Quarterly Status on Projects and Programs - Sonoma County ...

Sonoma County AgriculturalPreservation & Open Space District<strong>Quarterly</strong> Report of Project & Program ActivityMay-July 2011

Bordessa RanchProject Location: Highway 1Supervisorial District: 5 thProject Manager: Marta Puente, 565-7261Estimated Project Budget: $1,000,000Project Completion: 2011Partners: State Coastal ConservancyAcquisition Plan Categories: Water,Wildlife and Natural AreasProject Overview: Bordessa Ranch consists of 500 acres located on Highway 1, west of ValleyFord. The Estero Americano makes up the 1 mile southern boundary of the property. TheDistrict’s natural resource conservation easement would permanently protect the property’sresources. There are two streams that run through the property to the Estero. The landownershave agreed to protect these creeks with riparian fencing and install native riparian plants withinthe riparian corridor. The conservation easement identifies 138 acres as ‘forever wild’ forprotection of burrowing owls and badger habitat.Habitats on the property include coastal prairie, coastal scrub, and riparian. The propertycontains habitat for California red-legged frog. There are numerous active American badgerburrows, which provide habitat for burrowing owls. The property provides resources for otherspecies of birds, including raptors and sea birds. The estuary is located in the heart of the PacificFlyway. The mudflats, open water and extensive marsh area of the estuary provide seasonallyimportant foraging habitat for migratory waterfowl and shorebirds, and resident long-leggedwading birds. Itprovides potentialrearing habitat fortwo federally listedendangered fishspecies, thetidewater goby andwinter-run steelheadtrout. The project iscurrently beingappraised.

Calabazas Creek Open Space PreserveManagement PlanProject Location: Glen EllenSupervisorial District: 1 stProject Manager: Leslie Lew, 565-7367Estimated Project Budget: $350,000Project Completion: to be determinedPartners: State Department of Parks andRecreation, Bay Area Ridge Trail Council, CaliforniaDepartment of Fish and GameContractor: Sonoma Ecology CenterAcquisition Plan Categories: Greenbelts and Scenic Hillsides; Water, Wildlife and Natural Areas;Recreation and EducationProject Overview:The 1,280-acre Calabazas Creek Open Space Preserve (Preserve) was purchased by the District in2004 and is located off Highway 12 between Santa Rosa and Glen Ellen. The Preserve is one ofthe few properties that extend from the Sonoma/Napa county line at the top of the ridge downnearly to Highway 12 on the valley floor.The land includes a diversity of soil, vegetation, and topographic features which provide habitatfor a wide range of important plant and animal species. Calabazas Creek is a tributary of SonomaCreek and is also a designated critical habitat area which supports endangered steelhead. Theproperty also provides habitat for many species including mountain lion, deer, fox, andpotentially, bear.Activities complete last quarter include roadrepair, illegal Cannabis cleanup and weedmanagement activities. The ongoing weedmanagement program addressed yellowstar thistle, a noxious weed species. Amanagement plan is underway and willinclude recommendations for stewardshipof this unique property. Public access isprovided on Calabazas by Sonoma EcologyCenter through the District’s outings andeducation programs. The Volunteer Patrolis run completely by volunteers. The Districthas applied for a State Coastal Conservancygrant to help fund planning efforts for theBay Area Ridge Trail segments through thePreserve.

Carrington Coast RanchTransfer to State Department of Parks and RecreationProject Location: Highway 1Supervisorial District: 5 thProject Manager: Marta Puente, 565-7261Estimated Project Budget: $200,000 for futureoperations and maintenanceProject Completion: to be determined – on holdby request of State ParksPartners: CA Department of Parks and Recreation,LandPaths, State Coastal ConservancyContractors: Advanced Geo Environmental and W-TransAcquisition Plan Categories: Recreation andEducation; Water, Wildlife and Natural Areas;Greenbelts and Scenic HillsidesProject Overview:• The District acquired the 335-acreCarrington Coast Ranch property in2003 for transfer to State Parks due toits location, scenic vistas, naturalresources and potential forrecreational access. The District andState Parks have finalized theconservation easement that will be in place at the time of transfer. State Parkscompleted its Immediate Public Use Facilities Plan for the property which addresses thenatural, cultural, and scenic values as well as recreational needs, including trails, parking,restrooms, picnic sites, and interpretive facilities.• Through a grant provided by the CoastalConservancy, the District, LandPaths andState Parks have worked on site clean-upand planning for recreational uses. TheDistrict has opened the land for publicguided tours managed by LandPaths.• Transfer of the property has been put onhold until further notice at the request ofState Park.

Clover SpringsTransfer to City of CloverdaleProject Location: City of Cloverdale, west ofHighway 101 and adjacent to the Del WebbcommunitySupervisorial District: 4 thProject Manager: Marta Puente, 565-7261Estimated Project Budget: An endowmentof $275,000 was donated by the previous landowners to provide for development, managementand restoration of the property as a park and open space preserve.Project Completion: Transfer completed onJune 30, 2011Partners: City of Cloverdale, Sonoma CountyRegional ParksAcquisition Plan Categories: Greenbelts andScenic Hillsides; Water, Wildlife and NaturalAreas; Recreation and EducationProject Overview:• The District acquired fee title to the250-acre Clover Springs property in 2007 for transfer to the City of Cloverdale for a parkand open space preserve. The City anticipates contracting with a recreational partner forthe planning and development of the Preserve. The rolling hills of the property are partof the western backdrop to the City. The property is a mosaic of upland oak woodland,mixed evergreen forest, grasslands, and chaparral. Porterfield Creek traverses the siteand provides spawning habitat for the Central California Coast steelhead. Many otherspecies of animals, birds, and fish usethe property for habitat and as awildlife corridor.• Transfer of the Clover Springsproperty was approved by theDistrict’s Board of Directors on May17, 2011.• The District closed escrow on June 30,2011. The conservation easementprotects the sensitive biotic resourcesand natural habitats of the property,while providing for recreationalopportunities for local residents andvisitors to the County.

