Greenbelt Alliance thanks the many people around the Bay Area who helped to provide the information com- piled in this report as well as our generous supporters: Funders
Anonymous The Clarence E. Heller Foundation Arntz Family Foundation The Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation Matthew and Janice Barger JEC Foundation California Coastal Conservancy Expert Advisors
Nicole Byrd Tom Robinson Executive Director, Solano Land Trust Conservation Planner, Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District Dick Cameron Senior Conservation Planner, The Nature Conservancy Bill Shoe Principal Planner, Santa Clara County Planning Office James Raives Senior Open Space Planner, Marin County Parks Beth Stone GIS Analyst, East Bay Regional Park District Paul Ringgold Vice President, Stewardship, Peninsula Open John Woodbury Space Trust General Manager, Napa County Regional Park and Open Space District Greenbelt Alliance Staff
Lead Researcher Field Researchers Adam Garcia, Policy Researcher Melissa Hippard, Campaigns Director Michele Beasley, Senior Field Representative Intern Researchers Amanda Bornstein, Senior Field Representative Derek Anderson Ellie Casson, Field Representative Joe Bonk Whitney Merchant, Field Representative Samantha Dolgoff Matt Vander Sluis, Senior Field Representative John Gilbert Marisa Lee Editors Bill Parker Jennifer Gennari Ramzi Ramey Stephanie Reyes
Authors Jeremy Madsen, Executive Director Stephanie Reyes, Policy Director Jennifer Gennari, Communications Director Adam Garcia Photo credits
Mapping Photography by Greenbelt Alliance except Cover: Scott Hein / heinphoto.com John Kelley, Senior GIS Specialist, GreenInfo Network p1, 29: Courtesy of Frog Hollow Farm Tim Sinnott, Senior GIS Specialist, GreenInfo Network p2: Lech Naumovich Photography p3, 10: Brian Murphy Design p29, 31: Adam Hoffman p30: © 2011 Kathryn Hargis, courtesy of Peninsula Adam Hoffman, BlueNeckdesign.com Open Space Trust AT RISK 2012
Table of Contents
2 Foreword
3 Executive Summary
4 Introduction
REGIONAL RESULTS
6 At Risk
8 Policy Protection
COUNTY SPOTLIGHT
12 Alameda County
14 Contra Costa County
16 Marin County
18 Napa County
20 San Mateo County
22 Santa Clara County
24 Solano County
26 Sonoma County
28 Investing in Bay Area Lands
31 Conclusion
32 Greenbelt Mapper
33 Methodology
1 foreword by Wendy Tokuda
“Something about putting your feet on real soil, taking a moment to look up into the upper branches of a tree, or growing your own food, keeps us grounded.”
Almost every day now, I walk the trails in the East Bay I wish more people could enjoy these parks in our Regional Parks. Within a few miles of our home in neighborhoods, and these farms in our counties. Oakland, I can hike into deep, silent Redwood forests Something about putting your feet on real soil, taking and see vistas with no buildings in sight—all within a moment to look up into the upper branches of a the city. I know the plants and birds of these parks tree, or growing your own food, keeps us grounded. as intimately as my own garden, adding to my joy of It’s healthier for us and for the planet. living in the Bay Area. Greenbelt Alliance has conducted its signature re- Just saving the greenbelt is not enough. We have to search on the risks facing the greenbelt for more than take care of it, too. Most days on the trail, I carry a two decades. What it shows is that taking care of the tool the color of the Golden Gate Bridge. I use it to landscape and stopping sprawl will benefit all of us— pull French broom, an invasive plant with bright yel- from the children playing in the parks to the farmers low flowers in the spring. It may seem an odd habit selling asparagus at local markets. to some. My daughter asked me, “Mom, are you weeding the forest?” But it is my meditation, and it We have to grow smart and carefully. I believe we connects me to the earth in the most hands-on way have to protect the wild and fertile lands we have left, possible. so our children and grandchildren will grow up feeling the green of this wonderful earth. At home, we try to grow as much of our own food in our backyard organic garden and what we can’t grow, we buy at the farmer’s market, from local farms. Wendy Tokuda recently retired from daily TV anchoring after 35 years. She now reports on “Students Rising Above,”
AT RISK 2012 AT 2 profiling low-income students who want to go to college. AT RISK 2012 3 Greenbelt Alliance, the champion of the places that Greenbelt Alliance, special, believes we must properly make the Bay Area so that it is nurtured for years invest in our landscape life and economic health quality of ahead. The region’s of agricultural land, wildlife depends on a greenbelt and parks. habitats, watersheds, Vital lands identified farmers to busi- Everyone—from environmentalists to the Bay Area ness owners—has an interest in seeing identify where to take action, At Risk: The thrive. To greenbelt. Bay Area Greenbelt 2012 will help. Visit provide key org/greenbelt-mapper to see where lands and where pres- benefits, where policies are effective, sure to build exists. - Fund what we value Fund what we is only a first step. Even Protecting the land, however, lands not at risk of sprawl development can be threat- ened in other ways. Agricultural land can lie fallow make a living; habitats can