffer from the marsh while operating an air boat around Cooley Landing. • Menlo Fire responsibility for airboat ramp maintenance and any damage caused by their activities. • City responsibility for routine maintenance of the access road and trail. FISCAL IMPACT There is no fiscal impact associated with the recommendation. BOARD AND COMMITTEE REVIEW • February 24, 2010 – Approval of the Cooley Landing Partnership Agreement with East Palo Alto and the Ravenswood Open Space Preserve Use and Management Amendment (R-10-29 minutes) • July 14, 2010 – Confirmation of the City’s Cooley Landing Vision Plan as the project description for the purpose of environmental review (R-10-85, minutes) • July 27, 2011 – Adoption of a Comprehensive Use and Management Plan for Ravenswood Open Space Preserve and an Amendment of the Cooley Landing Partnership Agreement with the City of East Palo Alto (R-11-62, minutes) • August 28, 2013 – Approval of a Second Amendment to the Cooley Landing Partnership Agreement with the City of East Palo Alto (R-13-73, minutes) • March 22, 2017 – Approval for allocating Measure AA funding to cover partial costs of the Cooley Landing Park construction (R-17-40, minutes) • August 9, 2017 – Approval of a Third Amendment to the Cooley Landing Partnership Agreement with the City of East Palo Alto (R-17-98, minutes) PUBLIC NOTICE Public notice was provided as required by the Brown Act. CEQA COMPLIANCE This agreement is not a project subject to the California Environmental Quality Act. The airboat launch was previously evaluated by the City as part of the Mitigated Negative Declaration and Mitigation Monitoring and Report Plan prepared for the Cooley Landing Vision Plan, certified by the City on February 15, 2011. The Board concurred as a Responsible Agency with the City’s findings on July 27, 2011. R-22-107 Page 3 NEXT STEPS If approved by the Board and pending City Council approval, the agreement would be executed and signed by all parties. Attachment 1. Site Map Responsible Department Head: Ana Ruiz, General Manager Prepared by: Brian Malone, Assistant General Manager C i t y o f M e n l o P a r k C i t y o f M e n l o P a r k C i t y o f E a s t P a l o A l t o C i t y o f E a s t P a l o A l t o C i t y o f M e n l o P a r k C i t y o f M e n l o P a r k C i t y o f E a s t P a l o A l t o C i t y o f E a s t P a l o A l t o C i t y o f M e n l o P a r k C i t y o f M e n l o P a r k C i t y o f E a s t P a l o A l t o C i t y o f E a s t P a l o A l t o City of East Palo Alto City of East Palo Alto City of Menlo Park City of Menlo Park P A L O A L T O B A Y L A N D S San Francisco Bay San Francisco Bay C O OLEY L A N D I NG 0 6 3 -1 2 1 -4 0 0063-1 2 1 -4 0 0 0 6 3 -1 2 2 -0 3 0063-1 2 2 -0 3 0 0 6 3 -5 8 0 -0 9 0063-5 8 0 -0 9 0 0 6 3 -5 9 0 -0 3 0063-5 9 0 -0 3 0 0 6 3 -5 9 0 -0 4 0063-5 9 0 -0 4 0 0 6 3 -5 9 0 -0 6 0063-5 9 0 -0 6 0 0 9 6 -2 3 0 -1 3 0096-2 3 0 -1 3 0 0 9 6 - 2 3 0 - 1 4 0 0 9 6 - 2 3 0 - 1 4 0 0 9 6 -2 3 0 -1 4 0096-2 3 0 -1 4 0 0 9 6 -2 3 0 -1 5 0096-2 3 0 -1 5 0RAVENSWOOD O P E N S P A C E P R E S E R V E BayTrail BayTrail Bay Tra i l B a y T r a i l B a y R o a d B a y R o a d Midpeninsu la Regional Open Space District (Midpen) 6/7/2022 Att ac h m e n t 1 : C o o l ey L a n d i n g A r e a , R a v e n s w o o d O p e n S p a c e P r e s e r v e Path: G:\Projects\Ravenswood\Cooley Landing\AreaA_AreaB_20220607.mxd Created By: acostanza 0 0.050.025 MilesI Midpen preser ve While the District strives to use the best available digital data, the se data do not represent a l egal sur vey and are merel y a graphic illu stration of geographic features. Trail Paved R oad A r e a AArea A A r e a AArea AArea BArea B City boundar y County parcel boundar y Area A Area B Rev. 3/15/21 R-22-108 Meeting 22-23 September 28, 2022 AGENDA ITEM 5 AGENDA ITEM Grant Agreement with the State Coastal Conservancy through their Wildfire Resilience Program GENERAL MANAGER’S RECOMMENDATION Adopt a Resolution authorizing the General Manager to enter into a grant funding agreement with the State Coastal Conservancy for up to $1,080,000 in funds from their Wildfire Resilience Program. SUMMARY The General Manager recommends that the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District (District) Board of Directors (Board) adopt a resolution (Attachment 1 – Resolution) authorizing the General Manager as a signatory to enter into a grant funding agreement with the State Coastal Conservancy (Conservancy) for $1,080,000 from their Wildfire Resilience Grant Program. The Conservancy announced the opportunity in December 2021 to solicit projects that improve natural lands and reduce the risk of catastrophic fire. The Conservancy has a total of $10 million for planning and implementation projects with a total of $5 million available for the nine-county San Francisco Bay Area. The Conservancy invited the District to submit a full application on May 16, 2022 following a successful pre-application for the District’s Wildland Fire Resiliency Program (WFRP) Implementation Capacity Project (“Project”) that was submitted on January 14, 2022. The Conservancy previously awarded the District $400,000 on June 7, 2021 to support early implementation of the WFRP. This report provides a description of the new Conservancy grant funding source and the District’s WFRP project that is eligible for this grant funding. DISCUSSION On April 13, 2021, the Governor signed a bill (SB 85) passed by the state legislature authorizing a $536 million Early Action Wildfire Package. Of this authorization, $12M was allocated to the Conservancy. The Conservancy solicited “ready-to-implement” projects that reduce the risk of wildfire on public and protected lands through an initial round for the Forest Health and Wildfire Resilience Program. The District was selected for a $400,000 award from the program to implement fuel management treatments on approximately 114.7 acres in 11 District preserves through September 30, 2022. The Conservancy has since received a block grant from the Department of Conservation’s Regional Fire and Forest Health Capacity program, the California Climate Initiative Program (also known as Cap and Trade), Proposition 68, and Proposition 84. This new block grant will R-22-108 Page 2 fund projects through the Wildfire Resilience Program, which has an over-arching goal of building organizational capacity at the local and regional levels to implement forest health and fire risk reduction projects. The District submitted a new proposal for $1,080,000 through the recent grant solicitation cycle that opened in December 2021. The District’s new grant proposal calls for ecologically-sensitive fuel management/vegetation treatments on 200 acres of District lands in San Mateo County. The proposal includes treatments at Russian Ridge and Skyline Ridge Open Space Preserves along a known community escape route that extends from Highway 35 to Portola State Park Road, as well as treatments at Windy Hill Open Space Preserve along a known community escape route that extends along Alpine Road to Willowbrook Drive (refer to Attachment 2 – Project Area Maps for a map showing all treatment locations). Specific locations for fuel treatment were determined by the criteria laid out in the WFRP, including the presence of special status species that can be further protected through the removal of invasive or fire prone species, areas that enhance and facilitate fire suppression activities, and/or zones recommended by state or local fire management agencies. If funds are secured, District staff would oversee and manage the implementation of the proposed priority vegetation