The 5,759-acre La Honda Creek Open Space Preserve consists of working ranch land, grasslands, and forests near the town of La Honda. The District is creating a 30-year use and management Master Plan for this preserve that aims to balance the preservation of viable agriculture, cultural history, and the natural environment with public education and low-intensity recreation.

Latest News | Milestones + Updates | History

Latest News
Environmental Review

From November 2009 - March 2012, the District pulled back on a several projects, including the Master Plan, because of fiscal constraints during the economic slowdown. In April 2012, the District restarted the planning process to prepare for Board certification of environmental documents and Master Plan approval in summer 2012.

For the latest news, please review the April 2012 Project Update.

2017-2022	Phase 2 Implementation: Trail connections, creek restoration, permanent parking areas, bridge replacement.
2012-2016	Phase 1 Implementation: Main access trails and interim parking areas. High-priority water quality protection projects, wildfire response plan, Red Barn site specific plan.
Summer 2012	Finalize Master Plan: Board certification of environmental documents and Master Plan approval.
June 2012	Public review of environmental documents.
April 2012	Planning process restarts. (See the April 2012 Project Update)
11/12/2009	Third public hearing for Board to vote on tentative adoption of the Draft Master Plan.
6/16/2009	Second public hearing for Board to receive community input on the Draft Master Plan.
5/19/2009	First public hearing for Board to receive community input on the Draft Master Plan. (See the Spring Newsletter)
5/13/2009	Deadline for Written Comments on the Draft Master Plan. (for submittal to Board for their review prior to the May 19 meeting)
4/22/2009	Informational only report on Draft Master Plan at a regular Board meeting. No Board action taken.
4/13/2009	Public Release and Review of Revised Draft Master Plan.

Project History

La Honda Creek Open Space Preserve, considered by many as a gateway to the San Mateo coast, features forests of redwood and Douglas fir, contrasting open grassland hilltops, and spectacular panoramic views leading to the coast. This Preserve's potential has only just begun to be scratched as historically only a portion of the preserve has been open to hikers and equestrians on a permit basis.

In July 2004, the District and a team of consultants kicked off the master planning process for this Preserve with an on-site meeting to review the scope of work, schedule, and budget for this project. The District master planning process aims to provide the public with greater opportunities for recreation access, interpretation, and education, while expanding livestock grazing and protecting the rural heritage, natural, cultural, and historic resources of the landscape for the long-term.

In December 2007, the District held an open house to discuss the La Honda Creek Open Space Preserve Draft Master Plan. A concise list of the draft plan recommendations, true to the District's mission and incorporating many of the comments and ideas the District received from neighbors, agencies, Preserve users, and local organizations, was released. (See Draft Implementation Table and Draft Plan Maps).

The Draft La Honda Creek Open Space Preserve Master Plan was released on April 13, 2009. At the public hearing (agenda) on June 16, 2009, the District's Board of Directors received community input and discussed the Draft Master Plan. The third public hearing was held November 12 , 2009; the Board of Directors voted to tentatively approve the draft Master Plan.