MROSD seeks further input on Mt. Umunhum access, Thursday

The Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District is holding an open house to share information and solicit input as it continues planning for environmental restoration and public access to the summit of Mt. Umunhum.

Thursday, November 18, 2010
Anytime between 4:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m.

Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District
Administrative Office
330 Distel Circle
Los Altos, CA 94022

This will be the second opportunity for the public to give input on the project. The first meeting was held September 30 in Los Gatos and was attended by over 300 people. Their input helped the Open Space District begin shaping a vision for restoration and public access at Mt. Umunhum that the public will comment on during the open house.

South of Los Gatos, Mt. Umunhum is one of the highest peaks in the Santa Cruz Mountains and the site of the former Almaden Air Force Station. The Open Space District purchased Mt. Umunhum from the federal government in 1986, adding it to the Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve with the goal of protecting the environment and one day sharing it with the public. This year, the federal government began cleaning up the former Air Force Station, allowing the Open Space District to begin planning for environmental restoration and future public access consistent with its mission.

“Our hope is for Mt. Umunhum to become one of the Bay Area’s most breathtaking public destinations,” said Steve Abbors, the Open Space District’s General Manager. “The plan we are creating, with input from the public, must be both financially and environmentally sustainable.”

With views as far as Monterey Bay, Mt. Umunhum is special to the military personnel and their families who were stationed there, as well as the local Native People. Santa Clara Valley residents know Mt. Umunhum as a local landmark topped by a large concrete radar tower that is visible for miles. More details about the project can be found at www.mtumunhum.org.