management work (e.g., shaded fuel break, defensible space, ecosystem resiliency). The on-the-ground treatments would be completed by a combination of Land & Facilities staff, San Jose Conservation Corps crews, and outside contractors. The Project proposal also includes funding support for high priority fire equipment purchases and consultant work to support the District’s development of a prescribed burn plan for the WFRP. Contingent upon Board authorization and with approval by the Conservancy Board on September 22, 2022, District staff are prepared to execute a funding agreement and begin implementation of the Project starting upon notice to proceed from the Conservancy. FISCAL IMPACT This funding opportunity would have a positive impact of up to $1,080,000. BOARD AND COMMITTEE REVIEW The proposed action has not been previously reviewed by the Board or a Committee. District staff have brought the following items for Board and Committee Review concerning environmental review for the proposed grant-funded activities and a previous related grant: • May 12, 2021: Board certified the final WRFP Program Environmental Impact Report (EIR) and adopted the WFRP (R-21-58, minutes). • June 23, 2021: Board adopted a resolution authorizing the General Manager to enter into a grant funding agreement with the State Coastal Conservancy for $400,000 in Forest Health and Wildfire Resilience Program funding (R-21-20, minutes). PUBLIC NOTICE Public notice was provided as required by the Brown Act. R-22-108 Page 3 CEQA COMPLIANCE The acceptance of grant funding is not a project subject to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). The forest health and wildland fire management activities to be completed in the 11 open space preserves include mechanized, handwork treatment, and limited chemical application and are consistent with the WFRP EIR certified by the Board on May 12, 2021. District staff will incorporate the associated mitigation measures and BMPs from the environmental review documents into the project and the contract documents. NEXT STEPS If approved by the Board, the General Manager will execute a funding agreement with the Conservancy. Attachments: 1. State Coastal Conservancy Funding Resolution. 2. Project Area Maps. Responsible Department Head: Stefan Jaskulak, Chief Financial Officer, Administrative Services Prepared by: Deborah Hirst, Grants Program Manager, Administrative Services Attachment 1 Resolutions/2022/22-__SCCGrant 1 RESOLUTION NO. 22-XX RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT APPROVING THE GRANT OF FUNDS FROM THE CALIFORNIA STATE COASTAL CONSERVANCY FOR THE WILDLAND FIRE RESILIENCY PROGRAM IMPLEMENTATION CAPACITY PROJECT WHEREAS the Legislature of the State of California has established the State Coastal Conservancy (“Conservancy”) under Division 21 of the California Public Resources Code, and has authorized the Conservancy to award grants to the public agencies and nonprofit organizations to implement the Provisions of Division 21; and WHEREAS, the Conservancy invited Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District (“District”) to submit a full grant application for funding under the Wildfire Resilience Program on March 18, 2022 for the Wildland Fire Resiliency Program Implementation Capacity Project (“Project”); and WHEREAS, the Conservancy encourages applicants for grant funding to certify through a resolution the applicant’s approval of the application to the Conservancy for an award of grant funds. NOW, THEREFORE, be it resolved that the applicant hereby: 1. Approves the filing of an application for funding by the Conservancy. 2. Authorizes any of the following named officers or employees of the applicant or any person holding any of the following positions with the applicant to act as a representative of the applicant and to negotiate and execute on behalf of the grantee all agreements and instruments necessary to comply with the Conservancy's grant requirements, including, without limitation, the grant agreement: Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District General Manager and General Counsel. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * PASSED AND ADOPTED by the Board of Directors of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District on ________, 2022, at a regular meeting thereof, by the following roll call vote: AYES: NOES: ABSTAIN: ABSENT: Attachment 1 Resolutions/2022/22-__SCCGrant 2 ATTEST: APPROVED: Karen Holman, Secretary Board of Directors Zoe Kersteen-Tucker, President Board of Directors APPROVED AS TO FORM: Hilary Stevenson, General Counsel I, the District Clerk of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District, hereby certify that the above is a true and correct copy of a resolution duly adopted by the Board of Directors of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District by the above vote at a meeting thereof duly held and called on the above day. Jennifer Woodworth, District Clerk L O N G R I D G E O P E N S P A C E P R E S E R V E M O N T E B E L L O O P E N S P A C E P R E S E R V ERUSSIAN R I D G E O P E N S P A C E P R E S E R V E S K Y L I N E R I D G E O P E N S P A C E P R E S E R V E M id p e ni n su la Reg i on a l Op e n S p a c e D i st r ic t (Mi dp en) 5/5 /2 0 2 2 S t a t e C o a st a l C o n s e r v a n c y - W FR P - I m p l em e n t a t i o n C a p a c i t y P r o j e c t Ru s s i a n R i d g e a n d S k yl i n e R i d g e P r es e r v es Path: G:\Projects\a_Districtwide\Fire_Maps\StateCoastalConservancyGrant2022\SCC2022_RRSR_20220504.mxd Created By: ngreig 0 0.50.25 MilesIMidpen pr es e r ves While the Distric t strives to use the best av ail able digital data, these data do not represent a legal su r vey and are merely a graphic illustration of geographic f eatures. Pr o jec t a r eas Area of Detail ÄÆ84 ÄÆ82 ÄÆ280 ÄÆ84 ÄÆ35ÄÆ9 ÄÆ236 ÄÆ35 ÄÆ17 ÄÆ101 ÄÆ92 ÄÆ35 ÄÆ280 ÄÆ1 ÄÆ85 Half Moon Bay Redwood City San Carlos East Palo Alto Mountain View Palo Alto Cupertino Saratoga Sunnyvale Co m pl et e o r a nn u al ve ge tat io n m a na gem ent Cu r re nt veg eta tio n m an ag em en t Fu t u r e veg et ati on m an ag em en t Ver y High F HS Z High F HS Z Mo de ra te F HS Z W I N D Y H I L L O P E N S P A C E P R E S E R V E M id p e ni n su la Reg i on a l Op e n S p a c e D i st r ic t (Mi dp en) 5/5 /2 0 2 2 S t a t e C o a st a l C o n s e r v a n c y - W FR P - I m p l em e n t a t i o n C a p a c i t y P r o j e c t W i n d y H i l l P r e s er v e Path: G:\Projects\a_Districtwide\Fire_Maps\StateCoastalConservancyGrant2022\SCC2022_WH_20220504.mxd Created By: ngreig 0 0.50.25 MilesIMidpen pr es e r ves While the Distric t strives to use the best av ail able digital data, these data do not represent a legal su r vey and are merely a graphic illustration of geographic f eatures. Pr o jec t a r eas Area of Detail ÄÆ84 ÄÆ82 ÄÆ280 ÄÆ84 ÄÆ35ÄÆ9 ÄÆ236 ÄÆ35 ÄÆ17 ÄÆ101 ÄÆ92 ÄÆ35 ÄÆ280 ÄÆ1 ÄÆ85 Half Moon Bay Redwood City San Carlos East Palo Alto Mountain View Palo Alto Cupertino Saratoga Sunnyvale Co m pl et e o r a nn u al ve ge tat io n m a na gem ent Cu r re nt veg eta tio n m an ag em en t Fu t u r e veg et ati on m an ag em en t Ver y High F HS Z High F HS Z Mo de ra te F HS Z E L C O R T E D E M A D E R A C R E E K O P E N S P A C E P R E S E R V E T E A G U E H I L L O P E N S P A C E P R E S E R V E M id p e ni n su la Reg i on a l Op e n S p a c e D i st r ic t (Mi dp en) 5/5 /2 0 2 2 S t a t e C o a st a l C o n s e r v a n c y - W FR P - I m p l em e n t a t i o n C a p a c i t y P r o j e c t E l C o r t e d e M a d er a C r e e k P r e se r v e Path: