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MidPen updates Cupertino council on preserves, fire resiliency and planned wildlife crossing on Highway 17
Summary
Representatives from Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District briefed the council on districtwide stewardship, fire resiliency and education programs, and described a proposed wildlife undercrossing near Lexington Reservoir that aims to improve wildlife connectivity and reduce vehicle–wildlife collisions.
Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District (MidPen) board members updated the Cupertino City Council on July 1 about the district’s preserves, volunteer and docent programs, fire resilience work and several upcoming projects that will affect areas near Cupertino.
MidPen overview: Jed Seer, MidPen board president, and Craig Gleason, a MidPen director who represents much of Cupertino’s area, described MidPen as an independent special district funded by a portion of property tax receipts, with roughly 72,000 acres across 27 preserves and more than 250 miles of trails. The District oversees habitat protection, restoration and public access and manages a Wildland Fire Resiliency Program in partnership with CAL FIRE and county fire agencies. The district said it employs about 240 staff and engages more than 1,000 volunteers annually.
Fire resiliency and prescribed burns: MidPen officials emphasized the continuing risk of wildfire across the Santa Cruz Mountains and valley-adjacent preserves. MidPen described its management toolbox — including shaded fuel breaks, understory thinning and, increasingly, prescribed fire — and noted a recent prescribed burn at Cherry Springs in Sierra Azul with plans for a larger controlled burn the following year. The district said it uses GIS-based prioritization to guide project selection across its preserves.
Major projects and partnerships: MidPen described collaborative work on the Los Gatos Creek Watershed Collaborative and partnerships with San Jose Water, the Santa Clara County Fire Safe Council and county parks. MidPen highlighted a planned wildlife undercrossing near the north end of Lexington Reservoir on Highway 17 intended to reduce mountain-lion mortality and improve genetic connectivity; VTA is expected to lead construction of the highway crossings, with part funding from Measure AA and other fundraising. The undercrossing work could start construction around 2027, MidPen said.
Community outreach and volunteer opportunities: MidPen outlined a tiered partnership program with local nonprofits (pilot, tier 2 and tier 3) and emphasized docent-led activities, regular volunteer days and an events calendar at openspace.org/events.
Council interaction: The council heard the presentation but took no formal action; council members thanked MidPen for stewardship and noted cross-jurisdictional coordination would be important as projects advance.
