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HomeMy Public PortalAbout20221208 - Agenda Packet - Board of Directors (BOD) - 22-28 SPECIAL MEETING BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT Thursday, December 8, 2022 Special Meeting starts at 2:00 PM* A G E N D A Consistent with Government Code section 54953(e) and Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District (District) Resolution 21-33, and in light of the declared state of emergency, the meeting will be conducted in a hybrid manner. Individuals can attend in-person or via Zoom. Some board members may be teleconferencing into the meeting via a virtual platform. Members of the public can listen to the meeting and participate using the following methods. 1. In-person at the District Administrative Office – 5050 El Camino Real, Los Altos, CA 94022. 2. Viewing the meeting in real-time at https://openspace.zoom.us/j/81735157391or listening to the meeting by dialing (669) 900-6833 or (346) 248-7799 (Meeting ID 817 3515 7391). Members of the public may submit written comments to be provided to the board or register to make oral comments as follows: • Requests to provide oral comment must be submitted prior to the time public comment on the agenda item is closed.   • Requests to provide oral comments may be made by: o Submitting a request through the public comment form at: https://www.openspace.org/public- comment for those attending via Zoom. o Submitting a request via the paper-based public comment form at the meeting for those attending in-person. • Written comments may be submitted via the public comment form at: https://www.openspace.org/public- comment. • Comments via text or social media (Facebook, Twitter, etc.) will not be accepted.   • All comments shall be subject to the same rules as would otherwise govern speaker comments at the board of directors meeting.   • Any comments received after the deadline, will be provided to the Board after the meeting. 2:00 SPECIAL MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT ROLL CALL Meeting 22-28 Rev. 1/3/20 ADOPTION OF AGENDA BOARD BUSINESS Public comment on agenda items at the time each item is considered by the Board of Directors. 1. Review of the Draft Agricultural Policy (R-22-139) Staff Contact: Kirk Lenington, Natural Resources Manager General Manager’s Recommendations: 1. Review and provide comment and feedback to staff on the draft Agricultural Policy. 2. Based on the level of Board of Directors comments and requests for revisions, consider whether to form an Agricultural Policy Review Ad Hoc Committee comprised of three Board Directors pursuant to Board Policy 1.04, Board Committees. 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 December 1, 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-22-139 Meeting 22-28 December 8, 2022 SPECIAL MEETING AGENDA ITEM 1 AGENDA ITEM Review of the Draft Agricultural Policy GENERAL MANAGER’S RECOMMENDATIONS 1. Review and provide comment and feedback to staff on the draft Agricultural Policy. 2. Based on the level of Board of Directors comments and requests for revisions, consider whether to form an Agricultural Policy Review Ad Hoc Committee comprised of three Board Directors pursuant to Board Policy 1.04, Board Committees. SUMMARY This agenda item will provide the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District (District) Board of Directors (Board) with an opportunity to review draft policy language for a stand-alone Agricultural Policy (Ag Policy) that has been informed by prior Board direction, existing District policies, and public input received to date. A Board-approved Ag Policy will outline the District’s role in agriculture within the region and guide its agricultural conservation partnership work and management of agricultural lands. Outreach to solicit input from District partners and stakeholders was 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, California. Based on public feedback received through extensive community conversations and prior Board direction on the framework for the Ag Policy, staff have drafted the Ag Policy language for Board review and discussion. Depending on the level of Board feedback and number of requests for revisions to the draft policy, the Board many want to consider forming an Ag Policy Ad Hoc Committee to work further with staff in helping finalize the policy language for subsequent presentation to the Board. Prior to returning to the Board for consideration of adoption, the revised draft policy would be presented to agricultural partners and stakeholders for their review, with their input forwarded to the full Board to inform future Board deliberation. BACKGROUND The purpose of the Ag Policy is to: • Set the policy framework for the District’s scope and breadth in agriculture; • Inform the public of the purpose and intent of the District’s role in local agriculture and its contributions to the agricultural community; • Provide staff and the Board with a tool for informed, consistent, and effective decision making on agricultural topics; and R-22-139 Page 2 • Provide