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Home , Alhambra Creek, Greenbelt Alliance, Laguna de Santa Rosa, San Francisco Bay Area

Golden Lands, Golden Opportunity Preserving vital Bay Area lands for all Californians The following organizations contributed time, expertise, and/or Task Force Co-Chairs resources to this project: Bettina Ring Executive Director, Bay Area Open Space Council Jake Mackenzie Mayor, Rohnert Park, Board Member

Agricultural Advisory Committee Midpeninsula Regional Open Space Task Force Agricultural-Natural Resources Trust of Craig Britton* Former General Manager, Midpeninsula Regional Open Contra Costa County Muir Heritage Land Trust Space District County Resource Conservation Napa County Farm Bureau Bob Doyle Assistant General Manager, Regional Park District District Napa County Regional Park and Open Amy Hutzel Program Manager, Bay Area Conservancy American Farmland Trust Space District Program, State Coastal Conservancy Marilyn Executive Director, Solano Land Trust Association of Bay Area Governments Natural Heritage Institute Matt Freeman Planning Manager, Midpeninsula Regional Open Space Audubon Nature in the City District Melissa Hippard Chapter Director, Loma Prieta Chapter, Sierra Club Bay Area Open Space Council Neighborhood Parks Council Nadine Hitchcock* Deputy Executive Offi cer, State Coastal Conservancy Bay Area Ridge Council Nichols-Berman Environmental Planners Marc Landgraf Director of Land Acquisition, Peninsula Open Space Trust Blue Ridge/Berryessa Natural Area North Marin Water District Andrea Mackenzie General Manager, Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation Conservation Partnership and Open Space District Oakland Food Policy Council Brentwood Agricultural Land Trust Jeremy Madsen Executive Director, Greenbelt Alliance PRBO Conservation Science Walter Moore* Executive Vice President, Peninsula Open Space Trust California Council of Land Trusts Peninsula Open Space Trust Nancy Schaefer Consulting Project Manager to Bay Area Open Space California Department of Fish and Game Council, Upland Goals Project National Seashore California Department of Parks and Tom Steinbach* Former Executive Director, Greenbelt Alliance San Anselmo Open Space Committee Recreation Dee Swanhuyser North Bay Trail Director, Council Watch Tim Wirth Director, Bay Area Program, Trust for Public Land California Native Plant Society Conservation and John Woodbury General Manager, Napa County Regional Park and Open California Foundation Space District Development Commission California Rangeland Trust * former task force member San Francisco Bay Joint Venture California State Parks Project Greenbelt Alliance Staff Center for Whole Communities San Francisco Beautiful Jeremy Madsen Executive Director Citizens for East Shore Parks San Francisco Institute Carey Knecht Policy Research Director City and County of San Francisco Elizabeth Stampe Communications Director San Francisco Recreation and Park City of Fairfi eld Department Bay Area Open Space Council Staff City of Novato San Francisco Weed Management Area Bettina Ring Executive Director City of Rohnert Park San Mateo County Parks Department Elizabeth Adam Director of Marketing and Communications City of San Jose Santa Clara County Open Space Suzanne Beahrs Director of Programs Authority City of San Rafael Ryan Branciforte Director of Conservation Planning Audubon Society City of Walnut Creek Association of Bay Area Governments Staff Santa Clara Valley Habitat Conservation Committee for Green Foothills Plan Ken Kirkey Planning Director Conservation Corps North Bay (formerly Jaqueline Guzman Regional Planner Santa Clara Valley Water District the Marin Conservation Corps) Save County of Contra Costa Special thanks to: Save the Redwoods League County of Napa Larry Orman GreenInfo Network Sempervirens Fund County of San Mateo Stephanie Reyes Greenbelt Alliance Sierra Club County of Santa Clara: Santa Clara Barbara Rice Service County Parks and Recreation Land Conservancy Tom Robinson Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation and Department, County Planning Offi ce Open Space District Solano Land Trust Deborah Schoenbaum Conservation Corps North Bay County of Solano Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation Tina Stott Stott Planning Associates County of Sonoma and Open Space District Stu Weiss Creekside Center for Earth Observation East Bay Municipal Utility District Sonoma County Regional Parks Interns: Robbie Adler Jesse Gossett East Bay Regional Park District Sonoma Center Sarah Brett Kathryn Faulkner Environmental Action Committee Sonoma Land Trust Andrew Chahrour Kristen Johnson Friends of Southern Sonoma County Resource Bryan Eck Zev Vernon-Lapow Conservation District Friends of Redwood City Suisun Resource Conservation District Thank you to the foundations that funded the production of this report: Friends of the Urban Sustainable State Coastal Conservancy: Conservancy Program Greenbelt Alliance The Nature Conservancy The ESRI Conservation Technology Support Program GreenInfo Network Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation The Presidio Trust Half Moon Bay Open Space Trust The David and Lucile Packard Foundation Tri-Valley Conservancy Laguna de Santa Rosa Foundation Resources Legacy Fund Trust for Public Land The San Francisco Foundation Land Trust of Napa County Cooperative LandPaths Extension Thank you to the many donors and funders who helped make this Livermore Area Recreation & Park District project possible: University of California, Division of Madrone Audubon Society Agriculture and Natural Resources The Arntz Family Foundation The Clarence E. Heller Charitable Foundation Marin Agricultural Land Trust Compton Foundation Mary A. Crocker Trust George Frederick Jewett Foundation Marin Audubon Society US Fish and Service The Wallace Alexander Gerbode David L. Klein Jr. Foundation Marin Conservation League US : Foundation The Seed Fund Marin County Community Development National Recreation Area The David B. Gold Foundation Silicon Valley Community Foundation Agency US National Park Service: Rivers, , Lisa and Douglas Goldman Fund The Strong Foundation for Environmental Values Marin County and Conservation Assistance Program Richard and Rhoda Goldman Fund Marin County Open Space District USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service Editorial consulting: Thinkshift Communications Marin Municipal Water District Graphic design: Karen Parry | Black Graphics Mapping support: Alexandra Barnish, GreenInfo Network 1

