With the passage of Measure F in November of 2006 that secured funding for the District into 2031, the voters strongly reflected their commitment to the District’s conservation program. With many years of work ahead of us secured, we are beginning to examine what our unique role is in the county’s future. The voters were clear in their mandate. Seventy-five percent of them strongly want the District to continue its important acquisition work, protecting farms and ranches, natural areas, greenbelts around cities, scenic hillsides and lands for recreation.

By directing 10% of the tax revenue for operations and maintenance, they want the District to open properties more quickly for public access. And they want us to continue the Matching Grant Program, which supports urban open space projects in or near incorporated areas. This year, the District, committed over $10 million to this Program.

But can the District do more? Be more? The health of the residents of Sonoma County is important. Can we do more to entice our young people out of doors for exercise and breathing fresh air? Can helping Rohnert Park build a trail from Sonoma State University to Crane Creek Regional Park make it easier for residents to visit and use this underutilized jewel ?. The District is committed to seeking out more opportunities like this to connect our urban centers to our wild open spaces.

Our community is also evolving and changing. The District assisted the City of Santa Rosa and its non-profit partner LandPaths to purchase and open a small farm and park in the Roseland area of Santa Rosa that will serve as a gathering place for the community. A diverse community of children and families can play there, learn about growing local, healthy food and have a place to come together to talk to each other about their future. Can and should the District do more of this?

Protecting forests helps keep our air clean. Should the District work with more forestland owners to help promote sustainable forestry practices ? These are the kinds of questions that we are asking and the District invites the community into the dialogue. We are engaged in a process to develop a Strategic Plan that will guide the District’s future work. We welcome your comments. Let us hear from you at openspace@sonoma-county.org