Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District

Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District. It is a special district government agency in the San Francisco Bay Area of California, established by voter initiative in 1972 to permanently protect and restore open space lands, preserve regional biodiversity, and provide public access to nature. The district's jurisdiction spans a vast area from the Santa Cruz Mountains to the San Francisco Bay, encompassing parts of San Mateo County, Santa Clara County, and a small portion of Santa Cruz County. Its mission focuses on the acquisition, preservation, and stewardship of a interconnected greenbelt of wildland and agricultural open space for the benefit of all.

History

The district's formation was driven by rapid suburban development in the 1960s that threatened the natural landscapes of the San Francisco Peninsula. A coalition of conservationists, led by figures like Nonette Hanko of the Committee for Green Foothills, successfully placed Measure R on the ballot in 1972. Following voter approval, the agency began its work, with its first major acquisition being the 1,432-acre Monte Bello Open Space Preserve in 1975. Early leadership from General Manager Larry D. Orman and the first Board of Directors, including Mary Davey and Robert B. Lanham, established a strong foundation for land protection. The district's boundaries were significantly expanded southward in 1992 by a vote of the Local Agency Formation Commission to include the South Skyline Region.

Governance and funding

The district is governed by a publicly elected, seven-member Board of Directors, each representing a geographic ward. Day-to-day operations are managed by a General Manager and a professional staff of land stewards, planners, and scientists. Its primary funding source is a voter-approved property tax assessment. Major bond measures, including a $200 million initiative in 2014, have provided capital for significant land acquisitions and improvements. The district also leverages funding through partnerships with entities like the California Coastal Conservancy, Santa Clara Valley Habitat Agency, and private foundations, and benefits from countless volunteer hours coordinated through its Volunteer Program.

Preserves and trails

The district manages over 65,000 acres across more than 26 distinct Open Space Preserves. Notable preserves include the expansive Skyline Ridge, the botanically rich Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve, and the coastal grasslands of Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve. These lands protect critical habitats within the Santa Cruz Mountains and contain a network of over 250 miles of public trails. Key trails traverse iconic landscapes, such as the Bay Area Ridge Trail along the ridgelines and paths through old-growth forests in El Corte de Madera Creek Open Space Preserve. The district also protects working agricultural lands through its Agricultural Conservation Easement program.

Conservation and stewardship

A core function is the active stewardship and ecological restoration of its lands to preserve native biodiversity. Key initiatives include protecting endangered species like the San Francisco garter snake and California red-legged frog, and restoring sensitive habitats such as coastal prairie and riparian woodland. The district employs controlled prescribed burning to maintain healthy chaparral and woodland ecosystems and manages invasive species like French broom and Himalayan blackberry. Its resource management plans are informed by ongoing scientific research, often conducted in collaboration with institutions like Stanford University and the University of California.

Public access and recreation

The district provides extensive, low-impact recreational opportunities, emphasizing connection with nature. Preserves are open from sunrise to sunset and offer activities such as hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking on designated trails, and picnicking. Nature education is a major component, delivered through guided programs by staff naturalists, school field trips, and volunteer-led activities. Facilities include visitor centers at Ranch San Antonio Open Space Preserve and Skyline Ridge Open Space Preserve, and accessible trails for visitors of all abilities. The district actively promotes the principles of Leave No Trace to ensure the protection of natural resources alongside public enjoyment.

Category:Protected areas of the San Francisco Bay Area Category:Special districts in California Category:Open space reserves in California Category:1972 establishments in California