general guidance for issue-specific and site-specific planning, management, and operations of agricultural lands. The work to develop an inclusive Ag Policy began in 2019 with a review of existing agricultural uses on District lands and District policy and guidelines pertinent to the District’s role in agricultural preservation. Central to the Ag Policy development has been ensuring consistency with the Service Plan for the San Mateo Coastal Annexation Area (Coastal Service Plan) while also delivering on commitments identified in that document to work with partners in delivering agricultural conservation projects on the San Mateo County coast. Numerous meetings were held with the Board, partners, and stakeholders to inform and develop an Ag Policy that implements the District’s coastal mission, supports the work of partners working to conserve agriculture, and provides for compatible agricultural uses on open space lands located in the San Mateo Coastside and throughout the District. Through a series of meetings and workshops with the Board, partners, stakeholders, and the public (discussed in more detail in Prior Board and Committee Review section of this report below), a vision for the District’s agricultural policy has emerged that balances the private economic interests and viability of agricultural producers with the resource conservation, agricultural preservation, and open space goals of the District’s mission. DISCUSSION Most recently, at the September 28, 2022 meeting, the Board received a presentation of the Preliminary Policy Framework that identified eleven (11) potential policy areas for the Ag Policy (R-22-105). These policy areas were developed based on alignment with existing agriculture policies, guidelines, and implementation actions in the District’s Coastal Service Plan. One example is the Coastal Service Plan 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, were identified through extensive partner and stakeholder outreach and engagement, reflecting the diversity and needs of the agricultural community. The attached draft Ag Policy (Attachment 1) incorporates Board feedback received during the September 28, 2022 meeting, as well as Board direction and public input received to date. The draft Ag Policy reflects the general framework presented at the September 2022 meeting, with the most significant change being a Board request to split the Research, Sustainability, and Environmentally Sensitive Agriculture policy area into separate sections to better emphasize the District’s focus on these important mission and policy areas. The draft Ag Policy found in Attachment 1 is organized into 13 Policy Areas organized under three goals: • Goal AG-1 Preserve and foster existing and potential agricultural operations within the Coastside Protection Area o Agricultural Land Protection o Public Access o Agricultural Housing o Agricultural Infrastructure o Leases o Marketing and Promotion R-22-139 Page 3 • Goal AG-2 Support and implement practices enhancing diversity, equity, and inclusion on District agricultural lands and within the larger agricultural community. o Farmworker Engagement o Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion o Partnerships • Goal AG-3 Sustain and promote environmental health and encourage environmentally sensitive and sustainable agriculture. o Water Quality o Natural Resources o Sustainable Practices o Research The draft Ag Policy consists of a Background section, followed by Goals, Policies, and Implementation Measures. The Background section provides the rationale for the agricultural goals and policies that follow. Each goal is phrased as a broad, general statement describing the desired state or condition to be achieved. The policies under each goal state what steps the District will take in order to attain that goal. Individual policy statements are numbered and include one or more recommended implementation measures. Implementation measures specify the action items that the District will strive to carry out when applying the policies to the landscape. As part of a final future draft, Reference citations will be provided that point to pertinent policies or other District guidance documents (e.g., Coastal Service Plan) where applicable. Informational sidebars will identify current knowledge and practices regarding agricultural conservation. Keywords will be noted in bold and definitions for each will be found in the accompanying Glossary. Consideration of an Agricultural Policy Ad Hoc Committee Depending on the level of Board feedback and number of requests for revisions to the draft policy language, the Board many want to consider forming an Ag Policy Ad Hoc Committee to work with staff in finalizing the policy language for subsequent presentation to the full Board. The Ag Policy Ad Hoc Committee would be composed of three Board members appointed by the Board President with the consent of the Board. Meetings of the Ag Policy Ad Hoc Committee would be compensable. Once a final revised Ag Policy is prepared, the Committee could also work with staff to present