There are many issues still facing the Open Space District. I want to continue the fight for you on these important issues.
KEN NITZ * Issues Facing the Open Space District
Continue Land Acquisition + Protection
- Open space is a precious and limited resource that must be preserved.
- Continuously acquire land to expand protected open space
- Protect our precious coastal properties to ensure permanent preservation
- Increase agricultural use on selected District lands to preserve our rural heritage
Keep Budget Lean
- Constant, vigilant budget oversight is my speciality.
- 10 years service on budget committee
- Oppose purchasing expensive developed properties
- Financial stability is crucial
- Ensure adequate funds for acquisition
Increase Active Resource Management
- Once acquired, land must be thoughtfully managed.
- Re-examine Resource Management Policies and adopt a long term plan
- Eradicate non-native invasive plants like Yellow Star Thistle, Scotch Broom, Harding Grass and Acacia
- Expand use of weevils for Yellow Star Thistle eradication. It is environmentally sound, effective and inexpensive.
- Improve habitat connections and wildlife corridors
Promote Trails + Recreational Use
- Support Bay Area Ridge Trail and San Francisco Bay Trail completion
- Stop sedimentation in Windy Hill's Sausal Pond and Thornewood's Shilling Lake
- Save eucalyptus grove in off-leash dog knoll at Pulgas Ridge
- Create mid-level connection trail at Windy Hill
- Expand off-leash dog areas
- Improve trail construction to stop erosion and sedimentation
- Improve trail connections and signage
- Create observation deck at Windy Hill's Sausal Pond
- Approve long-term lease for Bear Creek Stables
Other Issues
- Increase environmental research projects
- Continue collaboration with POST, Sempervirens Fund, State Fish and Wildlife, San Jose and San Francisco Water Districts, Santa Clara and San Mateo Counties.
- Convert to green buildings
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