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San José, CA (January 22, 2024) – San Jose City Councilmember Domingo Candelas and Santa Clara County Supervisor Sylvia Arenas announced today critical steps forward to secure the public ownership of the entirety 3,653-acre Richmond Ranch Property, located in San José and the southeastern foothills outside the city, connecting the East Hills with the Coyote Ridge.
Through a multi-step process, the Richmond Ranch property is being purchased by The Conservation Fund, and its ten individual parcels are now expected to be acquired by the Santa Clara Valley Habitat Agency and Santa Clara County Parks. The Habitat Agency’s Implementation Board unanimously approved the acquisition of Richmond Ranch parcels at their September 28th meeting, and the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors is scheduled to vote to begin their acquisition process on Tuesday, January 23rd. Councilmember Candelas and Supervisor Arenas both serve on the Habitat Agency’s Board and Supervisor Arenas chairs the County’s HLUET Committee, which oversees the Parks Department.
The Habitat Agency and County Parks will work together to determine appropriate areas for recreational trails and public access, as well as areas for critical habitat restoration. Richmond Ranch is a vital connection point between Grant County Park, San Felipe Ranch, and open space on Coyote Ridge and in Coyote Valley. The acquisition opens the possibility of future continuous trail connections between the East Foothills, Coyote Valley, and the Santa Cruz Mountains – and is a critical step forward for expanding the Bay Area Ridge Trail.
Supervisor Sylvia Arenas and Councilmember Candelas said, in a joint statement:
“Preserving open space is paramount for the well-being of both the environment and communities. Open spaces, natural reserves, or greenbelts, are important for our urban landscapes, purifying air, and providing habitats for diverse ecosystems. These areas also offer recreational spaces for our residents, fostering physical and mental health. This will contribute to biodiversity conservation, mitigates the impact of climate change, and enhances overall quality of life. We recognize safeguarding these open spaces becomes crucial for sustainable development, resilient ecosystems, and the collective well-being of present and future generations.”
Supervisor Arenas said “As an Evergreen resident, Habitat Agency Board Member, and Chair of the County’s Board Committee overseeing County Parks, I’m thrilled that each of our systems have worked in close collaboration to permanently preserve this vital open space. This Tuesday, the County Board of Supervisors will vote on funding, acquiring, and managing Richmond Ranch in partnership with the Habitat Agency. I urge my colleagues to vote “yes” to continue our ongoing partnership to preserve habitat, improve wildlife corridor connectivity, and provide public access to the growing and interconnected County Parks and Habitat Reserve systems.”
Councilmember Candelas said “As the Councilmember that represents Evergreen and Habitat Agency Board Member, the collaboration among Santa Clara County, Habitat Agency, and the support from the Conservation Fund shows the strength that partnerships bring to preserving open spaces. Together, we are protecting and ensuring the conservation of our natural landscapes. This concerted effort not only safeguards our environment but also paves the way for an interconnected trail system, providing a legacy of recreational opportunities for generations to come. It is through these partnerships that we truly cultivate a sustainable and thriving future for Santa Clara County.”
District 8 Community Roundtable Land Use Committee Chair Robert Reese said “Preventing sprawl and preserving Richmond Ranch for public use has been a critical priority of the Evergreen community for a generation. Today we celebrate the permanent preservation of these lands.”
Alice Kaufman, Green Foothills Policy and Advocacy Director said, “Development on this property would have seriously impacted wildlife habitat and connectivity between the Santa Cruz Mountains and the Diablo Range, so this acquisition is cause for real celebration. Green Foothills applauds the work of the Habitat Agency and urges the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors to move quickly forward on Tuesday to direct staff to begin the County Park’s land acquisition process.”
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