G:\Projects\a_Districtwide\Fire_Maps\StateCoastalConservancyGrant2022\SCC2022_ECDM_20220504.mxd Created By: ngreig 0 0.50.25 MilesIMidpen pr es e r ves While the Distric t strives to use the best av ail able digital data, these data do not represent a legal su r vey and are merely a graphic illustration of geographic f eatures. Pr o jec t a r eas Area of Detail ÄÆ84 ÄÆ82 ÄÆ280 ÄÆ84 ÄÆ35ÄÆ9 ÄÆ236 ÄÆ35 ÄÆ17 ÄÆ101 ÄÆ92 ÄÆ35 ÄÆ280 ÄÆ1 ÄÆ85 Half Moon Bay Redwood City San Carlos East Palo Alto Mountain View Palo Alto Cupertino Saratoga Sunnyvale Co m pl et e o r a nn u al ve ge tat io n m a na gem ent Cu r re nt veg eta tio n m an ag em en t Fu t u r e veg et ati on m an ag em en t Ver y High F HS Z High F HS Z Mo de ra te F HS Z R-22-109 Meeting 22-23 September 28, 2022 AGENDA ITEM 6 AGENDA ITEM Approval of an Adjustment to the Employer Contribution for Medical Insurance for Employees Represented by the Field Employees Association and the Unrepresented Office, Supervisory, and Management Employees GENERAL MANAGER’S RECOMMENDATIONS Adopt a resolution approving an adjustment to the employer contribution for medical insurance for employees represented by the Field Employees Association and the unrepresented Office, Supervisory, and Management employees that equals the 2022 Kaiser monthly premiums to become effective the first full pay period after Board adoption. SUMMARY On August 25, 2021, the Board approved a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District and Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District Field Employees Association (FEA) that includes adjustments to the salaries, benefits and terms and conditions of employment for fiscal years 2022-2024, many of which were also applied to the non-represented Office, Supervisory and Management (OSM) District employees. The Midpeninsula Rangers Peace Officers Association (MRPOA), the labor relations bargaining unit representing Rangers, Lead Rangers, and Supervising Rangers, was recognized by the Board of Directors (Board) in June 2021. In August 2022 (one year after approval of the FEA MOU), the Board approved terms of employment for MRPOA employees that include an increase to the monthly employer contribution for the cost of medical insurance. This increase exceeds the approved medical insurance contributions for FEA and OSM employees. To maintain District-wide equity in employer contributions for medical insurance, the General Manager recommends applying the same benefit adjustments that are provided for MRPOA employees to the FEA and OSM employees. DISCUSSION On August 25, 2021, the District approved a three-year contract with the FEA (R-21-29), which expires on June 30, 2024. The Board has traditionally applied the same economic changes for the OSM employees as those approved for the FEA to maintain equity District-wide and to administer benefits consistently. On August 25, 2021, the Board approved a resolution (R-21-30) to provide similar benefit adjustments to the OSM employees as those approved for the FEA. R-22-109 Page 2 The District participates in the California Public Employee Retirement System (CalPERS) Health Insurance Program, which offers a choice of several medical plans available to District employees. The Board-approved employer contribution for insurance was increased for FEA and OSM employees effective the first pay period that includes the date of July 12, 2021, to match the 2021 CalPERS Kaiser premiums as follows. FEA and OSM Contributions effective 07/12/2021 Employee Only $813.64  Employee Plus One $1,627.28  Employee Plus Two or More $2,115.46  Additionally, employer health benefit contributions for FEA and OSM employees in calendar years 2022, 2023, and 2024 were approved to be equal to the Kaiser monthly premium or up to 4 percent increase as compared to the previous calendar year contribution amount, whichever is less. In 2022, the Kaiser premiums increased by 5.3 percent. Pursuant to the FEA MOU and resolution for OSM employees, the District’s contribution was increased by 4 percent as follows: FEA and OSM Contributions effective 01/01/2022 Employee Only $846.19 Employee Plus One $1,692.37 Employee Plus Two or More $2,200.08 At the time the employer health benefit contributions for FEA and OSM employees were approved, the District was in negotiations with the MRPOA. The Terms for MRPOA employees were approved by the Board on August 10, 2022 (R-22-26) and include an increase in the monthly employer contribution toward the cost of medical insurance equal to the 2022 Kaiser monthly premiums. This approved amount for MRPOA employees exceeds the previously approved employer contributions for FEA and OSM employees, as follows: MPROA Contributions effective 08/22/2022 Employee Only $857.06 Employee Plus One $1,714.12 Employee Plus Two or More $2,228.36 The General Manager recommends applying the same employer contributions to the medical health benefit that were approved for MRPOA employees to the FEA and OSM employees, effective the first full pay period after Board adoption. Employer contributions for calendar years 2023 and 2024 for FEA and OSM employees would continue to follow the formulas and remain within the limits expressed in the FEA MOU and the OSM resolution (i.e., no change to the formula; the rates will be adjusted to be equal to the Kaiser monthly premium or up to a 4 percent increase as compared to the previous calendar year contribution amount, whichever is less). R-22-109 Page 3 BOARD COMMITTEE REVIEW This item was not previously reviewed by a Board Committee. FISCAL IMPACT Approval of the District’s employer contribution for health benefits for FEA and OSM employees is estimated to cost $40,914 for Fiscal Year 2022-2023. PUBLIC NOTICE Notice was provided pursuant to the Brown Act. No additional notice is necessary. CEQA COMPLIANCE No compliance is required as this action is not a project under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). NEXT STEPS Pending Board approval, the General Manager will direct staff to update the District’s contribution for health benefits for FEA and OSM employees within the payroll system effective the first full pay period after Board adoption. Attachments: 1. Resolution Approving Benefit Adjustments for Employees Represented by the Field Employees Association and the unrepresented Office, Supervisory, and Management Employees Responsible Manager: Stefan Jaskulak, Chief Financial Officer/Director of Administrative Services Prepared by: Candice Basnight, Human Resources Manager Rebecca Wolfe, Human Resources Supervisor Contact person: Candice Basnight, Human Resources Manager Attachment 1 Resolutions/2022/-__FEA/OSM_MedicalAdjustment 1 RESOLUTION NO. 22-__ RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT APPROVING BENEFIT ADJUSTMENTS FOR EMPLOYEES REPRESENTED BY THE FIELD EMPLOYEES ASSOCIATION AND THE OFFICE, SUPERVISORY, AND MANAGEMENT EMPLOYEES WHEREAS, the Board of Directors through Resolution R-21-29 on August 25, 2021, approved the Memorandum of Understanding between the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District and the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District Field Employees Association for a term of July 1, 2021 through June 31, 2024; and WHEREAS, the Board of Directors through Resolution R-21-30 on August 25, 2021, approved adjusted Salaries, Benefits and Terms and Conditions for the District’s unrepresented Office, Supervisor and Management Employees for fiscal years 2021, 2023 and 2024; and WHEREAS, the Board of Directors through Resolution R-22-34 on August 10, 2022, approved Terms of Employment for Employees Represented by the Midpeninsula Rangers Peace Officers Association, for a one-year term from July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2023. WHEREAS, the District seeks to align the employer contributions to medical benefits for all District employees to the extent possible pursuant to its compensation policies; and WHEREAS, the District seeks to implement a change to the District contribution to medical insurance for employees represented by the Field Employees Association, and unrepresented Office Supervisory, and Management Employees. