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HomeMy Public PortalAbout19980520 - Agendas Packet - Board of Directors (BOD) - 98-11 I 1 i V LLJ I ' Q r z F-- O V �- W Cn � Q v zun � o W W MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT Bulk Rate 330 Distel Circle • Los Altos, California 94022-1404 U.S.Postage °hone: 415-691-1200 • Fax: 415-691-0485 PAID _-Mail: mrosdCopenspace.org Permit No.824 San lose,CA ou'� • e GO �� F� Nea aye ko S ove S' VAO RECYCLED PAPEN6!S0!Y!1:_NK] D1996 Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District. 08-1996 I i midpeninsula Regional Open Space District Boundary or sphere of influence of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District - County Boundaries •—• Gate - road closed ® MROSD Offices Q Parking Lot Roadside Parking tMidpeninsula Regional Open Space District preserves Major city, county, and state parks, open space preserves, and publicly-owned watershed Don Edwards a< Private watersheds, land trusts, and academic land San Francisco OJ�b Bay Wildlife tea Refuge 0 Q Scale in Miles 11 1 2 3 4 i Ravenswood Open Space Preserve a4y, East r Palo Alto N ;� Claraan Palo Alto Baylands Nature Preserve v v Shoreline Ravenswood �? at Open Space Preserve Mountain View Size:373 acres �0 Trails: 1 mile Uses:Hiking Crittenden Parking: 12-car lot at end of Bay Road tn. - Features:Bayy/marshland vegetation, Stevens wildlife and birdwatching;salt pond Creek g levees; Bay Trail;full-access trail, ¢� Shoreline observation deck. Nature Study oo c Stevens Creek Shoreline Area o Moffett Nature Study Area o` QQ Federal Size:55 acres rP Airfield Trails: 1/2 mile ® �f„ Uses:Hiking,bicycling Parking:Available at Shoreline at MROSD e. as 101 Moumain View District +.off Features:Bay/marshland vegetation Office 1 I Sunnyv and wildlife;exceptional Baylands birdwatching. p,,e• 237 Park �e Rancho San Antonio 237 Open Space Preserve Size:2,135 acres(includes Duveneck Windmill Pasture Area) Mountain Trails:23 miles View <I/ 3' Uses: Hiking,equestrian,limited bicycling Parking:Ample parking at county q� RP parking lots. Features:Oak woodlands,shaded creeks and meadows; Deer Hollow oea m Farm;views of the south bay area, m Sunnyvale p° v Monte Bello Ridge,Black Mountain; U` y restrooms at county park and Deer 185 c�' Hollow Farm;historic Grant Cabin un exhibit;SCCTA transit connection. FrP�onrg Monte Be to Open Space Preserve ve. (Page Size:2,758 acres `J Trails: 15 miles Uses:I liking,bicycling,equestrian rl 3 Parking:45-car lot 3 yQ Features:2,800-foot Black Mountain; IG<`sl �Q y oak woodlands;self-guided 3-mile Santa Clara Stevensl rPp I ll tieo 6t�a�e 0 �a 92 jpSa 2N11 92 D_ d 101 Q _mr d dP S C vz d aSrotesQkv`y moo yea 200 Ts san Carlos Pie State Wildlife Refuge San Carlos e e Pr2 Y �ioi San Francisco Open: f A °a Watershed Lands Edmonds Rd. e Space* A Qos� �, © fdgek,00d tZa � � Edgewood w County Park pye' Purisima Creek S' J Golden Gate e\<e<So� w+ Redwoods i National enlo Park Open Space Recreation Ba front Preserve oo Area Redwood ark 280 atm HiI18��a city a tea. `a air •� Huddart County Park oay 101 CreP1 r �O - Kings Woodside Atherton 0 04 Pd� Pr Teague Hill z,• �i a\o Open Space •Q Preserve y ar � • ,fr >,� ds,, Menlo El Corte de Madera CreekGe�df Park 2 Js`,4etswy Open Space • r� �. Preserve A ,�'�" Palo �a Alto Wunderlich % a�aN`\\�a Embarcadero County eta 5 ss Park oas`d �o Stanford University y� 3 21ui y • r .7hqxaewood 001112pace Pres ve it) Portola Q dS. Valley d 84 Honda Cr Q. Open Spa P. mdy Hill Open Space `�neR�Arastradero Preserve c PP (Palo Alto) 35 J a o C� r^ p �a x U 1 `\tea' zwi C �• A Los y Foothills Park a� Altos ?' n (Palo Alto) othills Open H I l lS Los ce Preserve Altos S\� C �° �`\tea' °°rY Rd, k o� 84 ce Sam McDonald e L County Park Tra Hidden O _ Fill Ranc `r ussian Ridge • Preserve San Antonio': a Open Space • _ Open Space Preserve • c Preserve (Duveneck 2011 aai Pasture Area) qp ©OQ (Permit) MROSD Monte Bello MROS 'Pa e a Skyline 0• Open Space Foothills 0 Field Preserve Field ' Q\P`° Off• a Skyline Ridge (Page Mill Area) Office Open Space • Preserve ate 1800s. It is now an historic exhibit, P glimpse rovio lim se • Meadow,grasslands-Windy Hill, Russian Ridge, Long Ridge, of how people lived in the last century.The restoration was T Fremont Older, and many other preserves. made possible with the help of the City of Mountain View, and Ponds, creeks, riparian habitat-Skyline Ridge, Purisima Creek, grants from the Santa Clara Historical Heritage Commission. , Long Ridge, Monte Bello, and most other preserves. :f� 'a; 1"r•' +- For More District Information - Wildlife is common throughout your open space preserves. Here are just a few of the animals you might see while you are To get on the District's quarterly newsletter mailing list, % receive reserve trail maps, order an annual subscription to enjoying open space: P P P Board meeting agendas and minutes, or obtain further Shorebirds Migratory ducks Coyotes _ information on any of the District's preserves or programs, `a ►` Mountain lions Black-tailed deer Banana slugs 't please call (415)691-1200.Our address is 330 Distel Circle, Bobcats Insects Rattlesnakes Los Altos, CA 94022-1404.You may send electronic mail to ��/ � Gopher snakes Garter snakes Songbirds t. ► ,may_ a, <mrosd@openspace.org>.Trail maps are usually available at ; Quail(California State Bird) Red-tailed hawks Brush rabbits = = � 3•� , _ major trailheads at the more popular preserves, or may be ► -tom All wildlife is protected—please do not disturb any animals Black-tailed Deer requested in advance from the District.Visit the District's you may see. website at<http://www.openspace.org>. �,r• Several District preserves include historic Register of Historic Places. Docent-led tours of the house and in late s in l ll ll nn d ff d sites that In addition,other documents guiding the District's activities '`' * ` you can visit: gardens are offered annually, usually aprg. y are available to the public, including Basic Policies,Trail Use R Thornewood Estate, Policies,Trail Use Guidelines and Mitigation Measures, 'y in Thornewood Open Space Preserve Resource Management Policies, and Use& Management Plans. `c ' x This 87-acre estate was willed to the Sierra Club Foundation The District Speakers Bureau provides a guest speaker for and later given to the District.The house, service organizations, homeowners groups, business clubs, or surrounded by 3.5 acres of landscaping, affords a other associations within any of the District's 16 cities.Also f breathtaking view of the valley, and is an example available is a free-standing photo display for use at -1 loll; of the gracious summer estate life of the 1920s. special events. The estate includes an easy walk along wooded ' s� The Mid peninsula Regional Open Space District trails leading to beautiful Schilling Lake. *�` gratefully accepts contributions to assist in its mission Deer Hollow Farm is a working homestead and �+- rp of preserving unspoiled natural land for future educational center in Rancho San Antonio Open Space generations. Donations are tax-deductible. • Preserve.The farm is owned by the District and To help with its ongoing efforts to preserve open operated by the City of Mountain View Recreation space,the District also appreciates in-kind .#~ Department, with staff assistance from the District, a contributions of equipment,materials,and professional services. grant from Santa Clara County, and support from the Friends of Deer Hollow Farm. School classes, community groups, and families can observe, explore, and participate in a family farm. Above:9.kreph's Hill Open Space Preserve r For more information about Deer Hollow Farm, please call Leh:Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve J (415)903-6331. Grant Cabin is the oldest structure at Deer Hollow Farm, dating from the 1850s.The District has restored this historic building and furnished the interior with artifacts typical of daily life in w Picchetti Winery, � in Monte Bello Open Space Preserve This picturesque winery was built in the late 1890s and operated for many years under the Picchetti Brothers label. - - ' i 0, �3•��"` The winery, homestead, and surrounding property were purchased by the District in 1976.The site and buildings are �, 3,;,�n ' ; • listed on the National Register of Historic Places and are being restored by the winery operators and the District. Please call the winery at(408) 741-1310 for wine tasting hours. , Fremont Older Estate, in Fremont Older Open Space Preserve N. The Fremont Older house, "Woodhills," was built in 1914 by K Fremont Older, a crusading San Francisco newspaper editor, and his wife, Cora.The property was purchased by the District in 1975, and the house is leased to a private party. It has been restored to near-original design, and is listed on the National _ = Right:Stevens Creek Nature Study Area f. I i I 1 Pulgas Ridge Open Space Preserve Size:293 acres 1 Trails:3 miles } Uses:Hiking,bicycling Parking:8 roadside spaces on Edmonds Road Features:Cool canyons to steep { ridge top;views of watershed to the west;full-access trail;spring wildflowers;leashed dogs permitted; off-leash area;SamTrans transit connection. Teague Hill Open Space Preserve Size:624 acres Trails:1 mile Uses:Hiking, equestrian(public access currently limited pending trail planning and development) Parking:Limited spaces at Huddart and Wunderlich County Parks Features:Densely wooded forests and deep ravines; BurI igh Ridge Trail. Murray Purisima Creek Redwoods State Park Open Space Preserve Size:2,633 acres Trails:20 miles Z. Uses:Hiking,bicycling, equestrian os Parking:20-car lot at northern 'N entrance/5-car lot(includes `'ma Rd. handicapped)at southern entrance; 10-car lot at the Higgins-Purisima Rd.entrance Creek Ltd Features:Towering redwoods, Q 0`;`�'� ferns,creeks,and wildflowers; ocean views;Ridge Trail; 1/4-mile full-access trail;restroom. El Corte de Madera Creek Open Space Preserve Size:2,792 acres Trails:20 miles Uses:Hiking,bicycling,equestrian Parking:Limited spaces at Skeggs Point vista parking area;limited roadside on Skyline Blvd.(Rt.35) Features:Steep,heavily forested terrain;rare and fragile sandstone formations;redwoods;creek headwaters. Thornewood Open Space Preserve Size: 141 acres Trails: 1 mile Uses:Hiking,equestrian Parking:9-car area on west side of driveway(includes 1 handicapped) Features:Historic Thornewood Estate;redwoods,oaks,and firs; Schilling Lake; leashed dogs permitted. La Honda Creek Open Space Preserve Size:2,043 acres Trails:3 miles Uses:Hiking,bicycling,equestrian Parking:Access permit required (call District);10-car area Features:Grassland hilltops; redwood and Douglas fir forests; spectacular views of the coastal foothills and ocean;wildlife. I' Windy Hill Open Space Preserve Size: 1,132 acres Trails: 12 miles Uses:Hiking,bicycling,equestrian Parking:15-car lot; limited roadside on Skyline Blvd.(Rt.35) Features:Grassland ridges,lush wooded ravines,creeks;views of peninsula,bay,and coast;picnic tables; Ridge Trail; leashed dogs permitted in designated areas;Ridge Trail.SamTrans transit connection. Foothills Open Space Preserve Size:211 acres Trails: 1/2 mile } Uses:Hiking,bicycling,equestrian Parking:2-car roadside Features:Grassy hilltop,steep chaparral-covered slopes, oak/madrone woodlands;views of the south bay area; leashed dogs permitted. Coal Creek Open Space Preserve Size:493 acres Trails:5 miles Uses:Hiking,bicycling,equestrian Parking:Limited spaces at vista point on east side of Skyline Blvd. San Mateo County (Rt.35). Memorial Nark Features:Rolling meadows,oaks, grasslands,large madrone trees, forested headwaters of two creeks; leashed dogs permitted. Russian Ridge 1 I I Long-billed Curlew Sharing The Trails With Other Visitors Each week, thousands of visitors, including hikers, runners, bicyclists, equestrians, people with disabilities, and people walking their dogs, use the District's trails. With so many types of trails and users, it is crucial that visitors understand how to share the trails with others so that all preserve visitors may have a safe, pleasant experience. A variety of uses is permitted on some of the District's trails, while others are limited to specific or single uses. Following these basic trail etiquette guidelines will ensure an enjoyable visit for everyone: • Please be courteous to other trail users. I �I 1I I` 1 • Always yield to equestrians. Allow other trail users to pass. When in a group, avoid blocking the trail. 1 • Stay alert. Horses and slower moving j individuals may be startled by faster moving trail users. • Announce yourself when approaching another visitor, especially from behind. • Prevent injury to yourself and damage to { natural resources by staying on designated trails. • Observe the 15-mph trail speed limit; 5-mph when passing. • Bicyclists must wear helmets. A District brochure entitled, "Sharing The Trails" provides further information on appropriate trail etiquette—please call the District office to obtain a copy. I �i `l Alpine Pond,Skyline Ridge Open Space Preserve Regulations For your safety and for the protection of the environment Visitors are responsible for knowing and obeying District ordinances. Below is a list of some basic regulations that will help to ensure a safe, enjoyable visit. A complete list of all District ordinances is available at the District office. Hours: Preserves are open from dawn until ione-half hour after sunset. XLEASH Dogs: Dogs are allowed only in designated nfPCPJ,LPS_ar�rPac ac nnctQd anc�rpust be views;backpack camp(permit I yOnrestead v�i ym required);restroom. Picchetti Ranch Area 180 (Monte Bello Open Space Preserve) Size:372 acres mTrails:4 J ns� Nro Uses:Hiking,bicycling,equestrian c Parking:20-car lot i Features:Historic Picchetti winery; wine tasting;views of Stevens Creek Ste" San Jose Reservoir;old orchards and vineyards; a Cupertino rePk pond;restrooms. Stevens Creek � B/� Reservoir `°O °( Fremont Older Open Space Preserve to Size:739 acres n ru Trails:6 miles Uses:Hiking,bicycling,equestrian zao Parking:20-car lot • ¢�� Q Features:Woodland,chaparral,rolling hayfields,orchard,900-foot Hunters Q S ro" a Point,views of Santa Clara Valley- i a Nect of 17 annual docent tours of historic home; ° restroom;leashed dogs permitted. yan1;; El Sereno cr tOh4�e Q' Open Space Preserve h� F Size: 1,112 acres `end• yaa Ca�Pb y° Trails:6 miles 2i cs tquestrian ParkingHiking, saetedno Montevina Sacaxo Road lSaratoga Features:Chaparral,woodlands, Cam bel creeks;panoramic views of Lexington p Reservoir and south bay area. St.Joseph's Hill n Open Space Preserve Size: 173 acres v S�e villa `ret� Uses:Hiking,bicycling,equestrian Montalvo rdz so Parking:Limited parking at Lexington dr° Reservoir County Park Features:Panoramic views of reservoir °sC, &Santa Clara Valley; �10 1,253-foot St.Joseph's Hill;leashed Monte Tv dogs permitted;restroom at county Sereno 0�,a 3 park. PJ�• 77 S fD.y Sierra Azul ti 5 Open Space Preserve to (Kennedy-Limekiln and Cathedral �a Oaks Areas) lac Size:5,236 acres Trails:15 miles Uses:Hiking,bicycling,equestrian (pub Oaks 17 Los �P��P Shao °Sso�yr//Rd currently r ently limited pending ic access to aldd additional a ''off acquisitions and trail development) Gatos 'Py Parking:Limited roadside spaces on P ° Kennedy Rd. Features:Rugged terrain,steep Joseph's Hill chaparral-covered slopes,densely Space Preserve wooded canyons,woodlands,old • c'd orchards;2,000-foot ridge top and Alma Bridge Rd. Q.a' �deq 1,762-foot Priest Rock;views of Santa Lexingt �scvs APe Clara Valley;leashed dogs permitted QCourt in Kennedy-Limekiln Area. Park Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve (Mi.Umunhum Area) Size:6,843 acres Trails:Limited.Call District before Sie Azul ycFs visiting. 