The Peninsula Open Space Trust announced the transfer of 644 acres of the Johnston Ranch property in Half Moon Bay to the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District to become part of its existing Miramontes Ridge Open Space Preserve.
The entire 868-acre Johnston Ranch property is an iconic coastal landscape located on the southern edge of Half Moon Bay. It is made up of rolling grassy hills, or “uplands,” a mix of coastal ecosystems, the Arroyo Leon Creek corridor, and working agricultural lands. In the early 1990s, the property was slated to be developed into a golf course and luxury homes; however, 84% of San Mateo County voters rejected that proposal, creating the opportunity for POST to purchase and preserve the property in two transactions in 1999 and 2001 totaling $5.65 million.
POST will retain ownership of a 224-acre section of prime-soil agricultural lands on which Giusti Farms has been farming for generations. It will eventually transfer ownership of the farming acres to the Giusti family but will hold an agricultural conservation easement to protect it from future development.
Midpen will undertake a public process to explore creating environmentally sensitive public access via a new loop trail near the Johnston House, as well as possible trail connections to nearby Burleigh Murray Ranch State Park. The city continues to own and manage the historic New England saltbox-style Johnston House located on a 20-acre parcel within the Johnston Ranch property. The landmark is visible from Highway 1 and open for docent-led tours. In the coming years, the city will launch a planning process for a pedestrian and bike trail to connect downtown Half Moon Bay with the Johnston House along Higgins Canyon Road.
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Keep the discussion civilized. Absolutely NO personal attacks or insults directed toward writers, nor others who make comments.
Keep it clean. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, racist or sexually-oriented language.
Don't threaten. Threats of harming another person will not be tolerated.
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Be proactive. Use the 'Report' link on each comment to let us know of abusive posts.
PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK.
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