succumb if farmers can’t to invasive species if they are not properly stewarded; parks can close without sufficient funding. Even so, sprawl still threatens to shrink the green- Even so, sprawl still threatens to shrink equivalent of belt. More than 322,000 acres—the at risk of 10 cities the size of San Francisco—remain development. Compared to six years ago, major advances in open space protection and a sluggish real estate market have reduced the amount of land at high and medium risk of development by 20%. Those 322,000-plus acres that remain at risk deserve protection for all the ben- efits they provide. Risk still exists manently preserved to 1.1 million acres—out of about manently preserved to 1.1 million acres—out 4.5 million total acres. the region have In addition, voters and leaders around measures, enacted a variety of growth management these rules Yet protecting over 2 million more acres. make sure they are often tested, requiring vigilance to are not broken. Safeguards work Safeguards golden hills, easy to look around at the Bay Area’s It’s we’ve farms, and parks and celebrate the progress lands. made to protect our natural and agricultural or the rights to Conservation groups, by buying land total of land per develop it, have brought the regional We know we’re fortunate. The Bay Area’s open spaces Bay Area’s know we’re fortunate. The We for wildlife, homes clean water, provide fresh food, if the Bay Area is to remain one Yet and places to play. places, we must not only most attractive of the world’s in the wrong places but also fight against development we treasure. invest in this landscape ive summary cutive exe introduction
In twenty-five years, as many as two million more We classified our findings in three ways: people will live in the Bay Area. Where we build new homes and jobs will impact the region’s natural areas, parks, and farms. How much of a threat does develop- RISK ment pose to the region’s greenbelt? High Risk: Greenbelt lands that are likely to be developed in the next 10 years.
To answer that question, Greenbelt Alliance re- Medium Risk: Greenbelt lands that are likely to be developed in the next 30 searched the state of the Bay Area’s open space. At years. Risk: The Bay Area Greenbelt 2012, the sixth release of this signature research, provides a snapshot of Low Risk: Greenbelt lands that are not likely to be developed in the next 30 years. working farms and natural areas facing sprawl devel- Urban: Lands that are developed at a density of at least one residential unit per opment pressure in the nine counties. 1.5 acres, or the equivalent density for commercial or industrial development. This information is largely based on a map created by the State of California’s Farmland The Bay Area has had tremendous success in protect- Mapping and Monitoring Project. ing our agricultural and wild lands. But our work is not yet complete. Over 322,000 acres remain at risk of development. Some of these places lack protection measures. Others may have strong protections in place PROTECTION but experience repeated attempts to loosen or remove Permanent Protection: Greenbelt lands that are permanently protected from those protections due to high development pressure. development, including most public lands, land trust properties, and conservation And policies expire; most protection measures are put easements. This information is largely based on a map created by the Bay Area in place for a set amount of time, perhaps 20 years, Open Space Council. and must then be renewed. High Protection: Greenbelt lands that are protected by one or more policy In addition, simply protecting and preserving the measures that prohibit most development on that land. landscape isn’t enough if we want to have a thriving Medium Protection: Greenbelt lands that are protected by one or more policy greenbelt of farms, wildlife habitat, and recreational measures where development is intended to be limited but is still possible with a areas. We need to invest in and manage these places as special permit. well. Low Protection: Greenbelt lands that do not fall under any protective policy As in the rest of the country, the economic downturn measures. that began in 2008 has had profound impacts in the Bay Area. Unemployment remains stubbornly high. Unable to pay their mortgages, thousands of people VALUE have lost their homes. In the Bay Area, the pain is most acute in outlying communities far from job cen- Wildlife habitat: Greenbelt lands that are identified as part of the Conservation ters. One outcome of this crisis is a renewed under- Lands Network and are important for preserving wildlife habitat. standing of the need to provide affordable homes near Food production: Greenbelt lands designated as high quality farmland and ranch- jobs and services. land, primarily by California’s Farmland Mapping and Monitoring Project.
From crisis sometimes comes opportunity. The down Water resource: Greenbelt lands that help preserve water supply and quality; real estate market has decreased the pressure to build these include groundwater basins, lands that provide water filtration, and wetlands. on the greenbelt. This is part of the reason that 77,300 acres of Bay Area open space is currently at high risk Public parks: Greenbelt lands that are publicly accessible parks and trails.
