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Board approves Monterey/Monterio Redwoods expansion acquisition with $8 million county grant and multi‑partner funding
Summary
The Board of Supervisors voted to accept a multi‑party conservation transaction that will add acres to the Monterio Redwoods complex and transfer the property to Sonoma County Regional Parks, leveraging state grants and private philanthropy.
Jeff Stump, director of land protection for the Save the Redwoods League, asked the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors to approve the county’s role in acquiring the Monterio Redwoods expansion. The board approved the consent calendar item authorizing an $8,000,000 grant from the county’s Ag and Open Space District to facilitate the acquisition by Sonoma County Regional Parks, subject to a conservation easement and public‑access covenant.
Stump said the transaction will be “a shining example of partnership,” noting the purchase will close on June 20. He outlined a funding package that leverages county support with an $8 million contribution from the state Wildlife Conservation Board, $4 million from the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation, $2 million from Snow Mill Land Trust (transcript spelling), and $2 million from Save the Redwoods League. Save the Redwoods League also pledged an additional $2 million toward two adjacent acquisitions.
John McCall of Sonoma Land Trust told the board the purchase fills a strategic gap in a network of protected lands stretching from Jenner to Monterio and Bodega, and praised the Save the Redwoods League’s capacity to execute complex, time‑sensitive deals.
Supervisors and staff framed the vote as an opportunity to secure public access and long‑term protection for forested lands in western Sonoma County. The board approved the consent calendar item by roll call during the morning session; the Monterey/Monterio acquisition was included in that package and will now proceed to closing under the terms described in the staff report.
Next steps include finalizing the conservation easement and the public access covenant and coordinating long‑term stewardship with Sonoma County Regional Parks.