Cresta IIProject Location: Porter CreekRoad, north of Santa Rosa alongMark West CreekSupervisorial District: 1 stProject Manager: Stuart Martin,565-7362Estimated Project Budget: to bedetermined; $150,000 provided tothe Regional Parks Foundationthrough the McCullough charitabledonation.Project Completion: 2012 pendingpartnership fundingPartners: Sonoma County Regional Parks, Sonoma County Regional Parks Foundation, SonomaLand TrustAcquisition Plan Categories: Water, Wildlife and Natural Areas; Greenbelts and Scenic Hillsides;Farms and RanchesProject Overview: The District isproposing to purchase the 67.9-acreCresta II parcel in fee as an addition tothe future regional park.• The District previouslypurchased the Cresta andMcCullough Phase Oneproperties as part of the futurepark.• The property straddles MarkWest Creek, and would providea trail connection to the futurepark, as well as connect thenoncontiguous sections of Mark West Creek.• The property provides potential ranger residences and horse facilities, including acovered arena, stalls, and an outdoor arena.• The property would be transferred to Sonoma County Regional Parks together with theother assembled properties.• The District has made an offer. Negotiations are starting.• Sonoma County Regional Parks, in partnership with the Sonoma Land Trust and theDistrict, are fundraising for the acquisition.

Elliott RanchProject Location: 3150 Sonoma Mountain Road,PetalumaSupervisorial District: 1 st and 2 ndProject Manager: Sara Press, 565-7368Estimated Project Budget: to be determinedProject Completion: 2012Acquisition Plan Categories: Farms and Ranches;Greenbelts and Scenic Hillsides; Water, Wildlifeand Natural AreasProject Overview: The District is working with thetrustees of the estate to develop a conservationeasement that will encompass the entire 1,112-acre ranch. The proposed conservationeasement will prohibit future subdivision and limit residential development. The propertycontains some of the most diverse oak woodland on Sonoma Mountain. The property consists ofoak savanna and annual grasslands, and it forms the complete headwaters to Carriger Creek, apriority riparian corridor that contains steelhead.

Graywood RanchProject Location: Highway 12 east of Santa Rosa, west of KenwoodSupervisorial District: 1 stProject Manager: Stuart Martin,565-7362Estimated Project Budget: to bedeterminedProject Completion: to bedeterminedPartners: unknownAcquisition Plan Categories: Water,Wildlife and Natural Areas;Greenbelts and Scenic Hillsides;Farms and RanchesProject Overview: The District is developing a project structure for potential purchase of aconservation easement, and possibly a portion in fee, on the Graywood Ranch property. Theproperty is highly visible along Highway 12 in the Sonoma Valley. A wide variety of habitats,including large Valley oaks, mixed Douglas fir/oak forest, chaparral, wetlands, and riparian areasalong the streams are present on the property. The valley floor is a prime agricultural area.District staff is working with the landowner representative to finalize the project structure.

Healdsburg Ridge Open Space PreserveProject Location: Parkland Farms Boulevard andBridle Path, HealdsburgSupervisorial District: 4 thProject Manager: Kim Batchelder, 565-7355Estimated Project Budget: $200,000Project Completion: Spring 2012Partners: City of Healdsburg, LandPathsContractors: Regional Parks, Bay Area Ridge TrailCouncil, Conservation Corps North BayAcquisition Plan Categories: Greenbelts and Scenic Hillsides; Recreation and EducationProject Overview: The 152-acre Healdsburg Ridge Open Space Preserve comprises twoproperties acquired by the District to protect the scenic hillsides of Healdsburg. The propertyformally opened to the public for outdoor recreation in November 2008. The preserverepresents a unique partnership with the City of Healdsburg and LandPaths to ensure consistentoperations and maintenance of the land and protection of the natural resources. The District isresponsible for completing all capital improvements prior to transferring this property to theCity of Healdsburg in 2013. The District entered into a contract with the City of Healdsburg tomaintain the property and manage it for public access.Current <strong>Status</strong>: Heading into the summer season, the All-the-Oaks trail was opened to thepublic, leading visitors through the beautiful oak woodland and creekside forest.Progress continues on the construction ofthe remaining trail network improvements.Vegetation has been removed along thetrail corridor for the Nancy’s Hill trailthrough the northern grasslands of thePreserve and for the redesign of the Ridgetrail to the Russian River Overlook. Siltfencing and other erosion control measureshave been installed in preparation of trailtread construction.Regional Parks has published the bidspecifications and the District hopes toaward the bid in August to beginconstruction in September 2011.

KleskoProject Location: 9701 Geysers Road, CloverdaleSupervisorial District: 4 thProject Manager: Sara Press, 565-7368Estimated Project Cost: $1,766,000Project Completion: First phase of escrow closedin August, 2011; second phase closing expected inFall 2011 upon receipt of approved HCF grant.Partners: The Nature Conservancy, CaliforniaHabitat Conservation Fund Program (HCF)Deer/Mountain Lion Habitat grantAcquisition Plan Category: Water, Wildlife and Natural AreasProject Overview: This conservation easement acquisition, approved by the Board of Directorson February 8, is a rare opportunity to preserve and protect a regionally-significant habitat-richarea of Sonoma County. Due to its size, location, visibility, water resources and habitatcharacteristics, this project provides a strong foothold for conservation efforts in the core areaof the central Mayacamas Mountains.Natural Resource Protection - the conservation easement willprotect:• A large, intact natural area with a significant number ofhabitats, including oak woodlands, coniferous forests, chaparral,grassland, cypress forest and rock outcroppings.• An area containing serpentine soils and associated endemicflora, including the rare (CNPS List 1B) Socrates Mine jewel flower(Streptanthus brachiatus ssp. Brachiatus).• More than 1,500 acres of District-identified Species-Rich Area,including habitat for foothill yellow-legged frog (Rana boylii), aCalifornia Species of Special Concern.• Tributaries that drain to a District-identified Priority RiparianCorridor, Big Sulphur Creek, which contains the federallythreatenedsteelhead - central California coast ESU(Oncorhynchus mykiss irideus), and to the North Branch of LittleSulphur Creek, which also contains the threatened steelhead.Open Space Protection – the conservation easement will:• Significantly reduce threat of fragmentation of the 12thlargest non-commercial private holding in the county.• Protect one of the largest roadless patches of natural land inthe County.