AT RISK 2012 AT 4 AT RISK 2012 5 Advocate for increased funding for conservation Advocate for increased funding for conservation cities and towns protection and regional funding for areas. that keep growth within existing urban areas that remain Help establish protection measures in in places that lack at risk. Apply tried and true policies land where needed. them, and seek new ways to protect Fight threats to the landscape, especially sprawl that breaks urban growth boundaries that define where growth should and should not go. to renew good growth management measures such Vote as hillside ordinances and urban growth boundaries. farmers thrive, by Support ways to help the region’s finding new markets and making food processing local. Buy locally grown produce to support Bay Area farmers. Rally for constructing homes, offices, and public facilities not on the greenbelt but within existing cities and towns. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Take action Take Every resident of the Bay Area benefits when we protect the Every resident of the Bay Area benefits cities vital lands and promote good development within region’s the what you can do to preserve what makes and towns. Here’s Bay Area special: Unfortunately, another outcome of the weak economy another outcome of the Unfortunately, organizations have less funding to is that conservation and steward our natural and ag- permanently protect of this lack of funding, land ricultural lands. Because able to fully take districts aren’t trusts and open space willingness of many property advantage of the new their lands to conservation. owners to commit of development over the next 10 years in contrast of development over were 125,200 such acres. There to 2006 when there the region where property are several cases around once committed to seeing their owners, who were now willing to see their property lands developed, are conservation easements or sold to a conserved through space district. land trust or open regional results At risk: Sprawl development persists, threatening valuable lands
The geography of the San Francisco Bay Area defines Nonetheless, fertile valleys remain under threat from this region, with rising ridges and verdant valleys. The large urban expansion projects, and rural sprawl and nine counties that ring the Bay total 4.5 million acres high-end estate homes continue to gobble up arable of land, with 788,500 acres of cities and towns. land and hillsides. As a result, 322,800 acres remain at risk of development in the Bay Area. Of those acres, The land is valued for many reasons, beyond the 77,300 are at high risk (likely to be developed within pleasing vista. Fields produce food, valleys collect 10 years) and 245,500 are at medium risk (likely to be fresh water, and forests shelter animals. The Bay Area developed in 30 years). This threat remains highest in has more than 2.3 million acres of farmlands and the flat lands and agricultural valleys of Contra Costa ranchlands, 1.24 million acres of important water and Santa Clara counties and on the vast acreage of resources, almost 2.2 million acres of wildlife habitat, unprotected land in Sonoma County. The County and just over 1 million acres of parks. These numbers Spotlight section beginning on page 12 highlights add up to more than the total 4.5 million acres in the specific places that are at risk for sprawl development region because many lands provide multiple benefits throughout the region. simultaneously. For example, many wildlife habitat areas are also important for water filtration. And some public parks also include cattle grazing land.
Bay Area Open Space Values
Numbers add up to more than total acreage because some lands serve more than one value.
The slide in the real estate market has had the side effect of easing pressure to build on open space and increasing opportunities to permanently protect these lands through acquisition. As a result of these factors, in combination with protection policies, the amount of land at high and medium risk of development is down by 20%, or 78,500 acres, since 2006.
AT RISK 2012 AT 6 Lands at Risk Bay Area Policy protection: Good measures protect lands, yet require vigilance
Fortunately, many advocates have worked to save Greenbelt Alliance and others have worked for the Bay Area’s landscape. More than one quarter of decades to pass growth management measures to the greenbelt, 1,107,300 acres, is now permanently protect lands. In some cases, voters approved rules protected, thanks to conservation groups buying either such as urban growth boundaries that draw a line land itself or the rights to develop land. defining where development should and should not go. Other effective policies that have slowed sprawl For a long time, buying land has not been the only are agricultural protection measures that require way to stop sprawl. Good growth management voter approval to re-zone farms and ranches for measures protect almost 2 million more acres, with development, and hillside ordinances that demand 998,100 of those acres at a high level of protection city review before a building permit is issued. Solano and 1,108,500 acres at a medium level of protection. County’s 2008 renewal of its Orderly Growth These measures ensure that farmers can grow crops Initiative protected 340,700 acres of agricultural in fertile soil, ranchers can graze cattle, animals can lands. And Sonoma County now has urban growth live unthreatened in the natural world, and people can boundaries around every city in the county, thanks to hike ridgelines. the adoption of Cloverdale’s boundary in 2010.
Open space values by county
AT RISK 2012 AT 8 Policy PROTECTION Bay Area Open space protection and growth management most development often still permit some develop- measures are as varied in their effectiveness and goals ment, of a specific type or under certain circumstances. as the Bay Area landscape. The reason for the poli- For example, under Napa County’s Measure P, farm- cies may be to protect wildlife or a vista, or to keep land is protected from suburban sprawl development agriculture as a viable part of a community’s identity. unless a development proposal is expressly approved Greenbelt Alliance inventoried policies that protect by a vote of the people. And Measure P still permits land from “urbanization”—development of at least some agriculture-related business development. Most one home per 1.5 acres, otherwise known as suburban policy protection measures must be renewed periodi- sprawl. However, urbanization, while the focus of cally to remain in effect. this report, is not the only threat to landscapes. Many counties are at risk of rural development, in the form One interesting dynamic is that, while land may enjoy of ranchettes or rural estates on tens or even hundreds a high level of policy protection, it can still be at risk of acres of land. While growth at this scale may not for development. This is because some areas are so seem significant, rural development that breaks up attractive to developers that they continue to attempt landscapes—for example with fences around private to change or remove policy protection measures. Even lots—prevents wildlife migration and makes food places with policy protection measures in place require production unrealistic. constant vigilance to protect against sprawl.