17 Open Space Preserve 'Pd, Uses:Hiking,bicycling,equestrian (Cathedral Oaks (Kennedy-Limekiln Area) (public access currently limited pending additional acquisitions and trail development) s Parking:2 roadside spaces Guadalupe Features:Rugged terrain,steep Reservoir chaparral-covered slopes;dense stands of bay trees;ravines;views of Santa ` . Clara Valley,Monterey Bay 3,486- v foot Mt. Umunhum(currently no o rra public access to top of Mt-Umunhum o. • Open Space Preserve.. pending federal cleanup). ` (Mt.Umunhum G� 17 = z 4 ,\ LuM. Almaden Quicksilver 11 County Park a� Almaden Reservoir 1 3 Lake Elsman l 9/12/96 i elcome To Regional Open .)ace! A b o The M i d p e n i n s u I a The Board of Directors and staff of the MidpeninsuIa Regional Regional Open Space District Open Space District welcome you and invite you to visit your �+ 23 open space preserves in the foothills and shoreline of the History midpeninsula area.just a short drive from many urban areas, t► • R your open space lands offer a respite from everyday life, an The MidpeninsuIa Regional Open Space District is a public agency formed b voter initiative in 1972.The District was 1 oasis of nature and fresh air, and an opportunity to experience g Y Y + ' initially created in northwestern Santa Clara County and the and learn about the diverse natural environment that contributes w <'-L ti. to our quality of life. voters expanded the District's boundaries in 1976 to include The ma on the reverse side shows all of the open s ace southern San Mateo County. In 1992, the District annexed a + pspace lands managed by the District, how to get to them, and a small portion of Santa Cruz County, making it the only tri- �� summary of the activities you can enjoy there. Keep this map in county park or open space district in the state. the glove compartment of your car for quick reference for an Since 1972, the District has permanently preserved over w; enjoyable day in open space! 41,000 acres of foothill and bayland open space and operates r ' 23 open space preserves.The District covers an area of 330 The District's mission and purpose is to acquire and �� � r. l;',. square miles and includes 16 cities from San Carlos to Los .S permanently protect a regional open space greenbelt, preserving • , the unspoiled wilderness, wildlife habitat, watershed, viewshed, Gatos. and fragile ecosystems. Linking District lands with other public Board of Directors park lands will eventually form a continuous greenbelt of permanently preserved open space that will be enjoyed by The District is divided into seven geographic wards of generations to come. approximately equal populations, each represented for a four- This mission is shared by the thousands of year term by an elected Board member.The Board holds public " ... people who regularly use the open space > meetings at the District offices on the second and fourth p p g y o p ' Wednesdays of each month, beginning at 7:30 m. preserves and by the hundreds of thousands j Y g g p' in the surrounding communities for whom .� In addition to its regular meetings, the Board periodically ?` open space is a scenic backdrop. Knowing holds special public hearings and workshops, committee yl. t t that this backdrop is permanently protected meetings, and informational meetings.The District ,.r adds a sense of purpose and tranquility to encourages citizen participation as an essential part f •� our otherwise hectic daily lives. of the decision-making process for the planning and management of your open space lands. Staffing The staff currently consists of 54 employees in five departments: Administration, Land Acquisition, Public Affairs, - , Planning, and Operations. The majority of the District's staff is in Operations. Currently s;:ry there are 19 rangers appointed as peace officers responsible for w patrol, maintenance, and visitor contact in the preserves, and •,ham r. eight maintenance staff responsible for maintenance and ` + Y`.'>,• improvement projects. Funding The primary revenue source is a share of the annual total < f h • '�`~ �,• 1' +� property tax collected within the District.This amounts to about 1.7C per $100 of assessed property value, which currently provides approximately$10 million in annual revenue(1996- �,`u 1997 fiscal year).Other revenue sources may include federal and state grants, interest and rental income, donations, and a' note issues. i Cover:Monte Bello Open Space Preserve, Page Mill Road Area Far Left: Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve 2. ' Left:Saratoga Gap Open Space Preserve Pe`scadeio-trees------ _ - --- County Park i Q%r �tC n f 1 Upper Stevens Creek ,boo y° A County Park �bo Montebello Rd. eCy • Long Ridge Picchetti Open Ranch Area •Q $ ace (Monte Bello / P -L' O n Space Portola State Park �rveeserve) j S"atoga Gap Open . pace eserve Stevens Creek �• County Park � y 7 • aSi4�d I y Saratoga Gap Open Space Preserve a� Size:701 acres equestrian Trails:4 miles ' aces at Uses:Hiking,bicycling,equestrian yea side spaces at Parking:Limited spaces at corner of /e bounty Park Highways 9&35 t1 `' Features:Douglas fir forests,grassy fir forests; hills,oaks,wildflowers,lichen- tPark, covered boulders and sandstone _y Peninsula; rock outcroppings;view of Santa Castle Rock Clara Valley; Ridge Trail. State Park CZ Sanborn Skyline County Park a° ti Space oil1 —J Open Space District rnia 9402 2-1 404 w ¢' -691-0485 • E-mail: mrosclgopen space.org C1 //www.openspace.org N al Open Space District Preserves! 2i 91-1200 for trail maps of preserves. i ®®o 9 Special Features Views of the peninsula N, 24 San Francisco OView of south S.F.Bay area „�ul Oakland 35 i CHistoric home(Docent-led tour.only) San ;tut Views of coastal hills,ocean; �' Francisco (access permit required) jmmA CRidge Trail;Views to Monterey Peninsula "I'� Bay San Andreas Fault Trail su �11 • Backpack camp(Permits/reservations required) Stevens Creek Nature Trail San Carina • • Wildflowers;475-acre easement over °µ Edgewood County Park;off-leash dog area R�dav nd 6414l Ridge Trail;Redwoods • • Deer Hollow Farm;1,485-acre easement at CI'u' Hidden Villa;Historic Grant Cabin exhibit 28B Pain Alto birdwatching,viewing platform Mi(lpeninsula Mountain Regional Open Spact !{7 Ridge Trail,wildflowers Sunnyval District 35 IIS * 1,762-foot Priest Rock.Public access to Cathedral O trot Oaks currently limited pending additional t80 acquisition and trail development—call District 17 Public access currently limited San lose pending additional acquisition and trail as deveU Dtstrkt tna • • Ridge Trail,nature center, Gal- Horseshoe Lake,Alpine Pond Lexington Reservoir;94-acre open trail access from downtown Los Ga Birdwatching , Ridge Trail;Public access currently limited pending trail planning and development— i CHistoric estate,Schillin};take Santa Crui s of Bay and coast 49 Ample Parking C Limited Parking U Very Limited Parking .1 We hope you will keep this map for future *Leashed dogs RYCLED PAPER PRINTED WITH reference. If not,het us reduce waste b gs at Kennedy-Limekiln Area only ad"' SOY INK giving it to a friend or recycling it. y f r 1 Open a Management Di A Volunteer Programs J� The District's 23 preserves range from 55 to 12,079 acres and The District's volunteer programs provide an opportunity for are open to the public free of charge, 365 days a year from individuals to contribute their time and energy to a variety of dawn until one-half hour after sunset. field or office projects.These volunteers gain a great deal of The open space preserves are generally kept in a natural satisfaction in the knowledge that they have contributed to the condition in order to best protect the environment and animal permanent preservation and enhancement of open space lands. habitat, and are developed with only the amenities needed to Docents lead informative and fun hikes and tours for the provide public access for low-intensity recreation.The diverse public on various preserves, focusing on natural history, botany, ecosystems at the preserves include redwood, oak, and fir and more. 'n I forests, cha arral-covered hillsides, riparian corridors, P P Preserve Partners are on the"front lines" and get involved in • �' grasslands, and shore frontage along San Francisco Bay. trail maintenance and construction, tree planting, cleanup 'w: Improvements may include gravel parking areas, restrooms, projects, revegetation, and other crucial resource management signed trails for hiking, bicycling, and equestrian use, and an activities. occasional picnic table. Trail Patrol Volunteers help ensure a safe and fun experience ,a + , for all of the District's visitors by hiking, riding bikes, or saddling Peregrine Falcon Acquisition Policy up to talk with preserve visitors about trail safety and etiquette, — The District uses a substantial portion provide information, and monitor trail conditions. of its resources to acquire interest in A small hike-in backpack camp, requiring a written permit parcels having high o ace value, and Special Project Volunteers can select or create a special = P g a g Pens P and nominal fee, is located on Black that might be developed if the District fails to act. project that matches their Mountain in Monte Bello Open Space articular skills and interests, either Top:Rancho San Antonio open space Preserve ether in the District office or in the Examples of criteria that make an area of high open space Preserve. � Bottom:Coal Creek n S value include: a parcel's importance as a scenic backdrop; if it °� pace Preserve provides for critical trail connections; if it includes a fragile field. Projects could include research, plant or Visitors can hike the easy 1.1-mile Fault Trail at Los Trancos P ecosystem or habitat for wildlife, particularly a wildlife inventories, answeringhones, sorting Pen O S Preserve and learn how the mighty San Andreas ` -_- � Space g y "threatened"species; if it fills in a "gap" in an and organizing photos, helping with large Fault has shaped our landscape.This brochure-guided hike is existing open space preserve; or if it improves mailings, or updating maps. both informational and fun for all ages. public access to existing open space lands. Call the District office to request an informative Overlooking quiet Alpine Pond at Skyline Ridge Open Space In addition, the District seeks acquisitions or brochure on the wide variety of open space volunteer Preserve, the David C. Daniels Nature Center offers educational easements to extend the Bay Area Ridge Trail, opportunities. displays and exhibits.The center was partially funded through a network of trails that will eventually form a the generosity of the Peninsula Open Space Trust and the loop along the ridge tops surrounding the bay. Activities Daniels family. Call the District for the Nature Center schedule. The Bay Trail, which will ultimately form a The District offers over 200 miles of hiking trails, ranging from The District has a number of trails that are suitable for people continuous route on the shoreline easy walks to challenging excursions. Bicycles and horses are with varying degrees of physical ability.These "full-access"trails around San Francisco Bay, also permitted on many District trails. Leashed dogs are allowed on are appropriate for wheelchairs, parents with strollers or small crosses over District lands. some preserves, and there is one off-leash area at Pulgas Ridge children, or anyone desiring a less-strenuous experience. One of Open Space Preserve. the most popular of these trails is the Redwood Trail at Purisima 'I The Stevens Creek Nature Trail passes through several plant Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve. Please call the District communities as it forms a three-mile loop at Monte Bello Open for information on the location of other full-access trails. Space Preserve. Interpretive signs along the trail inform visitors What You Might See At An Open Space Preserve about the natural resources. ' A great variety of environments and habitats can be found in the open space preserves.While all of them have diverse environments, the descriptions below offer ideas on which ry preserves you might visit to enjoy particular types of surroundings. In addition, all the preserves offer panoramic . vistas, some ranging from the a Francisco Ba to the via n h Sany Pacific Ocean, and many of the beautiful mountains, M Pvalleys, forests, and meadows of the Santa Cruz range. �. E. Redwood Forest Purisima Creek Redwoods and El Corte `•` �+ de Madera Creek Open Space Preserves {� Chaparral-Sierra Azul, Pulgas Ridge, Skyline Ridge, and El • Sereno Open Space Preserves 1 If.1 " ' Salt Marsh- Ravenswood Open Space Preserve and Stevens Creek Shoreline Nature Study Area q�l t Oak Woodland - Many of the preserves offer a sampling of oak woodlands. Lett:Ravenswood Open Space Preserve controlled on a maximum 6-foot leash at all times except in designated off-leash areas. Call the district for guidlines on retractable leashes. HELMETS 1I REO Bicyclists: Helmets are required at all times. y Please observe the 15-mph trail speed limit 'j (5-mph when passing). Ride on designated trails only (those signed & mapped for bicycle use). I h NO FIRES Fires: Fires are prohibited on all preserves. IN I NO SMGKING � 11 i Smoking: Smoking is prohibited on preserves. ,1 Plants &Animals: Please leave plants and ' animals undisturbed. If you are fortunate enough to encounter wildlife during your visit, do not f approach, startle, or attempt to feed it. Although wild animals are generally fearful of humans and will run away, some wildlife can be dangerous. Weapons:Weapons of any kind are prohibited can preserves. 1. ✓ I 1 1 I I I I 1 ? ; v � . i _ 7 i I � I Los Trancos Open Slktce Preserve 1 I I I I I 1 � I I I t � � fia t ti +��.• 1 Fremont Older Open Space Preserve ] I I Board of Directors I 1 Pete Siemens • Ward 1 Nonette G.Hanko• Ward 5 I (Cupertino,Saratoga, Monte (Palo Alto, East Palo Alto, j Sereno, Los Gatos) Stanford) Mary C.Davey• Ward 2 Betsy Crowder• Ward 6 Los Altos H IlsnStanford) (Menlo Park,AtthertonWoodside)Portola Valle I Teena Henshaw • Ward 3 Wim de Wit• Ward 7 (Sunnyvale) (Redwood City,San Carlos) David T.Smernoff• Ward 4 L.Craig Britton J (Mountain View, Los Altos) General Manager I Regional Open Space MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT I, 330 Distel Circle Los Altos,California 94022-1404 1 Phone:415-691-1200 • Fax:415-691-0485 E-rnail:mrosd0loperupace.org•Website:http://www.openspace.org 1 1 1 L — - — Open Space Preserve Size: 1,580 acres Trails:8 miles Uses:Hiking,bicycling,equestrian Parking:30-car lot at Alpine Rd. J entrance;limited parking at vista J point on Skyline Blvd.