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED as follows: 1. The Board hereby approves the following District (employer) contribution to medical insurance for employees represented by the Field Employees Association (“FEA”), and the unrepresented Office, Supervisory, and Management Employees: FEA and OSM employee category District Contribution Employee Only $857.06 Employee Plus One household member $1,714.12 Employee Plus Two or More household members $2,228.36 2. The General Manager is directed to formalize these changes in a side letter with the FEA. 3. The General Manager is directed to amend the Personnel Policies and Procedures to reflect these benefit adjustments. 4. These adjustments shall be effective upon the first full pay period after Board adoption. Attachment 1 Resolutions/2022/-__FEA/OSM_MedicalAdjustment 2 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * PASSED AND ADOPTED by the Board of Directors of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District on September 28, 2022 at a Regular Meeting thereof, by the following vote: AYES: NOES: ABSTAIN: ABSENT: ATTEST: APPROVED: Karen Holman, Secretary Board of Directors Zoe Kersteen-Tucker, President Board of Directors APPROVED AS TO FORM: Hilary Stevenson, General Counsel I, the District Clerk of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District, hereby certify that the above is a true and correct copy of a resolution duly adopted by the Board of Directors of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District by the above vote at a meeting thereof duly held and called on the above day. Jennifer Woodworth, District Clerk Rev. 1/3/18 R-22-110 Meeting 22-23 September 28, 2022 AGENDA ITEM 7 AGENDA ITEM Appointment of Three Measure AA Bond Oversight Committee Members GENERAL MANAGER’S RECOMMENDATION Select and appoint members to serve on the Measure AA Bond Oversight Committee for the three vacant positions from the candidates listed in the staff report. SUMMARY AND DISCUSSION Measure AA requires formation of a bond oversight committee (BOC) to review bond expenditures to verify conformity with the adopted expenditure plan. During the month of August 2022, staff advertised for three seats on the Committee that had terms expiring in June 2022 and received 21 applications. The Board of Directors (Board) interviewed eight applicants at a regular meeting on September 14, 2022 who were selected to move forward to the interview phase based on prior Board-approved selection criteria of financial experience, prior experience in serving on committees/boards (especially in an oversight role), knowledge of the District and other open space organizations, ward representation, participation in civic organizations or other nonprofit organizations, and attendance or participation at past or current District Board/ Committee meetings or District workshops. Based on a process approved at the January 13, 2016 Board meeting, the Board will select three applicants to fill the Committee vacancies. The new terms will be effective October 1, 2022, and the three appointees will serve through the end of June 2026. The Committee is made up of seven seats, and the other four terms will end in 2024. The names of the interviewed applicants are listed below. • Curtis Cole • Brant Corenson • Bruce FitzGerald • Kit Gordon • Stephen Kelleher • Jeremy Minshull • Scott Mosher • Steven Permut The process for appointing the three Committee members is as follows: R-22-110 Page 2 1. Each Board member will rank all eight applicants in order of preference and state their rankings for the record. The District Clerk will tabulate the results. 2. The three applicants receiving the highest rankings will be appointed to the Committee. In the event of a tie, another round of voting will be held with each Board member having the same number of votes as unfilled Committee seats. The District Clerk will then tabulate the results. 3. If any ties remain, the General Counsel shall choose the Committee members for the open seats by drawing lots from among those applicants receiving the tied votes. In the event of an unexpected Committee vacancy prior to the recruitment of new Committee members in 2024, the Board may choose to appoint one of the remaining top applicants to fill the vacancy without conducting a separate recruitment. FISCAL IMPACT There is no fiscal impact associated with the appointment of the Committee members. BOARD COMMITTEE REVIEW The applications were reviewed, and the applicants interviewed by the full Board of Directors. PUBLIC NOTICE Public notice was provided as required by the Brown Act. Additional notices were sent to the Measure AA mailing list. CEQA COMPLIANCE This item is not a project subject to the California Environmental Quality Act. NEXT STEPS Upon appointment to the Committee, the District Clerk will notify all candidates of their appointment or non-appointment. Appointed Committee members will be invited to take the oath of office at the October 12, 2022 Board meeting. Responsible Department Head: Ana Ruiz, General Manager Prepared by: Maria Soria, Executive Assistant/Deputy District Clerk General Manager’s Office Contact person: Jennifer Woodworth, District Clerk/Assistant to the General Manager DATE: September 28, 2022 MEMO TO: Board of Directors THROUGH: Ana Ruiz, General Manager FROM: Brian Malone, Assistant General Manager SUBJECT: Preserve Use Survey Recommendations – Implementation Update _____________________________________________________________________________ This memo summarizes the progress that has been made on implementing the Preserve Use Survey recommendations that were reviewed by the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District (District) Board of Directors (Board) on November 28, 2018. This is the first report out to summarize the overall progress made to date. BACKGROUND The Board authorized a preserve use survey in fiscal year 2017-18. The initial trail intercept surveys were conducted in the fall of 2017 and focus group studies were conducted in 2018. On March 14 and May 9, 2018, San Francisco State University (SFSU) researcher, Professor Patrick Tierney, presented to the Board of Directors (Board) the results of the Preserve Use Survey Project. The project gathered data from almost 1500 Preserve visitors via intercept surveys, as well as from numerous participants in seven focus groups. The intercept survey collected information on general preserve visitor experiences and suggestions for improvements. The results indicate an overwhelming (98%) visitor approval of District preserves. Of the few issues raised, the most common included a lack of sufficient parking, dog waste on trails, and the availability and upkeep of restroom facilities. Focus groups provided input from demographics that either historically do not use District preserves or are of growing significance in San Mateo and Santa Clara Counties. These groups encounter barriers, some quite fundamental like transportation, which preclude them from accessing the preserves. In some cases, a lack of awareness or knowledge of the District also prevented them from considering