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SFPUC approves $9.65M purchase of 787-acre Wool Ranch to protect watershed
Summary
The commission authorized purchase of roughly 787 acres known as Wool Ranch near the Calaveras watershed for $9,650,000 to preserve watershed values and protect water quality; staff said stewardship will be handled by the SFPUC's natural resources and land management division and that passive recreation with EBRPD coordination is possible.
The San Francisco Public Utilities Commission voted July 23 to authorize the general manager to execute a purchase-and-sale agreement to acquire approximately 787 acres commonly known as the Wool Ranch for $9,650,000.
Michael McCarlan, deputy general manager, said the property sits in the primary watershed and the acquisition furthers the agency’s long-standing watershed environmental stewardship program. "It's within the primary watershed ... we'll protect the habitats and protect water quality for our reservoir," McCarlan said, recommending the purchase to commissioners.
Commissioners asked how the land would be managed and whether passive recreation or trails could be developed. Staff responded that the Water Enterprise’s natural resources and land management division oversees stewardship, monitoring and maintenance, and that the SFPUC intends to coordinate with the East Bay Regional Park District on any potential trails or passive recreation. Staff said the property is about 45 minutes to an hour from San Francisco and currently consists primarily of pasture with some buildings.
The commission approved the motion on a voice vote. No separate conditions or amendments were recorded in the meeting minutes.
