Open Space Commission backs grant application for two‑parcel conservation easement, asks for habitat area

The Davis Open Space Commission voted to recommend that the City Council direct staff to submit a Department of Conservation grant application to help fund the purchase of a two‑parcel conservation easement and requested that the southwest corner of the northern parcel be managed to maximize habitat value.

Tracy, the staff presenter, said the property is adjacent to existing easements, includes areas of class 2 soils good for agriculture, and is largely in the city’s priority corridor. She told the commission the grant process under the Department of Conservation now has a rolling schedule and that staff would likely prepare a pre‑proposal in March with a full application due in June; she also estimated the city’s required share would be small. "Easement prices are much lower than they were several years ago ... so, you know, it might only cost us, like, $60, plus the monitoring," Tracy said.

Commissioners discussed management details and constraints. Several members urged the staff to discuss habitat improvements with the landowner, including hedgerows and a designated habitat area, but staff cautioned that typical agricultural easements generally do not limit allowed agricultural uses that conform to Yolo County zoning unless the easement is explicitly written as a habitat easement.

Commissioner 6 moved that the commission recommend City Council direct staff to apply for the Department of Conservation grant with partial matching funds from the city's open‑space and parcel tax fund; Michelle seconded. After a friendly amendment that the southwest corner of the northern parcel be managed to maximize habitat value was accepted and read into the motion, the commission voted in favor and the item was carried.

The motion gives staff direction to engage the city council and prepare an application; it does not itself obligate matching funds or finalize easement terms. Staff said future steps will include negotiating easement language with the landowner and, if appropriate, working with the Yolo Land Trust on monitoring and any habitat designations. Tracy described potential next steps as approaching council for permission to submit the grant application and to identify matching sources.

The commission wrapped the item and moved on to the next agenda topic.

Action taken: The commission recommended that City Council direct staff to submit a Department of Conservation grant application to help fund the purchase of the conservation easement, with an added request that the southwest corner of the northern parcel be managed to maximize habitat value. The recommendation passed by a voice vote; individual roll‑call votes were not recorded in the transcript.