(Rt.35). Features:Grasslands,ridges and hillsides;2,500-foot Borel Hill; views from Monterey Bay to east bay hills;hawks&other raptors; spring wildflowers;oaks;Ridge Trail;restroom. I � Los Trancos Open Space Preserve Size:274 acres Trails:5 miles Uses:Hiking,bicycling,equestrian Parking:25-car lot plus roadside Features:Views of San Francisco and Mt.Diablo;self-guided San Andreas Fault Trail with brochure on earthquake features;monthly docent-led walks. Long Ridge Skyline Ridge Open Space Preserve) Open Space Preserve Size: 1,551 acres Size:1,612 acres Trails:12 miles 1 Trails: 10 miles Uses:Hiking,bicyclir� Uses:Hiking,bicycling,equestrian Parking:8 roadside sp Parking:30-car lot;20-space Hickory Oaks; 15 roa equestrian lot; 10-space full-access lot Upper Stevens Creek Features:Diverse landscape including Features:Grasslands, ridges,pastures,reservoirs,forests,and oak/madrone/Douglas grasslands;Daniels Nature Center;full views of Big Basin Stag access trail around Alpine Pond;Ridge Butano Ridge,Monterl Trail;restroom. wildlife;Ridge Trail. I I i Regional Ope1 I Midpeninsula Regional 330 Distel Circle, Los Altos, Calif Phone: 415-691-1200 • FAX: 41 Visit the District Web Site at: http, Visit Your Midpeninsula Regio' Call the District office at (415) Preserves Acres ®� Coal Creek 493 El Corte de Madera El Sereno 1,112 • • Foothills 21 Fremont Older 739 La Honda 2,043 Long Ridge 1,551 • • Los Trancos Monte Bello (Page Mill Area) 2,758 Picchetti Ranch Area 372 (Monte Bello Open Space Preserve) Pulgas Ridge 293 • • Purisima Creek Redwoods 2,633 Rancho San Antonio 2,135 ILRavenswood Russian Ridge 1,580 Saratoga Gap Sierra Azul (Kennedy-Limekiln 5,236 and Cathedral Oaks Areas) Sier kt._Umunhum Area Skyline Ridge 1,612 • . oseph's Stevens Creek 55 Shoreline Nature Study Area [Teague Hill Thornewood 141 • • Windy Hill ©1996 Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District. ' Map is illustrative and not for defining property boundaries. I I I I r I I — � Regional Open ace MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT Meeting 98-11 NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING BOARD OF DIRECTORS AGENDA* 6:00 P.M. Hillview Community Center Wednesday, May 20, 1998 97 Hillview Avenue Los Altos, CA PLEASE NOTE*** 6:00 P.M. START TIME SPECIAL LOCATION (6:00) ROLL CALL ORAL COMMUNICATIONS -- Public ADOPTION OF AGENDA BOARD BUSINESS (6:05) 1 Discussion of Issues Related to the Feasibility of Expanding the District by Annexation to Establish a System of Open Space Preserves, Parks, and Beaches on the San Mateo County Coast in Coordination with Existing and Planned District Preserves and Trails, to Include Discussion of Potential Elections, Policies, Advisory Committee, Public Opinion Polling, and Related Subjects (10:00) ADJOURNMENT *NOTE: Times are estimated and items may appear earlier or later than listed. Agenda is subject to change of order. ** TO ADDRESS THE BOARD: The Chair will invite public comment on agenda items at the time each item is considered by the Board of Directors. You may address the Board concerning other matters during oral communications. Each speaker will ordinarily be limited to 3 minutes. Alternately, you may comment to the Board by a written communication, which the Board appreciates. Special Meeting Called by Board President B. Crowder 330 Distel Circle - Los Altos,CA 94022-1404 - Phone:650-691-1200 FAX: 650-691-0485 - E-mail: mrosd@openspace.org , Web site:www,openspace.org Board of Directors:Pete Siemens,Mary C_Davey,led Cyr, David 1.Smernoff,Nonette I fanko,Betsy Crowder,Kenneth C.Nitz - General Manager L.Craig Britton i in Section 5 (Trails) below. Further, until such time as the District has d. the owner shall have the opportunity to designate any additional completed a revision of its Master Plan and established a standard or portions of his/her land which may be included by the District in the standards which identify such properties or categories of property that will acquisition, and not be subject to eminent domain, all other unimproved property not e. the owner shall be entitled to an easement over the land acquired by susceptible to further subdivision shall be subject to eminent domain only the District, where necessary, for access to the land retained by the when the Board has determined at a public hearing that the property is owner. clearly threatened by development or degradation of natural resources, except as provided in Section 5 (Trails) below. 6. Road access for patrol purposes 3. Improved, subdividable property Notwithstanding any other provision of this policy, the District may consider the use of eminent domain to perfect the rights in an existing road Except as provided in Section 5 (Trails) below, eminent domain may for use for patrol purposes. be used to acquire all or any part of an improved property which is susceptible to further subdivision only when the Board has determined at a public hearing that the property is clearly threatened by development or 7. Consent of owners degradation of natural resources, or if more than 50% of the fee interest of Notwithstanding any other provision of this policy, the District may the property is held by institutional or commercial entities. However: consider use of eminent domain when the owners of more than 50% of a. if 50% or less of the fee interest of the property is held by institutional the fee interest in the property request or consent to such use. or commercial entities, the improvements and appurtenant structures, and surrounding lands of no less than minimum lot size under the 8. Publicity existing zoning district, shall be exempt, and Policies and proposed changes pursuant to restraint of eminent domain b. the owner shall be entitled to retain such easements as are needed for shall be adopted by ordinance following a public hearing, legally noticed reasonable access and use of the property. and freely publicized (at least ten (10) days prior to any public hearing and after any changes) in a manner designed to reach the attention of property 4. Unimproved, subdividable property owners within the District's planning areas. Publicity shall include at a Except as provided in Section 5 (Trails) below, eminent domain may minimum giving notice to members of the public who have asked to be be used to acquire all or any part of an unimproved property which is notified, to owners of properties within the District's planning areas which , susceptible to further subdivision only when the Board has determined at are greater than twenty (20) acres, to known homeowners associations a public hearing that the property is clearly threatened by development or within the District's planning areas, to cities and counties within the degradation of natural resources, or if more than 50% of the fee interest District's planning areas, to cities and counties within the District's sphere of the property is held by institutional or commercial entities. of influence, to other organizations having a continuing interest in the District, to the District's newsletter mailing list, and via an appropriate press release. 5. Trails If a portion of a property is required to connect two or more publicly 9. Definitions owned park or open space parcels, eminent domain may be used, subject a. improvement—legal residences, excluding trailers and temporary to legal requirements and the following conditions: structures, meeting the applicable Uniform Housing Code. To qualify, a. the Board finds it necessary to provide a trail connection between the a mobile home must have a permit as a permanent residence. parcels, and b. improved—containing at least one improvement. b. the District has been unable by voluntary means to acquire land to c. property—one or more contiguous assessor's parcels under one connect the parcels with a safe and useful trail, including significantly ownership. longer and less convenient trail routes, and c. the land for the connecting trail shall not exceed 50 feet in width, and d. susceptible to further subdivision—divided or dividable into two or shall be as far from any existing structure and as close to the property more legal building sites under applicable zoning regulations (including line as practicable, and pre-existing legal but non-conforming building sites). e. institutional or commercial ownership—i ncl udi ng, but not limited to, MUDPEMUNS0LA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT private or public agencies or schools (except public schoo|s)' churches, Json/8ILCIRCLE ° LO5*oos c^upORw|Ao*ozz'lfu* r^vnr�oso�y� l�nn " /nx�a50-e*)*fes investment pa�neohipsand corpornhons excepting � � ' immediate family ownership through u family trust, partnership or E'mxi|:mm~d@vp,n,pa,e,vm corporation whose purposes are not primarily dedicated Vu land speculation and/or development investment. /� clearly by may be ORDINANCE 86'01 by the Board in making its determination may include, but not be POLICIES REGARDING USE OF EMINENT DOMAIN limited to, filing ofa subdivision app|icahon, preliminary concept plan or other document relating to subdivision of property, or filing a Adnoky] by Board of Directors division of ownership, or filing an application for zoning change for April 23' 1986 inc/eased d*nsity. A. clearly threatened by degradation of natural resources—activities which It is the desire of the Midpeninsu|a Regional ()pen Space District to acquire have or could cause significant degradation of natural resources, open space from vvi|\inb sellers. Eminent domain may be used only within the excluding such activities required for public health and safety. planning areas designated in the District's Master Plan in those instances where all reasonable attempts at voluntary negotiations fail and the property in question is necessary to the open space program of the District; and where � �� ����o�m�s �y ��� ���r� ' �` there are no feasible current or prospective alternate acquisitions that would These policies are intended solely for the guidance of the Board in the achieve the District's objectives. � exercise of its discretion and are not intended to give rise to private rights Properties within the District's sphere o/ influence outside the District's or causes o/ action in individuals orother persons. The Board shall be the boundaries shall be treated as being in the planning areas designated in the final arbiter as to any question of interpretation of these policies. District's Muster Man. This provision shall remain in effect until the District's Master Plan has been amended to include or exclude such properties from such planning areas. In negotiations or discussions with landowners, the District staff shall not � � threaten eminent domain but will explain np|pvand law and District policy. The Board of Directors of the District shall approve a brochure which shall explain this policy, include information on the use o/arbitration, open space easements and contracts, and life estates, for example, and will encourage private open space preservation. � in establishing routes for trails, the District shall plan in consultation with and respect the privacy of developed communities. � USE OF EMINENT DOMAIN 1. Improved property, notmmbdividable Eminent domain shall not be used to acquire all or any part of an improved property that is not susceptible to further subdivision, except as provided in Section 5 (Trails) below. 2' Unimproved property, motombdividab&e Eminent domain shall not be used to acquire all or any part ofan unimproved property that is not susceptible to further subdivision if the property is in a clearly defined developed community, except as provided ,D Printed on recycled stock. � Regional Open Ice 1 MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT R-98-23 Meeting 98-03 Febr uary 11, 1998 AGENDA ITEM II' AGENDA ITEM Initial Report From the Ad Hoc Committee of the Board of Directors on San Mateo County Coastal Preservation AD HOC COMMITTEES RECOMMENDATIONS I 1. Accept this informational report from the Ad Hoc Committee on San Mateo County P ' P ty Coastal Preservation. 2. Authorize staff and the Ad Hoc,Committee to proceed with the recommended actions as contained in this report, which will allow for further research into the feasibility of expanding the District by annexation to establish a system of open space preserves, parks, and beaches on the San Mateo County coast in coordination with existing and planned District preserves and trails. BACKGROUND Last'spring, the District received resolutions from the Half Moon Bay City Council, the Pescadero Municipal Advisory Council, and the MidCoast Community Council, as well as a letter and petition from the Coastal Alliance (a grassroots land preservation organization), asking that the District formally begin an active exploration of coastal preservation in San Mateo County. At your meeting of April 9, 1997, you authorized the General Manager to utilize a limited amount of. District resources to research possible methods or processes for preserving open space on the San Mateo County coast, and to report findings back to the Board. At the same time, you appointed Directors Crowder, Davey, and Hanko as members of an uncompensated Ad Hoc Committee representing the Board on this issue (see report R-97-63). Undertaking such research•was deemed consistent with the District's overall mission and goals. Subsequently, at your meeting of April 23, 1997 you approved a budget of$25,000 for District out- of-pocket expenses to research open space preservation on the San Mateo County coast (see report R-97-74). Staff was directed to utilize that budget to research the feasibility of establishing a system. of open space preserves, parks, and beaches on the San Mateo County coast in coordination with I existingand planned District reserves and trails. At 7 .you our meeting October 8 199 o€Oc obe P P Y g � . authorized staff to execute a contract with Godbe Research & Analysis to conduct a public opinion, surveyon this issue, at a cost of$25,717 see report R-97-144 . (see P ) _ �a U�.o►..zs'�Urvl,�S,�.r Celebrate 2S Years of Open Space Preservation 330 Distel Circle - Los Altos,CA 94022-1404 - Phone:650-691-1200 - 1972-1997• FAX:650-691-0485 - E-mail:mrosd®openspace.org • Web site:www.0penspace.or19 Board o/Directors:Pete Siemens,Mary C.Davey,Jed Cyr,David T.Smernoff,Nonette Hanko,Betsy Crowder,Kenneth C.Nitz 0 Genera/Manager:L.Cnig BMW R-98-23 Page 2 The Ad Hoc Committee has met many times with representatives of the Coastal Alliance and other interested citizens. District staff has met with staff from agencies with an interest in coastal land conservation and has also met, along with members of the Ad Hoc Committee, with a variety of elected officials as well as members of the Coastal Alliance and individuals with an interest in this issue. The public opinion.survey was also completed and analyzed. This report summarizes the results of those meetings and the findings of the survey, and proposes recommendations for further action. DISCUSSION Preservation methods and involved As a result of several brainstorming sessions with District staff and the Ad Hoc'Committee, and with members of the Coastal Alliance, many issues and questions related to the District's potential role in coastal preservation were identified. A number of methods and approaches to coastside land preservation were also identified, including: 1 Expanded responsibility for coastside land preservation could be undertaken by a public agency with existing coastside jurisdiction (National Park Service, California