Contents

Statement of Principles 2

Methods: Identifying Vital Lands 2

Our Golden Opportunity 3

Golden Lands

Watersheds 4

Working Farms and Ranches 6

Community Greenbelts 8

Wildlife Habitat 10

Parks and Trails 12

Regional Coordination 14

Golden Lands Snapshots

Urban Parks 15

San Francisco County 15

Marin and Sonoma Counties 16

Napa and Solano Counties 17

Contra Costa and Alameda Counties 18

Santa Clara and San Mateo Counties 19

Take Action: Preserve Vital Bay Area Lands for All Californians 20

111966 text.indd 1 112/29/082/29/08 5:05:53 PM Statement of Principles Methods: Identifying Vital Lands

To ensure a healthy future for vital Bay Area lands and the people who In 2006, Greenbelt Alliance and the Bay Area Open Space Council depend on them, we believe that: convened a group of land conservation leaders to map important Bay Area lands and to create a coordinated strategy to protect them. • Every resident, current and future, should be able to rely on Bay Area lands to provide clean drinking water, clean air, and protection from The group held a series of meetings for all nine counties asking local experts—land managers, county offi cials, and biologists—to identify disasters like fl ooding, landslides, and . valuable lands, the benefi ts those lands provide, and the threats they • Every resident should be able to live in a walkable neighborhood face. The process was innovative: working together, participants with affordable homes, good jobs, and reliable public transit, where digitally mapped unprotected areas, using a live geographic new development revitalizes the community rather than consuming information system (GIS) database projected on whiteboards. irreplaceable farmland and natural areas. This method directly captured experts’ local knowledge and created a • Every resident should have access to fresh, affordable food from local previously unavailable data set. Greenbelt Alliance and Bay Area Open farms and ranches. Space Council staff compiled the data, then worked with each county to refi ne and add to the data to create a regional picture of important • Every resident should live within easy walking distance of a park that lands to conserve and their benefi ts. is safe and clean, have access to trails connecting cities and parks, By summer 2008, the group had identifi ed unprotected landscapes— and be able to easily reach larger natural areas like regional parks, watersheds, working farms and ranches, community greenbelts, beaches, and . wildlife habitat, and recreation areas—with signifi cant value to the • Every resident should have the opportunity to help decide how to Bay Area and the state. These are presented here in Golden Lands.

sustain their community and natural areas, and should benefi t from the This regional picture is a crucial fi rst step toward helping dozens health of both. of organizations work together to set priorities, decide which lands can be protected through policies and which should be purchased, and—ultimately—save the most land in the most effective way. The benefi ts of achieving these goals transcend regional boundaries.

Bay Area lands contribute to the health of the entire state, and we have an obligation to maintain them for all Californians—now and in the future. Data Sources Many of these lands are endangered. That’s why we must take steps Data sets used in the mapping process include: now to create a future where the benefi ts of the Bay Area’s natural fabric • Farmland Mapping and Monitoring Program, California are trulyt sharedared by everyone.eryo We are committed to acting—through our Department of Conservation—boundaries of important farmland ownwn work,work throughhrough partnerships,p tnership and with local, regional, and state policy and urbanized areas in all nine counties mamakers—tors—to mmakee this vivisionn a realireality. • Bay Area Protected Areas Database—lands owned in fee or easement that are managed for open space values and off-limits to development

• Regional Trails—San Francisco Bay Trail, Bay Area Ridge Trail, California Coastal Trail

• Base Data—natural and jurisdictional features such as county and city boundaries, highways and roads, water bodies, and topography

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FPO Smith Photography Photo: Ken

Our Golden Opportunity

The San Francisco Bay Area’s iconic landscapes provide more identify vital Bay Area lands and create a coordinated, strategic than beautiful vistas. They are vital to the health and prosperity approach to protecting them. of the —and the state. Key Actions The Benefits of Bay Area Lands These key actions are needed to preserve these lands: Bay Area lands support the region’s $400 billion economy and Create Access contribute to California’s quality of life. Provide parks that are safe, clean, and easy to reach, to ensure • Bay Area watersheds provide clean water for people and that open space benefi ts are shared by all. wildlife, and some drain into the Sacramento–San Joaquin Fund Conservation River Delta, which supplies drinking water to 24 million Increase funding for land purchases, conservation easements, Californians. and stewardship to protect essential natural areas and keep • Farms and ranches provide fresh, local, affordable food. them healthy and functioning.

