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For Immediate Release December 29, 1994


Contact: Malcolm Smith, Public Affairs Manager, (415) 691-1200

Open Space District Gives Final Approval For Purchase Of Devil's Canyon

Los Altos, CA -- On December 14, the  Board of Directors of the
Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District approved the purchase
agreement clearing the way for acquisition of Devil's Canyon, west of
Skyline Boulevard in San Mateo County. A $325,000 Wildlife Conservation
Fund grant awarded to the District will assist in the purchase of the
179-acre property. Devil's Canyon will be added to the Long Ridge Open
Space Preserve, located adjacent to Skyline Boulevard approximately
three miles north of Highway 9. This spectacular, pristine property
includes dramatic portions of rugged canyon, located at the convergence
of two tributaries of Peters Creek.

Devil's Canyon is known for its impressive rock outcroppings, boulders,
sandstone formations, waterfalls, and lush riparian plant communities.
In addition, the northeast ridge provides impressive views of both the
canyon and the coastal area. The area also provides significant
wildlife habitat, making this property a high priority for protection.
Last year, the District acquired an option on the property,  allowing
until the end of 1994 to complete the purchase at a price of $690,000.
The District had hoped to use proceeds from Proposition 180 to fund the
purchase; however, that proposition failed and the District
successfully applied for a grant to leverage with District property tax
revenue in order to complete the purchase.

"The sensitive habitat and dramatic landscape in this area gives it a
very high open space value," said Ginny Babbitt, President of the
District's Board of Directors. "We've been working a long time to get
to this point, and the Board is very pleased that we've finally been
able to preserve this area for the public."

The Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District, extending from the City
of San Carlos to the Town of Los Gatos, is a public agency which has
preserved over 36,000 acres of diverse open space and manages 23 open
space preserves.

Funding is provided by a small share of the annual total property tax
revenues collected within District boundaries. The District permanently
protects wildlife habitat, watershed, and a variety of ecosystems,
restores damaged natural resources, and  provides trail improvements
for passive recreational use by the public. The District's goals are to
acquire a continuous greenbelt of protected open space lands for public
use and enjoyment, and to preserve open space for future generations to
enjoy. There are approximately 20,000 - 30,000 acres of land still at
risk of being lost to development within the District's planning area.

The District is divided into seven geographic wards, each represented
for a four year term by an elected Board member. The Board holds public
meetings on the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month at 7:30
p.m., at the District offices.




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