the revised language to agricultural partners and stakeholders. Stakeholder input and the revised Ag Policy would subsequently be presented to the full Board for consideration of the policy adoption. FISCAL IMPACT Review of the draft Ag Policy has no immediate fiscal impact. Depending on the specific components adopted in the final policy, further fiscal impact analysis may be necessary. Formation of a new compensable Ad Hoc Committee is not expected to result in a fiscal impact. The Fiscal Year 2022-23 (FY23) budget anticipates both Committee and Board meeting attendance for Board Directors. According to Board Policy 6.06 (Meeting Compensation, Reimbursement of Authorized Necessary Expenses for Performance of Official Duties, and Adoption of Ethics Training Requirements Pursuant to Government Code Section 53232 et seq. R-22-139 Page 4 (AB1234)), the current compensation for Board members is one hundred and five dollars ($105.00) per meeting day, or six hundred and thirty dollars ($630.00) per month. The FY23 Budget includes sufficient funds for Board compensation related to meeting attendance. 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 of 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 (PNR) meeting on April 9, 2019 (R-19-40, minutes). Another PNR meeting was held on October 22, 2019 (R-19-139, minutes). This was followed by a final PNR 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 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. On September 28, 2022, the Board received an update on the partner and stakeholder outreach conducted to support development of a draft of the Ag Policy (R-22-105, minutes). The Board provided input on the framework for the Ag Policy and next steps in drafting the Ag Policy and consulting with partners and stakeholders. 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. R-22-139 Page 5 CEQA COMPLIANCE The Ag Policy is not a project subject to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). The Ag Policy will inform future actions that may be subject to CEQA, and subsequent environmental review will be conducted at that time. The Ag Policy includes and/or references policies, guidelines and implementation actions in the Board-approved Service Plan for the San Mateo Coastal Annexation Area (Service Plan), which complies with CEQA. The Board certified the San Mateo Coastal Annexation Final Program Environmental Impact Report (Final EIR) on June 5, 2003. NEXT STEPS Staff will incorporate Board input received on December 8, 2022 into the revised Ag Policy and present the information to agricultural partners and stakeholders to solicit their input. Staff will compile comments and consider any final edits to the Ag Policy. The final Ag Policy and input received would then be forward to the full Board for consideration of policy adoption, which is anticipated in the spring of 2023. If a Board Ad Hoc Committee is formed, staff will conduct the steps listed above with Ad Hoc Committee support and guidance. If an Ad Hoc is formed, final Board adoption of the Ag Policy will likely occur in the summer/early fall of 2023. Attachment(s) 1. Draft Agricultural Policy Responsible Department Head: Kirk Lenington, Natural Resources Prepared by: Kirk Lenington, Natural Resources Manager T H E M I D P E N I N S U L A R E G I O N A L O P E N S P A C E D I S T R I C T A G R I C U L T U R A L P O L I C Y D R A F T I.AGRICULTURAL POLICY BACKGROUND The public benefits of conserving land as open space are many: clean air, clean water, biodiversity, climate resiliency and the well- being that comes with spending time in nature. On the San Mateo County Coast, much of the undeveloped open space land has a long history of agricultural use. Active agriculture continues today as an important source of local food and natural products. In June 2003, the Board adopted the San Mateo Coastal Annexa- tion Area (CAA) Service Plan (Service Plan) to establish the poli- cies, guidelines, and commitments governing District activities and services within coastal San Mateo County, as area known as the Coastside Protection Area. The San Mateo County Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCo) approved the CAA in September 2004. Since LAFCo approval, the District has completed numerous pro- jects related to land purchases, conservation grazing, the protection of unique natural and scenic resources, stream habitat restoration, and new public access opportunities. In addition, the District has fostered partnerships and new relationships on the coast and se- cured grants and other funding to support the preservation and stewardship of coastal properties and working lands. All of this work occurs in recognition of the importance of agriculture in sustaining the local economy and in preserving the rural, open space land- scape of the San Mateo County coast. The agricultural policies identified in this document are consistent with the Coastal Service Plan, which controls District activities in the Coastal Service Area. Lands outside the coastal service area are also covered by these policies