Location and Background
The Mindego Ranch property, a 1,047-acre cattle ranch, was added to the western portion of Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve in 2008. The Preliminary Use and Management Plan that was approved as part of the property purchase included standard resource management actions, signage and site security, structural demolition, and continuation of grazing under the provisions of a grazing lease.
Mindego Ranch Use and Management Plan
The Mindego Ranch Use & Management Plan is a long range planning effort that directs future land management, operations, and public access actions and activities at Mindego Ranch with the goal to protect and enhance habitat for sensitive wildlife species, while responsibly integrating necessary land management activities and sensitive public access at Mindego Ranch. The plan was approved in January 2014, and the site was opened to the public in March 2016.
Download Mindego Ranch Use & Management Plan Amendment
Features
Mindego Gateway
Mindego Gateway opened in May 2014. The site includes parking for 20 cars, a restroom, access to a popular trail system, and the Audrey C. Rust commemorative site with tiered viewing platforms, including a wheelchair-accessible terrace.
Ancient Oaks Trail Extension
Stunning views of the Pacific Ocean are a highlight of this trail as it meanders up hilly woodlands and through meadows from the new staging area before connecting with the Ancient Oaks Trail. Visitors can head back to the parking area along the Charquin and Mindego Hill Trails which complete the 3-mile loop that opened in March 2015.
Conservation Grazing
Conservation grazing was established at Mindego Ranch in November 2015 as a cost-effective strategy to maintain ideal grassland-to-brush ratios to protect San Francisco garter snakes, control invasive weeds, reduce wildland fire fuel loads, maintain open water habitats in shallow ponds for California Red-legged frogs and promote native plant diversity as well as support a traditional Coastside land use.
Mindego Hill Trail
Opened in March 2016, the final .75-mile trail segment gives hikers and equestrians access to the summit of Mindego Hill. Once at the top visitors are surrounded by the sweeping landscape with views out to the Pacific Ocean!
Project History
- March 2016 – Mindego Hill Trail to the top of Mindego Hill opens
- November 2015 – Conservation Grazing begins on the property.
- May 2015 – Ancient Oaks Trail Extension opens.
- May 2014 – Mindego Gateway opens.
- January 2014 – The District’s Board adopted the Mitigated Negative Declaration and approved the Mindego Ranch Use and Management Plan Amendment.
- May 2008 – The Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District Board of Directors approved the purchase of the Mindego Ranch Property from POST.