Some policies largely prohibit urbanization, while oth- Despite these caveats, policy measures are essential ers simply require additional hurdles or permits before ways to protect our landscapes. Policy measures development can proceed. Even those that prohibit protect more land than open space districts and land
AT RISK 2012 AT 10 Types of policy protections
Permanent Protection trusts can afford to buy; almost twice as much of the Greenbelt lands that are permanently protected from development, including most region’s land is protected through policy than through public lands, land trust properties, and conservation easements. purchase. In addition, policies can help safeguard important lands until they are able to be permanently Urban Growth Boundaries or Urban Limit Lines protected. For example, Cowell Ranch outside of A line drawn between urban and rural lands defining where growth can and cannot Brentwood was targeted for sprawl development until occur. Depending on the details of the policy, changes to the boundary can be ap- the majority of the six-square-mile area was included proved by either elected officials or voters. for protection by the county’s urban limit line in 2000. In 2002, the Trust for Public Land raised the neces- Coastal Zone Protection sary funds to purchase the area, now known as Marsh Measures taken under the California Coastal Act to protect important coastal Creek State Park. resources for public enjoyment, safeguarding natural landscapes, and reducing impact on existing urban development.
And policy protections can stop sprawl in its tracks. Baylands Protection The County Spotlight section highlights policy protec- Measures taken under the Bay Plan by the San Francisco Bay Conservation and De- tion victories throughout the region. velopment Commission to protect the open water, wetlands, marshes, and mudflats of the greater San Francisco Bay, and areas 100 feet inland from the high tide line. Understanding where policies have been established and the degree to which they successfully protect Hillside Protection lands helps pinpoint which lands are most at risk of A measure that reduces or prohibits development on a city’s or county’s hills based development. At Risk: The Bay Area Greenbelt 2012 on the slope or distance from a ridgeline. Intended to preserve the scenic value of an successfully tracks efforts by city, county, and regional area and/or reduce the threat of landslides. leaders making headway toward protecting open space lands. The sidebar shows the wide range of poli- Greenbelt Reserves cies reviewed and catalogued in this report; read about An area temporarily set aside by a local jurisdiction for agricultural use or wildlife the Greenbelt Mapper on page 32 to access more habitat yet susceptible to future growth. detailed information. Critical Habitat Areas essential for the conservation of a threatened or endangered species under the Determining and adopting the best strategies to main- Federal Endangered Species Act that may require special management and protection. tain the greenbelt in each county will ensure future generations will experience and enjoy the Bay Area’s Habitat Conservation Plan natural lands and agriculture. A plan prepared for an area under the Federal Endangered Species Act to protect endangered species habitat while still allowing some development to occur.
Agricultural Protection A measure that prohibits conversion of agricultural or natural lands to other uses without a vote of the people.
Williamson Act Properties A specific property enrolled in a contract with local governments for the purpose of restricting land use to agricultural or related open space uses. In return, land owners receive reduced property tax assessments than the full market value, with local governments receiving the lost property tax revenues from the state.
Floodplain Protection Areas subject to flooding where development is prohibited. In limited cases, some development may be allowed with a special permit.
Riparian Protection A policy that limits or prohibits new construction within a certain distance from rivers and streams to avoid the adverse impacts of urban development, such as pollution runoff, erosion, and habitat degradation. alameda county
“Having green space keeps us sane mentally and physically. It’s not a luxury, it’s a necessity.”
Diana Ip and her daugher play at Oakland’s Lake Merritt.
Josh Seidenfeld and Diana Ip, 1,200 miles of trails. The district is However, despite strong policy residents of Oakland, love taking a national leader in acquiring lands protections on much of Alameda their daughter to Lake Merritt and and making them publicly acces- County’s land, some 30,000 acres Redwood Regional Park. And all sible for hiking, biking, and other remain at risk of development. that open space is next to a great outdoor activities. Doolan Canyon, the area between city. “I love the food, the cultural Dublin and Livermore, remains diversity, and the incredible green Of the land that is neither per- ground zero for ongoing land-use space of the Bay Area,” Josh says. manently protected nor already battles, including a controversial developed, 87% is protected by proposal to develop as many as Alameda County, with its urban policy measures. The vast majority 1,990 units of sprawl housing. side and rural eastern side, has a of that land enjoys high protection, long record of positive conserva- thanks in large part to Measure Preserving parks is important tion efforts, including protecting D, the Save Agriculture and Open to Josh and his family. “I can’t scenic East Bay hills and ridgelines Space Lands Initiative. Passed by imagine raising a child in a place and creating much-loved parks. voters in 2000, Measure D re- where she couldn’t run around and The East Bay Regional Parks Dis- quires voter approval to increase experience the power of nature,” trict includes more than 112,000 development capacity on county he says. “Having green space keeps acres of public land in Alameda land and requires cities to abide by us sane mentally and physically. It’s and Contra Costa counties—a the urban growth boundary in the not a luxury, it’s a necessity.” total of 65 parks including over eastern part of the county.
AT RISK 2012 AT 12 For definitions of risk and protection levels see page 4. contra costa county
“For two decades, because we’ve worked together, voters have approved urban limit lines to manage growth. We need to be stalwart and vigilant in our defense of open space.”