an outing. DISCUSSION On November 28, 2018, the Board reviewed a list of recommended implementations actions to address the key findings identified by Professor Tierney. The recommended implementation actions are provided in Attachment 1 along with a summary of the completed and in-progress actions. The plan was to implement the recommended actions over three fiscal years starting in Fiscal Year 2019-20 (FY20) and continuing through FY22. Therefore, the beginning of FY23 (present time) represents a good point to reflect on what has been accomplished, which includes projects that were completed or opened to the public since the fall of 2017 when the surveys were conducted. Progress has been made on all the primary categories listed in the recommendations: access and accessibility, communication, interpretation, maintenance, programming, safety, trail use, and transportation & parking. For a full list of implementation projects, see Attachment 1. Accomplishments include major access and accessibility projects funded through Measure AA that provide spectacular new public facilities at Mount Umunhum in Sierra Azul, Ravenswood, the western area of Bear Creek, and lower La Honda Creek Open Space Preserves. All of these sites include easy access or ADA-accessible trails along with new restrooms, which greatly expand the opportunities for new visitors to open space. Of note, the COVID pandemic hit during the middle of the implementation period, requiring a major pivot that impacted the delivery of in-person and school programing. In response, staff developed new skill sets in the delivery of online content to continue offering open space interpretation and education during COVID restrictions. These skills have broadened the District toolkit going forward to incorporate virtual programming along with the valued return of in- person events and activities. Bilingual services have also increased with Spanish translation services available via on-call contracts and with the addition of dual language interpretive signage at Ravenswood Open Space Preserve. All of this work has improved District’s overall communication, programming, and interpretation work to better meet public needs. In the area of maintenance, with a limited up-front investment and ongoing regular maintenance, the dog waste program has been largely successful in addressing complaints heard from the preserve use survey about dog waste. Furthermore, addressing perceived safety concerns, the District has added many programming elements and facilities that are more welcoming to first time visitors. In the trail use and transportation/parking category, dog access has been added at three locations: upper La Honda Creek, lower La Honda Creek, and El Sereno Open Space Preserves. Moreover, a multimodal study is underway at Purisima Creek Open Space Preserve and multi-modal strategies are now being implemented at Rancho San Antonio Open Space Preserve. Subsequent implementation actions will be reported out as part of the year-end review accomplishments report. ### Attachment 1 PRESERVE USE SURVEY – COMPLETED IMPLEMENTATION ACTIONS Contextual Notes: • Intercept Survey: Survey respondents overwhelmingly expressed satisfaction with District preserves, with 98% of preserve users registering either a “Good” or “Very Good” experience. Over 96% of respondents indicated they felt safe or very safe during their visit. • Focus Groups: Although there is very high satisfaction among existing preserve users, the District assembled focus groups of people less familiar with the preserves to understand the barriers to entry and enjoyment that may exist and the factors that influence their ability to enjoy their open space experience. Focus groups were comprised of assembled community members ranging from four to 15 participants. Though the group size is small relative to their overall demographic population, their responses provide insight into their group’s respective thoughts and experiences. Category Recommendations based on Preserve Use Survey findings Source Priority Recommended Follow-Up Implementation Actions Implementation Actions Completed or in Progress Access and Accessibility Easier, shorter, loop trails Focus Group 3 • Related to ADA Transition Plan; promote easy-access trail information. • When feasible and appropriate, identify additional “easy- access” trails near trailheads and entry points during preserve and trail planning efforts • District website lists easy access as one of the primary activities, each preserve has an icon designating whether easy access trails are available, the map identifies the location of the easy access trails. • The District now has 8.9 miles of easy access trails. • Trails opened since the survey was conducted include Mt Umunhum summit trails (Sierra Azul), Bear Creek Upper Lake Loop (Bear Creek Redwoods), Ravenswood Bay Trail (Ravenswood) and the La Honda Grasshopper Loop Trail (La Honda Creek). Trails within the Alma cultural landscape (bear Creek Redwoods) are scheduled to open by 2023. • Made significant progress on accessible/easy access trail improvements at Pulgas Ridge, and Horseshoe Lake and Alpine Pond at Skyline Ridge. Presented easy access trail improvements at Pulgas Ridge Preserve to the SFPUC Project Review Committee and received Project Review Certificate. Completed rare plant surveys. Completed jurisdictional delineation and survey, site surveys, topographic survey and 65% of project design. More trails for wheelchairs Focus Group 4 • Related to ADA Transition Plan; promote wheelchair-accessible trail information. • When feasible and appropriate, identify additional ADA/wheelchair-accessible trail opportunities that connect to ADA/wheelchair-accessible facilities and entry points during preserve and trail planning efforts • As part of the 2021 update to Midpen’s website, the Easy- Access Opportunities webpage promotes wheelchair-accessible trail information. For example, the posted information includes the recently opened 0.2-mile Upper Lake Loop Trail (Bear Creek Redwoods) and 0.6-mile addition to the Bay Trail (Ravenswood). • Easy-access and ADA-compliant trails are tagged as “wheelchair accessible” and “family-friendly” in OuterSpatial to allow filtering in the Explore Map. • The District continues to implement the ADA Transition Plan priorities for removing ADA barriers, presenting its most recent progress report to the Board on 4/14/2021. • As part of the FY23 Capital Improvement and Action Plan (CIAP), staff is evaluating the feasibility of additional ADA/wheelchair-accessible trail opportunities and facilities: 1) New ADA-accessible path along the service road to Deer Hollow Farm (Rancho San Antonio). 2) New ADA-accessible trailhead parking at Verde Road for the Purisima-to-the-Sea Trail (Purisima Creek Redwoods). 3) Improving ADA-accessible parking at the North Ridge lot as part of the Highway 35 Multiuse trail and parking study (Purisima Creek Redwoods). 