unless otherwise noted. The District’s mission for the Coastside Protection Area is as follows (bold denotes additions to the basic Mission Statement): “To acquire and preserve in perpetuity open space land and agricultural land of regional significance, protect and re- store the natural environment, preserve rural character, This Sidebar will be a description of agricultural acreage and history in San Mateo County ATTACHMENT 1 1 T H E M I D P E N I N S U L A R E G I O N A L O P E N S P A C E D I S T R I C T A G R I C U L T U R A L P O L I C Y encourage viable agricultural use of land resources, and provide opportunities for ecologically sensitive public enjoyment and education.” By preserving and supporting agricultural uses on the San Mateo County Coast, the District is working to protect wildlife corridors, scenic open space views, groundwater infiltration, and other eco- system and open space co-benefits in addition to supporting sus- tainable agriculture. As of this writing (2022), the District has preserved more than 12,000 acres of open space within the Coastside Protection Area. About 75% of that land is leased to small-scale ranchers through the District’s conservation grazing program to sustain coastal grasslands, one the most biodiverse and threatened ecosystems in North America. Several endangered, threatened and special-status species, like the San Francisco garter snake, American badger, burrowing owl and California red-legged frog, depend on open grassland habitat and the various stock ponds found within range- land properties. As the District enhances grassland and pond habi- tats for the benefit of wildlife and to support local agriculture, the ecological function of coastal lands is also preserved. Numerous District-owned agricultural lands located outside the Coastal Pro- tection Area are similarly leased to various agricultural operators. Although the majority of the District’s agricultural acreage is in graz- ing, the District leases out 130 acres of row crops, vineyards, Christ- mas tree farms, and orchards to farmers. On the coastside, in ac- cordance with the Coastal Service Plan, the District offers a lease option to tenants/farmers who are conducting agricultural uses on newly acquired coastal lands until the property is sold or a request for proposals for a long-term lease is solicited and a new lease awarded. Each of the District’s agricultural properties requires key infrastruc- ture (water systems, fencing, roads, corrals, and barns) to support an onsite agricultural operation and accomplish the District’s land management goals. In particular, conservation grazing often re- quires fencing to protect creeks, as well as reliable water sources (livestock watering) that support the distribution of cattle across the landscape to achieve resource management goals. In general, newly acquired properties have lacked the infrastructure to run a successful conservation grazing program. The District pre- pares customized Rangeland Management Plans (RMPs) for each new grazing property that sets grazing parameters based on site ATTACHMENT 1 2 T H E M I D P E N I N S U L A R E G I O N A L O P E N S P A C E D I S T R I C T A G R I C U L T U R A L P O LI C Y conditions and annual rainfall amounts. RMPs include a list of new infrastructure improvements to effectively support the conservation grazing operation. In addition, the District enters into grazing leases that specify the roles for both the tenant and the District regarding the construction and maintenance of the onsite infrastructure during the lease term. While the District funds most infrastructure improvements, the District depends on tenants to install portions of the infrastruc- ture (e.g., water troughs, sections of fencing) and make mainte- nance and operational repairs. Additionally, tenants work with the District to eliminate invasive species as directed by the District’s In- tegrated Pest Management program. AGRICULTURAL GOALS, POLICIES, AND IMPLEMENTATION MEASURES Policy AG-1 The fee purchase and protection of agricultural lands will focus on properties that provide co-benefits for sensitive habitat and natural resource values and/or compatible low intensity recreational opportunities. The preservation of significant agricultural lands without significant co-benefits, such as row crops, should be supported through partnerships and led by partners. ♦ Lands that do not have open space, sensitive habitat, or public access values and which clearly support productive agricultural This Sidebar will be a description of the Coastal Service Plan process and accomplishments Goal AG-1 Continue existing and introduce new agricultural operations within the Coastside Protection Area in order to keep prime agricultural land in agricultural production while ensuring the protection of sensitive natural resources. Main- tain agricultural uses outside the Coastal Protection Area when they support open space, natural resource, and/or public ac- cess goals. Minimize conflicts between agricultural and non- agricultural land uses on District owned or managed