• Community greenbelts make cities and towns more livable Adopt Strong Policies by encouraging development within their boundaries. Create policies and programs that protect privately held lands—including farms, ranches, and forests—and support their • Diverse support a broad array of native plants and care and restoration, to safeguard their public benefi ts. animals—many endangered or threatened.

• Parks and trails help California’s families stay healthy and Poised for Success draw a talented workforce. The Bay Area is well positioned to make the most of initiatives Facing the Challenges and investments in these areas. In addition to the mapping and strategic planning work led by the Bay Area Open Space A network of vital Bay Area lands is a great asset to our region Council and Greenbelt Alliance, the Association of Bay Area and state, but it is not a guarantee. Habitat degradation, climate Governments and other regional agencies have identifi ed priority change, and development pressures pose serious threats. conservation areas as part of their blueprint for growth. The

The Bay Area faces great change: an estimated 1 million more result is a remarkable level of consensus about what needs to people will call the region home by 2020. To accommodate be done and a collective commitment to making it happen. this growing population while maintaining a strong, diversifi ed economy and a healthy environment, we must act now to ensure The Time Is Now that our land continues to provide for our way of life. This is a time of great challenge, and it is the time we most need to lead. We can secure a network of vital Bay Area lands A Coordinated Strategy for Conservation that supports people and wildlife, helps us to cope with climate

Greenbelt Alliance and the Bay Area Open Space Council have change, supports our health and our economy, and makes assembled experts from land trusts, park , environmental the state’s natural heritage accessible to all Californians. We nonprofi ts, and government agencies throughout the region to have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to leave a legacy.

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Strong leadership has protected key watershed lands around the Bay Area, providing stunning settings for outdoor activities, preserving essential wildlife habitat, and ensuring clean waterways that supply drinking water and support healthy fi sh populations.

“The“ he qqualitylity of our drinking WATERSHEDS: water is only as good as the watersheds it passes through. Clean Water If we want clean water, we for People need to protect our land.” – Ann L. Riley, San Francisco Bay and Wildlife Regional Control Board

Threats Opportunities

Protected, well-managed Bay Support the protection and Area watersheds will mean lower stewardship of private lands costs for water treatment and around waterways to reduce storage, more fi sh, and fewer erosion, protect water quality, and damaging fl oods. We can conserve support healthy fi sh and wildlife these lands if we: populations.

Increase funding for acquisition Voters across California consistently and careful management of cite water quality and supply as a key watershed lands to safeguard critical issue. Preserving watershed our drinking water. lands is an essential step in addressing their concern. Plan for conservation across political boundaries to reduce the need for water fi ltration and fl ood management.

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Healthy Watersheds Reduce Flooding

Soil and plants in protected watershed lands Paving even 10% of a landscape can cause act like a sponge, naturally limiting fl ood danger serious problems. Keeping watershed lands by absorbing and slowly releasing storm water. unpaved and healthy reduces the need for Paved surfaces lack this capacity—water fl ows expensive fl ood-prevention engineering as well over them, unabsorbed, at much greater as the costs of repairing fl ood damage—and volume and speed, breaching barriers and limits threats to human life. overwhelming drainage systems.

Healthy Bay Area watersheds Bay Area watersheds provide for threatened and endangered are fundamental to safeguarding many benefi ts: and protect the aquatic California’s limited water resources, ecosystems that sustain fi sheries. Clean Drinking Water now under increasing strain from These lands catch and fi lter The benefi ts of our watersheds development and climate change. rainwater and replenish ground- are unique, and these ecosystems These lands fi lter a portion of the water supplies. cannot be replaced: manmade region’s water supply, and some infrastructure is at best an feed into the Sacramento–San Reduced Costs expensive and incomplete Joaquin River Delta—a source Functioning watersheds reduce substitute. As part of ensuring of drinking water for 24 million the need for costly infrastructure California’s long-term prosperity, Californians. Conserving and by storing water and naturally we must protect, restore, and managing these lands will help to fi ltering polluted runoff. carefully manage the Bay Area’s ensure adequate supplies of clean Wildlife and vast network of watershed lands. water for people and wildlife. Watershed lands provide habitat

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Sweet corn from Contra Costa, beef from Alameda, wine grapes from Napa, tomatoes from Solano, mushrooms from San Mateo and Santa Clara, and cheese from Marin and Sonoma are just a few of the Bay Area’s contributions to California’s agricultural bounty.

FPO Photo: Jan Hecking

“MaintainingMain ning agriculture in WORKING FARMS AND RANCHES: the Bay Area would help secure the future availability, Healthy quality, and affordability of food Local Food in the region and the state.” – Edward Thompson, Jr., American Farmland Trust

Threats Opportunities

Between 1984 and 2006, nearly subdivision of agricultural lands. 200,000 Bay Area agricultural and Keep farmers and ranchers grazing acres were lost.* Develop- in business by reducing costs ment is disproportionately claim- and barriers to farming, helping ing the best land: 1 in 4 acres products get to market, and com- of the Bay Area’s best farmland pensating farmers for the public is threatened, compared with benefi ts their land provides. 1 in 10 total acres, according to Greenbelt Alliance’s At Risk: The Protect privately held agricul- Bay Area Greenbelt research. tural lands through easements, zoning, and other innovative tools To save what remains, we must: such as agricultural parks and Promote land-use policies that conservation districts. contain urban growth and prevent

* California Department of Conservation Farmland Mapping and Monitoring Program

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Sonoma County Dairies Face Challenges

Sonoma County’s 100,000-acre coastal County dairies in the past decade. To dairybelt produces high-quality food for help remaining farmers stay in business, hundreds of thousands of nearby residents— conservation organizations have purchased along with Marin dairies, enough to provide agricultural easements on more than 21,400 41% of milk and cheese consumed in the acres. Additional incentives and technical greater Bay Area. Challenging economics, assistance are needed to preserve this however, have led to the loss of 26 Sonoma important local food source and way of life.

