Santa Clara County Open Space Authority
DRAFT 3 for discussion only
11/13/13 (This document iteration was handed out during the Board Meeting on 11/14/13 and
supersedes a previous version distributed 11/8/13 as part of the Board Meeting Packet)
5-year Strategic Implementation Plan:
A Greenprint for Santa Clara Valley
July 1, 2014- June 30, 2019
I. Background and Purpose
The Santa Clara County Open Space Authority was established in 1993 with the purpose of
acquiring and preserving the extraordinary natural resources and open spaces in the County.
Over the past 20 years the Authority has acquired and/or preserved nearly 16,000 acres of open
space and agricultural lands, created 18 miles of new trails and provided innovative outreach
and environmental education opportunities to thousands of Santa Clara Valley residents and
their families.
Over the past several years, the Board and senior staff of the Authority have recognized the
ever-more critical need for the agency to be a regional leader in protecting and restoring open
space, partnering with other agencies to protect local water supplies and watersheds, helping to
sustain local agriculture, and fostering climate change-readiness in the region and in urban
communities through development of vibrant green infrastructure.
On the eve of the agency’s 20th anniversary in 2012, the Authority Board, Citizens Advisory
Committee and staff undertook a visioning process to set the path for the Authority’s role and
priorities for the next 30 years, and define its unique leadership role in the region. A mind map
of the emerging trends identified by the Board and the CAC at their April 2012 workshop is
attached as Appendix 1.
A central outcome of this visioning process over the past year has been the development of an
ambitious 30-year Conservation Vision. The Vision is an innovative effort to refine and redefine
the mission and focus of the agency, promoting programs that focus comprehensively on
protecting open space, natural areas, water resources and agriculture, as well as promoting
recreation and urban access to open space, as a means of fostering and sustaining healthy and
livable communities throughout the Authority’s jurisdiction.
With input on the 30-year Vision from the community, the Authority Board and staff committed
the Authority to:
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Santa Clara County Open Space Authority
DRAFT 3 for discussion only
11/13/13 (This document iteration was handed out during the Board Meeting on 11/14/13 and
supersedes a previous version distributed 11/8/13 as part of the Board Meeting Packet)
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Conserve open space, natural areas and agricultural lands in and around our
communities to sustain economic and environmental benefits and maintain quality of
life.
Actively engage in local and regional planning efforts to preserve greenbelts and ensure
compact, efficient communities.
Develop partnerships to support healthy active living for all populations with the
Authority’s jurisdiction.
Building on that Vision, and with advice and input from the Board’s CAC and the staff, this five
year strategic implementation plan will guide the Authority through the end of FY 2018-19.
II. Our Mission
The Open Space Authority conserves the natural environment, supports agriculture and
connects people to nature, by protecting open spaces, natural areas, and working farms and
ranches for future generations.
III. Our 30-Year Vision
We envision the Santa Clara Valley and its surrounding hillsides as a beautiful place where a
vibrant network of interconnected open spaces, trails, wildlife habitats and thriving agricultural
lands enrich the region’s cities, making our Valley an exceptional and healthy place to live, work,
learn and play.
In our vision of the Santa Clara Valley:
•
A well-managed network of open spaces, farms and ranches sustains our natural
heritage and provides resilience to a changing environment
•
All members of our community are aware of the values of nature and have convenient
access to local recreational and environmental education opportunities
•
Our drinking water is safeguarded by protecting our local creeks and watersheds, from
their headwaters in the surrounding hills to the Bay
•
Community investment in nature--and the essential benefits that nature provides-sustains and enhances a healthy environment and economy
•
The rich heritage of the Valley’s agriculture is thriving, with locally grown foods
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Santa Clara County Open Space Authority
DRAFT 3 for discussion only
11/13/13 (This document iteration was handed out during the Board Meeting on 11/14/13 and
supersedes a previous version distributed 11/8/13 as part of the Board Meeting Packet)
contributing to healthy communities and creating a sense of place and pride in our
region
•
The Open Space Authority contributes to the region’s quality of life by building and
sustaining public and private partnerships in all our communities
IV. Our Core Competencies (drawn from June 2012 staff workshop)
The staff of the Open Space Authority has the necessary skills to carry out this implementation
plan. They embody the following core skills and competencies, and recognize the need to
continually grow the agency’s capacity in these areas to enhance delivery of open space
services:
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Progressive leadership that is focused and mission-driven
Streamlined, responsive and efficient management
High quality land and resource management
 Well managed natural lands that ensure clean water, clean air, healthy habitat
and reduced risk of catastrophic wildfires
 Clean, safe and well developed trails and public access & education facilities
 A state-of-the-art grazing management program and an integrated pest
management program to control non-native species
Strong collaborative relationships with other agencies, non-profit organizations and
local communities
Strong education and outreach programs
V. Goals & Guiding Principles in Our 30-year Conservation Vision
These goals represent the Authority’s commitment to achieve its Vision and Mission over the
next 30 years. The Goals, and the Authority’s Guiding Principles that support them, are the basis
for the actions proposed in the 5-year Strategic Plan.