Phil O’Loane stands in the infield in San Ramon.
growth boundary and put open Standing by the bench, Coach In 2010 the San Ramon City space lands across the county at Phil O’Loane hollers to one of his Council attempted to expand its risk of similar attacks. Phil has daughter’s teammates across the growth boundary, allowing sprawl stepped forward to protect his city softball field. Just beyond the field development across 1,579 acres. from this proposal as well. rise the San Ramon hills, a natural Phil co-led a successful effort by boundary to the city with a view of residents to stop the expansion, Phil’s effort in San Ramon is a cows grazing in pasture land. Phil, convincing 71% of voters to op- model for other communities in now a San Ramon city council pose the city’s measure. Contra Costa County. For ex- member, had no idea two years ample, large swaths of the eastern ago the role he would soon play in Now Phil advocates to make county have been deemed fair helping protect this landscape from open space protection a citywide game for development in Pittsburg, urban development. priority. However, the threat of Antioch, Brentwood, and Oakley. sprawl in the Tassajara Valley still Contra Costa County has the most The area east of San Ramon, looms large. A powerful developer acres at high risk of development including the Tassajara Valley, is is pushing the county to approve of any county in the region—over protected by urban growth bound- a major development outside the 18,000. More action is necessary aries that prevent the jurisdictions growth boundaries. Approval of to preserve the hills, valleys, and of San Ramon, Danville, and the this sort of development would rich farmland to help protect this county from expanding eastward. eviscerate the integrity of the land for future generations.
AT RISK 2012 AT 14 For definitions of risk and protection levels see page 4. MARIN COUNTY
“Enjoying open space provides a nice balance to the fast pace of our lives.”
Marla Fields and her family enjoy biking.
Marla Fields and her husband maintains conservation easements communicate to residents the ben- moved to their home in Novato of more than 44,100 acres on 68 efits more homes will have on the thirteen years ago, and now have family farms and ranches. Even so, environment and the economy. two children, ages 10 and 12. Marin’s hillsides are still vulnerable They live near the San Francisco to the construction of “McMansions.” As an advocate for Stand Up for Bay Trail with views to the west Neighborly Novato, Marla speaks of Marin’s permanently protected But just because there shouldn’t with many members of her com- ridgelines. “I love going for family be more houses in the hills doesn’t munity. “I hear so many sad stories bike rides, hiking Mount Burdell, mean there shouldn’t be develop- of people who are suffering due to and walking the trails with my ment in Marin County. The lack of the high cost of rents in Marin,” dog,” she says. “Enjoying open home choices has made Marin the she says. “Even at a visit to my space provides a nice balance to regional leader in in-commuters, Novato dentist, the office assistant the fast pace of our lives.” with 60% of its workforce driv- told me she would love to move ing in from other counties. To from Santa Rosa to Novato, but as Marin is home to many national, give employees the chance to live a single mom, she cannot afford to state, and county parks. Over 80% locally, new development needs to rent in Novato.” Providing more of county land is protected—part be near 101 and future Sonoma- homes will improve the air quality by purchase and part by policy. Marin Area Rail Transit stations. in Marin and allow working farms The Marin Agricultural Land Trust The county’s largest challenge is to and protected parks to thrive.
AT RISK 2012 AT 16 For definitions of risk and protection levels see page 4. napa county
“When everyone else was developing, [Napa] put in the growth control measure.”
Volker Eisele grows grapes on his St. Helena land.
Since 1971, Volker Eisele has much,” he says. “It’s the combined Volker is concerned about park grown grapes on his land in St. attributes that make a difference.” closures, the loss of public land, Helena. Volker, who served on the He adds, “Napa is swimming and the growth of rural estates. Greenbelt Alliance Board of Direc- against the trend. When everyone Agricultural land in Napa County, tors for many years, has no time else was developing, we put in the unfortunately, is often sold into for sentimentality. He remains a growth control measure.” 100 to 200 acre parcels for large staunch fighter against sprawl and estate homes. While growth at this was the driving force behind Mea- In 2008, the measure was renewed scale may not seem significant, sure J, Napa County’s landmark as Measure P, protecting the coun- rural development that breaks agricultural initiative that helped ty’s rural character for another 50 up landscapes—for example, nurture its wine industry. years. “It passed with two-thirds of with fences around private lots— the vote, which shows the general prevents wildlife migration and Measure J, approved in 1990, re- consensus of the community,” he makes food production unrealistic. quires a two-thirds vote of county says. As a result of this long his- residents before agricultural land tory of protection, Napa County can be developed for anything has the lowest level of at risk land other than agricultural uses. “If in the region, with only 1% of its you analyze each step we have acreage at risk of development. developed, it doesn’t look like
AT RISK 2012 AT 18 For definitions of risk and protection levels see page 4. san mateo county
“There are bobcats that live right around our house and eat the squirrels!”