Laguna de Santa Rosa Trails Plan, Phase 1Project Location: east of the Laguna de Santa Rosa and the City of Sebastopol, north of Highway12, south of Occidental RoadSupervisorial District: 5 thProject Manager: Sara Press, 565-7368Estimated Project Budget: $1.3 million for constructionand construction administration by Regional ParksPartners: Sonoma County Regional Parks, State CoastalConservancy, Cities of Santa Rosa and SebastopolContractor: Cats 4U, Inc.Project Completion/<strong>Status</strong>: Construction of Phase 1 to becompleted in 2012Acquisition Plan Categories: Recreation and Education;Greenbelts and Scenic HillsidesProject Overview: In 2006, the Board approved the Laguna de Santa RosaProtected Lands Trails Plan (Trails Plan), which consists of proposed trailson five properties – four farm properties owned by the City of Santa Rosaand the privately-owned Balletto property (now owned by the County).The goal of the Trails Plan is to balance recreation with the protection andpreservation of sensitive natural and cultural resources, while creatingpublic trails that allow users a variety of experiences in the Laguna deSanta Rosa, and the opportunity to appreciate its diverse ecological andscenic resources. The Trails Plan sets forth trail alignments, public accessand interpretive facilities to accommodate various users, including hikers,bicyclists, and equestrians. The trails and overlooks are sited and designedto provide ADA access, avoid sensitive habitat areas, and respect existingagricultural and other uses. The trail alignments also take into accountpotential linkages to other surrounding public lands, rights-of-way, andconservation easements around the Laguna de Santa Rosa.As part of the Trails Plan, a subset of the trails and associated improvements were selected to be thefirst phase of project implementation. This Phase 1 of the Trails Plan includes approximately 2.4miles of trails over Kelly Farm and the Balletto property, an overlook from Kelly Marsh, and twostaging areas - one off Highway 12 and one off Occidental Road.The Open Space Authority and District Board of Directors approved the purchase of mitigationcredits for potential impacts to wetlands and California Tiger Salamander from the proposedconstruction, and an agreement with Regional Parks to administer the construction contract inFebruary and March 2010, respectively. Construction is currently underway, expected to becompleted in 2012.

MaxProject Location: Mill Creek Road andSweetwater Springs Road, west ofDry Creek near HealdsburgSupervisorial District: 4 thProject Manager: Stuart Martin, 565-7362Estimated Project Budget: to bedeterminedProject Completion: to bedeterminedPartners: On behalf of thelandowner, the Sonoma Land Trusthas applied for a CA ForestConservation Program grant throughthe Wildlife Conservation Board to fund 50% of the acquisition cost.Acquisition Plan Category: Water, Wildlife and Natural AreasProject Overview: The District is proposing to purchase a 2,322-acre conservation easement toprotect the property’s natural resources, including oak woodland, and many riparian areaswhich support endangered salmon and steelhead. The property is one of the largest in the areaand is adjacent to the Pryor property, for which a conservation easement with a forestrycomponent is pending. Protection of the Max and Pryor properties would protect a large habitatwith compatible and sustainable forestry resources in the area. The Max property owners are inthe process of obtaining a non-industrial timber management plan, so timber harvesting will beincorporated into the conservation easement provisions. Negotiations are on hold at the requestof the landowner pending completion of restoration work.

McClelland DairySupervisorial District: 2 ndProject Location: Two Rock Valley,Bodega Avenue, west of PetalumaProject Manager: Marta Puente, 565-7261Estimated Project Budget: to bedeterminedProject Completion: TBD – project iscurrently on hold at the request of thelandownerAcquisition Plan Categories: Farms and Ranches; Water, Wildlife and Natural AreasProject Overview:• The proposed conservation easement over the 338-acre McClelland Dairy will protect asignificant organic dairy in Sonoma County. The dairy has been operated by threegenerations of the McClelland family. Jana McClelland is currently making organic buttersold in local stores.• The McClelland family is negotiating the purchase of a neighboring ranch to expand itsoperations and is waiting to begin the appraisal process until the purchase contract isexecuted. The proposed conservation easement limits residential structures and includesa riparian setback to protect a tributary of Stemple Creek.• The McClelland family is exploring options for expanding its agricultural tourismopportunities. Currently the dairy offers periodic tours to school children to experience‘life on the farm.’

McCullough-Phase IIProject Location: Cresta Roadoff Mark West Springs Road,northeast of Santa RosaSupervisorial District: 1 stProject Manager: StuartMartin, 565-7362Estimated Project Budget: tobe determinedProject Completion: BySeptember, 2012 pendingpartnership funding.Partners: Sonoma CountyRegional Parks; Sonoma Land Trust; potential funding sources include the California Departmentof Fish and Game through the Wildlife Conservation Board and the State Coastal Conservancy, aswell as other public agencies, private foundations, and donors.Acquisition Plan Categories: Recreation and Education; Water, Wildlife and Natural Areas;Greenbelts and Scenic HillsidesProject Overview: The District is proposing to purchase a 275+ acre portion of the McCulloughproperty to add to a future Regional Park. The property contains the main home, barns, and along stretch of Mill Creek.It is adjacent to the 461-acreMcCullough-Phase Oneproperty purchased by theDistrict in 2009 and the 340-acre Cresta propertypurchased in 2007. SonomaCounty Regional Parks, inpartnership with the SonomaLand Trust and the District, arefundraising for the acquisition.

