Final Piece in Open Space Puzzle!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SANTA CLARA COUNTY – The Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors approved funding to acquire the 60 acre Lysons property, now seamlessly connecting two County parks with four Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District Preserves. In the future it will be possible to hike between Upper Stevens Creek and Stevens Creek County Parks, and the Monte Bello, Saratoga Gap, Fremont Older and Pichetti Ranch Open Space Preserves.

“This acquisition is even more satisfying than putting the final piece in a jigsaw puzzle,” said County Supervisor Joe Simitian in whose District the property is situated. “Not only will the public be able to enjoy expanded wilderness experiences within minutes of Silicon Valley’s hustle and bustle, but we’re creating the habitat connectivity that the wild plants and animals need if they are going to continue to be a viable part of our community.”

In recognition of the mutual benefits to both public agencies, Santa Clara County and the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District collaborated over a number of years to assemble the funds needed to acquire this property and four others similarly situated between County and District-owned lands.  Each side put up half of the funding.

The Board of Supervisors approved the County’s side of the purchase at its regular business meeting on October 21, 2014. In exchange for the County's funding contribution, the County will obtain a conservation easement restricting future use to public park purposes, open space, conservation, and passive recreational uses, while the Open Space District will hold fee title to the property.

“Without the linkage, we have only islands of recreation and habitat,” observed Steve Abbors, General Manager of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District.  “Acquiring the connector properties is a priority because we ensure the linkages between open spaces that people, wildlife and plants need to continue thriving.”

The County and District have partnered successfully in the past to acquire four additional properties along the same corridor. The linkages between properties allow important connectivity for plants and wildlife and enhanced recreational opportunities for the public.

“We may be from different governmental entities,” said Simitian, “but when we work together we can do more, and we can do it better. The public and the environment both benefit. I look forward to working with the Open Space District to make every dollar of our budgets work smarter, providing the public with more access to high quality recreational opportunities like this.”

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