Gita Dev revels in open space.
still allow some land outside the boundary to urbanize; this leaves much of the county under only me- Gita Dev loves the abundance of “There are a lot of trails that go dium protection. Nonetheless, San open space and county parks in through my neighborhood and Mateo has a relatively low level San Mateo County. connect up to the preserves,” says of land at risk of suburban sprawl Gita. Windy Hill Open Space (only 6%) because most land out- And no wonder. The county is a Preserve is a favorite of her fam- side the boundary has steep slopes leader in open space protection, ily’s because it’s also dog-friendly. and is difficult to develop. Much both through direct purchase of She also appreciates the wildlife of the threat to open space in the land and through policy protec coming through the community. county is primarily from rural tion. The county is fortunate to “Quite a bit of wildlife goes back estate homes on large, undeveloped have both the Mid-Peninsula and forth—deer, rabbits, foxes, parcels of land. Regional Open Space District and possums, all kinds of birds.” the Peninsula Open Space Trust; The most controversial develop- together, these organizations per San Mateo County’s urban/rural ment site in San Mateo County manently protected an additional boundary is a unique policy ap- in recent years is the 1400-acre 2,500 acres since 2006. San Mateo proach that limits the intensity of Cargill salt ponds site in Redwood is second only to Marin County in development based on a series of City; a developer is proposing the percentage of its landscape that criteria, including how steep the to restore a portion of the site to is permanently protected: 38% of hillside is and the quality of the wetlands and develop a portion as total acres. soil. The complex formula can homes, parks, and sports facilities.
AT RISK 2012 AT 20 For definitions of risk and protection levels see page 4. santa clara county
“I love connecting people back to the land—just a few generations ago, almost everyone grew their own food.”
Mark Medeiros co-founded San Jose’s Veggielution. Fortunately, more people are work- ing to sustain and enhance the county’s agricultural heritage in both the greenbelt as well as urban farms in cities. Mark is one of Mark Medeiros grew up in a rural Plan puts development of much of them—he co-founded Veggielution, community between Morgan Hill Coyote Valley off the table through a 2-acre nonprofit community farm and Gilroy. He saw firsthand why 2040. Other historic threats from that grew 22,000 pounds of food Santa Clara County was known as the past—such as development in 2011 and educates hundreds of the “Valley of Heart’s Delight” for proposals in Sargent Ranch south people about organic gardening its abundant fresh food. of Gilroy—have also eased in each year. The county has begun recent years. a Food Systems Alliance to focus When Mark saw company after on improving access to healthy company springing up in Silicon Many threats remain in Santa food and helping local agriculture Valley—paving over acres of agri- Clara County; over 63,400 acres become more viable. cultural land—he found a passion of land are still at risk. Gilroy is in advocating for protection of an attractive area for development These exciting developments, the region’s remaining farmland. that too often is sprawl. Gilroy’s combined with a renewed focus on As a student at San Jose State, he intent to move its future high speed infill development by San Jose, the became active in the fight to pro- rail station out of downtown and region’s largest city, mean Santa tect Coyote Valley from develop- onto prime agricultural land poses Clara County residents may finally ment. Thanks to the hard work of a significant risk, as does rural be able to enjoy the benefits of Mark and many other residents, parcelization of agricultural land in both Silicon Valley and the Valley San Jose’s newly adopted General San Martin south of Morgan Hill. of Heart’s Delight.
AT RISK 2012 AT 22 For definitions of risk and protection levels see page 4. solano county
“Solano has beautiful, uncluttered open space between cities.”
Les Barclay farms walnuts in Solano County.
Les Barclay, a Bay Area native, He’s seen a lot of change in Solano Yet over 30,800 acres remain at once lived in Hawaii but he missed County, including some poorly high and medium risk of develop- northern California’s weather, planned growth. He credits So- ment in the county. The Dixon trails, open space, and wildlife. lano’s Orderly Growth Initiative, Ridge area outside the city is some “I’m an outdoor enthusiast,” he originally approved in 1984 and of the Bay Area’s best farmland. says. “The Bay Area has the most renewed by voters in 2008, for Dixon—located along the I-80 diverse land that is protected of protecting agricultural land. “It’s corridor within easy commuting any urban area.” A member of the the primary reason Solano has its distance of Sacramento—lacks an Native Plant Society, he often hikes beautiful, uncluttered open space urban growth boundary, leaving in Rockville Hills Regional Park. between cities,” he says. adjacent agricultural land vulner- able to sprawl. He bought a 16-acre walnut farm The renewal of the initiative was a outside Fairfield in 2000. The nuts fight, and Les helped write letters Solano County is expanding op- are harvested in October and taken to the editor and met with growers portunities for agri-tourism as a to a processing facility in the cen- to explain the benefits of the mea- way to generate revenue. The only tral valley. The shortage of nearby sure. It passed with nearly 70% of county in the Bay Area without an processing plants is a challenge he the vote. The Orderly Growth Ini- Open Space District, Solano could shares with others. “The price of tiative is the main reason that 73% add one to help protect its natural fuel means the driver has increased of Solano’s greenbelt lands enjoy a areas as well as promote its agri- what he charges us,” Les says. high level of protection. cultural heritage.
AT RISK 2012 AT 24 For definitions of risk and protection levels see page 4. Sonoma county
“People here want to preserve the environment, like it’s part of preserving their backyard.”
Lucas Murillo is influencing the next generation to care for the environment.