4) Improving the ADA-accessible parking at Johnston Ranch, in partnership with the City of Half Moon Bay. 5) New ADA-accessible trailhead parking as part of the new North Parking area (Bear Creek Redwoods). Attachment 1 More camping opportunities Focus Group 5 • Work with partner agencies that offer overnight camping (i.e., Santa Clara County Parks, San Mateo County Parks, State Parks) to provide the public with information about where they can camp and how District trails can facilitate connections. • Consistent with Vision Plan Priority Action #24, partner with other agencies and/or entities, including Santa Clara County Parks, to explore and/or expand family camping opportunities at or near the Rancho de Guadalupe area of Sierra Azul. • In collaboration with the Santa Cruz Mountains Stewardship Network and Peninsula Trails Team, the District is participating in the State of the Trails project where a study will also evaluate overnight camping for the regional trails system in the Santa Cruz mountains. Communication More outreach to underserved communities Focus Group 1 • Evaluate current community outreach events and identify new methods and/or additional events for expanding outreach effectiveness to underserved audiences. • Identify and implement new distribution points for bilingual materials. • Pilot new partnerships with two to three underserved, hard-to- reach community groups. • Received Board approval of a Youth Outreach Pilot in August 2020 to increase outreach, engagement and education to youth, aged 4-21, particularly in under-resourced communities, to foster knowledge and appreciation for nature, conservation, and land management • Identified four youth organizations to participate in pilot, which offers $2,500 stipend and technical assistance to connect kids to outdoor programming. Youth nonprofits were extremely impacted by pandemic, so pilot was postponed and restarted in 2022 with a hike and ranger presentations to the Coastside Children’s Programs and field staff participation on a career panel for Puente. The initially selected nonprofits still report pandemic programming impacts and have asked for more time to determine whether to proceed. • Conducted an introductory hike for Ayudando Latinos A Soñar (ALAS) community members at La Honda Creek in July 2021. • While community tabling outreach was shutdown during the pandemic, the program restarted in 2022 as events returned, focusing on Coastside outreach and experimenting with new events. • Identified 12 preserves to execute pop-up tablings for 2022 in support of the 50th Anniversary activities and to connect communication and project leads to preserve users. • Expanded the community outreach and public engagement work for multiple projects that include: - La Honda Public Access Working Group - Purisima Multimodal Access Study - Purisima-to-the-Sea Trail and Parking - Hawthorns Area Plan - Prescribed Fire Plan - Agricultural Policy - E-Bike Policy • Completed over 20 public and outreach engagement activities and events for the Purisima Multimodal Access Study project. Completed two rounds of visitor surveys and data collection activities. Presented to Sustainable Pescadero, Pescadero Municipal Advisory Committee and Midcoast Community Council. Implemented short-term strategies, such as a pilot to try out wayfinding signage, mapping improvements and website format changes to provide more information for visitors to plan their visits. • Conducted a Purisima Creek Redwoods hike with Puente representatives and Spanish-speaking coastside hiking group in May to solicit input on the Purisima Multimodal Access project and Purisima-to-the-Sea Trail and Parking study. In addition, for both these projects, board meeting materials are provided in English and Spanish. Attachment 1 • Conducted virtual stakeholder meetings with neighbors, coastal interested parties and trail users via Zoom in July 2021. Spanish translation services were available for the community. • Initiated on-call contracts for translation services and guidelines for how to determine priorities for translation services of District materials. More social media, Facebook Focus Group 3 • Develop social media and targeted marketing campaigns to increase followers in underserved communities and new user groups. • Shifted outreach resources to build social media program during pandemic. Midpen now posts regularly across several social media sites, including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn. Added a Tik-Tok pilot in support of 50th Anniversary advertising. • Increased social media followers by 135% from FY18 to FY22. Platforms no longer allow specific demographic tracking, so targeting to underserved and new user groups is unverifiable. • During the pandemic, staff and docent presentations shifted from in-person to online creating a broader opportunity for outreach. Partnered with Bay Area Older Adults and Latino Outdoors to target presentations to underserved communities, which increased exposure to those offerings from an average of 30 to more than 1,000. Use advanced communications technology and applications Focus Group 4 • The FY19 Action Plan included development of an interactive web map for public use; develop a promotional campaign to inform the public about the availability of the web map and curated content through several existing mobile/computer applications. • Midpen’s online preserve maps are geo-referenced and can be used with Avenza Maps and OuterSpatial apps. • Preserve maps posted in trailhead signboards and on the website have scannable QR codes that link to Avenza Maps and Outerspatial apps and the Midpen preserve webpage. • Midpen’s new website has an interactive web map embedded on the preserve webpages with an adjacent and responsive trail list. • New interactive web mapping applications available to the public online include: Bear Creek Layers of History, Ward Lookup, Benchmark, Greenbelt, Midpen 3D, Ward Comparison, MyDistricting, Where to Hike, and the Wildland Fire Map. • An additional trail dashboard application is under development and is scheduled to be released in FY23. Multilingual signs and brochures Focus Group 4 • Expand trail junction numbering system (originally piloted at lower La Honda Creek) to other preserve(s). • Evaluate options to include multilingual key words or information at trailheads, on the website, and in District material, and implement accordingly. • Implemented trail junction numbering system for Bear Creek Redwoods and lower La Honda Creek preserves. • All interpretive signage information at Ravenswood Preserve is provided in both English and Spanish. • Virtual outing available online in OuterSpatial is both in English and Spanish. • Midpen website update moved the translation drop-down to the top of every webpage. • Developed geo-specific analysis around the need for language translation services within geographic areas based on American Community Survey data regarding self-reported comprehension of English to inform language translation priorities. Interpretation More nature/history info Focus Group 2 VS will work with PA/NR to provide: 1) more robust information on the District website; 2) additional natural and cultural history information in Preserve sign boards; and 3) new natural and cultural history interpretive projects and programming will be developed to be supported or provided by Interpretation and Education staff, docents, rangers. • New interpretation and natural history engagement was provided by staff in 2020-21 virtually via “Seasons of Open” video series and ranger videos. Ongoing video content will supplement in-person/on preserve engagement to attract varied audiences • Nature Notes for signboards is being re-implemented in 2022 with natural history interpretation content. • Daniels Nature Center continues to provide natural history information to visitors – inside when facility open and via outside displays when closed. Attachment 1 • Added iNaturalist information to preserve pages to show visitors what can be spotted in various habitats. • Prioritized communication of “caring for” and natural history information in Midpen media channels, including significantly increasing nature posts on social media utilizing #WildlifeWednesday hashtag. • New Nature at Home web page highlights virtual tours