Montini Open SpacePreserve TrailProject Location: SonomaSupervisorial District: 1 stProject Manager: Leslie Lew, 565-7367Project Budget: $400,000Project Completion: Fall 2013Partners: City of Sonoma, CaliforniaDepartment of Parks and Recreation,Sonoma Overlook Trail Task ForceContractors: Tom Origer Associates, W-trans, Lucy Macmillan, Napa Botanical, Sonoma EcologyCenter, Nancy DakinAcquisition Plan Categories: Greenbelts and Scenic Hillsides; Water, Wildlife and Natural AreasProject Overview: The project will result in 1.8 miles of trail, through meadows, quarries, andoak woodlands on the Montini Open Space Preserve. The trail will connect to the SonomaOverlook Trail to the east, providing hikers with an option to extend their wilderness experience.Background: In 2005, the District protected 151 acres of the hillside, 53 acres through aconservation easement and 98 acres in fee that now forms the Montini Open Space Preserve.The conservation purpose of this Preserve is to protect wildlife habitat and public access tothese lands in their natural condition. A management plan for this Preserve was approved by theBoard of Directors in 2009.Current <strong>Status</strong>: The City of Sonoma has expressed its intent to take ownership of the Preservethrough a resolution of the City Council.The District continues to work with the City onrefining a proposed maintenance schedule anda transfer document to transfer ownership ofthe Preserve to the City.The District has submitted a grant request tothe California Department of Parks andRecreation through its Regional Trails Program(RTP) Grant Program for a portion of the$395,751 needed for trail construction. TheRTP representative visited the Preserve inApril. Funding for this grant is contingent onthe renewal or continuing resolution for the federal Safe, Accountable, Flexible, and EfficientTransportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users of 2005.

North Slope Sonoma Mountain Ridge TrailProject Location: 5297 Sonoma Mountain Road, Santa RosaSupervisorial District: 1 stProject Manager: Kim Batchelder, 565-7355Estimated Project Budget: $1.89 millionProject Completion: Summer 2012Partners: Sonoma County Regional Parks, Bay Area RidgeTrail Council, CA Department of Parks and Recreation, StateCoastal ConservancyContractors: Regional Parks, Alta Planning & Design, BayArea Ridge Trail Council, Conservation Corps North Bay,Tom Origer & Associates, Northwest General EngineeringAcquisition Plan Categories: Greenbelts and Scenic Hillsides; Recreation and EducationProject Overview: The North Slope Sonoma Mountain Ridge Trail project aims to connect five propertiesalong the Sonoma Mountain to Jack London State Historic Park with a 4.25-mile multi-use trail. Atrailhead with parking facilities, access for people with disabilities such as restrooms and parking, andequestrian amenities will be created at Jacobs Ranch off Sonoma Mountain Road south of Bennett Valley.An access road will be improved to ensure safe public access to the trailhead.Background: From 2003 to 2005, the District acquired four properties, for a total investment of $12million, along the north slope of Sonoma Mountain to create a trail corridor for future public access. In2005, the District worked with consultants, a technical advisory team, and the public to develop a trailplan for protected lands along this corridor including improvements to the access road and thedevelopment of a trailhead and parking area. On March 18, 2008, the District Board of Directorsapproved the Trails Plan and the Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration. The District received aState Coastal Conservancy construction grant for $575,000 for the project.Current <strong>Status</strong>: All access road improvements andtrailhead development on Jacobs Ranch have beencompleted, except for the replacement of the vehicularbridge. The installation of the pedestrian bridge isespecially gratifying as it represents the gateway to theNorth Slope Sonoma Mountain Ridge Trail.The bid specifications have been finalized with anexpected bid award in September. Construction will startin mid September. Ideally, the wet crossings will becompleted this fall followed by the finishing touches tothe trail, with an official opening in the spring.

Poff RanchManagement PlanProject Location: Sonoma Coast,Highway 1, north of Bodega BaySupervisorial District: 5 thProject Manager: Kathleen Marsh,565-7262Estimated Project Budget: $121,570Project Completion: Management planexpected to be completed in 2012.Partners: State Coastal ConservancyContractor: Gold Ridge Resource Conservation DistrictAcquisition Plan Categories: Recreation and Education; Farms and Ranches; Water, Wildlife, andNatural AreasProject Overview:The District acquired the 1,235-acre Poff Ranch property in September 2007 for $4,850,000;$750,000 of which was contributed by the State Coastal Conservancy. This acquisition protectedhighly visible and scenic lands that contribute to the County’s rural character, as well as thepreservation of diverse plant species and wildlife habitat. The property is adjacent to the Red Hillproperty and the Willow Creek property, both of which are part of the Sonoma Coast State Park.The acquisition of the Poff Ranch property provided a potential addition to Sonoma Coast StatePark with public trail access, expansive coastal views and historical interpretation opportunities.The District entered into a contract with Gold Ridge Resource Conservation District to develop acomprehensive resource management plan for the Poff Ranch property. Work commencedimmediately and a number of sub-contractors were hired to address road erosion and sedimentdelivery, natural resources inventory, rangeland conditions and grazing potential, and humanusepatterns.The District is currently reviewingthe draft of the managementplan. Environmental review and apublic participation process willoccur prior to plan finalization.Phased implementation of theplan will follow.

Pryor RanchProject Location: SweetwaterSprings Road, Healdsburg, westof Dry CreekSupervisorial District: 4 thProject Manager: Stuart Martin,565-7362Estimated Project Budget:$2,400,000Project Completion: 2011/2012Acquisition Plan Categories:Water, Wildlife and NaturalAreas; Farms and RanchesProject Overview: The District has reached agreement to purchase a 1,507-acre conservationeasement to preserve the property’snatural resources including extensiveDouglas fir/oak woodland, redwoodforest, open grasslands, and riparianareas. The property contains asignificant length of four streamswhich flow into Porter Creek,providing habitat for endangeredsalmon and steelhead. The propertyis one of the first Districtconservation easements with aworking forest component. Theowners received approval for a Non-Industrial Timber Harvest Plan in2003 which covers approximatelyhalf of the property.The Open Space Authority approved expenditure for the acquisition on March 18, 2010.

Saddle Mountain Open Space PreserveManagement PlanProject Location: Santa RosaSupervisorial District: 1 stProject Manager: Kathleen Marsh 565-7262Estimated Project Budget: $187,250Project Completion: Management Planexpected to be completed in 2012.Partners: State Coastal ConservancyContractor: Katherine Gledhill ConsultingAcquisition Plan Categories: Water, Wildlife, and Natural Areas; Recreation and EducationProject Overview:The District acquired the 970-acre Saddle Mountain property in August 2006 for $8,700,000. Thisacquisition provided permanent protection of scenic Saddle Mountain, which is visible from allover the Santa Rosa Plain, and is a key viewshed from both Annadel State Park and Spring LakeRegional Park. As part of this acquisition, the State Coastal Conservancy contributed $200,000for the development of a resource management plan for the property.In March 2008, the District entered into a contract with West Coast Watershed and,subsequently, Katherine Gledhill Consulting, for the development of a management plan for theSaddle Mountain property. Work commenced immediately and a number of sub-contractorswere hired to address road erosion and sediment delivery, natural resources inventory,rangeland conditions and grazing potential, and human-use patterns.In Spring 2009, a federally listed endangered plant was found on the property: Astragalusclaranus or Clara Hunt’s milk-vetch. The District is currently working with the US Fish andWildlife Service, who has jurisdiction over this area, to better understand the opportunities andconstraints presented by the discovery of this listed plant on the property.The District is reviewing the draftmanagement plan, and plans to hold publicmeetings to ensure participation in thedevelopment and completion of a finalmanagement plan in 2012.

Stewarts Point RanchSupervisorial District: 5 thProject Location: Highway 1 and Stewarts PointSkaggs Springs RoadProject Manager: Sara Press, 565-7368Estimated Project Budget: to be determinedProject Completion: to be determinedPartners: Save the Redwoods League, State CoastalConservancy, Wildlife Conservation Board, Moore Foundation, and the Packard FoundationAcquisition Plan Categories: Water, Wildlifeand Natural Areas; Recreation and Education;Farms and RanchesProject Overview: Stewarts Point Ranch islocated on the northern Sonoma Coast nearSalt Point State Park. The property hassignificant timber stands, important wildlifehabitat, potential coastal and Gualala riveraccess, and high carbon sequestrationpotential. Conservation of the ranch could potentially provide public access to both theimpressive coastal bluffs and the Gualala River.The ranch stretches from the ocean to the South Fork of the Gualala River. Approximately 120acres are in coastal meadows and grassland, and 750 acres in timberland. Management of thetimber on the ranch has been conservative for the last century and timber harvests have beenlight. Coastal frontage is close to one mile, as is the extent of the riparian corridor on the SouthFork of the Gualala River.The property was under a purchase contract when the State bond funding was frozen.Fortunatley, Save the Redwoods League was able to provide funding and secure title to theproperty on June 30, 2010 with theunderstanding that they would potentiallyhold title to the land for up to three years.State funding partners are now ready tomake contributions towards the protecionof the property as orginally planned.However, now those contributions will bemade towards the purchase of aconservation easement that the Districtwould hold.

Sullivan RanchProject Location: Highway 128, AlexanderValley and Knights ValleySupervisorial District: 4 thProject Manager: Marta Puente, 565-7261Estimated Project Budget: to be determinedProject Completion: 2011/2012Acquisition Plan Categories: Water, Wildlife andNatural Areas; Farms and RanchesProject OverviewThe proposed conservation easement over the210-acre Sullivan Ranch will protect extensive oakwoodland on the property as well as a tributary toMaacama Creek, which provides significantnatural habitats and a wildlife corridor for avariety of species of birds, fish, amphibians,reptiles and mammals. Maacama Creek is part ofthe greater Russian River watershed. Theproperty borders Scenic Highway 128 and isvisible from many vantage points, includingMount St. Helena and Fitch Mountain. The conservation easement will provide for livestockgrazing and associated barns, prohibit subdivision, and limit residential development. Theappraisal has been completed.

Taylor Mountain Regional Park and Open SpacePreserveProject Location: Terminus of Kawana Terrace, southeastof Santa RosaSupervisorial Districts: 1 st and 3 rdProject Manager: Sara Press, 565-7368Estimated Project Budget: $500,000 for Master PlanprocessPartners: Sonoma County Regional Parks, LandPaths, City of Santa RosaProject Completion: Master Plan expected to be completed by summer of 2012Acquisition Plan Categories: Greenbelts and Scenic Hillsides; Recreation and Education; Water,Wildlife and Natural AreasProject Overview: Between 1995 and 2005, the District acquired four contiguous properties insoutheast Santa Rosa: the Russell, Nunes, Bath/Watt and Matteri properties, which comprise the1,100-acre Taylor Mountain property. A process is underway to develop a master plan inpartnership with Regional Parks for a future Taylor Mountain Regional Park and Open SpacePreserve.On October 20, 2009, the Board approved the TaylorMountain Interim Public Access Permit Program,adopted the Initial Study/Mitigated NegativeDeclaration, and authorized an agreement betweenthe District and Regional Parks for operations andmaintenance of the property. Beginning in 2010, theDistrict began offering an Interim Public Access PermitProgram for Taylor Mountain, which allows limitedpedestrian, bicyclist, and equestrian public access ontoTaylor Mountain during the master-planning process toplan for long-term use of the property.The Board approved a contract with RRM Design Group on April 6, 2010 to develop a conceptualmaster plan, resource management plan and environmental document for this major newregional park and open space preserve. The District is also contracting with Lisa Bush, a certifiedrangeland manager, to develop a grazing plan for theproperty, and with LandPaths, a non-profit partner, toassist with community outreach to ensure robust andcomprehensive public participation.A series of community meetings to provide input on themaster plan for Taylor Mountain began in Summer2010. The next meeting will be in Winter 2011/12.

Wright Preservation Bank TransferProject Location: Occidental Road just west of Fulton RoadSupervisorial District: 5 thProject Manager: Stuart Martin, 565-7362Estimated Project Budget: N/AProject Completion: unknown; dependent upon theState satisfying the conditions of transfer.Partners: State of California Wildlife ConservationBoard (owns a 50% undivided fee interest inproperty)Acquisition Plan Categories: Water, Wildlife and Natural Areas; Greenbelts and Scenic HillsidesProject Overview: In 1998, the District and the State of California Wildlife Conservation Boardpurchased the 172-acre property for a habitat preservation bank, and jointly hold the property.The property is a large open meadow with vernal pools and scattered Valley oaks. It contains avariety of endangered plants and habitat associated with the pools. It is highly visible fromHighway 12 and Occidental Road, providing open space on the edge of Santa Rosa. Thepreservation credits have now been sold for mitigation. The District is ready to transfer itsundivided 50% feeinterest to the State ofCalifornia pursuant to anexisting agreement whichwas signed at closing. Aconservation easementwould be held by theDistrict upon transfer aswell as a trail easementfor public recreation.