lands. ATTACHMENT 1 3 T H E M I D P E N I N S U L A R E G I O N A L O P E N S P A C E D I S T R I C T A G R I C U L T U R A L P O L I C Y operations will generally be offered for sale while other agricul- tural lands, typically rangelands, will generally be offered for lease. (Coastal Service Plan PA.1) ♦ Offer for sale or lease the maximum amount of productive agri- cultural land to farmers/grazers who will actively operate agri- cultural uses on the land subject to the protection of habitat val- ues and current or planned recreational uses. (Coastal Service Plan PA.1) ♦ Focus on purchasing in fee and managing rangelands in per- petuity. ♦ Work in partnership with organizations like Peninsula Open Space Trust (POST) to prevent the conversion or loss of inten- sive agricultural lands through funding contributions with the ul- timate goal of transferring these lands to private farmers subject to land protections such as agricultural conservation ease- ments. ♦ To the extent practical and if aligned with District policies, keep agricultural uses within the same or contiguous properties to- gether when the agricultural uses are run by the same operator. ♦ When applicable and appropriate, structure agricultural conser- vation easements to protect the environmental quality, historic significance, wildlife habitat, recreational opportunities, and/or open space values of agricultural lands. Policy AG-2 Where compatible with the natural, cultural and ag- ricultural resources located on agricultural lands, provide low-intensity public access and environmen- tal education. ♦ Evaluate the compatibility of low-intensity public access on Dis- trict-owned agricultural lands to facilitate access and trail con- nections. [Reference: Service Plan Permanent Policy PA.3] ♦ Work closely with agricultural tenants to identify appropriate levels of public access through or adjacent to agricultural lands, and the infrastructure, signage, setbacks, buffers, and other Place holder for future Sidebar discussing what is compatible public recreation in context of ag/working landscapes. ATTACHMENT 1 4 T H E M I D P E N I N S U L A R E G I O N A L O P E N S P A C E D I S T R I C T A G R I C U L T U R A L P O LI C Y measures that improve compatibility and minimize/avoid poten- tial recreational impacts to agricultural uses and vice versa. ♦ Solicit input from landowners, farmers, ranchers and other op- erators of adjacent agricultural lands to inform the development of use and management plans for District lands. [Reference: Service Plan Guidelines G.3.8 and G.6.3] ♦ Locate trails, trailhead access points, parking and other visitor- serving facilities on District lands in harmony with the surround- ing agricultural uses, where the siting of facilities and buffers on coastal lands are consistent with the Coastal Service Plan and EIR mitigation measures, while complying with current regula- tory requirements. [Reference: Service Plan Guideline G.3.9] ♦ Solicit input from other local public agencies, conservation or- ganizations, non-profit entities, and community groups to inform the placement of public trails and other low-intensity public ac- cess facilities that traverse or are located adjacent to agricul- tural lands. [Reference: Service Plan Guideline G.8.] ♦ Implement temporary closures of specific trails that are located on agricultural lands to facilitate intermittent agricultural activi- ties and protect visitor safety, as may be necessary (e.g., calv- ing season, transportation of livestock, crop harvest, chemical applications, etc.). [Reference: Service Plan Guideline G.3.4] Policy AG-3 Retain current District agricultural housing and ex- pand agricultural housing opportunities when feasi- ble. ♦ Consider opportunities to partner with and support local organ- izations that provide affordable regional agricultural workforce housing when such partnerships help further District goals. ♦ Prioritize the leasing of District residences, that are needed to support an agricultural operation, to the grazing operator/lessee or farm/ranch worker who is actively farming or grazing on Dis- trict land. ATTACHMENT 1 5 T H E M I D P E N I N S U L A R E G I O N A L O P E N S P A C E D I S T R I C T A G R I C U L T U R A L P O L I C Y ♦ Provide discounted rates for District housing that is occupied by a farm/ranch employee and market rates for lease holders. Policy AG-4 Provide necessary infrastructure and incentives to support and improve agricultural operations, where appropriate. ♦ Identify future investments in fencing infrastructure on District agricultural lands to establish property boundaries and protect natural resources and neighboring lands. (See Resource Man- agement Policies CGM-2, CGM-5) ♦ Develop water infrastructure to support agricultural operations where natural resource co-benefits also exist. (See Resource Management Policies CGM-2) ♦ Improve water security/supply for District-owned residences on agricultural lands. (See WR-5) ♦ Work with tenants to maintain or improve agricultural structures such as barns and corrals. ♦ Allow tenant-funded