Open Space Authority acquires Nielsen Ranch
The Open Space Authority purchased the Nielsen Ranch June 7,
adding 128 acres to the protected lands in south Santa Clara
county. The propery is adjacent to the 574-acre Doan Ranch that was
aquired in 2007.
Open Space Authority acquires Nielsen Ranch
The Open Space Authority purchased the Nielsen Ranch June 7, adding 128 acres to the protected lands in south Santa Clara county. The propery is adjacent to the 574-acre Doan Ranch that was aquired in 2007.
The purhcase of both properties cost $7.1 million. The ranches are located along Cañada Road, about two miles from Hwy. 152 and are close to the recently upgraded south eastern entrance into Henry Coe Park. The vegetation on the property includes annual grasslands, chaparral and woodlands that contain bay laurel, California sycamore and valley oak.
The vegetation and the proximity to the San Ysidro Creek that flows through both properties provides for a multitude of animal species and the properties are also used for active ranch operations.
“The acquitision of the Doan and Nielsen Ranch will further the Authority’s efforts to protect ranchlands and important habitat for the movement of wildlife from the valley floor to the Diablo Range,” said Patrick Congdon, the general manager of the OSA. “Cattle grazing has occurred on the property for many years now and will be a critical part of our management plan.”
The Open Space Authority currently oversees 10,000 acres of open space throughout Santa Clara County, including several spaces that are open to the public. Now that the acquisition of the Doan and Nielsen ranches are complete, staff will study and map the region to determine if public access is a possibility. The land could also hold public facilities in the future such as parking and trails if the uses are compatible with preservation of the land.
