Next Steps (updated 4/12/2008) Spring/Summer2008 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1st Public Hearing on Draft Plan Summer 2008 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . Final Plan and Environmental Review Fall 2008 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2nd Public Hearing and Plan Adoption

Open House for the La Honda Creek Open Space Preserve Master Plan
The Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District held an open house on December 4 to discuss the La Honda Creek Open Space Preserve Draft Master Plan. Members of the Project Team were present to answer questions from the public.

A concise list of the draft plan recommendations is now available (See Draft Implementation Table and Draft Plan Maps).  These recommendations are true to the District's mission and incorporate many of the comments and ideas the District received from neighbors, agencies, Preserve users, and local organizations.  The Ad Hoc Committee is reviewing comments received to date regarding these draft recommendations and is considering whether to make any modifications prior to releasing the full revised Draft Master Plan to the public and to the full Board of Directors.

The release of the Draft Master Plan was originally scheduled for December 21, 2007; however, given the extensive public comment, the release date has been postponed to May/June 2008 to provide the Ad Hoc Committee with additional time to review the comments and edit the document.  Please check back for information on the actual release date.

For more information, please contact Ana Ruiz, Project Planner, at (650) 691-1200 or lahondamasterplan@openspace.org.

The 2,056-acre La Honda Creek Open Space Preserve, considered by many as a gateway to the San Mateo coast, features forests of redwood and Douglas fir, contrasting open grassland hilltops, and spectacular panoramic views leading to the coast. This Preserve's potential has only just begun to be scratched as historically only a portion of the preserve has been open to hikers and equestrians on a permit basis.

In July 2004, the District and a team of consultants kicked off the master planning process for this Preserve with an on-site meeting to review the scope of work, schedule, and budget for this project. Through the master planning process, the District aims to provide the public with greater opportunities for recreation access, interpretation, and education, while protecting the natural, cultural, and historic resources of the landscape. The District will develop a long-term vision for the Preserve and address opportunities for access and regional trail connectivity, species and habitat protection, safety concerns, and maintenance issues, among others. District staff and consultants will also continue to actively solicit and encourage community involvement from various agencies, non-profit organizations, neighbors, and constituents with an interest in the planning process.