Water Resources
Our 30 year Goal: Protect and restore water resources to benefit local communities and the
environment, and to provide resilience to a changing climate.
Guiding Principles:
• Protect and manage critical watershed areas to sustain local water supplies, maintain
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Santa Clara County Open Space Authority
DRAFT 3 for discussion only
11/13/13 (This document iteration was handed out during the Board Meeting on 11/14/13 and
supersedes a previous version distributed 11/8/13 as part of the Board Meeting Packet)
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habitat and environmental conditions, and improve flood protection.
Work closely with partners to coordinate watershed protection and restoration efforts
across jurisdictional boundaries.
Engage the community in watershed education and outreach activities.
Wildlands & Natural Areas
Our 30-year Goal: Protect and Manage an Interconnected System of Wildlands and Natural
Areas to Support Native Habitats and Species and to Ensure Resilience to a Changing
Environment
Guiding Principles:
• Protect and restore habitat for the county’s rare and unique biological communities and
species.
• Protect and manage large, interconnected habitats and landscape linkages to preserve
the full range of biological systems and ensure their long-term viability in response to a
changing climate.
• Provide leadership and foster collaboration on land stewardship activities in Santa Clara
County
• Conduct outreach and education efforts to better inform the public about local species
and habitats and the importance of their protection
Farms, Ranches & Working Lands
Our 30-year Goal: Conserve farms, ranches and working landscapes to sustain the economic
and environmental viability of agriculture within Open Space Authority jurisdiction
Guiding Principles:
• Permanently protect the farms, ranches and working landscapes that are most critical
for agricultural viability.
• Be a regional leader in land use planning to promote a healthy and environmentally
sustainable agricultural business sector
• Manage Authority agricultural properties to optimize natural resources protection and
agricultural operations viability
• Educate the diverse urban public about the numerous opportunities to engage with and
benefit from local agriculture.
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Santa Clara County Open Space Authority
DRAFT 3 for discussion only
11/13/13 (This document iteration was handed out during the Board Meeting on 11/14/13 and
supersedes a previous version distributed 11/8/13 as part of the Board Meeting Packet)
Public Access & Recreation
Our 30-year Goal: Protect and manage a network of open space lands that provide
opportunities for nature-based recreation and education for all residents.
Guiding Principles:
• Close gaps in the region-wide system of parks, open spaces and trails.
• Enhance OSA’s Urban Open Space Program to promote greater access to safe and wellmanaged open spaces.
• Enhance OSA’s education and outreach programs to increase understanding and
appreciation of the economic, environmental and community benefits of open space.
Organizational Development & Financial Sustainability
In addition to the resource categories above, the Conservation Vision identifies an overall Goal
to enable the agency to become a regional leader in comprehensive land and resource
protection:
Our 30-year Goal: Establish and maintain the Authority as a regional leader in expanding and
improving stewardship of open space, natural areas and urban open space, strengthening the
viability of local agriculture, and providing leadership in science-based environmental
education.
To accomplish all of these ambitious goals, the Board has committed the agency to a prominent
role over the next decades in fostering clean, safe water and natural resources, smart land use,
thriving local agriculture and access to local food. Therefore, the five-year plan also identifies
actions necessary to expand and stabilize the Authority’s financial and staff resources.