Farming and ranching are integral Revenue to residents through farmers’ to California’s identity and Bay Area agriculture earned markets, community-supported economy—people across the $1.4 billion in 2006, according to agriculture, and restaurants country are nourished by the county agricultural commissions. enhances California’s reputation Golden State every day. And the That’s just the net value of the for innovation. Bay Area is a signifi cant agricul- product when it leaves the farm Self-Suffi ciency tural region, producing 1.3 million or ranch—food processing and Bay Area farms produce enough tons of food annually (more than food-related tourism and jobs food to meet one-fi fth of the enough to feed San Francisco).† multiply that impact. region’s demand.† Regional Bay Area farms and ranches Market Innovation self-suffi ciency is particularly benefi t the state and region in The Bay Area’s leadership in important with a changing economy several ways: delivering local food directly and fl uctuating fuel prices.

† Think Globally – Eat Locally: San Francisco Foodshed Assessment. 2008. American Farmland Trust, Sustainable Agriculture Education, and Agriculture in Metropolitan . Food comparison by weight; does not consider distribution across food groups.

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Protected green space around communities preserves surrounding hills and scenic views and helps local farms stay in business. Greenbelts can also help direct investment into city centers, to revitalize downtowns and create inviting neighborhoods. Photo: Stephen Joseph Photo: Karen Parry

“Greenbelts“G enb help guide COMMUNITY GREENBELTS: development into existing cities and towns, making them The Secret to more attractive and more Vibrant Cities sustainable. That’s in everyone’s best interest—the business and Towns community included.” – Matt Regan, Bay Area Council

Threats Opportunities

More than 63% of Bay Area cities defi ned, long-lasting, and under with unprotected greenbelts lack voter control, they protect natural urban growth boundaries, and assets and community health. many that have them are vulner- Increase land acquisition able to county policies that allow funding locally to leverage development of open space. state funds and help preserve Without action, the vitality of surrounding hills and open space these communities will be in perpetuity. compromised. Provide incentives for infi ll To protect greenbelts, we must: and city-centered growth to Adopt urban growth bound- encourage sustainable develop- aries at the city and county levels. ment and protect natural areas. e g When these boundaries are well : Urban Advanta g Renderin

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Southern Santa Clara at Risk

Southern Santa Clara County illustrates by encroaching development pressures. the risks of unprotected greenbelts. Lands Protecting natural assets and maintaining the surrounding Morgan Hill, San Jose, San Martin, character of these communities will require and Gilroy contain important wildlife corridors, strong city and county growth policies, the the Pajaro River watershed, and some of the purchase of key portions of wildlife corridors, last stretches of Santa Clara Valley’s fertile and support for local farming. farmland. Many of these areas are threatened

Community greenbelts—parks, opportunities and defi ne distinct Helping People Stay Healthy farmland, and other natural areas communities. These features Walkable neighborhoods and surrounding cities and towns—play make cities and towns appealing nearby outdoor recreation areas

an important role in creating vibrant places to live and visit. encourage healthy lifestyles. communities. They help build An extensive study found that Limiting the Need to Drive thriving local economies, reduce with a 10% increase in nearby Creating protected greenbelts is a pollution and greenhouse gas green space, people have fewer critical fi rst step toward encour- emissions, and improve public physical complaints and better aging infi ll development and health. They do this by: mental health.† robust central business districts. Attracting Visitors, Residents, Both allow people to drive www.LandPaths.org Photo: LandPaths, and Businesses less and walk more, reducing Greenbelts provide recreational emissions from cars and trucks.

† “Nature and Health: The Relation between Health and Green Space in People’s Living Environment,” paper presented at the conference “Cultural Events and Leisure Systems.” 2001. Sjerp de Vries, Robert A. Verheij, and Peter P. Groenewegen. Rendering: Urban Advantage

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With a foundation of protected lands to build on, strong local political support, and scientifi c planning (see right), the Bay Area is well positioned to make the most of conservation resources and provide habitat for species like the burrowing owl and Bay checkerspot butterfl y. Photo: Stuart B. Weiss

“Connecting“C nne ng aand expanding WILDLIFE HABITAT: protected areas acts as an insurance policy for maintaining Unique our quality of life. Healthy Ecosystems ecosystems support healthy people and communities.” to Save – Dr. Healy , California Academy of Sciences

Threats Opportunities

The Bay Area’s remarkable agreements with ranchers and is eroding: the forest owners. San Francisco metropolitan Promote land-use policies area contains 257 plant and that direct development away animal species threatened by from natural areas and protect development—the most among resources to prevent habitat the nation’s 35 fastest-growing fragmentation and destruction. metropolitan areas.* Provide resources to restore The path to preserving this and maintain natural areas on biodiversity is clear: public and private lands to allow Protect and connect habitats imperiled species to recover and using land purchases, conserva- prevent invasives from displacing tion easements, and cooperative rare plants and animals.