and information. Trail rating system, difficulty on website Focus Group 3 • Develop standards for a new District trail rating system. • Develop trail profile data. • Evaluate trailhead maps, signage, brochures, and/or web tools to determine best methods for posting trail rating and trail profile data, and implement accordingly • Related to ADA Transition Plan; market and communicate trail information. • The District has completed Phase I of the Trail Information Systems Project in FY22, which included completing pilot data collection at Skyline Ridge and Rancho San Antonio. Expanded data collection to three additional preserves, totaling 75 miles of trail. Conducted online and in-person visitor surveys to gather public feedback on trail data needs. Analyzed data collected. Developed proof-of-concept web mapping application for the public to visualize and filter trails based on various characteristics (e.g. use type, trail slope, cross-slope, surface type, sun exposure). • The Midpen 3D application provides a trail profile tool and trail slope information in an interactive three-dimensional scene. Web cams of animals Focus Group 4 • Develop system to transmit trail camera images and other high- impact visual information to Public Affairs for inclusion in communications material, web, and social media. • Trailcam images of interest are posted on social media, a nature center web cam was installed that live streams continuously on the Daniels Nature Center webpage. Trail camera images are included when appropriate in Midpen social media channels. • Wildlife Picture Index Research highlighted as part of mountain lion research with project web page More information on preserve’s plants, animals Intercept Survey 8 • A recent Board-approved position in the Interpretation and Environmental Education program will enhance and expand the District’s public environmental education programs. • The recent Docent and Volunteer Programs Study recommends new Preserve Interpretation Master Plans that identify preserve- specific flora and fauna to highlight as part of docent led hikes and other educational programs, materials, and events. Evaluate to determine suitability and to identify a pilot preserve, if deemed timely and appropriate. • Investigate alternative technologies and applications to highlight plant and animal species within specific preserves. • Midpen’s website highlights various plants and animals found in Midpen preserves. • “Spotted at Midpen” 50th Anniversary activity encourages visitors to send in pictures of plants animals and vistas spotted at Midpen. • In-person Docent Naturalist hikes have resumed post-COVID restrictions shut down. Docents specialize in interpreting regional natural history • Since 2018, Midpen Docent Naturalists are also UC CalNat certified, increasing the breath and scope of their knowledge to interpret the natural world. • All rangers are also trained in interpretation skills and methods, which allows for both enhanced informal interpretation as well as new formal ranger interpretive programs. Rangers are also receiving additional training about natural history subject matter. Maintenance More, cleaner restrooms Focus Group 1 • Develop a long-range plan to identify new areas in need of restroom facilities and/or replacement of older restrooms. • Continue to regularly check and clean restrooms. • As part of the ADA accessibility program, dilapidated restrooms have been replaced at Windy Hill, Russian Ridge and Purisima Creek Redwoods. • New restrooms were provided as part of public access improvements at Mount Umunhum in Sierra Azul, Bear Creek Redwoods and La Honda Creek Preserves. Reduce dog waste and bags along trail Intercept Survey 3 • Continue to communicate and educate visitors on "carry in & carry out" policy and relevant District ordinances. • Continue to enforce existing regulations, which require cleanup of dog waste. • Identify strategies for expanded and targeted outreach and education of District policies, implement accordingly. • A dog waste receptacle pilot program was implemented at preserves that receive high levels of dog use. • Public outreach is conducted online and in-person with rangers and trail patrol to reinforce need to clean up dog waste. • After a successful pilot program, the Board approved the use of dog waste receptacles at high use areas of Pulgas Ridge, Windy Hill, and Thornewood Preserves. A receptacle was added to La Honda Creek when the Grasshopper loop Trail was opened to seasonal dog access. • Dog waste left on the trail is much reduced. Attachment 1 • Develop and implement an escalating response plan to enhance compliance. If compliance remains poor, evaluate the operational and fiscal impacts of dog waste stations at high priority sites for Board consideration. Reduce trash/litter at trails/parking Intercept Survey 9 • Continue to pick up litter during routine maintenance activities. • If and where littering is deemed a significant problem, implement a coordinated and targeted campaign to reinforce "No Littering". • When littering is observed, use opportunity to educate the public of the resource impacts and importance of keeping natural areas trash-free. • Litter pickup is emphasized as part of increased restroom cleaning as well as with ranger and volunteer trail patrols. • Litter remains mostly confined to parking areas and trailheads. More frequent cleaning of restrooms Intercept Survey 10 • Continue to regularly check and clean restroom at high use preserves twice daily. • As capacity and workload allows, increase servicing/cleaning of portable rented toilets to three times per week. • During COVID restrictions restroom cleaning frequency was temporarily increased to daily. • Restrooms that were previously cleaned weekly are now cleaned twice weekly and checked daily. • High use restrooms are cleaned daily or twice daily. Programming More programs for families, kids and women Focus Group 3 • Continue existing public programs and evaluate opportunities for additional programs targeted to families, kids, and women. • Develop targeted communications and marketing around existing programs. • In 2021, as part of the Interpretation & Education Program, COVID re-engagement with public resumed via Days on the Deck at Daniels Nature Center with family focused themes provided by staff and docents prior to the center being fully opened. • In 2021-22, docent naturalists and outdoor education docents have been offering collaborative "Wander & Wonder" family focused hike series to engage children especially in absence of school field trips. • Additionally, Interpretation & Education program offered a partnership series of three activities (2 hikes on preserves and one virtual) with the Santa Clara County Library District as part of the library's summer 2022 community engagement. • The new 2022 docent naturalist class has several graduates that would like to provide beginner hiker-focused planning to look into a collaborative programming effort with the local El Camino branch of the YMCA for 2023 to piggyback on the Y's hiking club program for families. • Targeted communications campaigns emphasize role Midpen plays in caring for the land and encouraging responsible recreation. Docent led hikes Focus Group 3 • Board-approved positions for the Interpretation & Education program will enhance and expand the District’s public interpretation and environmental education programs. In addition, the Docent and Volunteer Programs Study recommends future new positions to expand docent/interpretive programs for the public. • Docent Naturalist-led hikes did not occur during COVID 2020 and most