Proposed Purchase of the Peninsula Open Space Trust South Cowell Property
1 Documents in Project
Summary
SCH Number
2020110119
Public Agency
Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District
Document Title
Proposed Purchase of the Peninsula Open Space Trust South Cowell Property
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
11/6/2020
Present Land Use
Open Space/Agriculture
Document Description
The project consists of the purchase of an undivided 54% interest in the 600-acre South Cowell Property (Property) as an addition to the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District’s (District) open space preserve system and concurrent adoption of a Preliminary Use and Management Plan for the 371-acre Upland portion of the Property that establishes a status quo land management approach, with no expansion or changes to its existing uses of agricultural lands and natural habitat.
Contact Information
Name
Elish Ryan
Agency Name
Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Email
Name
Agency Name
Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District
Contact Types
Project Applicant
Location
Counties
San Mateo
Regions
Unincorporated
Cross Streets
1000 Verde Road
Zip
94019
Total Acres
600
Parcel #
066-280-010, 066-280-020, 066-280-051 and 066-280-052
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
15301, 15325
Reasons for Exemption
The District Board of Directors concludes that the purchase of the Property and adoption of the Preliminary Use and Management Plan is categorically exempt from California Environmental Quality Act under Article 19, Sections 15301 and 15325 of the California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines:
Section 15301 exempts the operation, repair, maintenance, permitting, leasing, licensing, or minor alteration of existing public or private structures, facilities, or topographical features, involving negligible or no expansion of use beyond the existing uses. The Preliminary Use and Management Plan directs the District to maintain the Property as status quo with no expansion or changes to its existing uses as agricultural and open space lands, complying with the District’s adopted Resource Management Policies, Integrated Pest Management Program Guidance Manual, Best Management Practices, and regulatory permits as applicable. The Preliminary Use and Management Plan includes minor erosion control work as necessary, minor wildland fuel management, and minor natural resource management activities.
Section 15325 (a) acquisition or transfer of ownership to preserve existing natural conditions, including plant and animal habitats, (b) acquisition or transfer of ownership to allow continued agricultural uses, and (f) acquisition or transfer of ownership to preserve open space. The proposed purchase will transfer a portion of ownership of the Property to the District to ensure that its existing natural conditions will be preserved, will allow for the existing agricultural and grazing uses to continue, and preserve Upland portion of the Property as part of the District’s Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve.