Our Vision
Our Mission
Sonoma County Ag + Open Space permanently protects the diverse agricultural, natural resource, and scenic open space lands of Sonoma County for future generations.
We Conserve
Agricultural Lands
Lands that support diverse, sustainable, and productive agriculture.
Community Identity
Open lands that surround and differentiate the county’s urban areas and contribute to the unique scenic character of the county.
Healthy Communities
Open space and publicly accessible lands in and near cities and communities that connect people with protected lands.
Water
Natural lands and aquatic habitats that support sustainable aquatic ecosystems and water resources.
Wildlands
Natural lands and terrestrial habitats that support plants, wildlife, and biodiversity.
Explore the Vital Lands Initiative
The voters of Sonoma County envisioned a future where scenic open spaces sustain a thriving farm and ranch economy, clean drinking water, viable ecosystems for fish and wildlife, and resilient and healthy communities. In support of this vision, the Vital Lands Initiative is a long-range comprehensive plan to prioritize the land conservation activities of Ag + Open Space through 2031. The plan was developed with the best available science and data, as well as extensive input from Ag + Open Space partners and the community.
Our History
The late Ted Eliot recalls the intense pressure in the 1980’s to develop land in Sonoma County. Dee Swanhuyser remembers farmers being forced to sell their land in order to sustain themselves. Having learned how quickly sprawl can overtake natural and working lands, concerned citizens and a diverse group of people representing agriculture, business, and the environment, ensured a measure was placed on the ballot by the Board of Supervisors to fund agricultural and open space preservation by means of a quarter-cent sales tax. Hear from them how, and why, they did it.