Los Angeles is the anti-role model for open space in
California.
Views of housetop after housetop stretching for dozens of miles
in all directions, of buildings marching up to blanket hillsides
and line beaches, stuffing canyons and valleys, evicting anything
bucolic or agricultural, has caused a reaction in city planners,
residents and environmentalists across the state.
Los Angeles is the anti-role model for open space in California.
Views of housetop after housetop stretching for dozens of miles in all directions, of buildings marching up to blanket hillsides and line beaches, stuffing canyons and valleys, evicting anything bucolic or agricultural, has caused a reaction in city planners, residents and environmentalists across the state.
The call in today’s world is to preserve open space for the enjoyment of all, and, further, to plan new development to take advantage of refreshing green space.
Santa Clara and San Benito counties, though far removed from Los Angeles, are putting lessons learned from this nightmare of overcrowding and poor planning to good use. Both counties, but particularly the more populated Santa Clara County – Palo Alto to Gilroy – have recently forged partnerships with environmental groups, buying land or development rights in areas the teams deem appropriate.
When development rights, or easements, are purchased, the Land Trust, or whatever group is involved, pays a landowner not to allow development on the property, which normally is agricultural. Landowners can continue to farm or ranch or let the land lie fallow but can never sell to developers or build anything more than carefully defined structures themselves.
When land is purchased outright, ownership is transferred to the conservation authority to be used according to its philosophy.
And, though philosophies can differ from group to group, all consider themselves protectors of threatened landscapes.
• San Benito County’s Agricultural Land Trust is an all-volunteer organization that works with other conservation agencies to purchase easements, keeping selected lands open and free of development
 • The Open Space Authority of Santa Clara County, run by a body of elected officials, has a mission to preserve, protect and manage, for the use and enjoyment of all people, a well-balanced system of urban and non-urban areas of scenic recreational and agricultural importance.
OSA’s five-year plan is to acquire at least one hillside property visible from the valley floor, valley floor preservation that includes wetlands, baylands, riparian corridors or other unique habitats, agricultural preservation, a segment of regionally significant trail and a greenbelt between cities plus urban open space.
• Santa Clara Valley Water District acts not only as the county’s water wholesaler and its flood protection agency but is the steward for its streams and creeks, underground aquifers and district-built reservoirs.
SCVWD’s stream stewardship responsibilities, including creek restoration and wildlife habitat projects, bring it into line with other conservation authorities. The water district recently joined with the three other authorities to purchase and preserve land on the San Benito/Santa Clara county line, a project that fulfills the goals of all.
• The purpose of the Land Trust For Santa Clara County is to preserve open space and agricultural lands which sustain communities and contribute to the overall quality of life.
• The Nature Conservancy of California’s philosophy is to safeguard large areas of land and water. By protecting natural habitats, they contribute to improved air and water quality, a healthy economy and open space people can enjoy for generations to come.
