News + Features

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Agricultural Preservation & Open Space District to Contribute $2.7 Million to Conserve 688-acre Kashia Property on Sonoma Coast

Easement will protect natural resources, limit development, preserve scenic vistas, and provide public access SANTA ROSA, CA (October 16, 2015) – The Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District (District) received approval Tuesday from its Board of Directors to spend up to $2.7 million to acquire a conservation easement …

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State issues grant to purchase Petaluma ranch

Sonoma County’s open space district has secured a $300,000 state grant for prospective acquisition of development rights to a 230-acre cattle ranch in the rolling hills on the southwest flank of Petaluma, officials said Thursday. The grant — from a new state fund aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions — …

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District Wins Grant to Fight Climate Change Through Farmland Conservation

Program aims to reduce emissions, urban sprawl through protection of agricultural land SANTA ROSA, CA (August 20, 2015) – The Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District (District) recently received a hard-won $300,000 grant as part of a statewide Sustainable Agricultural Lands Conservation (SALC) Program towards the acquisition of …

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District Board approves over $2.6 million for Colgan Creek restoration

The Board of Directors of the Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District (District) today approved over $2.6 million in grant funding to the City of Santa Rosa (City) for restoration of a 1.3 mile section of Colgan Creek in southwest Santa Rosa.

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Sonoma County envisions small start in effort to help new farmers

Sonoma County officials are scaling back their ambitious plan to expand agricultural production on thousands of acres of county-owned land and public open space after the initial effort largely fell apart, with much of the acreage deemed too pricey or environmentally sensitive to be used for farming. Learn More

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Sonoma County opens new park on North Sonoma Mountain

North Sonoma Mountain Regional Park & Open Space Preserve opens to the public Saturday, Feb. 14. The 820-acre park southeast of Santa Rosa features a 4-mile Bay Area Ridge Trail connection to Jack London State Historic Park. The trail climbs to nearly 2,000 feet on the north face of the mountain, leading hikers across creeks and forests and offering stunning views of Sonoma County.

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District and UCCE to plan “Incubator Farm” to support Sonoma County farmers

The Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation & Open Space District (District) is thrilled to partner with the University of California Cooperative Extension (UCCE) to consider plans to host an “incubator farm” on the Young-Armos property, a District-owned property located at the north end of Rohnert Park.

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District Board approves 2014 Urban Matching Grant Projects

The Board of Supervisors, acting as Directors of the Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation & Open Space District (District), today accepted District Staff and Advisory Committee Matching Grant funding recommendations for seven habitat restoration and park development projects in and near urban centers in the County.

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Board approves Community Education Program

The Board of Supervisors, acting as Directors of the Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation & Open Space District (District), today approved three-year contracts with four experienced community groups who will offer educational opportunities and outings on District-protected properties to over 12,000 students and adults.

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District transfers ownership of Hood Mountain’s Lawson addition to Regional Parks

The Board of Supervisors, acting concurrently as directors of the Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation & Open Space District, authorized today the transfer of fee title of the Lawson property, a 247-acre parcel adjacent to Hood Mountain Regional Park and Open Space Preserve, from the District to Regional Parks subject to a conservation easement and recreation covenant.

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