Annual Report 2010 2011

SANTA CL ARA COUNTY

OPEN SPACE AUTHORITY
Open Space Authority Staff
Andrea Mackenzie, General Manager
Matt Freeman, Assistant General Manager
Lauren (Crook) Monack, Administration Manager/Clerk of the Board
Derek Neumann, Supervising Open Space Technician
Andres Campusano, Open Space Technician
Patty Eaton, Communications Specialist
Andy Evert, Open Space Technician
Joelle Garretson, Executive Assistant
Kellie Guerra, Deputy Clerk of the Board/Ofce Manager
Jim Guhe, Open Space Technician
Dana Litwin, Volunteer Programs Supervisor
Marisa Mibach, Open Space Technician
Megan Robinson, Open Space Technician
Teri Rogoway, Coordinator of Interpretive Programs
Rachel Santos, Open Space Planner/Project Manager
David Tarp, Open Space Technician
The OSAs Leadership Team welcomed Matt Freeman as assistant general manager.
Pictured from left to right: Matt Freeman, Lauren Monack, Andrea Mackenzie,
Derek Neumann Photo: Tom Chargin
Cover Photo: View from the base of El Toro Mountain in Morgan Hill.
Photo: Derek Neumann
A MESSAGE FROM THE GENERAL MANAGER
Dear Friends,
In this annual report, we highlight key activities from
our 20102011 fscal year in the areas of land man-
agement, urban open space, volunteer and outreach
programs, and fnance. Te past year has been one of
signifcant transition, and I am excited to work with
our dedicated board and staf as we envision how the
Open Space Authority can serve our community in
new and vital ways.
Since joining last April, Ive enjoyed a warm wel-
come by our Board of Directors, Citizens Advisory
Committee (CAC), and OSA staf. Ive also had the pleasure of welcoming CAC
newcomers Justin Fields, Amor Santiago, and Steve Corelis. And its been
an exciting experience to partner with the Bay Area Ridge Trail in building a
brand-new trail segment at the Sierra Vista Open Space Preserve.
In 2012, we are embarking on a strategic planning process to create a
long-range vision for our agency that will help to secure the environmental
sustainability of the Santa Clara Valley. Our goal at the OSA is to demonstrate
leadership to protect, connect, and steward the unique landscapes of Santa
Clara Countyfor the health of human and natural communities, as well as
the economy and ecology of our region.
Our participation with partners to help implement regional conservation
initiatives, such as the Living Landscape Initiative and Conservation Lands
Network (CLN), will help us to expand our reach and impact throughout the
Bay Region. In the coming year, we will also help implement the Santa Clara
Valley Habitat Conservation Plan, to protect endangered plants and animals, and
restore critical habitat.
I look forward to meeting with members of our diverse communities and
sharing ideas about how we can work together to create linkages between Silicon
Valley economic health and environmental sustainability for the Santa Clara Valley.
I think we all can agree that protecting nature is good for the economy and our
quality of life.
Please visit our website at openspaceauthority.org or call us at 408-224-7476
for information on our preserves and programs. Tese beautiful preserved lands
and natural resources belong to all of us and create a magnificent legacy for
our children, and all those who come after us.

