Long-range planning is key in preserving resources while enhancing our visitors' use and experience. Policies and guidelines designed in conjunction with master plans and resource management plans provide a blueprint for future decisions and actions that ensure consistency with the District's mission to "protect and restore the natural environment; and provide opportunities for ecologically sensitive public enjoyment and education."

Open Space Planning

Master plans are developed to serve as the guiding vision to direct land use and stewardship, natural resource enhancement, and the development of trails, staging areas, and other low-intensity recreational facilities within preserves. Each master plan will include a resource management element that provides an inventory and analysis of significant resources, and recommendations for resource management activities. Site-specific resource management plans are intended for areas or preserves that have unique natural conditions or resource issues. Subject-specific resource management plans may be generated to address a high priority or urgent resource protection issue such as endangered species habitat preservation.

The Regional Open Space Study, prepared by the District in 1998, illustrates the vision for a continuous greenbelt. The ROSS is an important tool for planning connections between District trails and the regional trail system to provide visitors with a seamless route through the Bay Area wilderness. Inspired by the vision of a regional open space network linking District preserves to other public parklands, we are active participants in the creation of the San Francisco Bay Trail and the Bay Area Ridge Trail.

Geographic Information Systems

Open Space Planners use the latest GIS and GPS technology to gather and record land and resource information that establishes the foundation for our planning efforts and on-going management of preserves, such as the La Honda Creek Vegetation Study. District-wide resource data is continually collected on vegetation, soils and geology, hydrology, sensitive plants and animals, and cultural resources. These subjects can be analyzed alone and in combination to identify important land management priorities.

Open Space Projects - Plans and Policies In Action

Open Space plans and policies are put into action through the District's Capital Improvement Program and ongoing stewardship. Open Space Planners prepare designs and specifications for resource protection and restoration, trails and bridges, staging areas, signs, and other improvements and manage the projects through final implementation. Open space projects emphasize preservation and enhancement of natural and cultural resources.

Community Participation

Community participation is an integral part of the planning process. Neighbors, special interest groups and others interested in shaping decisions about how District preserves are enjoyed and managed are encouraged to participate in workshops, attend community meetings and share their ideas at public hearings with the Board of Directors. Refer to News+Notices for more information.