* Endangered by Sprawl. 2005. National Wildlife Federation, America, and NatureServe. Photo: Mike Kahn/Green Stock Media

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Project Puts Biodiversity on the Map

The San Francisco Bay Area Upland Habitat connections between them—that are needed Goals Project, led by the Bay Area Open to sustain healthy plant, fi sh, , and other Space Council, is bringing scientists and wildlife communities. With this information in land managers together to identify lands vital hand, public agencies, conservation nonprofi ts, to maintaining the Bay Area’s biodiversity. and others can develop scientifi cally grounded conservation and restoration strategies. Mountain by mountain, valley by valley, the (See draft map, below left; more information at project is mapping the habitats—and the www.uplandhabitatgoals.org.)

The Bay Area is a rare ecological A network of healthy habitats commercial and sportfi shing gem: It is one of the six most contributes to: industries. Open spaces rich with important biodiversity hot spots native plants and animals attract Coping with Climate Change in the nation, according to The tourists and a talented workforce Intact, functional habitats provide Nature Conservancy. With only that values nearby nature. environmental resilience. Forests 5% of California’s land, the Bay remove greenhouse gases from California’s Enduring Appeal Area supports 33% of the state’s the atmosphere, buffer Walking through towering natural communities. rising tides, and wildlife corridors redwood forests, watching Preserving and restoring this allow animals to migrate to adjust shorebirds swoop into tidal fl ats, extraordinary environment is both to climate changes. spotting hawks on family camping an ecological imperative and in trips—experiences like these are Economic Competitiveness our self-interest. why people love California. Healthy fi sheries fuel California’s Photo: Mike Kahn/Green Stock Media

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Enhanced parks and trails would help California deliver on the Children’s Outdoor Bill of Rights. This calls for giving all children the opportunity to discover California’s past, play in a safe place, camp under the stars, explore nature, learn to swim, play on a team, follow a trail, catch a fi sh, and celebrate their heritage. www.LandPaths.org Photo: LandPaths,

“OurOur greenwayeenw y hahas had a ripple PARKS AND TRAILS: effect. It’s inspired economic revitalization and larger- Healthy scale plans—to bring in new People and housing, open space, retail, and community resources.” Economy – Fran Martin, Visitacion Valley Project, San Francisco

Threats Opportunities

The Bay Area can tap strong Keep all parks safe, clean, public support for parks to realize and inviting by funding ongoing key opportunities: maintenance and community engagement strategies. Close gaps in the regional park system. For example, full protec- Provide better access to parks tion of Franklin Ridge and Franklin and trails by creating walking and Canyon would close a signifi cant biking paths to local parks and gap in the Bay Area Ridge Trail, providing public transit to more completing part of the Carquinez distant natural areas. Strait Scenic Loop Trail’s bicycle- pedestrian path between Contra Costa and Solano counties.

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Bay Trail Knits Counties Together

Linking 47 cities in all nine Bay Area counties and wildlife watching but also for cycling or and ultimately crossing all major bridges, walking to work—healthy, climate-friendly a completed Bay Trail would be a 500-mile commute options that also relieve traffi c. pathway rivaled by few others worldwide. The Bay Trail enjoys widespread public Nearly 2.7 million people and 1.8 million jobs support, but is only 60% complete. It will take are within two miles of the trail, making it $191 million to make the vision a reality. convenient not only for hiking, jogging, skating,

Bay Area parks and trails are lively A Stronger Economy Centers for Disease Control and and well-used public spaces—the Muir Woods, , Prevention has called for creating Golden Gate National Recreation and other famed landscapes more parks and playgrounds to Area alone draws more than help make California a top tourist help fi ght the obesity epidemic. 13 million people a year, making it destination. Accessible parks and By expanding our network of California’s most visited national trails also contribute to a high parks and trails and keeping park. These protected open quality of life that attracts a strong them in peak condition, we can spaces attract residents and workforce, encouraging busi- make sure the state has a solid tourists, yielding public health nesses to locate and stay here. foundation for business growth and economic benefi ts for the Healthier Kids and Adults and meets the needs of a growing region and the state. Studies show that people exercise population. Plentiful, accessible parks and more when outdoor recreation trails result in: spaces are nearby, and the

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Successful Regional Planning: Complementary Efforts Identify Areas for Conservation

regional signifi cance, level of consensus, and urgency. This collaboration “By naming Priority Conservation Areas, brought additional county and regional perspectives to bear while also streamlining the process. FOCUS took a crucial step toward making The result is a regional blueprint for conserving natural areas and guiding the Golden Lands vision a reality.” development. This blueprint allows coordinated action by local govern- ments, land trusts, and other organizations; minimizes redundant efforts; – Amy Hutzel, San Francisco Bay Area Conservancy Program, and ensures that conservation funding goes to the highest-priority lands. State Coastal Conservancy

A Model of Regional Planning

The Bay Area is well positioned to make the most of conservation funding The entire process—regional agencies prioritizing short-term actions as and policy support, due to coordinated regional efforts. part of a long-term plan, in facilitated collaboration with conservation Golden Lands, Golden Opportunity identifi es the Bay Area lands that professionals—can and should be replicated by other regions.

provide public benefi ts—watersheds, farmlands, greenbelts, habitat, Ultimately, the Bay Area could be a model for the nation in accommodat- and parks and trails—and the actions needed to ensure they continue ing growth while protecting the natural assets that defi ne a place and providing those benefi ts. enable it to thrive. This complements a regional initiative called FOCUS, which identifi es Priority Conservation Areas: specifi c targets for conservation within fi ve years. These areas are a subset of the lands identifi ed in Golden Lands, Golden Opportunity. The FOCUS process highlights priorities for conservation in the near term through purchases and easements. Golden Lands offers a comprehensive picture of Bay Area lands that need protection over the long term and could be protected through a variety of strategies—policies as well as purchases and easements.

