FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Charlotte Graham (408) 439-6541
Public Information Officer, Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority
Download photos and a map of the property here.
PROTECTING PRIME FARMLANDS IN COYOTE VALLEY
THE AUTHORITY PURCHASES 60 ACRES FOR SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE
San Jose, Calif. (November 1, 2021) – Sixty acres of prime farmland are now protected at Laguna Avenue and Santa Teresa Boulevard in the middle of Coyote Valley - also known as Mid Coyote Valley. With this latest addition to Coyote Valley’s growing network of protected lands, the Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority (the Authority) is working to establish sustainable, local climate-smart agricultural practices within the Coyote Valley Conservation Program Area.
“The protection of Mid Coyote Valley farmland supports the long-term economic and environmental viability of local agriculture,” said Andrea Mackenzie, General Manager of the Authority. Working with public and private partners, the Authority protects natural and working lands through conservation easements and purchases with willing sellers.
The Authority purchased the newly-acquired farmlands from WP Investments, LLC, in partnership with the State of California Department of Conservation through the Sustainable Agricultural Lands Conservation program (SALC), Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA), and the Santa Clara County Planning Department.
“Preserving this land in Coyote Valley contributes to ecological, economic, and quality of life benefits and serves as an appropriate natural infrastructure complement to our work to upgrade the region’s transportation infrastructure,” said Ann Calnan, Environmental Programs Manager for VTA. VTA provided 2016 Measure B funds through the US 101/SR 25 Interchange Project to help preserve these farmlands in Santa Clara County.
Purchasing and protecting working farms and ranches also demonstrates how the Authority is working with Santa Clara County to implement the comprehensive Santa Clara Valley Agricultural Plan and help combat climate change. “The Agricultural Plan is a roadmap to protecting the multiple benefits that our region’s remaining farmlands and working lands provide,” said Mackenzie. The Agricultural Plan was developed with SALC funds totaling $200,000 from the state’s Strategic Growth Council and Department of Conservation to strategically protect agricultural lands as a climate resilience tool.
“The SALC program is aimed at protecting farmlands to reduce greenhouse gases, which in turn helps us maintain a myriad of important economic and ecosystem services,” said David Shabazian, Department Director of the California Department of Conservation. “As we preserve these working lands, we’re also directing new growth and housing into existing urban areas, which helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions from those commuting to and from outlying areas.”
In the last 40 years, 45% of Santa Clara County’s prime farmlands have converted to urban sprawl. To help slow this trend, the Authority is working with local, regional, and state policymakers and programs to develop a growing body of research about the benefits and ecosystem services these natural and working lands provide. These benefits include groundwater recharge, flood management, food production, climate mitigation, biodiversity protection, and much more.
“This acquisition is a win-win for our community – preserving farmland and securing open space,” said Mike Wasserman, President of the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors. “I applaud the work of the Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority and their collaborative approach to protecting the natural and working lands of Coyote Valley.”
Through this acquisition, the Authority also aims to connect people to the importance of food security and the many environmental benefits local farmers and farmlands provide.
“Protecting the natural and working lands in and around Coyote Valley provides critical climate resilience for Santa Clara Valley residents,” said Santa Clara County Supervisor Cindy Chavez. “The COVID-19 pandemic brought to light the growing needs for food security in our region and beyond. Protecting agricultural lands and open spaces as outlined in the Santa Clara County Agricultural Plan safeguards clean air, water, and local food sources for millions of residents.”
The Authority plans to manage and assess the property’s condition over the next year, collaborate with farm advisors and seek a tenant for agricultural operations that will further Coyote Valley conservation goals. The Authority expects to release a request for proposals (RFP) in late 2022 for an agricultural tenant. Interested parties can sign up here to be notified and receive information about the RFP when it is released.
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About the Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority
The Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority conserves the natural environment, supports agriculture, and connects people to nature, by protecting open spaces, natural areas, and working farms and ranches for future generations. Since 1993, the Authority has protected over 28,000 acres of open space, natural and working areas, watersheds, and wildlife habitat – providing ecologically friendly outdoor recreation and preserving the natural beauty and environmental health of the Santa Clara Valley. Visit openspaceauthority.org for more information.