State Department of Parks and Recreation, San Mateo County I Parks Department); 2. A new special district could be formed; 3. One or more private non-profit land conservation organizations (Peninsula Open Space Trust, Save-the-Redwoods League, Sempervirens Fund, Trust for Public Lands, Nature Conservancy) could assume a high degree of involvement in coastside land acquisition; 4. The State Coastal Conservancy or Coastal Commission could take a higher-profile role in coastside land preservation; 5. The Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District could expand its boundaries to encompass the coastside area. It was agreed that meetings would be scheduled with local elected officials, staff of stakeholder agencies and private non-profit land trusts, and staff and members of the two relevant County Local Agency Formation Commissions. These meetings would help determine other agencies' potential plans for, or roles in,. coastal preservation, as well as their perceptions of a possible*District expansion to include the San Mateo County coast. District staff subsequently met with staff from Golden Gate National Recreation Area (GGNRA), California Department of Parks and Recreation, San Mateo County Parks Department, California Coastal Conservancy, California Coastal Commission, Nature Conservancy, Peninsula Open Space Trust, Save-the-Redwoods League, and Sempervirens Fund. R-98-2.3 page Each of these agencies expressed a high level of interest in coastal preservation, and would encourage and welcome District expansion; however, none appear to be in a position, financially, to take a major role in preservation efforts on the coastside. Some land management assistance might lie available from the state or county on a very limited basis. The GGNRA is involved in a land preservation study in the City of Pacifica, which would likely be that agency's southernmost boundary and area of activity. The apparent top priority for State Parks (assuming sufficient funding) is implementation of deferred maintenance projects, followed by adding staff and new facilities, and, finally, consideration of major key acquisitions. San Mateo County Parks is also.experiencing funding difficulties, and is not in a position to implement major acquisition projects on the coastside or elsewhere. While supportive of District annexation to the coast, County Parks expressed concern that a funding measure by the District (particularly if it includes the remainder of urbanized San Mateo County) might dilute possible future efforts by County Parks for its own funding measure. Staff of the Coastal Conservancy and the Coastal Commission both expressed strong support for District coastal expansion, as did each of the private non-profit land conservation organizations, some of which indicated they may be able to provide some financial support as well. Members of the Ad Hoc Committee and District staff met with all members of the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors, with Assemblymembers Elaine Alquist, Ted Lempert, and Jim Cunneen, with Senator Byron Sher, with United States Representative Anna Eshoo, with an aide in the office of United States Representative Tom Campbell, with members of the San Mateo County Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO), and with the executive director of the Santa Clara County LAFCO. In addition, the Board has held joint meetings with the Santa Clara and San Mateo County Parks Commissions, during which the issue of a possible District expansion to the coast was addressed. In summary, there is general support among local elected officials for the District to at least consider expanding to the coast. Several of these officials suggested a slow, cautious approach, while others urged action as soon.-as possible. PUBLIC OPINION POLL. An executive summary of the public opinion poll, provided by Godbe Research and Analysis, is attached for your review. The poll was implemented in three geographic areas: the Coastside from just south of the City of Pacifica to the San Mateo/Santa Cruz County line; the Existing District; and North County, the remaining portion of San Mateo County not within the District, exclusive of the coastside. R-98-23 Page 4 District annexation of the coastal area does not legally require a vote of the electorate. However, any funding Measure would require a two-thirds majority vote (approximately 67 percent). In general, a public opinion poll should show a significantly higher level of support in order to ensure that the final vote reaches the two-thirds mark. The Godbe Research and Analysis public opinion poll indicates that 93 percent of respondents on the coast, 88 percent of respondents within the District, and 86 percent of respondents in the remainder of San Mateo County feel that preserving open space from west of Skyline Boulevard to the coast is either "very" or "somewhat" important. A total of 63 percent of coastside voters would favorannexation, when no additional funding is. requested. Since annexation does not require a vote, this percentage represents a more-than-adequate level of support if an advisory vote is held. Coastside When asked if they would increase taxes to help fund coastside land preservation, 60 percent of coastside respondents said yes. This relatively low level of support is of concern, in that it would be very difficult, although not impossible, to increase that percentage to the necessary two-thirds majority. There was also a 14 percent "don't know" response (the "swing" vote). One objective of any potential campaign would be to convince some portion of these voters to vote yes, thereby increasing the existing level of support. The consultant points out that lowering the prospective annual funding level to below $10 per parcel might have a positive effect on the potential for a successful measure. If a significant number of the "swing" voters were influenced to vote yes, then it is possible that the necessary two-thirds vote could be achieved on the coast. However, it should be noted that'the arguments and features which were tested in the poll did not seem to indicate that an adequate number of "swing" voters would be influenced to move to a "yes" vote. Existing Distri_ct Within the District,'the poll indicates a strong support for both annexation to the coast (72 percent) and additional funding (68 percent). With the addition of some portion of the possible "swing" voters (8 percent), a two-thirds majority vote within the District seems feasible, although by no means certain. The $12 per year funding level showed the highest level of support in the District. North County In the remainder of San Mateo County, there is strong support for coastal annexation (72 percent), but minimal support for additional funding (55 percent). The addition of the possible "swing" voters (14 percent) would increase the support, but not to the level necessary to result in a solid two-thirds majority vote. R-98-23 The survey consultant concludes that it would be very difficult to pass a funding measure in all thre. areas, and, in fact, only within the existing District boundaries would there be a reasonable probability of success. The arguments tested do not appear to have a strong enough impact to influence significant numbers of "swing" voters to move to a "yes" vote, although some level of influence would be seen. CONCL.USION The Ad Hoc Committee has discussed a number of scenarios related to a possible annexation and funding measure. One would be to annex the coast with or without an advisory vote prior to a funding measure. In that case the funding measure would include the coast and the existing District. Conversely, annexation could occur after a District funding measure with or without an advisory vote even though the survey indicates a high level of support for annexation. The consultant points out that resources that would be used toward an advisory measure could instead be earmarked for use in preparing a funding measure. An advisory vote in the coastside area alone would not be so costly; however, it would necessitate two separate ballot efforts if a funding measure follows at a subsequent election. Staff and the Ad Hoc Committee have met and discussed these issues with both the survey consultant and representatives of the Coastal Alliance. It is the conclusion of the Ad Hoc Committee that voter . approval for a funding measure is feasible within the existing District boundaries and possible on the coast, and that annexation to the coast would be met with more-than-adequate support. However an advisory vote on the coast was felt to be important by some. There does not appear to be sufficient support from the balance of urban San Mateo County to warrant further consideration of a funding measure in that area. RFCOMMF,NDATIONS The Ad Hoc Committee recommends that the Board authorize staff and the Committee to further research the feasibility of expanding the District to establish a system of open space preserves$ parks, and beaches on the San Mateo County coast in coordination with existing and planned District preserves and trails. Specifically, the recommended actions are: 1. Discontinue consideration of annexing the remainder of northern San Mateo County not currently within the District. 2. Schedule two public meetings of the Ad Hoc Committee to be held in the coastside community, at which the Committee will gather input from coastside residents. 3. Further analyze the results of the public opinion poll to determine the likelihood for success of a funding measure within the District, and possibly on the coast. i R-98-23 Page 6 4. Proceed with a mailing of the District's 25th Anniversary Newsletter to all coastside residents, accompanied by a cover letter (copy attached) explaining the District's consideration of expansion. 5. Finalize a proposal for specific timing and procedures of annexation, including a determination as to the desirability of holding an advisory election regarding annexation. 6. Continue to pursue grant funding to be utilized for mapping, parcel identification, ballot measure preparation, and additional research. 7. Return to the Board by May 31, 1998 with the results of further investigation, including an outline of the specific tasks*that would be necessary to go forward, and their estimated costs. If there is a recommendation to go forward, and grant funds are available, a budget should also be included for approval at that tune. If the Board decides to proceed, there are a number of key question that will need to be discussed and answered when this issue comes before the Board.again. Four of these questions are summarized as follows: 1. Should there be an advisory vote for coastal annexation, and if so what area should ' vote, and what would a campaign strategist advise? 2. Should a funding measure or measures take place, and if so what areas) should vote, and in what order should annexation and funding measure(s) be implemented? 3. What is the most effective overall timing of annexation and possible funding measures? 4. What are the impacts of the annexation on current District operation? With the Board's approval, the Ad Hoc Committee will conduct research and obtain sufficient -information to assist the full Board in answering these and other related questions. Prepared by: C. Britton, General Manager , M. Smith, Public Affairs Manager S. Schectman, Legal Counsel Ad Hoc Committee - Directors Davey, Hanko, and Crowder Contact person: C. Britton, General Manager Basic Policy Revision (11/20/96) MISSION STATEMENT INTRODUCTION Alternative 1 (unedited) "...to try to save for everyone, for the The District's mission is: hostile and indifferent as well as the committed, some of the health that flows To acquire and preserve a regional down across the green ridges from the reenbelt of op en g space land in Skyline, and some of the beauty and perpetuity; protect and restore the refreshment of spirit that are still available integrity of the natural environment; and to any resident of the valley who has a provide opportunities for public enjoyment moment, and the wit, to lift up his eyes and education, consistent with ecological unto the hills." values. -Wallace Stegner Alternative 2 (edited version for future discussion) Open space: To acquire and preserve a regional • Is land area that is allowed to remain greenbelt of open space land in in or return to its natural state. Open perpetuity,protect and restore the natural space lands may include compatible environment; and provide opportunities agricultural uses. for ecologically sensitive public enjoyment and education. • Protects areas of scenic beauty and preserves natural habitats necessary to OBJECTIVES sustain plant and animal life, especially native and endangered species. 1. Open Space Land Preservation: The • Offers opportunities to the public for District seeks to purchase or otherwise education, recreation, and renewal of acquire interest in the maximum feasible spirit. area of strategic' open space land within the District, including baylands and • Enhances public safety by preventing foothills. The District seeks to link its development of areas prone to open space lands with federal, state, landslides, earthquake damage, county, and city parklands and flooding, and wildland fires. watershed lands. • Establishes boundaries for urban growth, provides a respite from urban Policies living, and enhances regional quality of life. District Purpose In short, open space is "room to breathe.»1 a. As an open space agency, the District's primary purpose is to preserve open space. Development of traditional park and - recreation facilities is the responsibility of Page 1 the cities and counties.' boundaries and sphere of influence, and only in those instances where all Strategic Emphasis reasonable attempts at voluntary negotiations have failed, the property in b. The District uses its available question is necessary to the District's open resources primarily to acquire or otherwise space program, and where there are no preserve land outside the Urban Service feasible alternate acquisitions that would Area boundaries of cities that has achieve the District's objectives in a timely regionally significant open space value and manner.' that might be lost to development if the District fails to act.' Master Plan, Regional Open Space Plan The District's goal is to acquire lands d. To guide the District's open space within its own boundaries and Sphere of preservation efforts, the District produces Influence. Acquisitions outside the a master plan and a regional open space District's boundaries will be considered plan. The master plan sets forth only if exceptional purchase opportunities guidelines for District acquisitions and arise that clearly support the District's shows the relative desirability of potential mission.' open space land acquisitions. The regional open space plan shows the general extent Open Space Acquisition of lands to be preserved and public access improvements to be provided to complete c. The District acquires land most often the District's greenbelt mission. Both through fee simple interest (outright plans are subject to periodic review and ownership). Options and installment modification by the Board of Directors purchases may be employed to