VI. Priority Actions for 2014-2018
The 5-year Strategic Implementation Plan is divided into the Authority’s major program areas:
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Land Protection
Stewardship & Natural Resources Protection
Public Access & Recreation
Communications & Education
Organizational Development & Financial Sustainability
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Santa Clara County Open Space Authority
DRAFT 3 for discussion only
11/13/13 (This document iteration was handed out during the Board Meeting on 11/14/13 and
supersedes a previous version distributed 11/8/13 as part of the Board Meeting Packet)
The 5-year Objectives and Implementation Actions are derived from the Conservation Vision,
and prioritized for the next five years of Authority focus and activity.
For each Program area, the Plan identifies the relevant Guiding Principles from the Conservation
Vision, the agency’s five-year objectives, and identifies the highest priority actions for the next
five years. With feedback from the Board’s Ad Hoc Committee, the Authority Leadership Team
used the following criteria in selecting actions for each Authority program area:
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The Action addresses multiple objectives and/or provides multiple benefits
Current partner(s)or partnership opportunities are available (planning,
implementation, funding)
The Action advances the Authority’s Conservation Vision Strategies and Guiding
Policies
While the Authority is committed to initiating these important actions over the next five years,
significant funding from partnerships, grants, and other sources of revenue will be required to
complete all of these high priority actions within this timeline.
Five-year Objectives and Implementation Actions are shown in the table below.
Program Area &
Conservation Vision
Guiding Principles
Land Protection
Protect and manage
critical watershed areas
to maintain local water
supplies, maintain habitat
and environmental
conditions and improve
flood protection.
Protect and restore
habitat for the County's
rare and unique
biological communities
and species.
5-Year Objectives & Implementation Actions
Objective 1: Acquire/protect strategically important farm and rangeland
Action 1a. Acquire up to 400 acres of high value, at-risk farms and
orchards in and around the Coyote Valley, Morgan Hill and Gilroy
Action 1b. Contribute to the protection of up to 7,500 acres in Sargent
Hills and Upper Pajaro River Corridor
Action 1c. Conduct a feasibility study to increase OSA and partner
capacity to promote farm and rangeland protection efforts in southern
Santa Clara Valley and northern San Benito County
Objective 2: Protect multi-benefit natural and water resources
Action 2a. Secure ~5000 acres on Coyote Ridge
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Protect and manage large
interconnected habitats
and landscape linkages to
preserve a full range of
biological systems and
ensure their long-term
viability in response to a
changing climate.
Stem conversion of
farmland, specifically at
the urban edge, with the
aim of no net loss of
prime farmland.
Action 2b. Coordinate with the Santa Clara Valley Water District to
integrate land and water resources conservation and ecosystem services
valuation data in into the Coyote Watershed Master Plan
Action 2c. Secure up to 400 acres in and around the Coyote Valley for
groundwater recharge, habitat connectivity, flood control, wetland
restoration and compatible agriculture.
Objective 3: Acquire land for public access & trails
Action 3a. Secure the land necessary to provide parking and trail access
to El Toro Mountain and to City of Morgan Hill properties
Action 3b. Develop partnerships to lose gaps between existing open
space preserves and parklands (c. 1000 acres)
Permanently protect the
farms, ranches and
working landscapes in the
County that are most
critical for overall
agricultural viability.
Stewardship & Natural
Objective 1: Enroll up to 1,000 acres of existing OSA lands into the HCP
Resources Protection
under a Participating Special Entity Agreement
Protect and restore
habitat for Santa Clara
Action 1a. Complete resource management plans for Coyote Valley,
County's rare and unique Sierra Vista, and Palassou OSPs for enrollment into the HCP Reserve
biological communities
system.
and species.
Action 1b. Complete conservation easements with the Valley Habitat
Agency
for enrolled properties
Provide leadership and
foster collaboration on
land stewardship in Santa
Clara County.
Protect and manage
critical watershed areas
to maintain local water
supplies and water
quality, maintain habitat
and environmental
conditions and reduce
flood risk.
Objective 2: Complete critical natural resource stewardship projects
Action 2a. Plan and construct Dexter Canyon Bridge - Palassou Property
Action 2b. Complete the Bianchi conservation easement and wetland
restoration project
Action 2c. Complete the Doan property channel restoration
Objective 3: Provide regional leadership in multi-agency resource
management
Action 3a: Coordinate Wildland Fire Protection Planning efforts
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Stewardship & Natural
Resources Protection
Cont’d
Action 3b: Complete conservation easements and management plans for
Santa Clara Valley Water District mitigation properties
Action 3c: Develop a regional natural resources & conservation GIS
database.
