History of Open Space Authority

2017

Open Space Authority becomes the first public agency in the nation to receive accreditation from the Land Trust Accreditation Commission.

The Authority releases the Coyote Valley Landscape Linkage report, highlighting the importance of Coyote Valley for wildlife survival and diversity.

2016

Santa Clara County Open Space Authority changes
its name to Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority and gains ability to acquire land beyond the current jurisdiction.

Researchers confirm Coyote Valley as a Critical Wildlife Movement Linkage, providing a path for wildlife to move between the Santa Cruz and Diablo mountain range.

The Authority releases Understanding Our Community, a report identifying six neighborhoods with significant barriers to open space access. By focusing on these neighborhoods the Agency can ensure all jurisdiction residents are served equally.

The Authority launches the Urban Open Space Grant Program, providing grants to projects that will help people connect to nature and access open space in their own neighborhoods.

2015

Coyote Valley Open Space Preserve opens to the public.

Open Space Authority acquires Coyote Ridge Open Space Preserve through an extrordinary private and public partnership.

2014

The Agency unveils the Santa Clara Valley Greenprint, a 30-year conservation vision for Santa Clara County.

Healthy Lands & Healthy Economies Initiative study values the “natural capital” of the Santa Clara Valley at over $160 billion.

A new parking lot opens with panoramic views of the valley at the top of Sierra Vista Open Space Preserve.

Measure Q passes with overwhelming support (68%) from voters. Funding from Measure Q will increase protection for wildlife, water, working lands and other open space, increase public access, and create new urban open spaces and environmental education programs.

2011

Six miles of new trail opens at Sierra Vista Open Space Preserve. The Open Space Authority now has ten miles of trails that connect to the Bay Area Ridge Trail.

2010

The Authority purchases Coyote Valley Open Space Preserve.

2005

Opening of new staging at Rancho Cañada del Oro Open Space Preserve. This space includes direct access to trails, paved parking, an equestrian area, and a vault toilet.

2004

First preserve opens to the public: Rancho Cañada del Oro Open Space Preserve.

2002

First conservation easement under Authority management: Silacci easement.

2001

First trail opens to the public: Boccardo Trail at Sierra Vista Open Space Preserve.

2000

The Open Space Authority acquires Sierra Vista and Rancho Cañada del Oro open space preserves.

1999

First property purchase: Palassou.

First funding grants under the “20% Funding for Urban Open Spaces” program go to the cities of San Jose and Santa Clara.

1995

First scenic easement gift by Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District: LaPoint.

1994

Voters from across the jurisdiction elect seven members to the Open Space Authority Board of Directors. The Board holds their first official meeting on June 27.

First funding measure passes with 57% of the vote.

1993

Creation of interim Open Space Authority Governing Board. The County of Santa Clara joins the Authority along with the Cities of San Jose, Campbell, Santa Clara, Milpitas, and Morgan Hill.

1992

Governor Pete Wilson signs a legislative bill to create the Open Space Authority. The bill does not include a funding mechanism.

1987

San Jose/Santa Clara County Joint Open Space Implementation Committee forms to implement the Preservation 2020 Task Force recommendations.

1985-87

Two local conservation groups, the San Jose Hillside and Greenbelt Task Force and the Santa Clara County Preservation 2020 Task Force, release reports recommending forming and funding a new open space district to acquire open space beyond the jurisdiction of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District.

1972

Founding of Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District, providing public support for open space protection and land conservation in the San Francisco Bay Area.