The (MROSD) has crossed the threshold of preserving 60,000 acres of land, the group announced on Thursday.
After approving a lease with (POST), MROSD will now manage the 270-acre October Farm property.
“While there is still much work to be done, it is truly remarkable how much wildland the District and its partners have preserved in the densely populated Bay Area,” said District General Manager Steve Abbors in a statement today. “This is the job the voters asked the District to do on their behalf and we are continuing to preserve these natural lands that sustain our quality of life in so many ways, providing clean air, clean water and respite from urban life.”
The District, a public agency created in 1972 by Santa Clara County voters, has since expanded throughout San Mateo and Santa Cruz Counties with the mission of “preserving a regional greenbelt of open space, protecting and restoring the environment and providing for ecologically-sensitive public enjoyment,” according to the statement.
The 60,000 acres now managed by MROSD includes 24 open space preserves and more than 234 miles of trails, free of charge and open to the public.
October Farm is located near Half Moon Bay and will for now remain owned by POST and managed by MROSD. Both agencies will work in a public-private partnership toward common land preservation goals, according to the statement.
Prior to this agreement, October Farm had the potential for three residential developments, but will now remain environmentally balanced with agricultural use.
The property includes Irish Ridge as well as a ¾-mile stream frontage on Lobitos Creek, where the District sees opportunities for restoration projects that could benefit threatened species such as .
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