this end. after public hearings. Both plans are To conserve funding for preservation, the submitted to the counties, cities, and other District may seek to preserve open space conservation-oriented local, state, and without outright ownership of the land. federal agencies and organizations for The District may act as a land bank review and comment in order to encourage through acquisition of less than fee interest consistency with their plans. to accomplish the same results with less immediate expenditure of the District's funds. Examples include acquisition of a 2. Inter-Agency Relationships: The. remainder interest following a life tenancy; District works with and encourages open space, conservation, or scenic private and other public agencies to easements; and purchase and leaseback preserve, maintain, and enhance open arrangements. The District actively strives space. to acquire open space through gifts and matching grants. Gifts of land with life tenancy are encouraged. Other creative Policies open space preservation techniques are explored and utilized when possible.' Cooperation The District desires to acquire open space a. The District cooperates with and from willing sellers. Eminent domain will encourages cooperation between ordinarily be used within the District's Page 2 governmental agencies, community organizations, and individuals to preserve 3. Open Space Management: The open space.a District follows management policies that ensure proper care of the land, that Participation provide public access appropriate to the nature of the land, and that are b. The District participates in the public consistent with ecological values and review processes of land use plans of other public safety.9 agencies and development proposals that affect the District's mission. Joint Projects Policies c. The District explores and engages in Resource Management joint projects to maximize the a. The District protects and restores the opportunities for preservation of open natural diversity and integrity of its space. Examples include interagency land resources for their value to the management agreements, joint planning or environment, and the public, and provides research studies, and joint acquisition, for the use of the preserves consistent with improvement, or resource management resource protection.10 projects. Advocacy Public Access and Constraints b. The District provides public access to d. In order to better plan, acquire and the open space lands for low-intensity operate a regional greenbelt of open space recreational uses. The District's highest preserves and trails, and to further priority is acquiring land to complete the cooperate in this effort with other greenbelt and to protect natural resources jurisdictions, the District may encourage on open space land. Public access will be and advocate preservation of open space provided gradually to ensure that the by other governmental agencies. The higher priorities of acquisition and District may support and encourage resource protection are maintained." community groups, non-profits, and other conservation oriented groups in their Developing facilities and managing public efforts to urge other agencies to take use activities while protecting natural actions which will help accomplish the resources and providing for public safety purposes and goals.of the District. may require lim its on a � cress to some open space lands. Areas found to be vital wildlife or plant habitats are designated as refuge areas, and in these areas access will be severely restricted. In addition to protection of sensitive natural resources, factors that may delay or limit access include the carrying capacity of the land, geologic features, restoration efforts; the I ability to plan and implement trails, i Page 3 i parking, restrooms, mapboa-rds and signs, natural land, do not significantly impact and identification and mitigation of natural or aesthetic resources, and provide potential safety hazards. benefits such as environmental education, heritage resource protection, or public Agricultural, residential, and other limited enjoyment and appreciation of nature. The revenue producing uses of the land may cost of management and exposure to limit public access in certain areas. liability of these types of facilities and Where appropriate, access may be activities may be a factor in deciding provided on a permit basis. whether to permit them on District lands. The District strives to provide public Because of the District's commitment to access to its lands to everyone, regardless maximum open space preservation efforts, of place of residence, physical abilities, or expenditure guidelines established for the economic status. (See Access Plan for amount of funding available for Persons with Disabilities) recreational improvement projects d r0i an restoration activities.15 Public Safety The District works cooperatively with C. The District monitors and manages its other governmental agencies and preserves to provide a safe environment community organizations to facilitate for visitors and neighbors." development and management of recreation facilities and of public use. The District Recreational Use and Improvements ensures that such development is consistent with protection of important natural values d. Improvements on District lands are of the open space. generally be limited to facilities (ie: parking areas, trails and patrol roads, Cultural Resources restrooms, mapboards, and signs) for low- intensity recreational uses. Low-intensity e. Historic structures and sites may be recreation includes activities such as nature protected by the District where they are study, hiking, horseback riding, bicycling, associated with lands acquired for overall informal picnicking, and photography. open space values. Due to the high cost of Low-intensity recreation avoids evaluating, managing, and restoring such concentration of use, significant alteration facilities, the District depends on grant' of the land, and significant impact on the assistance, public-private partnerships, and natural resources or on the appreciation of outside assistance to support these nature.14 activities. Sites are evaluated for archaeological resources prior to any new Special use facilities, (i.e. nature centers, use or improvement which might impact historic structures, picnic tables, or the site. Archaeological resources are backpack camps), and special use activities evaluated, protected, and made known to (i.e. large recreation events, hang gliding, the public as appropriate to ensure their or off-leash dog areas), are considered on preservation. a case by case basis. In some cases special use activities may require a permit. These types of uses may be allowed when they do not monopolize significant areas of -Page 4 Agriculture and Revenue-Producing Use wildlife and vegetation, and trespassing." tres P g f. Agricultural use of District land; such as grazing, orchards, and vineyards may 4. Public Involvement: The District be allowed when it does not utilize educates and makes clearly visible to the significant areas of natural land, does not public the purposes and actions of the significantly impact natural or aesthetic District, and actively encourages public resources, does not unreasonably restrict input and involvement in the District's public access, and provides benefits such decision-making process and other as heritage resource protection, fire hazard activities.19 reduction, or income to the District. Revenue-producing use of District land, such as rental residences, communications antennas, or special commercial use such Policies as filming, may be allowed when it meets the above standards.17 Public Information Research a. The District works through a variety of means and media to inform the public of g. The District supports the development the District's goals and objectives, its short of scientific knowledge about natural and and long-term plans, the critical need for cultural resources and management open space preservation, and the techniques through cooperative appropriate use of District lands. This arrangements with educational and information is disseminated as widely as scientific institutions, and by supporting possible throughout the District. Land- research on which to base its management owners and potential donors are adequately and improvement decisions. Such studies informed of the District's purpose and shall not unreasonably restrict public goals, and of the possible methods of access or significantly impact the preserving land as open space. environment. Neighbor Relations Meeting Procedures b. The District diligently follows the h. In both the day-to-day conduct of its provisions of the Ralph M. Brown Act business and in the long-range planning for regarding open meeting procedures, and public open space preserves, the District will be guided by its enabling legislation makes every effort to cooperate with under the state Public Resources Code, preserve neighbors, to take into account Article 3, Division 5, Chapter 3, Section their perspectives, to fully address their 5500. The District encourages and concerns, and to engage and involve them welcomes public participation at its in the process of making decisions meetings and make its actions, intents, and regarding the preserves of which they are decisions clearly visible to the public. neighbors. Active management, patrol, maintenance, and public education are provided to minimize threats to public safety, fire hazards, litter, noise, erosion, unsound use of the land, disturbance of Page 5 I Public Input Policies c. The District encourages and welcomes Cost Constraints communication from the public by being as accessible to the public as possible and A. Because the District is committed to by regularly soliciting public comments maximum preservation efforts, about what the District should be administrative expense growth is limited accomplishing and how it should by following an average annual operating 20 proceed. expenses growth guideline, and by utilizing the help of other governmental Participation agencies, private entities, contractual services, and volunteers.21 d. The District seeks to involve the public in the operation and decision-making of Professional Organization the District and in general planning for acquisition and future use of open space b. The District employs a highly capable lands through special workshops, and professional staff and provides them committees and task forces, and public with the facilities and resources needed to outreach activities. Through staff and run an efficient and responsible volunteer programs, the District provides organization. ecological and environmental education and fosters public appreciation of open Board of Directors space values. c. The Board of Directors is the Volunteerism governing body of the District and determines all questions of policy. The a. Through its volunteer programs, the District is divided into seven geographic District encourages active public wards of approximately equal populations, participation in the maintenance, each represented by an,elected Board restoration, and protection of its natural member.22 resources. In addition, volunteers assist the District in scientific research, and providing cultural, historical, and environmental education opportunities to the public. 5. Administration'. The staff These policies are intended solely for the guidance administers the affairs of the District on of the Board in the exercise of its discretion and behalf of the public so as to maximize are not intended to give rise to private rights or causes of action in individuals or other persons. accomplishment of the goals and The Board shall be the final arbiter as to any objectives of the District within existing question of interpretation of these policies. It is not financial constraints. the purpose of these policies to adopt any legal requirements. Failure to comply with these policies shall not affect the validity of any action taken by the District. Page 6 FOOTNOTES: 1. Open Space Acquisition Policies, Pg 3 21. Average Six Percent Growth Guideline for District Operating Expenses and Annual 2. Open Space Acquisition Policies, Pgs. 2-6. Budget. 3. Master Plan/Open Space Acquisition 22. Public Resources Code, Section 5537 Policies, Pg. 3; Land Acquisition Policies, Pg. 3, Par. F. 4. Master Plan/Open Space Acquisition Policies, Pg. 6. 5. Land Acquisition Policies, Pg. 3. 6. Land Acquisition Policies, Pgs. 5 - 10. 7. Polices Regarding Use of Eminent Domain, Ordinance No. 86-1. 8. Open Space Acquisition Policies, Pgs. 9, 10. 9. Resource Management Policies 10. Resource Management Mission Statement 11. Resource Management Policies 12. Resource Management Policies 13. Good Neighbor Policy, District Land Use Regulations 14. Resource Management Policies 15. Average Six Percent Growth Guideline for - District Operating Expenses and Annual Budget 16. Resource Management Policies 17. Resource Management Policies, Goals 10 and 11. NOTE: The public may obtain policy documents 18. Good Neighbor Policy, Public Notification by contacting District office during regular Policies, District Land Use Regulations business hours Monday through Friday 8:30am to S:00pm. 19. Rules of Procedure, Notification Policies, Land Acquisition Policies, Pgs. 15, 16 20. Public Notification and Good Neighbor policies. Page 7 Welcomes; to p Regional Gpen S ace 01Z. ,01 � San 82 Francisco San Oakland Bay Francisco �.g rp�� Hal( Bay Moon Bay San 14 Sul 11 Carlos M'deo 35 Re Redwood t01 Santa C/ira + nimula City 82 County Rrv, pen Spare 84 i i-Irirl 12 alo 21 � Alto San � Woodsi& M7 2 ©3 85 Mountain ,m 4, View Santa Cruz 82 6 Y4 35 280 Sunnyvale � � I ON 13 B 84 15 g Cupertino San ,s Jose � Alpine ?� 7 A u / • 0 16 Saratoga 85 I Visit Your Regional Open Space Preserves s 85 Santa 17 ®©®®®©9 Cruz Santa Preserves Acres County Clara Los1. Coal Creek 493 ('ounry 2. El Corte de Madera Creels 2,788 • • • i O (9 Gatos 3. El Sereno 1,112 0 0 40 0 4. Foothills 211 0 0 0 0 0 5. Fremont Older 739 0 0 0 0 40 35 1 6. La Honda Creek 2,043 0 0 0 0 17 7. Long Ridge 1,551 0 0 0 O 17 lg 8. Los Trancos 274 0 0 0 41 • 9. Monte Bello Page Mill Area 2,758 • • • • • 0 1 2 3 4 51110 , 10. Monte Bello 308 • • • • • • Scale in Miles Picchetli Ranch Area 11. Pulgas Ridge 293 C ■ 12. Purisima Creek Redwoods 2,633 0 0 0 0 411 0 - Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District preserves 13. Rancho San Antonio 2,135 14. Ravenswood 373 15. Russian Ridge 1,580 0 0 Major city,county,state&federal parks,open space 16. Saratoga Gap 701 4) preserves,and publicly-owned watershed 17. Sierra Azul (Kennedy-Limekiln and Cathedral Oaks Areao 5,311 • • • • 0 18. Sierra Azul 6,843 , ,., o Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District (Mt.Umtml■an Area) 19. Skyline Ridge 1,612 O Combined with other public parklands, the District's preserves create 20. St.Joseph's Hill 173I zl. Stevens Creek a greenbelt extending from San Carlos to Los Gatos. Since 1972,the Shoreline Nature Study Area S5 I+I� District has preserved over 41,000 acres of open space. 