Matching Grant ProjectProject: Bayer Neighborhood Park and Garden-Site Developmentfor Public AccessProject Location: West Avenue, Southwest Santa RosaSupervisorial District: 5 thProject Manager: DeAnna Kamber, 565-7266Year Accepted into Program: 2008 [Note: The City of SantaRosa’s 2007 matching grant request for $1,311,229 towardacquisition of this property (purchase price $5,250,000) wasawarded at close of escrow on May 6, 2010]Anticipated Timeline: Matching Grant award to LandPaths forsite development expected to occur in 2011.Project Applicant: LandPathsPartners: Community Foundation, HEAL (Healthy Eating, Active Living), Ohrbach Foundation, inkind contributions from the City of Santa Rosa and the Trust for Public LandType of Project: site development (primarily for agricultural uses)District’s contribution and Applicant match: District: $215,000. LandPaths’ matching fundsrepresent organizational funds, grants, in-kind contributions and services and public and privatedonations.Acquisition Plan Categories: Recreation and Education; Farms and RanchesProject Overview: The District provided a matching grant toward the purchase of the BayerProperty in order to provide for parkland within an underserved area of Santa Rosa. The Citypurchased the property in 2008. A draft Park Master Plan for the site has been prepared asresult of a community basedplanning process which awaitsconsideration by the City Council.Since the acquisition of the Bayerproperty, LandPaths has workedin partnership with the City ofSanta to provide forimprovements, programming,events and activities whichfacilitate access to and enjoymentof the site. Currently LandPathscoordinates robust agricultural,environmental and recreational programs and events for the community of southwest SantaRosa. The District’s matching grant for development is intended to support improvements thatenhance the current agricultural uses, public access to the site, pedestrian connectivity withinthe area, and recreational uses consistent with the City’s Master Plan.

Matching Grant ProjectProject: Colgan Creek Park and PreserveProject Location: 3000 Dutton Meadow atBellevue Avenue, Santa RosaSupervisorial District: 3 rdProject Manager: Sara Press, 565-7368Year Accepted into Program: 2004Anticipated Timeline: Matching Grant awardto City of Santa Rosa for acquisition expectedto occur in 2011/2012.Project Applicant(s): City of Santa RosaPartners: N/AType of Project: acquisition of a 1.61-acre parcelDistrict’s contribution and Applicant match: District: $336,940. City of Santa Rosa: $174,560and additional funds from park fees and water quality-related creek restoration funds.Acquisition Plan Categories: Water, Wildlife and Natural Areas; Recreation and EducationProject Overview: The City of Santa Rosa adopted the Lower Colgan Creek Restoration Plan inNovember of 2002. The creation of the Colgan Creek Park and Preserve implements the Plan.The Preserve envisions the restoration of a section of Colgan Creek at Dutton Meadow andBellevue Avenue, enhancing the natural setting and creating a neighborhood park. The Districtwill retain a conservationeasement over the ColganCreek property to perpetuallypreserve its open space,natural resource andrecreational values. The Citywill be responsible for habitatrestoration, pathways andbikeways and other parkimprovements, and operatingthe property for recreationaluse. The District’s Board ofDirectors approved the projecton January 29, 2008.

Matching Grant ProjectProject: Colgan Creek Park and Preserve Restoration Project, Phase IIProject Location: Dutton Meadow at Bellevue Avenue,Santa RosaSupervisorial District: 3 rdProject Manager: Sara Press, 565-7368Year Accepted into Program: 2007Anticipated Timeline: Matching Grant award to City ofSanta Rosa for acquisition of portions of the ColganCreek restoration project which is expected to occur in2011/2012.Project Applicant: City of Santa RosaType of Project: portions of two parcels acquired by the City of Santa Rosa totalingapproximately 1.51 acres for restoration of a portion of Colgan Creek from Dutton MeadowAvenue to Burgess DriveDistrict’s contribution and Applicant match: District: $2,000,000. City of Santa Rosa: $1,962,000and additional funds from park fees and water quality-related creek restoration fundsAcquisition Plan Categories: Water, Wildlife and Natural Areas; Recreation and EducationProject Overview: The Colgan Creek Park and Restoration Project is the second phase of theColgan Creek Park and Preserve project located in southwest Santa Rosa. The first phaseincluded acquisition of 1.61 acres for a small neighborhood park and a portion of a plannedcreek restoration. Part of the second phase of the project was the purchase by the City of SantaRosa of portions of two parcels, totalingapproximately 1.51 acres, from DuttonMeadow Avenue to Burgess Drive tofacilitate restoration of a portion of theproject. Updated appraisals for the1.51 acres will be completed by the Cityof Santa Rosa. In March of 2007 theSanta Rosa City Council adopted theCity wide Creek Master Plan, whichincludes the Colgan Creek Park andPreserve restoration project.

Matching Grant ProjectProject: Crane Creek Regional TrailProject Location: Sonoma StateUniversity across Petaluma Hill Roadto Crane Creek Regional ParkSupervisorial Districts: 1 st and 3 rdProject Manager: Marta Puente,565-7261Year Accepted into Program: 2007Anticipated Timeline: 2012Project Applicant: City of RohnertParkPartners: Sonoma State University, Sonoma County Regional Parks, Sonoma County Departmentof Public WorksType of Project: Trail project, connecting Copeland Creek trail to Crane Creek Regional ParkDistrict’s contribution and Applicant match: District: $711,270. City of Rohnert Park:$705,342.Acquisition Plan Category: Recreation andEducationProject Overview: The Crane Creek Regional Trailproject is a collaborative effort among the City ofRohnert Park, Sonoma State University and theCounty of Sonoma to create an eastwardextension of the existing Copeland Creek trailfrom Sonoma State University to Crane CreekRegional Park.

