Midpen is partnering with the City of Half Moon Bay and the nonprofit Peninsula Open Space Trust (POST) to continue protecting the Johnston Ranch property, on the south edge of Half Moon Bay, as open space and farmland. The 868-acre property, once slated for a golf course, is currently owned by POST. The City of Half Moon Bay owns the historic Johnston House located on the property.
On November 11, 2021, the Midpen board of directors approved the purchase of a 644-acre portion of the undeveloped uplands area of the property for $4.8 million from the Peninsula Open Space Trust (POST). Read the press release here. Once a lot line adjustment process with San Mateo County is complete, Midpen will own 644 acres of the upland portions of the property and POST will retain ownership of 224 acres containing prime agricultural land for future sale to a farmer, permanently protected from future development by a conservation easement. The City of Half Moon Bay will continue to own the historic Johnston House, located on the property.
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Highlights
Midpen's purchase of the Johnston Ranch uplands continues to protect 1.2 miles of Arroyo Leon creek (tributary to Pilarcitos Creek) that provides potential spawning and rearing habitat for steelhead trout. The purchase also provides opportunities for new community connections to nearby nature by expanding and connecting local trail systems. The City of Half Moon Bay is working on a pedestrian/bike trail that connects nearby Higgins Canyon Rd. to downtown.
Future opportunities, that would require a public process and environmental review, include:
- Easy-access loop trail near Johnston House.
- Access into Midpen’s existing and adjacent Miramontes Ridge Open Space Preserve, which currently has no public access due to geographic isolation.
- Connections to existing trails in adjacent Burleigh Murray Ranch State Park.
Photos of the Johnston Ranch Property
Funding
Project Partners