22. Teague Hill 624 � �� Q —--- � 23. Thornewood 141 To obtain a Visitor's Map for the entire District or for information on i 24. Windy Hill 11,132 0 40 9 0 0 0 the preserves call the District office (415) 691-1200. Ample Parking U Limited Parking j Very Limited Parking s Kennedy-Limekiln area only 4/26/96 I Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District History: The MidpeninSUla Regional Open Land Management: The District Currently has Space District is a public agency formed by 23 preserves, ranging from 55 to 12,144 acres. voters in 1972 to preserve a regional open The preserves are open to the public free of space greenbelt, linking District preserves charge, 365 days a year from dawn to one with other public parklands. District lands half-hour after sunset. A small hike-in backpack provide permanently protected wildlife habitat, camp at Monte Bello Open Space Preserve is natural resources, watershed, and a variety of available for a nominal fee. ecosystems, and are available for low-intensity recreational use by the public. Initially located The District's open space is generally kept in in northwestern Santa Clara County, the voters a natural condition, developed with only the expanded the District's boundaries in 1976 to amenities needed to provide public access and include southern San Mateo County. In 1992, low-intensity recreation. Diverse environments the District annexed a small portion of Santa at the preserves include redwood forests, oak Cruz County, making it the only tri-county park woodlands, chaparral-covered hillsides, and or open space district in the state. shore frontage along San Francisco Bay. The "improved" preserves may include parking During its first 24 years, the District has preserved lots and restrooms, signed trails for hiking, over 41,000 acres of foothill and baylands open bicycling, and equestrian use, and a few space. The District covers an area of 330 square picnic tables. miles and serves a population of over 600,000. Programs: The docent program Currently Board of Directors: The District is divided into includes over 80 active volunteer docents seven geographic wards, each represented for a who lead hikes and tours on the preserves. The four-year term by an elected Board member. The volunteer program provides an opportunity for Board holds public meetings on the second and people to donate their time and energy to a fourth Wednesdays of each month at 7:30 p.m., variety of field and office projects. at the District offices. The District Speakers Bureau can provide a Staffing: The staff currently consists of 54 guest speaker for your service organization, employees in five departments: Administration, homeowners group, business club, or other Land Acquisition, Public Affairs, Planning, and association within the District's boundaries. Operations. Also available is a free-standing photo display The majority of the Operations staff is in the for use at your group's special events. field - 19 rangers appointed as peace officers Activities: The District offers over 200 miles responsible for patrol, maintenance, and capital of trails, ranging from easy walks to challenging improvements on the District's preserves. The excursions. Bicycles are permitted on a number field staff also includes eight other employees of trails, and there are also many trails where who are mainly involved in maintenance and horseback riders are welcome. improvement projects. For More Information: To get on our mailing Funding: The primary revenue source is a share of list, request a preserve map, or obtain further the total annual property tax collected within the information on any of the District's preserves District. This amounts to about 1.7( per $100 of or programs, please call (415) 691-1200. Our assessed property value, which provided approxi- address is 330 Distel Circle, Los Altos, CA mately $10 million in fiscal year 1995 - 96. Other 94022-1404. Electronic mail may be sent to revenue sources can include federal and state <mrosd@openspace.org>. Visit our web site grants, interest and rental income, donations, at <www.open space.org>. and note issues. Rev. 4/96 r � Y► � ETC � '.�,.�...� . � '. #S F _ f . �� _.`�• ,. - '+-.ate r � ,Rq } ti� 40, At ol r - M *Idpeninsula Regional Open Space District OPEN SPACE LANDS COMPOSITE EVALUATION MAP o I I I OPEN SPACE ACQUISITION POLICIES - continued t f OPEN SPACE FOR THE PROTECTION �` �r I OF PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY Certain undeveloped lands within the District are subject to hazardous conditions such as flooding, geologic instability and high fire danger which could threaten human life and property they were allowed to develop. Retaining these hazardous areas in VP, open ace uses can help minimize the potential for loss of life or1js't ` + P P P damage to property. { Air and water quality are greatly enhanced by the preservation of open space lands. The District believes that land use planning and zoning policies should be adopted and implemented by local jurisdictions to limit, and in some instances prohibit, development in areas which 1 ' present a significant threat to public health and safety. Acquisition Policy: 1. The District will consider acquiring, through purchase and donation, land or rights in land for the protection of public health and safely, if such land also has other substantial open space value. y URBAN OPEN SPACE OF REGIONAL II SIGNIFICANCE r l The District believes that the preservation of urban open space is basically the responsibility of local jurisdictions. The Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District was established to t acquire open space lands in the foothills, mountains and baylands ' outside the urbanized area. t' There may arise, however, exceptional circumstances under which ` h► ,M the MROSD may consider possible acquisition of "urban open space of regional significance," that is, undeveloped or essentially undeveloped land within the urbanized area having unique oru ''�r -3..": ,: .Y �:' (� Wiz•., unusual characteristics of sufficient natural value and importance to transcend its relevance to the immediate locality- "A''N I.11,11c An urban open space might be considered regionally significant for a number of reasons. It might serve as a key trail link between Acquisition Policy: major open space areas; have exceptional scenic or recreational 1. The District's primary purpose will be the acquisition of value to the entire region; provide a habitat for unique or non-urban open space lands, although it will consider endangered flora or fauna; or it might contain features of special acquiring urban open space land or rights in such land if geologic, archaeology or historic interest. they are of regional significance. 6 RD co �Dc 1 1 �N 'CD OM CD �� 2 CD �s ti i s �sTF? $AN TOMgS Klf cr BC n70 UNI pN C fICH AV F O C AVE m r^ �� O N -CS NO-)Sd9 I I I i OPEN SPACE ACQUISITION POLICIES - continued OPEN SPACE FOR OUTDOOR RECREATION Low Intensity Recreation Wilderness Experience In this commercial and mechanized society, one of the most Wilderness experience is a form of recreation which is basically rewarding experiences can be the escape from the noise and "communing with nature" in a quiet, secluded natural setting. pressures of an urban center to the peace and quiet of unspoiled Area suitable for this experience should provide a sense of open spaces. Here, where there is little development and few isolation and privacy, while remaining protected from disruption people, an individual may rejuvenate body and spirit with such from any substantial amount of human activity. There are some activities as walking, horseback riding, picknicking and kite flying, locations within the District that are attractive and secluded, and or by simply observing and communing with nature. Such which are potentially excellent locations for wilderness recreational lands have even greater value when they can be experience. reached easily and quickly from home or work. Acquisition Policy: Open space necessary for low intensity recreation must be 1. The District will acquire,through purchase and donation, preserved while it is still available. Such land must also be land or rights in land to provide for the wilderness protected from concentrations of human activity so that the natural setting is not substantially disturbed. Low intensity recreation experience. requires little investment in buildings, utilities or other facilities and is frequently compatible with other open space uses. Acquisition Policies: 1. The District will acquire,through purchase and donation, Trails land or rights in land for low intensity recreation. In recent years, walking, bicycling and horseback riding have 2. The District will cooperate with and consider joint become among the most rapidly growing forms of recreation. ventures with appropriate agencies in order to provide There is a great need for more public trails to accommodate this opportunities for low intensity recreation. growing demand and to give access to open space in the foothills i and baylands. The energy shortage adds to the desirability of having more public trails both in and near the urban area. Intensive Recreation The District believes that all levels of government have roles to Intensive recreation is recreation in which there is a concentration play in the development of a comprehensive trail and pathway of human activity in a limited area. Such activity generally system within the District. Various methods may be used to requires the construction of facilities such as ballfields, swimming establish trail rights-of-way, including acquisition of trail pools, playgrounds, campgrounds or buildings. The District easements. The MROSD intends to take a lead in the planning and believes that the provision of facilities for intensive recreation to participate in the implementation of a regional recreational trails within the District is mainly the responsibility of school districts, system within the District. I the cities,the counties and private enterprise. Acquisition Policies: Acquisition Policies: 1. The District will acquire,through purchase and donation, 1. The District will consider acquiring, through purchase land or rights in land for a regional trail system. Such and donation, land or rights in land which is valued for acquisition will primarily involve trails in the baylands intensive recreation if such land also has other and foothills outside of the urbanized area. substantial open space value. 2. The District will enter into cooperative programs with 2. The District will consider entering into cooperative public agencies and private groups in order to provide a programs whereby other agencies (public and private) trail system which ties together the urban area with the t will provide recreational facilities on District land. If major open space and recreational resources of the other significant open space values will be protected. region. l 3 _____.__ --,______�_-_�__.>---`�.�_.._..•---�-- III I r, _� p '^ y occ r RY 2 �O ' i 4t, r 41— RD o � EXpWY � D IBp \ �F�s Creek �y ' W AVE � I CRly EAT r- � AMER/CA Y "' J' i OA)8 / i I i IMPLEMENTATION - continued OTHER AGENCIES Other Special Districts There are a number of other governmental agencies whose The Santa Clara Valley Water District, through its flood control activities can play important roles in the preservation of open projects on streams and along the Bay and through its water supply space within the boundaries of the Midpeninsula Regional Open activities, can have significant impact on wetland open space Space District. The District will encourage them to use their resources. The San Mateo County Flood Control District, which powers to protect open space resources. It will also seek limits its activities to flood control and drainage projects, may also opportunities to work cooperatively with all public agencies on affect the open space value of stream corridors. The MROSD will open space projects of mutual benefit. work cooperatively with both districts and other agencies on projects involving the protection of water-related open space Cities and the Counties resources and the provision of hiking trails as part of a regional trail The units of government which have the greatest ability to protect system. open space within the MROSD are the sixteen cities and two counties. They make the most important decisions regarding land I use and have the largest array of open space preservation tools available to them. Regional Agencies Each of them possesses essentially the same open space acquisition powers as the MROSD. But in addition, they have certain powers The San Francisco Bay Conservation and Development the MROSD does not have, including the power to regulate private Commission (BCDC) is an important regional agency with land use, to control the urban development process, to provide regulatory jurisdiction affecting the open space resources of the economic incentives to open space landowners through the baylands. Specifically, BCDC has permit jurisdiction over filling Williamson Act, and to require developers to dedicate easements and dredging in San Francisco Bay, substantial developments or lands as a condition for approval of their subdivision proposals. within a 100-foot strip inland from the Bay shoreline and any f proposed filling of salt ponds or managed wetlands. Thus, the success of open space preservation efforts within the District is verymuch dependent upon whether the cities and the p p The Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG) is a voluntary counties make effective use of their open space preservation organization of cities and counties in the Bay Area. It is powers. responsible for the preparation of a regional plan. Although it has very limited power to implement its plans, it is important to the Local Agency Formation Commissions MROSD because it conducts useful regional studies which are There is in each county a Local Agency Formation Commission important in determining trends in population, recreational (LAFCO). No annexation, incorporation or district formation may interests, and economics. take place without approval of the county LAFCO having J jurisdiction. The Santa Clara County LAFCO requires each city to submit for approval a map showing its "urban service area" - that j area planned for new urban development within a five-year period. I Since the County's general policy is to restrict urban development State Agencies to incorporated areas. LAFCO, through its power to approve or disapprove city "urban service area" boundaries, can prevent the The California Coastal Zone Commission has planning type of leapfrog development which has historically resulted in the responsibility and permit authority within the legislatively defined loss of open space. The San Mateo and Santa Cruz County Coastal Zone. A significant portion of MROSD lands in San Mateo LAFCOs have also defined "urban service areas". The MROSD will County west of Skyline Boulevard are within the Coastal Zone encourage efforts by the LAFCOs to use their powers to prevent where, in general, a coastal development permit is required for urban sprawl. new development. The LAFCOs, working together, have also designated a "sphere of The Department of Parks and Recreation administers three State influence" for the District which includes areas outside the parks adjoining the boundary of the District, it also shares District's current