Matching Grant ProjectProject: East Washington ParkProject Location: East Washington Street, PetalumaSupervisorial District: 2 ndProject Manager: DeAnnaKamber, 565-7266Year Accepted into Program:2007Anticipated Timeline: 2012Project Applicant: City ofPetalumaType of Project: developmentof land into active recreational ballfieldsDistrict’s contribution and Applicant match: District: $2,000,000 toward development of thepark, specifically Phase 1 improvements; the City’s match represents the additional costsassociated with completing Phase 1 improvements.Acquisition Plan Category: Recreation and EducationProject Overview: The East Washington Park site comprises 24.88 acres of open land located onEast Washington Street. The goal of the project, as identified in the City’s 2025 General PlanUpdate, is to develop a community park with all weather playing fields to meet the City’sgrowing demand for youth and community sports facilities and to continue development of theCity’s urban separator trail. The City and a community fundraising group established specificallyfor the park have been actively pursuing funds to develop the park. Due to funding constraints,the City will construct the project in phases. The District’s recommended matching grant fundswill be applied to Phase 1 construction costs, and as such, the proposed conservation easementwill cover the Phase 1 area. The City Council has established this project as a priority capitalproject within Petaluma and intends to implement the plan as funding becomes available.

Matching Grant ProjectProject: Giorgi Park, Phase 2Project Location: University Avenue,HealdsburgSupervisorial District: 4 thProject Manager: DeAnna Kamber, 565-7266Year Accepted into Program: 2009/2010(Note: The City of Healdsburg’s 2008 Phase 1matching grant request for $500,000 toward acquisition of land to expand the park was awardedat close of escrow on June 30, 2010.)Anticipated Timeline: The District’s Board of Directors approved matching grant funds towardthe project on June 14, 2011. The close of escrow for the acquisition of the property by the Cityand the conservation easement by the District occurred on June 30, 2011.Project Applicant: City of HealdsburgType of Project: reimbursement toward acquisitionDistrict’s contribution and Applicant match: District will partially reimburse the City ofHealdsburg in the amount of $270,000 for acquisition of property to expand existing park. TheCity’s matching contribution includes funds spent toward acquisition.Acquisition Plan Category: Recreation and EducationProject Overview: As a part of Phase 1 of the project, the District reimbursed the City through amatching grant for the acquisition of .34 acre to expand the existing park. Similar to the Phase 1grant, the District’s funding for Phase 2 of theproject will be a reimbursement to the Cityfor its previous acquisition of property toexpand the park (approximately .17 acreadjacent to the .34 acre of Phase 1). Theexpansion has been part of an overallrehabilitation project to upgrade and enhanceexisting recreational amenities offered to thecommunity of Healdsburg and surroundingrural communities. In Spring of 2010, the Citycompleted Phase 1 improvements. Inexchange for the District’s Phase 1 fundingcontribution, the City conveyed aconservation easement covering a large portion of the park. In exchange for the District’s Phase2 funding contribution, the District amended the existing easement to incorporate the Phase 2area and remainder of the park to protect the park’s open space and recreational values.

Matching Grant ProjectProject: La Cresta Ridge and RavineProject Location: south side of PetalumaSupervisorial District: 2 ndProject Manager: Stuart Martin, 565-7362Year Accepted into Program: 2008Anticipated Timeline: to be determinedType of Project: fee acquisitionDistrict’s contribution and Applicant match: District $2,000,000 matching grant recommendedAcquisition Plan Categories: Water, Wildlife and Natural Areas; Greenbelts and Scenic Hillsides;Recreation and EducationProject Overview: The District has recommended grant funding toward acquisition of a 17.5-acre property southwest of Petaluma. The property would be held by the City of Petaluma forrecreational and open space purposes, with the District holding a conservation easement. Theappraisal was approved by the Open Space Authority on May 6, 2010. The Seller rejected apurchase offer by the City of Petaluma. Negotiations are continuing.

Matching Grant ProjectProject: Paula Lane Open Space PreserveProject Location: 431 Paula Lane, PetalumaSupervisorial District: 2 ndProject Manager: Sara Press, 565-7368Year Accepted into Program: 2008Anticipated Timeline: 2012Project Applicants: City of Petaluma and Paula Lane Action Network (P.L.A.N.)Type of Project: Acquisition for open space preserveDistrict’s contribution and Applicant match: District: $1,000,000; Applicants’ match: $1,800,000Acquisition Plan Categories: Recreation and Education; Greenbelts and Scenic Hillsides; Water,Wildlife and Natural AreasProject Overview: The Paula Lane Open Space Preserve would provide multiple benefits,including public access, habitat preservation, a community garden and a variety of outdooreducational programs. There is broad community support for the project. An appraisal has beencompleted and accepted by the Open Space Authority. The District will work with the applicantsto negotiate the terms of the conservation easement and matching grant agreement.

Matching Grant ProjectProject: Riverfront Regional Park, Phase 3Project Location: 7821 Eastside Road, west of WindsorSupervisorial District: 4 thProject Manager: Sara Press, 565-7360Year Accepted into Program: 2008Anticipated Completion: 2012Project Applicant: Sonoma County Regional ParksType of Project: DevelopmentDistrict’s contribution and Applicant match: District: $252,000. County: has secured $53,300from a Boating and Waterway Trails State grant and additional match funding is pendingAcquisition Plan Category: Recreation and EducationProject Overview: In 2002, the District, Sonoma County Water Agency and Regional ParksDepartment collaborated to acquire 305 acres along the middle reach of the Russian River for aregional park. Since that time, Regional Parks has been constructing phased public access andrecreational improvements on the property. Phase 3 of the 2004 Riverfront Park Project MasterPlan includes trails and boat portages, picnic areas, drinking fountains and restroom enclosures,and extension of the park driveway and additional parking.

