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MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT PRESS RELEASE Contact:
Malcolm Smith Public Affairs Manager (415) 691-1200

Open Space District Awarded Grant For Devil's Canyon

	Los Altos, CA -- The  Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District
	has been awarded a State grant to help purchase the well-known
	Devil's Canyon property, west of Route 35 in San Mateo County.
	The $325,000 Wildlife Conservation Fund grant will assist in
	the purchase of the land if the District exercises its option
	to purchase the 179-acre property and add it to the Long Ridge
	Open Space Preserve. This spectacular property includes
	dramatic portions of rugged canyon, located at the convergence
	of two tributaries of Peters Creek. The grant was based
	primarily on the site's importance as a watershed for steelhead
	fisheries.  

	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 is now attempting to leverage the grant
	funds with other local funds and District property tax revenue
	in order to complete the purchase.  

	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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