FOCUS on Conservation and Development

FOCUS is a multiagency effort led by the Association of Bay Area Governments and the Metropolitan Transportation Commission, with support from the Bay Area Air Quality Management District and the Bay Conservation and Development Commission. It is partially funded by a state Blueprint Grant.

The FOCUS initiative considers both conservation and development to address climate change, transportation, housing, the economy, and other issues that transcend boundaries. Local governments apply to have certain areas designated as priorities for conservation or development, making them more competitive for funding from regional agencies. The initiative encourages land conservation and compact development within established communities.

Collaboration and Vision The FOCUS initiative identifi es priority areas for development and conservation; the near-term In identifying Priority Conservation Areas, FOCUS has drawn on conservation priorities complement the longer-term the mapping process informing Golden Lands, Golden Opportunity. needs identifi ed in Golden Lands. FOCUS reconvened many of the same nonprofi ts and agencies to evaluate the applications for Priority Conservation Areas for their

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Oakland CONTRA COSTA

San Francisco

ALAMEDA

Fremont

SAN MATEO Redwood City SANTA CLARA

San Jose

The Trust for Public Land’s Bay Area Park Equity Analysis reveals that many communities throughout the region lack easy access to parks. The darker the San Francisco County red on this map, the greater the need. Renowned Parks, Rare Natural Areas Attract Locals, Tourists Diverse, Accessible Urban Parks Help Cities Thrive With beaches, wetlands, Golden Gate Park, a substantial portion of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, and signifi cant habitat for native plants and animals, San Francisco has exceptional natural Green spaces within cities are as important as those surrounding resources. It also has exceptional need: it’s the nation’s second most them. Parks take up carbon emissions, keep cities cooler, and help densely populated city, but the neighborhoods with the most people manage storm runoff. They give children a much-needed place to have the least parkland. play outside. And they serve as a community living room—a place to relax, celebrate, and hold events. We can help Bay Area cities thrive Opportunities by making sure all residents have safe, clean parks nearby. • Create more parks, natural areas, and places to play by ensuring that open space and ecological preservation are priorities in Opportunities development and planning projects. • Provide funding to maintain parks—and involve residents in their care—to keep parks safe, clean, and inviting. • Manage the network of natural areas throughout the city to preserve and connect rare habitat, restore creeks, and give • Support many types of green spaces—from urban creeks to children access to wild places. sports fi elds and playgrounds to community gardens—to allow parks to serve the whole community. • Complete the Blue Greenway, a 13-mile corridor along the city’s southeastern waterfront that will bring green space, recreational • Require that parks be located no more than a 10-minute walk opportunities, and Bay access to an underserved part of the city. from every resident’s home to ensure easy access for all.

Population Public Support 2005: 796,000 | 2020 projection: 857,000 California voters care: they approved nearly $13 billion in Conservation in Action conservation funding—including The restoration transformed the money for parks and play- former Presidio airstrip into a thriving tidal , grounds—from 1988 to 2008. learning center, and popular place to bike, run, and play. It involved thousands of volunteers plus Key Indicator public and private funding. 62% of Bay Area children under 15 do not live within walking distance of a park, and low-income neighborhoods are particularly underserved, according to the Trust for Golden Gate Park alone gets about 15 million visitors Public Land. each year, nearly half of them nonresidents, and city lands www.LandPaths.org Photo: LandPaths, support more than 300 species of native plants.

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Marin County Sonoma County Gems Like Mt. Tam, Point Reyes Rural Character Survives Show Value of Conservation With Help From Key Policies

Marin County is a leader in preserving its natural heritage, from Sonoma County’s diverse landscapes—redwood forests and oak the rugged Point Reyes coast, to farm and bay lands, to Mount woodlands, rivers and wetlands, vineyards, grasslands, and small Tamalpais. As a result, the watershed supplies 75% farms—are remarkably well preserved. This is largely due to urban of eastern Marin’s clean water, the public has access to hundreds of growth boundaries around eight of nine cities and an open space miles of trails, and local farms provide fresh food to the region. The district that helps to preserve farms. The keys to maintaining this priorities now are fi lling in gaps and keeping these lands healthy. natural bounty are protecting watershed and greenbelt lands and avoiding subdivision of agricultural lands. Opportunities • Close gaps in Marin’s protected lands system to preserve Opportunities 15,000 acres of habitat, complete wildlife and trail corridors, and • Guide growth into existing cities and prevent inappropriate save wetlands. development to help preserve Sonoma County’s rural character.