Matching Grant ProjectProject: Sonoma Garden Park Community AccessProject Location: 7 th Street East, City of SonomaSupervisorial District: 1 stProject Manager: Marta Puente, 565-7261Year Accepted into Program: 2009/2010Anticipated Timeline: 2011/2012Project Applicant: Sonoma Ecology Center (SEC)Partner: City of SonomaType of Project: DevelopmentDistrict’s contribution and Applicant match: District:$119,763. SEC’s match of $119,763 includes funds fromthe Conservation Corps North Bay, Sonoma ValleyRotary, Scarlet Oak Foundation, California RiverParkways, City of Sonoma, and SECAcquisition Plan Categories: Farms and Ranches; Recreation and EducationProject Overview: The Sonoma Garden Park is a city-owned 6.1-acre community garden andfarm, managed by SEC since 1993. Sonoma Garden Park’s mission is to demonstrate ecologicallysound practices, create a beautiful park, and inspire the spirit of community.The purpose of the Sonoma Garden Park Community Access Project is to increase public accessat the Park for recreational, educational, restoration, and agricultural purposes. The matchinggrant will allow SEC to make needed site upgrades, which will result in increased access andenjoyment by the community. The projects included in the matching grant include an ADA &public access pathway, rustic parking lot, native and drought tolerant demonstration garden,new entrance gate and fencing, shade structure, picnic tables and drinking fountains.The Park serves a diverse community representative of Sonoma Valley. SEC has developed anumber of educational programs for the Park including the Growing Discovery module whichserves eleven 4 th grade classes in Sonoma each school year. This hands-on science educationprogram teaches students about the relationships between insects and plants, and theidentification of flowers and food crops. SEC offers a summer Garden Camp for children wherethey spend a week at the Park, work with SEC staff and Master Gardeners, and learn about thebasics of gardening. The Enviro-Leader Internship teaches approximately 40 high school studentsa year, giving them practical job skills and introduces them to the environmental field toencourage them to pursue further education. SEC staff have partnered with the Valley of theMoon Teen Center, Social Advocates for Youth, Hanna Boys Center, and the two alternative highschools in the community, Creekside and Gateway Community School, to provide at-risk youthwith this opportunity.

Matching Grant ProjectProject Middle Reach Restoration Project: Meadowlark FieldProject Location: East edge of the City of Sebastopol, north of Highway 12Supervisorial District: 5 thProject Manager: Sara Press,565-7368Year Accepted into Program:2009/2010Anticipated Timeline: The District’sBoard of Directors approved thematching grant funds andconservation easement on August9, 2011.Project Applicant: Laguna de SantaRosa FoundationPartner: City of SebastopolType of Project: RestorationDistrict’s contribution and Applicant match: District: $203,643.The Laguna Foundation’s match includes funds from the Wildlife Conservation Board, CADepartment of Parks and Recreation, the City of Sebastopol, the City of Santa Rosa, the SonomaState University Native Plant Program, and multiple volunteersAcquisition Plan Category: Water, Wildlife and Natural AreasProject Overview: Restoration of Meadowlark Field, which is located within the City ofSebastopol’s Laguna Wetlands Preserve, is part of the Laguna Foundation’s Middle ReachRestoration Project to restore the ecological function of 1.8 miles of the Laguna de Santa Rosa.The 55-acre Meadowlark Field is being restored in three phases; the District’s Matching Grantwill help fund restoration of the final 28 acres and include planting 3,000 local, native oak trees,installing drip irrigation, and monitoring for three years.

Stewardship of Conservation EasementsAn important part of the District’s mission is the stewardship of its conservation easements which areheld in perpetuity. Stewardship includes site assessments of potential conservation easementproperties, and also a variety of tasks once a conservation easement is acquired. These includedeveloping baseline documentation for easement properties, regular monitoring of easementproperties, processing permitted use requests, and assisting landowners with compliance with theeasement terms.Site Assessments and Baseline DocumentationFrom May – July 2011, District stewardship staff contracted with consultants for the development andcompletion of four baseline documents that will be used during monitoring visits to ensure compliancewith the easement terms.MonitoringRegular monitoring of the District’s conservation easement properties is crucial to ensuring the continuedprotection of the land. Monitoring also gives the landowner and stewardship staff an opportunity tomeet and discuss any concerns either may have. Monitoring involves an extensive review and tour of theproperty, documentation of any changes on the land, and follow-up with the landowner. Stewardshipstaff conducted twelve monitoring visits during the quarter.Permitted Use RequestsAnother key responsibility of stewardship is processing permitted use requests. These are requests fromeasement landowners to undertake activities permitted by the easement that require prior Districtapproval. This process provides an opportunity for the landowner to interact with the District, explaintheir planned activities, and ask any questions. Stewardship staff received and processed six permitteduse requests this past quarter. These requests included approval for a park master plan in Roseland, arestoration and management plan along the Russian River, and construction of a new residence andgarage on a private ranch on Sonoma Mountain. Permitted use requests often involve a visit bystewardship staff to the property to assess the proposed activity’s compliance with the easementprovisions.ComplianceStewardship works with landowners to ensure compliance with easement terms. Often this involvesanswering questions and clarifying the easement provisions, and guiding the landowner to take particularsteps to stay in compliance.

Featured Conservation Easement:Maffia RanchProperty Location:Valley Ford Road, Valley FordLandowner: Eda MaffiaSupervisorial District: 2 ndProperty Overview:The 245-acre Maffia Ranchconservation easement straddlesValley Ford Road just west of theunincorporated town ofBloomfield. Running through theproperty is Americano Creek, theprimary freshwater tributary toEstero Americano. In order toprotect the creek and improve the condition of the riparian corridor, a separate collateralagreement was enacted between the District and the Maffias, at the time of easementacquisition, in which the Maffias agreed to perform certain preservation and restoration workwithin a given time frame. Since then,the Maffias have worked with GoldRidge RCD to install livestock exclusionfencing along the riparian corridors andrevegetate the banks with riparianplants. The RCD will continue tomaintain and monitor this work forseveral years.Beginning of riparian restoration project, 2008Maffia Family, 2005Riparian exclusion fence installed and banks revegetated with riparian plants, 2011