In July 2006, the District adopted a new plan to direct our future land preservation efforts. Connecting Communities and the Land: A Long-Range Acquisition Plan describes how the Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District will:
The plan focuses specific protection efforts into four categories:
Farms and Ranches
The farms, ranches and dairies of Sonoma County play a critical role in the local economy and are among the region’s most defining features. The public has confirmed the importance of protecting the rural character of the county through active farming and ranching operations. Local farmers and ranchers preserve the county’s agricultural heritage as they continue generations-old traditions. They also support agricultural diversity and provide residents with fresh, locally grown and produced goods. We have permanently protected over 33,000 acres* of productive agricultural land and will focus future efforts on the protection of ranches, dairies, and smaller scale farms near cities.
Download Farms & Ranches Map
Greenbelts and Scenic Hillsides
Much of Sonoma County’s identity comes from the scenic lands that buffer the nine cities from one another and extend into the rural regions of the county. Residents cite the county’s rural character and beautiful scenery as among the most important aspects of living here, and find the separation of communities and protection of scenic lands of utmost importance. Residents also want to ensure that these areas provide for recreational and agricultural opportunities near cities and communities. We have permanently protected over 17,000 acres* of scenic greenbelts and community separators and will focus future efforts on the protection of lands that separate cities and that are highly visible from cities or highways.
Download Greenbelts and Scenic Hillsides Map
Recreation and Education
Recreational lands contribute substantially to residents’ quality of life by providing diverse opportunities to both explore scenic and wild areas outside of cities and recreate closer to home. Sonoma residents have expressed the desire for greater connections among recreational lands through multi-use trails between cities and an array of parks. We have permanently protected over 13,700 acres* of land for public recreation and will focus future efforts on the protection of recreational lands that preserve natural resources, are close to urban areas, and provide trail connections between cities and local and regional lands. We seek to partner to create and expand parks and preserves that protect and increase awareness of Sonoma County’s unique natural areas and provide a variety of recreational and educational opportunities.
Download Recreation and Education Map
Water, Wildlife and Natural Areas
The county’s natural areas are home to a wealth of plant and animal species, as well as rivers, creeks, and streams that provide clean water benefiting people, fish and wildlife habitat. We seek to maintain the natural diversity of the county with healthy connected habitats for plants and wildlife, and a network of protected streams and watershed lands to preserve water quality for human communities, fish and wildlife. Community members have shown significant interest in protecting natural areas throughout the county, whether they be expansive landscapes or habitats, or small resource areas such as vernal pools. By protecting the land on which animal species live, we also protect the natural systems on which humans depend. We have permanently protected over 34,000 acres* of natural areas and will continue to focus future efforts on the protection of core oak woodland and coastal forests; wildlife connections; riparian corridors and associated upland areas; and water benefits.
Download Aquatic Natural Areas Map
Download Forests Map
*Some District lands fall into multiple categories and are counted more than once. The total acreage of all District lands acquired so far is approximately 70,000.
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Click here to download the Long-Range Acquisition Plan by chapter