boundary where annexations would be most administration of Loghry State Forest, which is partially within the likely to occur. District, with the State Division of Forestry. i 9 �• AMI pe -y Nk • �►, lw � E r Ir i INTRODUCTION AN OVERVIEW OF THE MASTER PLAN THE FUNCTIONS OF OPEN SPACE The Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District was created by "Open space" is generally defined as any land or water area which voters in northwestern Santa Clara County in November 1972. In remains in a natural state, is used for agriculture or is otherwise June 1976, residents of southeastern San Mateo County voted to essentially undeveloped. One way to differentiate among and join the District. In 1992,the District annexed a small portion of evaluate open space areas is to examine and compare the Santa Cruz County. Since its creation, the District has been beneficial functions they perform or have the potential to perform. working to acquire open space lands, to plan and manage them Some of these functions include providing opportunities for low wisely, and to present to the public a clear and detailed statement intensity or intensive recreation, providing scenic beauty, I of the District's basic philosophy and policies. providing habitat for wildlife, preventing urban sprawl and protecting the public from natural or manmade hazards. In March of 1974 the District adopted its Basic Policy containing five major objectives to guide the MROSD in its efforts to preserve Both the Open Space Acquisition Policies and the Open Space open space. Each of these objectives is accompanied by additional Lands Evaluation included in this Master Plan are organized policy statements which clarify and elaborate upon the objectives. according to the various beneficial functions performed by open The District also adopts an annual Action Plan which sets forth the space. specific programs and sub-programs it intends to pursue to carry out each of the objectives and their related policies. o , Two of the objectives in the Basic Policy relate to the acquisition of open space lands by the District, and to working with other a „r government agencies and private organizations to preserve open space. The purpose of the District's Master Plan is to aid the District in carrying out those two objectives by providing guidance for the Land Acquisition and Governmental Liaison programs in the District's Action Plan. The Master Plan is organized into the following three major sections: Open Space Acquisition Policies- Presents the policies which will help guide the District, in determining the types of open space • r 'fib lands it will acquire. -_' Open Space Lands Evaluation-Aids the District in identifying •.'J-, _`' - areas which have high composite open space value, as well as j those having high value for performing individual open space functions of interest to the District. Implementation - Discusses the District's open space preservation powers and identifies some of the factors entering into the District's land acquisition decisions. Also discusses the open `'` space preservation powers and roles of other agencies and d' organizations whose actions can help preserve open space within the District. �.. The Master Plan was adopted by the Board of Director's December , 14,1977 and January 11,1978. ' The technical appendices to the Master Plan are available for review at the District office. �' n Foster �% City s ' � PM ; e 5 oBair Island S 1 F S\ P Carlos REDW qD �lEt�f P J Ravenswood Point Redwood Clt / �O SPARK y 0� NT PARK 5 WOOD O � 6rton East Pal \�vlenl Park _SqN �� - F F � _M . OPEN SPACE ACQUISITION POLICIES The following open space acquisition policies define the role the Human settlement of this area and the resulting conflicts with District will play in the preservation of oper, space and reflect the nature have had harmful effects on the wildlife of the region. roles the District believes other public agencies and private Gone are the grizzlies, cats and condors that once roamed freely in organizations should play. They will be a major factor in the this area. Several other species are presently threatened with District's land acquisition decisions. extinction by the continued human intrusion on the open spaces which provide the food, nesting and resting areas necessary for their survival. Although some species can adapt to this urbanization, others can survive only if their habitats are preserved OPEN SPACE FOR THE PROTECTION OF in a natural, largely undisturbed state. NATURAL VEGETATION We are fortunate to have in the District a great variety of natural Much of the beauty of the remaining open space in the District is areas which provide habitat for numerous species of wildlife, due to the abundance, diversity,and in some cases, the uniqueness including waterfowl and migratory birds which roam far beyond of the natural vegetation. This vegetation, from the pickleweed of the borders of the District. The marshes and saltponds of the bay the baylands to the majestic redwoods of the Santa Cruz lie along the Pacific Flyway, providing a sanctuary and nesting Mountains, provides necessary habitat for a great variety of area. wildlife. It is also of inestimable value in reducing soil erosion, Governmental agencies must take appropriate action to protect decreasing runoff and aiding water absorption in watershed areas, wildlife in general, those species unique to this area, and improving air quality and providing educational and nature appreciation opportunities to the area's residents. particularly those animals and birds which are on the State and Federal I ists of rare and endangered species. These vegetative resources are threatened by the pressures of urbanization, by logging, grading, land filling in the baylands, Acquisition Policies: certain intensive recreational activities and quarry operations. 1. The District will acquire,through purchase and donation, land or rights in land for the protection of wildlife. Human activities which destroy vegetation, particularly rare or endangered plant species, should be regulated by the appropriate 2. The District will consider acquisition and establishment governmental agencies. Provision must be made for enforcement of special preservation areas in order to protect the of these regulations, and for restoration of natural vegetation habitats of rare or endangered wildlife species found in this area. whenever possible. i Acquisition Policies: 1. The District will acquire,through purchase and donation, land or rights in land for the protection of natural vegetation. 2. The District will acquire and preserve representative examples of major vegetative communities. � �� .fir � � ���L�, �•:4 1 APB OPEN SPACE FOR THE PROTECTION ,r .y OF WILDLIFE f species has its own intrinsic value and contributes tol�" Each wildlife s P the quality of life around us. This and future generations must y:# have the opportunity to observe and enjoy the wild creatures which inhabit nearby open spaces. The opportunity to study wildlife can also add to our knowledge of the effects of human intrusion on the natural environment. Mary C.Hale I 2 um op 92 FA FA OF JIM ov WO ato of Vft / Ong CA ,, �.N •,ff i�/�/ ,d.00 10 �/� .�� ►� i� �r Vp 900W, /� .4�i�� :�► �. .�� �. oo 4 � •� `i '�, a INX NN XN ON I 14 ` v ea 20 IF, •�� •�, /�' ♦ A � 1 r' 14 OPEN SPACE FOR THE PRESERVATION OPEN SPACE FOR THE PROTECTION OF UNIQUE SITES OF AGRICULTURE Historical and Archaeological Resources Agricultural land has historically been an important form of open space in the Santa Clara Valley. However, the prime agricultural Substantial cultural and educational benefits can be derived from soils in the District have largely been covered by homes, industry preserving the historic and archaeologic remnants of our past. and pavement, and few economically viable agricultural Within the District there are a number of identified points of enterprises remain. Those agencies having jurisdiction should historical or archaeological significance, as well as many sites of protect these remaining agricultural lands through the use of the probable significance. The District believes that local jurisdictions Williamson Act, appropriate land use regulations and the should identify these sites and implement ordinances and withholding of urban services. programs for their preservation and restoration. The District also believes that local jurisdictions should preserve Acquisition Policies: remnants of orchards and other agricultural lands within urban 1. The District will consider acquiring, through purchase areas as educational and historical reminders of the agricultural and donation, land or rights in land which is valued for heritage of the Santa Clara Valley. the purpose of preserving unique historical and archaeological features, if such land also has other Acquisition Policies: substantial open space value. 1. The District will consider acquiring land or rights in land 2. The availability of cooperation from other public which is used for agricultural production if such land also agencies or private institutions in meeting the costs of has substantial open space value. preserving and operating historic structures and facilities 2. The District will consider accepting gifts of land or rights will be an important factor in considering acquisition. in land in order to preserve and protect agricultural production. Geological and Topographical Features There are within the District a number of unique landforms, OPEN SPACE FOR THE PRODUCTION outstanding view sites and areas of geological interest which can OF MINERALS provide exceptional education and recreational experiences. The District believes these sites should be identified and preserved. The evaporation ponds in the baylands of the District are the first Acquisition Policy: stages in the harvesting of commercially valuable quantities of salt. There are also mineral extraction sites, particularly gravel and 1. The District will consider acquiring, through purchase limestone quarries, in the foothill areas. While in some cases these and donation, land or rights in land which is valued for mineral recovery operations have served to preserve both land and the purpose of preserving unique geological and water open spaces, they have also damaged or substantially altered topographical features, if such land also has other the natural environment. substantial open space value. The District believes that mineral recovery activities should be carefully regulated by appropriate jurisdictions in order to minimize damage to the environment and to ensure that extraction sites and salt ponds are ultimately restored to a condition in harmony with their natural settings. Acquisition Policy: _ 1. The District will consider acquiring, through purchase and donation, land or rights in land presently used for mineral production in order to protect other substantial Now, : long term open space values. ' ( h,iilunr��.n I trn,ilJ 1 'f �� �. �\ V� �•.��� � ������ ���'� I I OPEN SPACE FOR GUIDING URBAN FORM OPEN SPACE FOR SCENIC PRESERVATION The Scenic Backdrop Uncontrolled urban sprawl and leapfrog development have been destructive to agriculture, have made efficient local government The highly visible slopes and ridges of the Santa Cruz Mountains difficult and provision of urban services costly, and have are especially valuable as scenic resources. Bodies of water, aggravated pollution and transportation problems. This destructive including the Bay, the reservoirs and streamsides are important and wasteful process of urban development must be controlled by scenic resources as well. The scenic value of these land and water careful planning and proper land use regulations, and by the areas can be greatly diminished if inappropriate development is phased extension of urban services and facilities. allowed to encroach upon them. To this end, the District encourages and supports the efforts of the 1 Preservation of the scenic backdrop does not necessarily require cities, the counties and the local agency formation commissions to public purchase of the land involved, nor does it require public enact and enforce policies and regulations to guide urban access to these lands. It can be accomplished through the use of development. The District believes that future urban development scenic easements, the Williamson Act and appropriate land use should occur in or near existing urbanized areas according to regulations. realistic and logical five-year growth plans prepared by each city, in cooperation with its county, and approved by its LAFCO. It is The District believes that local jurisdictions should enact and important that city plans be considered by the District in enforce zoning and land use regulations to protect the natural acquisition decisions within these planned urban areas. landscape of the hills and ridgetops. Streams, reservoirs, marshes, Along with the planning and regulation of development, there the Bay and lands adjacent to them should also be protected for should be selective acquisition of permanent open space areas on their value as scenic open space areas. ` the urban fringe to induce compact development and to limit Acquisition Policy: urban sprawl. This critical open space, particularly threatened by 1, The District will acquire,through purchase and donation, development, is most valuable for guiding urban form. land or rights in land for the preservation of the scenic 1 backdrop. Acquisition Policy: ly 1. The District will acquire,through purchase and donation, land or rights in land for guiding urban form. View from Scenic Roads and Highways Within the District there are a number of roads and highways traversing scenic rural areas. Leisurely travel on these roads can be a pleasurable recreational and open space experience. Some of the views from these roads have been given protection by scenic highway zoning;others remain relatively unprotected. The District believes that local jurisdictions should protect key scenic corridors by prohibiting roadside advertising and other incompatible development. Acquisition Policies: 1. The District will consider acquiring land or rights in land for the preservation of the view from scenic roads and highways, if such land also has other substantial open space value or if such land is particularly threatened by ` inappropriate development. 2. The District will consider accepting gifts of land or rights of land in order to preserve the view from scenic roads and highways. 