Action 3d: Develop Local Pilot Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES)
Grant Program
Action 3e: Participate in regional partnerships and coordinated resource
management planning efforts such as the Pajaro Integrated Regional
Water Management Plan to secure funding for regionally significant
conservation projects
Action 3f: Coordinate with Sustainable Agriculture Education (SAGE) to
establish the Coyote Valley Agricultural Enterprise and Conservation
Program and implement agricultural conservation, education and
agritourism efforts
Objective 4: Develop comprehensive Resource Management Policies
Action 4a. Develop a Fuels Management Policy
Action 4b. Develop an Integrated Pest Management Policy
Action 4c. Complete the California Department of Fish & Wildlife
Memorandum of Understanding for Work in Stream Channels
Objective 5: Develop a comprehensive Mitigation Policy and Program
Guidelines
Public Access &
Recreation
Promote healthy
lifestyles by expanding
and improving access to
parks, open spaces, trails
and local farms &
community gardens.
Close gaps in the
County's system of
regional parks, open
spaces and trails.
Objective 1: Design and implement a new Urban Open Space Program
Grant allocation process
Action 1a. Establish Urban Open Space Task Force
Objective 2: Plan and construct new public access facilities.
Action 2a. Plan and construct staging area and 5-mile Bay Area Ridge Trail
connection at Coyote Ridge
Action 2b: Develop trail and staging area at El Toro
Action 2c: Open Sierra Vista OSP trail and staging area
Objective 3: Construct improvements and Open Coyote Valley Open
Space Preserve for public access
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Action 3a. Develop Phase I improvements (parking area and 4 mile trail
system)
Communications &
Education
Enhance the Open Space
Authority's education and
outreach programs to
increase understanding
and appreciation of the
economic, environmental
and community benefits
of open space.
Conduct outreach and
education efforts to
better inform the public
about local species,
habitats and linkages and
the importance of their
protection and
stewardship.
Engage the community in
watershed education and
outreach activities.
Action 3b. Develop Phase II improvements (construct ADA trail and build
Outdoor Learning Center
Objective 1: Expand and develop natural science and agriculture
education program using electronic media
Action 1a. Develop and implement the Got Nature? program with
interactive website content and social media delivery
Action 1b. Develop an Educational / Expert speaker program via social
media outlet
Action 1c. Develop video shorts to teach natural science
Action 1d. Expand video cams on OSA lands
Objective 2: Establish partnerships to develop and implement sciencebased K-12 environmental education programs
Action 2a: Through partnerships with experts in agriculture, wildlife,
watershed protection and other natural science areas, develop curricula
to deliver science based, in-class programs to schools (K-12).
Objective 3: Expand the Citizen Science Program
Action 3a. Partner with local schools, colleges, universities, and non-profit
partners to conduct research and monitoring on OSA lands.
Objective 4: Create a mobile environmental education center to bring
science and agricultural education to the community
Organizational
Development & Financial
Sustainability
Objective 1: Secure new sources of funding for land protection,
stewardship and operations and maintenance
Provide leadership and
foster collaboration on
land stewardship in Santa
Clara County.
Action 1a. Complete an Expenditure Plan for a future OSA funding
measure
Action 1b. Secure AB32 revenues toward protection of open space and
farmland
Be a regional leader in
Objective 2: Support regional collaborations to establish Priority
Conservation Areas (PCAs) and Regional Advanced Mitigation
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land use planning to
promote a healthy and
environmentally
sustainable agricultural
business sector in the
County
Program (RAMP) priorities as part of the next Sustainable
Communities Strategy
Objective 3: Build organizational capacity to meet future agency needs.
Action 3a. Assess the need for increased resources or infrastructure to
accommodate future growth of the agency
Action 3b. Prepare a succession plan for the agency
Action 3c. Increase the efficiency of Agency and Board operations
through greater use of technology
Objective 4: Enhance Conservation Easement Program
Action 4a: Adopt best practices for conservation easement baseline
documentation, monitoring, enforcement, and records management
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Appendix 1 Emerging Trends: Mind Map from Board and CAC Public Visioning
Workshop, April 26, 2012
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