Coastside Protection Program

The District's Coastside Protection Program became a reality on September 7, 2004, when the Certificate of Completion of Annexation extended the District's boundary to the Pacific Ocean from the City of Pacifica to the Santa Cruz County line. The District spent more than 7 years developing the Program in collaboration with coastside residents.

Under the Program, the District to date has purchased 5,841 acres on the coastside, including the magnificent 3,681–acre Driscoll Ranch property as an addition to the District’s La Honda Creek Open Space Preserve and the spectacular 1,047–acre Mindego Ranch (the District’s Board has approved the purchase of Mindego Ranch, but the District has not yet closed escrow). These purchases are a significant contribution to maintaining the health of the coastside’s natural environment. The diverse vegetation and water resources present on these properties provide habitat for a variety of plants and animals, including several species listed as federally threatened under the Endangered Species Act. The District is currently involving the public in drafting a plan to further open La Honda Creek Preserve to public use.

Open Space Planning

Open Space Planning at the District aims to ensure that more people, including hikers, mountain bicyclists and equestrians, will be able to experience firsthand the beauty of the Bay Area's natural setting. Opportunities for public recreation are balanced with natural resource protection through a comprehensive planning approach in partnership with the community. New trails and staging areas are built with state-of-the-art environmentally sound construction techniques, and natural resource restoration is a key component of every project. Learn more about Open Space Planning and how you can participate.

Resource Management

The District has a long and proud history of responsible stewardship of open space lands and a high level of responsiveness to community needs. Created by voters more than 30 years ago, the District has a proven track record of protecting and managing nearly 56,000 acres of open space. Over the years we have addressed critical resource management issues by working with our neighbors, partnering agencies, and resource professionals to restore the diversity and integrity of our natural resources. Discover how the District's Resource Management program is implemented and find out more about projects under way.