Lucas Murillo spends many days home for him. “It is so green com- another nearly 500,000 acres have introducing kids to the natural pared to where I come from,” he only medium protection. Innova- world. An AmeriCorps member says. “People here want to preserve tive growth management measures for Conservation Corps North Bay, the environment, like it’s part of may be necessary to protect these Lucas builds trails and manages preserving their backyard.” vital lands. invasive plants at Pepperwood Preserve near Santa Rosa. He also The next decade will be impor- Protecting the landscape is impor- teaches elementary school students. tant for Sonoma County. While it tant to Sonoma County residents; “It’s funny to hear what the kids can proudly boast urban growth in 2006, 76% of voters supported say—‘will we see tigers?’” Lucas boundaries around each of its nine reauthorizing the Sonoma County says. “It’s great to introduce them cities, the county lands remain Agricultural Preservation and to the outdoors, and to tell them open. Rural residential develop- Open Space District for another they can go to their local park and ment of these properties continues 20 years with a 25-cent sales tax. see the same thing.” to pose the single largest threat to Smart land management practices preserving productive farm and combined with the permanent A graduate of the University of ranch land, and disrupts contigu- protection work of the Sonoma California at Santa Cruz, Lucas ous wildlife habitat. Over 250,000 Land Trust and others will benefit grew up in Concord, hiking Mount acres of Sonoma County’s green- wildlife and residents. Diablo. Sonoma County is a new belt remains minimally protected;
AT RISK 2012 AT 26 For definitions of risk and protection levels see page 4. Investing in Bay Area lands
It is not enough to simply protect Bay Area natural Natural lands also contribute to the region’s economic and agricultural lands from development. The region competitiveness. Open spaces rich with accessible needs to nurture and steward those lands to make parks and trails to get to them, and a plethora of local sure they continue to thrive and provide benefits to food options contribute to a high quality of life. That residents. quality of life attracts a talented workforce, encourag- ing businesses to locate and stay here. Agricultural lands provide fresh, affordable food from local farms and ranches. These landscapes provide But without ongoing stewardship, the region could significant economic benefits as well. Bay Area agricul- lose those benefits. It’s essential to provide resources ture earned $1.8 billion in 2010, and the wine indus- to restore and maintain natural areas to allow imper- try generates $9.5 billion annually in Napa County iled species to recover and prevent invasive species alone. But farmers in the Bay Area face challenges that from displacing native plants and animals. And we make it difficult to make a living. Farmers and ranch- need renewed funding for ongoing maintenance and ers need help to stay in business. operations to keep parks safe, clean, and open to the public. The Bay Area’s natural lands provide clean drinking water, clean air, and protection from disasters like Here are just a few examples of the many ways to flooding, landslides, and climate change. For example, invest in Bay Area lands. using natural lands to filter our water and control flooding saves money compared to expensive filtration Helping agriculture plants and levees. Diverse habitats support a broad ar- The ingredients exist for Bay Area agriculture to ray of native plants and animals, and our beaches, for- thrive. Consumer demand for local food is high, farm- ests, regional parks and trails help California’s families ers want to provide more to the market, and there is stay healthy. Muir Woods and other famed landscapes local farmland available for additional production. help make the Bay Area a top tourist destination. “There’s land, there’s labor, and there’s a market,” affirms Bob Corshen of the Community Alliance with Family Farmers. But farmers need help to stay in busi- ness, to expand their markets, and even to increase their acreage.
One example of a way to help is to solve the problem of food distribution. Farmers find that packaging and delivering food to multiple locations is time- consuming and inefficient. Life is much easier—and profitable—when there is a central location to deliver produce. These hubs make distribution more efficient and make sure extra food isn’t wasted.
Over two dozen wholesale food distributors in the Sonoma County area supply restaurants, hospitals, hotels, and schools that are clamoring for locally grown produce. While the distributors can’t go to every farm to pick up vegetables and fruits, they are willing to go to a central distribution point. People’s
AT RISK 2012 AT 28 AT RISK 2012 29 - Sustaining natural habitats and watersheds Sustaining natural to maintain wildlife cor The region needs funding rivers to remain sustainable for ridors and lakes and Area residents. Jurisdictions biodiversity and Bay Bay for a solution. could look to the South Plans, which a number of Habitat Conservation example of one way to steward counties use, are an County is on the cusp of adopting land. Santa Clara will protect, a Habitat Conservation Plan, which in specific areas enhance, and restore natural resources Through acquisition of land as well as of the county. and in some long-term management, enhancement, the plan cases restoration of natural communities, species, will contribute to the recovery of endangered and improving safeguard water quality by protecting areas key watershed areas, and increase recreational and public access to parks and trails. Clara County’s But investment is needed to make Santa The cost of implementing the plan is plan a reality. Over the 50-year approximately $15 million annually. for habitat and life of the plan, $80 million is needed for recreation watershed restoration, and $16 million will come and public access. Over half of the funds developers, but from mitigation fees paid by private needed as well. significant additional funding will be Harvest, a fresh food processing center and distribu- Harvest, a fresh food processing center in Petaluma tion hub for local farmers, is set to open access new in late spring 2012. This will help farmers having to travel customers and sell more food without Harvest will also chop to multiple markets. People’s produce, since many institutional and pack a farmer’s customers want food already prepared. Harvest make farming much Facilities like People’s more financially workable for local farmers, and increase the availability—and reduce the price—of locally grown food for consumers. But these facilities require start-up capital and operations funding for ongoing management. This is an opportunity to make a concrete improvement in the viability of agricultural enterprises. Supporting parks Bay Area residents are fortunate to have protected open space to enjoy yet it’s in danger of neglect. The region needs resources to keep state, regional, and local parks and trails open and well-maintained so that residents can truly reap the benefits.