of 2021. Returned in modified format fall 2021 and fully in spring 2022. • An Environmental Education Specialist was hired August 2019 and an Interpretive Specialist was hired in December 2019. • Support and coordination of ongoing programs and development of new elements were not possible during COVID shutdown 2020-2021. Partnerships with schools Focus Group 4 • Board-approved positions for the Interpretation & Education (I&E) program will enhance and expand the District’s public interpretation and environmental education programs. In addition, the Docent and Volunteer Programs Study recommends future new positions to expand docent/interpretive programs for the public. • Environmental Education Specialist left Midpen in late 2021. Planned refilling of position is scheduled for fall 2022. This position will co-coordinate and manage new programming efforts in addition to ongoing field trip program. • Support and coordination of ongoing programs and development of new partnership elements were not possible during COVID shutdown 2020-2021. • I&E staff has worked with county offices of education during pandemic and in recovery to understand how best to support Attachment 1 • The District’s Youth Outreach Program will include new and enhanced pilot partnerships to reach and engage youth, and encourage them to learn about and explore open space. schools and in bringing back and developing new collaborative partnerships. • I&E has worked with Public Affairs to provide content and information for ,increased social promotion to boost engagement for nature center visitation and docent naturalist guided activity participation which returned in late 2021. Additionally, I&E staff and docents have collaborated with Public Affairs for youth outreach to provide outreach engagement on preserves e.g., Coastside Children's Center. Safety Perceived personal safety concerns Focus Group 2 • Schedule periodic, introductory activities for new preserve users to introduce new visitors to outdoor recreation in open space. • Develop and disseminate "Introduction to Open Space" materials to familiarize new visitors with how to use open space preserves. • Activities for new visitors are scheduled regularly. • A new visitors site was added to the web site and includes a new-to-hiking video. • In partnership with Latino Outdoors, hosted new to outdoors virtual and in person hikes. More and better signage Focus Group 3 • Identify pilot preserves for evaluating and implementing improved preserve signage, including trail junction numbering. • Implemented trail junction numbering system for Bear Creek Redwoods and lower La Honda Creek Preserves. Limit speeding bikes on trails Intercept Survey 4 • Continue to enforce existing regulations, including 15 MPH speed limit, 5 MPH when passing. • If speeding issues are of major concern, staff informational outreach/education tables in popular mountain biking areas and/or increase enforcement presence, including support of the Volunteer Trail Patrol. • Rangers continue enforcing the trail speed limit. • Trail etiquette and speed education events have been held in high bicycle use areas in both Foothills and Skyline areas. Trail Use Reduce overcrowded trail experiences at Rancho San Antonio and St. Joseph’s Hill Intercept Survey 5 • Continue and expand promotion of lesser-visited preserves. • Proceed with Rancho San Antonio Multi-Model Access Project and begin implementing strategies and improvements to reduce parking demands (overcrowding concerns likely related to parking conflicts). Consider implementing similar strategies and improvements at St. Joseph’s Hill, as appropriate. • Reassess visitation as new areas are open for public use to determine if use is distributed (e.g., opening of Bear Creek Redwoods). • New public access at Bear Creek Redwoods is very successful with parking at or near capacity on busy weekends providing an recreational alternative for the Los Gatos area. • Multimodal studies and implementation are in progress for Rancho San Antonio and Purisima Creek Redwoods. • Communications continually stress alternative options, along with planning ahead (Know Before You Go) and responsible recreation. Allow more dog walking Focus Group 5 • Improve communications/marketing of existing dog use areas. • Utilize the District’s Dog Use Suitability Criteria to determine if additional areas are suitable for dog access. • Dog access has been added at two locations in La Honda Creek Preserve: Allen Road permit access and the Grasshopper Trail at the Sears Ranch Road access. • Dog access was added to the entire El Sereno Preserve in 2017 during the trail survey. The San Jose Water property acquisition closed a 0.3-mile trail gap for both general visitor and dog access. Minimize horse waste impacts on trails Intercept Survey 6 • Continue to monitor situation. No recommendation at this time. • Equestrian use remains limited; no further action taken Restrict dogs to on-leash Intercept Survey 7 • Continue active enforcement of leash regulations. • Continue to educate the public of on-leash regulations. • Ongoing enforcement and education. • Focus on newly opened areas to set good standard. Attachment 1 Transportation & Parking Public transportation to preserves Focus Group 2 • Research other agencies' best management practices. Coordinate with communities and transit agencies, private and non-profits, for ride-share solutions and opportunities. • Outreach to underserved communities about available access options to open space preserves. • Incorporate transportation, as appropriate, as part of organized, group-focused public programming. • Participant in the Santa Cruz Mountains Stewardship Network Transportation Committee. • Ravenswood University Bay Trail Access has been very successful at increasing public access from an underserved community. Also supporting East Palo Altos’ request to the SFPUC for additional trail access at Rutgers Street to provide direct access from that neighborhood. • Participated in Rides to Redwoods Program. • Multimodal studies at Rancho San Antonio and Purisima Creek Redwoods preserves studying transit options Expand parking near site Intercept Survey 2 • The FY18-19 Capital Improvement and Action Plan (CIAP) and Budget includes a number of parking studies: (a) Rancho San Antonio Multimodal Access Study, (b) La Honda Creek Parking Feasibility Study to evaluate parking solutions. • Evaluate existing parking utilization with additional visitor counts at high use sites that have parking constraints to inform next steps. • New parking lots added at Mount Umunhum in Sierra Azul, Bear Creek Redwoods, and at La Honda Creek Preserve at Sears Ranch Road. • La Honda Public Access working Group completed work, recommendations are now being evaluated for feasibility. • New permit parking for hiking added to the La Honda Creek Preserve Event Center Site. • Visitor Use estimates are conducted annually. Visitation nearly doubled during COVID restrictions and has dropped back down to closer to pre COVID levels. Parking remains constrained at Rancho San Antonio and Purisima Creek Redwoods Preserves with Bear Creek Redwoods at near capacity. Mount Umunhum summit parking at Sierra Azul and La Honda Creek Sears Ranch have sufficient parking most days after initial overflow parking when sites were first opened. Improve parking at Rancho San Antonio Focus Group 4 • Proceed with Rancho San Antonio Multi-Model Access Project and begin implementing strategies and improvements to reduce parking demands, thereby improving parking conditions at the preserve. • Multimodal study complete and in initial implementation phase. ###