• Actively maintain natural areas—including controlling invasive • Support farming with agricultural easements and policies to plants and erosion—to help protect Marin’s , such as ensure local food production and preserve prime farmland. Lagunitas Creek, a rare remaining coho run. • Adopt policies that protect wetlands and forests from • Permanently protect 60,000 acres of farmland from nonagricultural conversion to higher-intensity land uses, to help preserve development to allow Marin to keep producing locally farmed food. biodiversity and local water sources.

Population Population 2005: 253,000 | 2020 projection: 271,000 2005: 479,000 | 2020 projection: 535,000

Conservation in Action Conservation in Action Restoration of Tiburon Ridge lands should Sonoma County’s agricultural and open space preserve six imperiled plant species, thanks to district used conservation agreements connecting the open space district’s work with the cities of six farms and other properties in the Laguna Tiburon and Belvedere to acquire two key areas de Santa Rosa to form a protected greenbelt once slated for development. between Santa Rosa and Sebastopol.

Over 45% of North American bird species are found at Sonoma County’s 470,000 acres of forests and woodlands

Point Reyes National Seashore. Many stop there as they sequester an estimated 2.3 million tons of CO2 per year— migrate along the Pacifi c Flyway. the equivalent of 400,000 cars.

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Napa County Solano County Premier Wine Region Values Wetlands, Farmland, Hills Can Vineyards, Valley, Biodiversity Thrive With Focused Action

Napa put California wine on the world map, and the Valley’s grapes Oak-studded hills, miles of riverfront, and the —which regularly draw the state’s highest average price per ton. Quick to contains more than 10% of California’s remaining natural wetlands— recognize the value of its vineyards—as well as its exceptional give Solano outstanding wildlife habitat and watersheds. It also has biodiversity and water resources—Napa was the fi rst Bay Area abundant productive farmland, thanks in part to county policies that county to establish strong protection for agriculture, which led help direct growth into cities. Suburban expansion threatens these to today’s city-centered growth policies. The challenge now is to resources, however, and the diverse population has little access to preserve the county’s natural abundance and expand opportunities open space. for people to enjoy it. Opportunities Opportunities • Help farmers build value-added operations and provide economic • Fund Napa’s newly created park district to take an essential incentives to keep farming. These essential steps will preserve step toward increasing public access to nature. Solano’s valuable agriculture sector—the county’s second-largest economic driver. • Tighten growth controls to halt fragmentation and loss of agricultural lands stemming from rural development. • Create an open space district—Solano is the only Bay Area county without one—to preserve farm and grazing land and • Develop trails, like the Napa Crest and Napa River trails, to provide much-needed public access to the outdoors. provide opportunities for enjoyment and education.

Population Population 2005: 134,000 | 2020 projection: 148,000 2005: 422,000 | 2020 projection: 515,000

Conservation in Action Conservation in Action Napa voters committed to protecting farmlands Conservation groups are working to acquire and natural areas by approving 1990’s Measure easements—with local, state, and federal J, which requires a citizens’ vote to develop these funding—for prime agricultural lands between lands. In 2008 Measure P extended the policy, Dixon and Davis, protecting a successful protecting 540,000 acres for 50 years. economic enterprise while keeping the two cities distinct.

The wine industry generates $9.5 billion annually for Napa Solano agriculture’s value was over $268 million in 2007, County, according to a 2005 study by MKF Research for up nearly 15% from 2006, according to the July 2008 Napa Valley Vintners. Solano County Annual Crop and Livestock Report.

111966 text.indd 17 112/29/082/29/08 5:08:37 PM GOLDEN LANDS SNAPSHOTS Photo: Scott Hein, www.heinphoto.com

Contra Costa County Alameda County Suburban Meets Rural Expanding Focus From Hills At the Foot of Mt. Diablo To Urban Parks, Rural Lands

Contra Costa’s intricate landscape ranges from Mount Diablo to a Alameda County’s long record of successful conservation efforts fertile patchwork of farmland and ranchland. Its many watersheds includes protecting scenic East Bay hills and ridgelines and creating support over 1,100 species, and drain into an aquatic ecosystem that much-loved parks. Among the key needs now are preserving the stretches from to the Sacramento–San Joaquin county’s rural areas—a mosaic of ranchlands, vineyards, and wildlife River Delta. Directing growth into existing towns will help preserve habitat—and meeting the demand for urban parks in the county’s these outstanding natural resources. densely populated west.

Opportunities Opportunities • Stop subdivision and development of farms, ranches, and natural • Curb sprawl in the Tri-Valley area to preserve habitat for rare areas to preserve wildlife corridors and agricultural heritage. and , conserve working lands, and protect the Livermore groundwater basin and watersheds—especially the rare • Prevent development on Delta watershed lands to protect alkali sink ecosystem. California’s drinking water and help preserve a fragile ecosystem. • Invest in urban parks to ensure that all city residents have • Build parks and trails on the North Richmond shoreline to give accessible, clean, safe places to gather and play outdoors. underserved residents opportunities to enjoy the Bay. • Protect the Bay shoreline, , and their watersheds • Preserve Concord Naval Weapons Station open space to to increase public access and preserve sensitive aquatic habitat. protect habitat and enable easy access to nature BART.

Population Population 2005: 1.02 M | 2020 projection: 1.16 M 2005: 1.5 M | 2020 projection: 1.7 M

Conservation in Action Conservation in Action The Environmental Studies Academy in Martinez The East Alameda County Conservation is creating the next generation of environmental Strategy brings together city governments problem solvers with a science-based curriculum and county, state, and federal agencies to for at-risk high school students that includes create a conservation blueprint for more restoring . than 271,000 acres in the upper Alameda Creek Watershed.