infrastructure improvements that support intensive agriculture if they do not impact natural resources or public access. Policy AG-5 Utilize lease structures to accomplish land manage- ment objectives and establish leases that promote conservation goals and the financial viability of agri- cultural operations. ♦ On the coastside, in accordance with the Coastal Service Plan, after the purchase of active agricultural lands, the land shall be subject to continued use by the existing agricultural operator until such time as the District either sells the property or issues a request for proposals and awards a new long-term agricul- tural lease. (Coastal Service Plan PA.1) ♦ After the acquisition of a property and the development of an agriculture production plan or rangeland management plan, so- licit a request for proposals to enter into a new long-term lease This Sidebar will discuss the importance of infra- structure for agricultural operations and sustaina- ble practices ATTACHMENT 1 6 T H E M I D P E N I N S U L A R E G I O N A L O P E N S P A C E D I S T R I C T A G R I C U L T U R A L P O LI C Y for agricultural lands. At the end of the long-term lease, resolicit a request for proposals to enter into a new long-term lease. ♦ Enter into agricultural leases with term durations that support the financial viability of agricultural operations and promote ten- ant investments that are beneficial for the land and the agricul- tural production; the lease term length should be based on the type of agricultural operation. (CGM-5) ♦ Work with local organizations to ensure that agricultural lease opportunities are well publicized, including to new/early-career producers and agricultural workers. ♦ When soliciting for new agricultural tenants, include selection criteria pertaining to local preference, Diversity/Equity/Inclusion (DEI), tenant in-good-standing, and environmental sustainabil- ity as well as the ability to manage and operate the agricultural operation. (see AG-10) ♦ When awarding leases, the District shall factor in the perfor- mance of existing/prior agricultural tenants, including their stewardship practices, implementation of Board-approved re- source management plans/actions, and use of sustainability practices in their agricultural operations. Policy AG-6 Ensure that marketing and promotion of agricultural products produced on District lands are compatible with resource protection policies. Allow District ten- ants to market and promote their products on District lands and support regional efforts that promote local food sources as a sustainable approach to feeding Bay Area residents. ♦ Support regional efforts that promote the environmental bene- fits of local food production and agricultural land uses that are aligned with the District’s mission. ♦ Allow appropriate use of signage and events by tenants to pro- mote their products on District lands. Require identification of the District as the landowner. ATTACHMENT 1 7 T H E M I D P E N I N S U L A R E G I O N A L O P E N S P A C E D I S T R I C T A G R I C U L T U R A L P O L I C Y ♦ Communicate the environmental benefits of agricultural uses on District lands on the website and through social media. ♦ Allow appropriate use of pictures of District landscapes by Dis- trict tenants to promote their products. ♦ Allow District tenants to include mention of their status as an agricultural tenant who operates on District lands as part of their marketing and promotional materials; grazers who are part of the conservation grazing program can also mention their par- ticipation in the program and the benefits of grazing in protect- ing the natural resources. Policy AG-7 Establish strong working relationships with the agri- cultural workforce community. ♦ Maintain ongoing communication with organizations that are fo- cused on supporting local agricultural workers, notifying them of District activities, projects, programs, meetings, and consid- eration of decisions that may be of interest to ensure opportu- nities for input. ♦ Periodically attend local community meetings that discuss farm- worker/agricultural workforce interests to better understand ag- ricultural workforce issues and the intersection with District work to inform future activities. ♦ Actively solicit feedback from organizations that are focused on supporting local agricultural workers on proposed new District projects, policies, and programs that may directly affect the community they serve. Policy AG-8 Implement strategies and actions to further the Dis- trict’s diversity, equity and inclusion (“DEI”) goals that align with the mission, Board policy, and annual strategic goals and objectives. Goal AG-2 Support and implement practices that en- hance diversity, equity, and inclusion on District agricul- tural lands and within the larger agricultural community. ATTACHMENT 1 8 T H E M I D P E N I N S U L A R E G I O N A L O P E N S P A C E D I S T R I C T A G R I C U L T U R A L P O LI C Y ♦ Build relationships with community-based organizations that are rooted in and serve the farmworker community. ♦ Incorporate DEI strategies in the solicitation process for agricul- tural leases. ♦ Provide opportunities to lease District agricultural properties to people who have not traditionally owned or operated ranches and farmlands. ♦ Provide non-English translations when appropriate or re- quested. ♦ Ensure community-based organizations are notified when Dis- trict leases are up for renewal or when accepting new applica- tions. ♦ Ensure that the broad diversity of agricultural interests have a meaningful opportunity to provide their input in the development of District projects/plans. Policy AG-9 Expand partnerships with local and regional organi- zations to expand the scale of agricultural conserva- tion. ♦ Expand existing partnerships and enter into new partnerships with organizations that support local agriculture to achieve mu- tual goals and leverage resources. ♦ Support partners in efforts to preserve agricultural lands of re- gional significance through agricultural conservation ease- ments for lands in private ownership and through land trust ownership. (Reference land protection) ♦ Support efforts by partners to implement agriculture sustaina- bility and natural resource conservation projects on private lands. (Reference NR co-benefits, ag conserve. Efforts) Goal AG-3 Sustain and promote environmental health and encourage environmentally sensitive and sustainable agri- culture. ATTACHMENT 1 9 T H E M I D P E N I N S U L A R E G I O N A L O P E N S P A C E D I S T R I C T A G R I C U L T U R A L P O L I C Y Policy AG-10 Encourage environmentally sensitive and sustaina- ble agricultural practices on District lands that pre- serve and protect water quality and riparian habitats. ♦ Manage agricultural leases and easements to maximize the protection and enhancement of riparian areas and water quality (see Water Resources WR-2). ♦ Secure water rights for District agricultural lands to support the viability of agricultural uses while remaining protective of sensi- tive habitats (see Coastal Service Plan PA.2). ♦ Phase in the installation of water meters or other measures to monitor annual consumptive water use (see WR-4) for agricul- tural activities to balance consumption with healthy ecological function. ♦ Develop, regularly update and implement Best Management Practices for efficient use of water by agricultural tenants. ♦ Identify and replace diversions that strain naturally limited water sources, especially those that significantly impact special status species, with other reliable sources (e.g., wells, retention ponds, etc.) (see WR-8). ♦ Evaluate and alter, as feasible, water-intensive land manage- ment practices during drought conditions to reduce overall Dis- trict-wide water consumption (see WR-8). Policy AG-11 Encourage environmentally sensitive practices on District lands that enhance the co-benefits and/or re- duce negative impacts to the natural resources. ♦ Locate agricultural activities, facility development, and trail con- struction away from sensitive resource areas to the greatest ex- tent possible and otherwise incorporate measures to reduce potential resource impacts (see GS-2). ♦ Manage pests on agricultural properties to support existing uses, while also protecting human health and surrounding nat- ural resources, through an integrated pest management pro- gram. (see IPM-1). ATTACHMENT 1 10 T H E M I D P E N I N S U L A R E G I O N A L O P E N S P A C E D I S T R I C T A G R I C U L T U R A L P O LI C Y ♦ 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 (see IPM- 2). ♦ Provide technical support and incentives for tenants to imple- ment environmentally sensitive practices on District lands and support regional programs that promote environmentally sensi- tive agricultural practices. ♦ Promote integrated pest management agricultural production methods. Policy AG-12 Encourage environmentally sustainable agricultural practices on District lands that store carbon and pro- mote soil and grassland health ♦ Support soil health improvement practices and cultivation of cli- mate-adaptable crops. ♦ Promote practices that enhance carbon storage where these practices are compatible with other natural resource protection. ♦ Offer educational opportunities for tenant farmers/grazers and farmworkers/ranch workers regarding sustainable farm and grazing operational practices. Policy AG-13 Support research focused on agricultural practices that increase efficient use of land resources, envi- ronmental sustainability, climate adaptation, and/or increase habitat values on agricultural lands ♦ Invest in research of new techniques that improve resource use efficiencies, reduce non-target impacts of agricultural practices, and enhance habitat value on agricultural land. ♦ Support technology advancements and research that improve the environmental sustainability of agricultural management techniques. ATTACHMENT 1 11 T H E D IS T R I C T I N S U L A R E G I O N A L O P E N S P A C E D I S T R I C T R E S O U R C E M A N A G E M E N T P O L I C I E S G L O S S A R Y II. GLOSSARY ATTACHMENT 1 12 III. REFERENCES ATTACHMENT 1 13