Andrea Mackenzie
General Manager
Andrea Mackenzie
Photo: Tom Chargin
RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
T
he Open Space Authority (OSA) manages and maintains over 15,000 acres
of natural and agricultural landscapes in Santa Clara County. We practice an
adaptive management approach toward wildlife, habitat, and vegetation that helps
sustain healthy ecosystems and biodiversity.
The Blair Ranch property comprises the southern border of Rancho
Caada del Oro Open Space Preserve and is home to a wide range of animal
species, including bobcat, coyote, mountain lion, gray fox, and bat. Several
species of bat have taken up residence in the 4,000-
square-foot barn, and we are using adaptive measures
to move them to more suitable quarters. As a tempo-
rary solution, OSA staf sealed of a section of the
barn and created a roosting area, which enticed the
animals to relocate to the back of the barn. Staf
moved a 12-by-20-foot shed near the barn and are
installing prime bat roosting habitat. During a break
in the bat season, we will seal of the barn and, in efect,
move the bats to a new and permanent home.
The new Sierra Vista Trail offers distinctive
viewsheds in the pristine eastern foothills, and
adds a critical connection to the 550-mile Bay Area
Ridge Trail. Construction took place from April to
May 2011, during which time the rugged trail exca-
vator moved over 150,000 cubic feet of dirt. In total, the project created 1.3
miles of brand-new trail, restored 6.5 miles of existing trail, and created two
pedestrian bridges.
Building a trail is just the beginning, explains Supervising Open Space
Technician Derek Neumann. Ongoing maintenance is important to avoid
excess wear and erosion. OSA staf monitor all trails, especially during storms.
If wet conditions cause trail tread damage and erode vegetation along the edges,
access is restricted. Each year more sections of trail are armored to minimize
closures. Te Sierra Vista Trail will be armored with rock during 2012, afer it
has had time to settle and undergo regrading. L
Blair Ranch Barn
Photo: David Tharp
Andy Evert, Open Space
Technician, and Intern
Steve Neighbors cut back
poison oak at Sierra Vista
Open Space Preserve.
Photo: Dana Litwin
URBAN OPEN SPACE PROGRAM
URBAN OPEN SPACE PROJECTS
19992011
Environmental
Preservation
23%
Scenic
Preservation
4%
Greenbelt
& Buffer
23%
Agricultural
Preservation
4%
Outdoor
Recreation
23%
Trails
23%
E
ach year, the OSA allocates 20% of net capital funds to support land acquisition,
site development, and/or environmental restoration projects in urban areas for
participating jurisdictions, including the cities of San Jose, Santa Clara, Campbell,
Milpitas, Morgan Hill, and unincorporated areas of Santa Clara County. Since 1999,
the OSA has funded 14 projects designed to accomplish open space goals such as out-
door recreation, greenbelt and urban bufers, trails, and environmental, agricultural
and scenic preservation.
El Toro Mountain
Te Open Space Authority completed the acquisition of the Acton Property in
2010. Tis 18-acre swath of land lies on the eastern side of El Toro Mountain in
Morgan Hill. Establishing this open space land in perpetuity has multiple
benefts for the City of Morgan Hill. It secures a portion of its surrounding green-
belt, preserves the hillside and ridgeline, which ofer unique scenic views, and also
leads the way for future trails and connections to regional open space such
as Chesbro and Uvas Reservoirs. The OSA is collaborating with the City of
Morgan Hill to create a public 2-mile loop trail that will provide a gradual
ascent up El Toro Mountain. L
Hikers at Ulistac Nature Area in Santa Clara. OSA contributed nearly $500,000 for trail
development and site restoration for this 40-acre open space area. Photo: OSA Archive
VOLUNTEERS AND DOCENTS
T
he Open Space Authority is proud to have a cadre of talented, dedicated
volunteers who serve in a variety of roles, from patrolling trails to leading
themed hikes. OSA Community Outreach volunteers connected with over 4,000
people at 14 fairs and festivals this past year, including Earth Day Cupertino, Alviso
Day on the Bay, and the Chinese Moon Festival.
Docents and Interpretive Programs
The OSAs 30-member docent team possesses a wealth of subject expertise in
plants, flowers, insects, mammals, and birds and extensive experience lead-
ing nature hikes and expeditions. Docent-led hikes and interpretive programs
provide opportunities for children and adults to experience and learn about
nature firsthand.
Te OSA hosted over 1,500 attendees for nearly 100 programs, including hikes in
search of the elusive Green Hairstreak butterfy; tarantula treks; and migratory bird
and newt excursions. Te annual Coyote Spring hikes occurred during the peak of a
stunning wildfower season. Rancho Caada del Oro was the perfect backdrop for the
Perseid meteor shower, which 150 stargazers enjoyed.
Land Stewards and Trail Patrol
Land Steward volunteers help OSA maintain our open space properties. OSA staf
provide extensive volunteer training and supervise Land Stewards as they restore
wildlife habitat, clear riparian corridors, perform routine maintenance, and tackle
invasive species. Nearly 40 Land Steward volunteers devoted over 200 hours to trail
maintenance, fence installation, and clearing brush and debris from Sierra Vista
Open Space Preserve.
Te 18 members of the volunteer Trail Patrol team logged over 350 hours at
Sierra Vista and Rancho Caada del Oro Open Space Preserves. On foot, bicycle,
or horseback, the Trail Patrol provides information to visitors and helps maintain
etiquette and safety on the trails. In addition, they regularly monitor trail usage and
inform OSA staf of trail conditions. L
Children observing an owl pellet. Photo: Patty Eaton
OSA FINANCIALS
Revenues
In fscal year 20102011, OSA
received $4.1 million in revenue
from Assessment District 1.
Additional sources of income in-
cluded $259,000 in earned interest,
$1,500 in donations, and $53,000 in
land management income.
In Appreciation
We extend a special thank you to
our donors for their generous gifts
that contribute to the mission of
the Open Space Authority.
Patricia J. and Larry R. Coons
The Villages Hiking Club
Jeannette L. and Jeffrey A. Micko
Expenditures
Fiscal year 20102011 expenditures totaled $3.7 million. Land acquisition was
$771,000, and vehicle purchase and capital improvements were $105,000. Adminis-
trative expenses were $1,080,000, and land management expenses were $820,000.
OSA spent $651,000 on debt reduction, $273,800 on professional services, and
$43,900 on board of director expenses.
Campbell $363,650 ($282,021) $81,629
Milpitas $490,500 ($356,837) $133,663
Morgan Hill $201,087 ($184,000) $17,087
San Jose $7,271,662 ($6,147,367) $1,124,295
Santa Clara $879,227 ($512,953) $366,274
County $726,143 ($450,000) $276,143
TOTAL $9,932,269 ($7,933,178) $1,999,091
City
Allocations
(19982011)
Funds
Drawn Down
Account
Balances
URBAN SPACE ACCOUNTS AS OF 6/30/2011
Bay Checkerspot Buttery Photo: OSA Archive
Board of Directors
Virginia Holtz, Chair
Clark Williams, Vice-Chair
Garnetta Annable
Jim Foran
Kulwant (Kalvin) Gill
Sequoia Hall
Alex Kennett
Citizens Advisory Committee
John Fioretta, Chairperson
Susan McKuhen, Vice-Chairperson
Eric Carruthers
Steve Corelis
Justin Fields
Jan Hintermeister
Gloria Chun Hoo
Don Hordness
Daniel Kenney
Mandy McClellan
Kitty Monahan
Dorsey Moore
David Poeschel
Amor Santiago
SANTA CL ARA COUNTY
OPEN SPACE AUTHORITY
6980 Santa Teresa Blvd. Ste. 100
San Jose, CA 95119
408-224-7476
openspaceauthority.org
Printed on recycled paper