11,u� I.I Ld, 4 1� r 9 I 4� r l J Q JI I ABOUT THIS MAP This map was prepared as an element of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District's Master Plan Program. It is intended to aid the District in evaluating the overall open space values of land and water areas within the foothills, mountains and baylands of the District. The open space evaluation ratings on this map reflect scores assigned for each of several individual open space functions, combined into a composite rating in accordance with the relative importance assigned to each of these functions by the District's Board of Directors (see Relative Weights Assigned below). This map is only one of the number of factors which will be considered by the District's Board of Directors as it makes decisions concerning the acquisition of open space lands. A high rating on this map does not IMPLEMENTATION The preservation of open space is the principal objective of the Factors Affecting MROSD Land Acquisition Decisions Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District. This section describes the open space preservation powers of the MROSD,other In addition to the District's Basic Policy and Open Space governmental agencies and private individuals and organizations Acquisition Policies,there are a number of other factors which whose activities may affect open space within the District. enter into the land acquisition decisions of the MROSD, including the following: * Amount of public support for the acquisition. MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL * Composite open space importance of the area involved. OPEN SPACE DISTRICT * Importance of the area in performing individual open space functions considered in the District's Open Space Acquisition Policies. Open Space Preservation Powers of the District * Costs of acquisition, with special attention given to gifts, bargain sales, installment sales and sales of open space The MROSD has several means by which it can work to preserve easements. open space. Its most effective tool is the acquisition of open space * Net costs of maintenance, including potential revenue from lands, which may be accomplished through purchase or gift of fee agricultural and other uses. title or of lesser interests. When purchasing fee title or certain * Degree of threat of loss to development. types of open space easements, the District has available to it the * Location of the area involved relative to other publicly-owned power of eminent domain. In accordance with the District's Basic open space lands, including those of the MROSD. Policy, this power will only be used in those instances when * Initiative or willingness of the owner(s)to negotiate reasonable attempts at voluntary negotiations fail and the lands acquisition terms. involved are of central importance to the District's program. * Prospects for preservation actions by other agencies. * Opportunities for joint actions with other agencies. To enhance its acquisition efforts, the District can seek State and Federal grants, issue bonds and borrow money to supplement its The relative importance of each of these considerations may vary regular sources of funds. The District can also solicit private gifts from one decision to the next. of land, open space easements and money. Such gifts are tax deductible for income tax purposes and in the case of open space easements can provide the landowner with property tax relief as 1 well. The MROSD can employ various other acquisition techniques which may be mutually beneficial to both the District and the landowner. These include the use of installment purchases, life estate arrangements (allowing the landowner to continue to occupy the land for the remainder of his or her lifetime) and purchase-leaseback or purchase-saleback agreements. .. The District can T participate in joint projects with other governmental agencies to acquire, develop or maintain open space lands. It can also encourage these other agencies to use their open space preservation powers, although there is no assurance that such efforts at persuasion will always be successful. : { . The District does not have regulatory power over lands other than $ those it owns. Consequently, it cannot adopt zoning ordinances or other such regulations affecting privately owned lands. The power ; to protect open space by regulating land use is held primarily by the cities and the counties. •-•� I 8 /•► i • ���+ w or / r s I it0044- OF. f/. ININ =i OWNv O �•� • ♦��� �� .��-.� ' ,v MMIR fto . _� �,t Via`\♦ •=/ // ./ �tr1♦� �r♦♦ ` ♦ ``�1 Ji- i�♦ I,lam .��;��:�t Y'�.� 1 `• IWA IN Q \r\ mow. r ��� OPEN SPACE LANDS EVALUATION The open space lands evaluation was done in order to identify ANALYSIS OF THE OPEN SPACE LANDS those areas which have the greatest composite open space value, COMPOSITE EVALUATION MAP as well as those having the greatest value for individual open space functions. It will aid the District in making land acquisition decisions. The information provided by this evaluation, however, Analysis of the Open Space Lands Composite Evaluation Map is only one of a number of considerations which will enter into printed on the reverse side of this report, and the data used in its such decisions. preparation indicate that the following kinds of areas generally received the highest composite open space evaluation ratings: Gently rolling foothill lands near the urban area, areas highly SUMMARY OF METHODOLOGY visible from the valley floor, streamside areas, prominent ridgetops, land with relatively level terrain and lands adjacent to For the Open Space Lands Evaluation, the baylands, foothills and the Bay. mountains in the District were divided into approximately 700 individual "land units" or geographic areas within which the The analysis above relates only to the composite open space vegetation and topography is relatively homogeneous. Using evaluation. Areas important for certain individual open space numerical scores based upon 28 different evaluation criteria, each functions may not necessarily possess these same characteristics. land unit was evaluated to determine its relative suitability to Some areas of great scenic importance, for example, may be perform each of the open space functions. These scores were used neither level nor readily accessible from the urban area, but may to produce maps which will aid the District in identifying those still be appropriate lands for acquisition by the District. These areas which have the greatest value for each of the individual open other individual open space functions and the characteristics space functions. associated with them will be considered in addition to the composite evaluation ratings when the District makes land A composite open space evaluation rating was then calculated for acquisition decisions. those open space functions considered most directly related to MROSD's Basic Policy and powers. Numerical "weights" were assigned to the selected open space functions by the District's l Board of Directors to express the relative importance of each function to the District's open space acquisition program. The 1 selected open space functions and their weights are: Protection of natural vegetation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15% Protection of wildlife. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15% Outdoor recreation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20% Low intensity recreation . . . . . . . . . . . (10%) Intensive recreation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (5%) Wilderness experience . . . . . . . . . . . . (5%) Guiding urban form . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25% J Scenic preservation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20% Scenic backdrop (15%) � jView from scenic roads and highways . .( 5%) Protection of agriculture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5% �. TOTAL . . . . . . . . . . . 100% x The resulting composite scores were used to prepare the Open f Space Lands Composite Evaluation Map. A detailed description of the methodology used in this evaluation 1 is contained in the technical appendices to the Master Plan I available for review at the District office. �I 7 me sa y inean tha a parucuiar area wi 1 >F e acquire by the District; nor does a low rating necessarily mean that a particular area will not be acquired. Some of the other consideratons include the amount of public support for the acquisition, the cost of acquisition, degree of threat of loss to development, importance for certain individual open space functions, location relative to other Bound publicly-owned open space lands and potential actions of the by other governmental agencies. Open S For additional information regarding this map, refer to the text on the reverse side of the map. Existi n and otr RELATIVE WEIGHTS ASSIGNED Midpen District) The composite evaluation ratings shown on this map were calculated using the following weights assigned by 1l the District's Board of Directors to reflect the relative Major CI importance of these open space functions to the District's parks alb land acquisition program: PROTECTION OF NATURAL VEGETATION 15% City par' PROTECTION OF WILDLIFE . . . . . . . . . . 15% lnstltutl OUTDOOR RECREATION . . . • • • . • 20% Low intensity recreation . . . . . . . . (10%) Lands ul Intensive recreation Wilderness experience . . . . . . . . . (5%) GUIDING URBAN FORM . . . . . . . . . . . . 25% Composit SCENIC PRESERVATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20% Hig{, Scenic backdrop . . . . . . . . . . . . . (15%) View from scenic roads and highways . . . . . . . . . . . . (5%) PROTECTION OF AGRICULTURE . . . . . . .5% TOTAL . . . . 100% Low THE MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT Purpose and History: The Midpeninsula Regional Open Space Lands Acquired: As of April 1992, the District has acquired District (MROSD) is an independent, special-purpose district 35,000 acres of land which is divided among 23 open space created by the voters of northwestern Santa Clara County in preserves within the District. November of 1972 for the purpose of preserving and acquiring open space lands in the foothills, mountains and baylands, outside BOARD OF DIRECTORS the urbanized area. A large part of southeastern San Mateo County was annexed to the District in an election in June, 1976 and a Ward 1: Kay Duffy Ward 5: Nonette Hanko smal I portion of Santa Cruz County was annexed in 1992. Ward 2: Robert McKibbin Ward 6: Betsy Crowder Area included: The MROSD encompasses the cities of Atherton, Ward 3: Teena Henshaw Ward 7: Richard Bishop Cupertino, Los Altos, Los Altos Hills, Los Gatos, Menlo Park, Ward 4: Ginny Babbitt Monte Sereno, Mountain View, Palo Alto, East Palo Alto, Portola Valley, Redwood City, San Carlos, Saratoga, Sunnyvale and I Woodside,and adjacent unincorporated areas. General Manager: Herbert Grench Governing Body: The District is governed by a Board of Directors consisting of seven members, each of whom is elected from a separate ward within the District for a four year term. The Board has regular meetings on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each ' month at 7:30 p.m. in the District's office in Los Altos. 7 SAN O.AlgylpS -- EnEDW000 Powers: The MROSD is empowered, acting through its Board of v1% „r Directors, to spend its funds to acquire land, through purchase or V 1TNENOM ;;,o gift, for open space, park and recreational purposes. When WOOOSIOE +� " necessary, the District has the power of eminent domain. i3.;,uN The District is also empowered to create and maintain recreational MIOAVALLE1,1 f ) MOUNTAINVIEWT.., facilities. In order to maximize the effectiveness of its open space • , '3 preservation efforts; it was the District's policy to allocate the vast '* / DSATUSNI 8)`y i u„Nry,E majority of its funds during the first years of its existence to the acquisition of open space, rather than to the development and -`PAl°Al=°f 2'; maintenance of facilities. 1 f,�� CCU giINO tom! rf The MROSD does not have zoning or other regulatory powers with regard to privately owned lands. I `'"� f SANATOOA Finances: The District's primary source of revenue is a share of the :rI No annual total property tax collected within the District boundaries. 0 Ward numbers L050AT05 This income is equivalent to about 1.6 cents per $100. of assessed -----Ward boundaries value on real property. Boundary of the District Other revenue sources include federal and state grants, gifts and bargain sales of land, and private donations by individuals and organizations. The Open Space District has consistently worked to MAP OF stretch local tax dollars with those other revenue sources, and DISTRICT BOUNDARIES these efforts have increased the District's land purchasing power by more than one-third. Gifts to the District are tax-deductible. The District will be pleased to discuss bequests. MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT The District has the power to issue bonds, to borrow money and to 330 Distel Circle, Los Altos, California 94022 enter into installment purchases. Copyright 1992 �l 1 ItGEND I f ry or sphere of influence • • :• ,- , I � ti Y,•i �idpeninWla Regional pace District •, urban development er developed areas „•,' "• 'iinsula Regional Open Space open space preserves 1 'city, county, and state d open space preserves Mks within the urban area onally-owned lands I � SCALE -ider Williamson Act 1"=5,000' or 1"=.95 mile its or open space easements 1 0 1 1 2 3 miles ratings of open space lands !$t 0 5,000 10,000 15,000 feet 1,000 acres 500 acres N th Recycled Falcoroe]s Date first Adopted:January 1977 it Fibers Date Revised: April 1992 I i I I i i I The State Lands Commission has responsibility for the lease, sale ++ ' or disposal of State-owned lands, including tide and submerged �. ,_• lands. The Commission has title to 800 acres on Bair island and l about 130 acres on Redwood Peninsula. The State Department of Fish and Game is responsible for wildlife management on these State lands. The Department of Parks and Recreation and the Wildlife Conservation Board administer programs providing funds � . for local parks and open space projects. Federal Agencies The U.S. Department of the Interior's Fish and Wildlife Service is responsible for planning, acquisition and management of the San r Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge, portions of which are K within the boundaries of the MROSD. The Department of the Interior is also important to the District because its Federal Land and Water Conservation Fund program provides grants for open space acquisition. Ll PRIVATE INDIVIDUALS AND r. I ORGANIZATIONS {i Private individuals and organizations can play significant roles in �` + preserving open space within the District. They can, for example, urge their city and county governments to use their powers to protect open space and oppose public and private projects which w ti *'Iqp ` would adversely affect open space resources. I� They can also aid the MROSD by soliciting gifts of land or donations of funds to the District. The Peninsula Open Space Trust r has been formed to serve as an independent organization to receive gifts of land and other assets that further the goals of the �_ let-w�•F District. ' jSome private organizations, such as the Sempervirens Fund, the Nature Conservancy, Save-the-Redwoods League, and the Trust for Public Lands, acquire open space lands with private funds for subsequent re-sale or transfer to public agencies. Private landowners can also play important roles in open space preservation, particularly owners of large landholdings, major portions of which are presently in open space uses. Within the I MROSD, these major landowners include Stanford University, the San Jose Water works company, California Water Company, Cargill Salt Company, Mobil Oil Estates, Kaiser-Permanente, and the Catholic Church. Use of Williamson Act contracts and open space easement agreements are means by which landowners can mitigate the economic burden of maintaining their lands in open spaces uses. I Oaril I lan-n �1 10 I I