Funding for California’s parks has declined in recent years due to state budget cuts. Throughout the state, parks are at risk of being closed to the public due to lack of funding. When Governor Brown took office in 2011 his budget called for a reduction of $22 million in spending on state parks. The Department of Parks and Recreation released a list of 70 parks proposed for closure in response. While many of these parks have been able to stay open through innovative public-private partnerships, the 2012-13 state budget contains more proposed cuts to California’s state park system, leaving the fate of dozens of parks in question.
Local parks and trails are also at risk. The brand new Cowell-Purisima Coastal trail in San Mateo County thankfully has funding from the California Coastal Conservancy for operation and maintenance of the trail until 2014. But after that, unless another govern- ment agency or nonprofit takes over day-to-day man- agement of this long-awaited and beautifully situated trail, it may be forced to close.
AT RISK 2012 AT 30 AT RISK 2012 - 31 vation. If we truly value the gorgeous hills, valleys, vation. If we truly Area, we must invest in making and farms of the Bay a sustainable livelihood. We farming and ranching the value of our wild spaces also need to recognize the economy thrives when people and waterways. And and live in places where there are are drawn to work lifestyle. opportunities for recreation and a healthy matters. The At Greenbelt Alliance, we know place metropolis. Bay Area is beautiful and a world-class in what makes It will take strong leadership to invest and people. the region special—its diverse geography make the Bay Area a great place for future genera- To of preserva- tions, it will take the combined solutions tion, policy protection, and stewardship. These times demand that Bay Area residents and lead- These times demand beyond protection and preser ers take the next step Every decision for what happens on Bay Area land— Every decision for planted fields, or nurtured wild- whether for homes, be carefully weighed. The right life habitat—should will improve the quality of life for balance is one that and protect natural and working future generations lands. residents and leaders have made Although Bay Area the first At good progress in slowing sprawl since threat Risk report was published in 1989, the global a sustain- of climate change demands that we create farms so able region. The Bay Area needs to safeguard fresh food; to protect watersheds people have healthy, and to and forests that capture water and carbon; need to don’t construct homes in places where people greenhouse drive, improving air quality and reducing gas pollution. clusion con greenbelt mapper
The complexity of the Bay Area’s greenbelt is best understood online. The Greenbelt Mapper, an interac- tive online map, showcases where land is zoned for development, where growth management measures are in place, and the many values open space provides.
The Greenbelt Mapper shows precisely what poli- cies—such as urban growth boundaries, agricultural protection measures, or hillside ordinances—are in place over every square inch of land in the region. This can help determine which measures work and prioritize future policy measures to adopt.
The Greenbelt Mapper also includes detailed informa- tion about the intrinsic values of the Bay Area’s lands, identifying farms and ranchlands, water resource lands, parks and trails, and critical wildlife habitat. For example, you can use the Greenbelt Mapper to view important water resource lands overlapped with lands at high risk for development. Seeing the value of the land combined with information about which lands are most at risk presents a clear picture of what places should be prioritized for preservation and investment.
To visit the interactive Greenbelt Mapper, go to greenbelt.org/greenbelt-mapper. T RISK 2012
A 32 AT RISK 2012 33 A third component, the value of A third component, deepens the Bay Area landscape, The Mapper our understanding. wildlife allows you to see where lands, culti- habitat, recreational resources vated areas, and water together cover the region. Taken and protec- with the development tion categories, the assessment of lands empowers the the region’s Bay Area community to make more informed decisions about the future of the landscape for this and the next generations. For a complete methodology report with resources used, see greenbelt.org/research/at-risk/ methodology. pressures on open space. These pressures on open top of each values are added on score, other to give a cumulative development with those strongest greater relative factors receiving a a proposed score. For example, process is project in the approval score than given a greater relative undeveloped open space zoned for rural residential dwellings. The policy protection category is similarly an aggregate of policy measures enacted that protect the land from development, such as urban growth boundaries, agri- cultural protections, and hillside ordinances. Then the development pressure category and the policy protection category are scored against each other; the resulting combination provides the final numbers. At Risk: The Bay Area Greenbelt At Risk: The Bay Area spatial 2012, through a detailed the ques- analysis, tries to answer a threat does tion, how much of greenbelt? sprawl pose to the land use and The analysis captures primary planning data in three categories: 1) development pres- sure, 2) policy protection, and 3) open space value. The At Risk map showing likelihood of development within 10 to 30 years is derived by directly comparing the pressure to build on open spaces against the policies enacted to keep them pre- the Greenbelt Mapper served. Visit at greenbelt.org/greenbelt-mapper to explore more. The development pressure cat- egory comprises information on zoning and growth market activity, projections, as well as locational hodology met