Contra Costa’s agricultural core grows 45 crops, The , red-legged frog, California tiger including stone fruit, vegetables, olives, wine grapes, and salamander, burrowing owl, and San Joaquin kit fox are more than enough fresh sweet corn to feed the Bay Area. among Alameda County’s rare and endangered animals.

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Santa Clara County San Mateo County Diverse Natural Areas Face Accessible Coast, Forests Growth Challenge Sustain People and Wildlife

The home of Silicon Valley was originally known for its agricultural San Mateo County’s spectacular coastline lies within easy reach of abundance. That heritage remains in Gilroy’s famed garlic harvest 3 million people. The county is home to old-growth redwood forests, and the 388,000 acres of ranchland that defi ne Santa Clara County’s , prime farmland, and four regional north-south trails. landscape, along with urban creek corridors and oak woodlands. With the protection of key corridors and careful stewardship, we can The county is the Bay Area’s fastest-growing and is an economic preserve these lands for generations. engine for the state—protecting its natural areas is key to maintaining Opportunities its appeal. • Protect the coast to safeguard watersheds, help complete Opportunities skyline-to-sea trails, preserve wildlife migration corridors, and • Create an interconnected system of open spaces to enable support the county’s unique coastal agriculture. wildlife migration, trail connections, and continued farming. • Restore baylands and urban creeks (many now diverted to • Increase public access to open space, especially near fast- culverts and pipes) to provide essential habitat. growing areas, to help Santa Clara County continue to attract a • Prevent subdivision and large-lot residential development to talented workforce and ensure that all communities benefi t. help protect up to 40,000 acres of farmland and natural areas. • Protect watershed lands to safeguard the county’s water supply • Fund park maintenance to keep San Mateo’s natural areas for a growing population. healthy and accessible to the public.

Population Population 2005: 1.76 M | 2020 projection: 2.08 M 2005: 722,000 | 2020 projection: 801,000

Conservation in Action Conservation in Action The South Bay Salt Restoration Project— The fi rst habitat conservation plan in the nation, the largest tidal restoration on the West Coast, adopted in 1983, protects several endangered totaling 15,100 acres—will bring back wildlife, and threatened native butterfl y species in San provide fl ood protection, and enhance access to Bruno Mountain State and County Park. San Francisco Bay.

Santa Clara County contains 31 of California’s 61 habitat San Mateo County parks and open space areas record types, from coastal scrub to redwood forests to blue more than 5 million visits every year. oak woodlands.

111966 text.indd 19 112/29/082/29/08 5:08:47 PM Take Action: Preserve Vital Bay Area Lands for All Californians

The Bay Area’s vital lands provide clean water, fresh food, inviting Protect and maintain vital Bay Area lands through places to play, and habitat for wildlife. They defi ne communities; acquisition, conservation easements, and ongoing attract businesses, workers, and visitors; and provide a strong stewardship. economic foundation for the region and the state. • Ensure that we can purchase and steward threatened

These lands are threatened, and their ability to provide benefi ts— lands by increasing funding for those purposes. Sources already unequally distributed—is increasingly compromised. include new and existing bonds, local measures, and budget Farmers are having trouble making a living. Plants and animals appropriations at all levels of government. are losing the places they need to survive. Children are not • Preserve privately held natural areas and agricultural lands getting the opportunities they need to get close to nature. And by increasing funding for conservation easements. climate change is raising the stakes. • Maximize conservation investments by aligning local initiatives, including mitigation of development impacts, with The message is clear: we need to act now regional conservation objectives. Coordinate efforts early on to deliver the most value. to preserve the irreplaceable natural

resources that belong to every Californian. Adopt strong policies to protect and maintain Bay Area lands.

• Protect natural areas and working lands with local land-use The Bay Area is ready to take on the challenge—with the help of policies and plans that defi ne where development should and legislators and funders. These strategies are essential to success: should not occur.

Ensure that the Bay Area’s open space benefi ts all • Preserve local food supplies and the agricultural economy of the region’s residents equally. by supporting strategies to improve the fi nancial health of farms and ranches. • Give more people access to open space by requiring that a park be located no more than 10 minutes by foot or bike from • Protect water supplies and reduce fl ooding by promoting every resident’s home. watershed-scale planning.

• Make sure parks serve community needs and are well • Encourage private owners to preserve their lands’ maintained, safe, and clean by increasing stewardship ecological values through policies and incentive programs funding and engaging community members. that support ongoing stewardship.

• Put nature within reach of all residents and visitors by providing public transit from cities to beaches, forests, and The time to act is now: the health of our families, our communities, and our environment is at stake. other recreation areas.

111966 text.indd 20 112/29/082/29/08 5:08:54 PM [email protected]

“Preserving Bay Area open space is a natural fi rst step to fi ght global warming and build better communities for us all.”

– Mary Nichols, California Air Resources Board

“The level of regional collaboration that made this work possible will ensure that each dollar invested in the Bay Area’s vital lands will provide maximum benefi ts—for our natural systems and our residents.”

– Michael A. Mantell, Resources Law Group

www.greenbelt.org www.openspacecouncil.org www.abag.ca.gov