Why did the District extend its boundaries to include the San Mateo coastal area?
A. In 1997 and 1998, the District received requests and petitions from individuals, organizations, and elected bodies (including the Half Moon Bay City Council and the Midcoast Community Council) to join local efforts by providing locally based open space and agricultural preservation and management services on the coastside. In a subsequent poll, 90% of all San Mateo County residents contacted indicated that preservation of open space from Skyline to the coast was important. The San Mateo coast is a national treasure of great regional pride and interest. It is likely that lands purchased for preservation by other agencies and organizations in the coastal area will need management services. Other agencies have indicated they do not have the capacity to provide stewardship. The District can provide locally based, long-term stewardship of some of these lands and offer easement opportunities to willing sellers for agricultural lands.
