POST transfers 6 sq. mi. Driscoll Ranch to MROSD

The Peninsula Open Space Trust (POST) announced today that it has completed the transfer of Driscoll Ranch to the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District (MROSD) for inclusion in the District's open space preserve system. The 3,681-acre property, located along Highway 84 in La Honda, was purchased by POST in 2002 as part of its Saving the Endangered Coast campaign.

POST acquired Driscoll Ranch from Driscoll Ranches, LLC for $21 million paid over a three-year period. Now, four years later, POST is transferring the land to MROSD for $9 million. POST is able to transfer the land to the District at a reduced price thanks to public funding provided by the California Coastal Conservancy and the generosity of POST supporters.

"For three decades, Driscoll Ranch has been accessible only to the Driscoll family, guests, and hired ranch hands," said Walter Moore, POST Executive Vice President. "Now, with the transfer of the ranch to MROSD, the property is one step closer to opening to the public. POST's goal with Driscoll Ranch was to insure the continuation of well-managed grazing on the property while opening it for public enjoyment. To that end, the District and the Driscoll family are currently undertaking a master planning effort to integrate the grazing lease held by Driscoll Ranches and traditional uses with future hiking trails, staging areas and other facilities on the property."

Peninsula Open Space Trust

Driscoll Ranch. Click to download a pdf.

At 5.75 square miles, Driscoll Ranch is one of the largest private tracts of undeveloped land remaining on the San Francisco Peninsula.  The land is a patchwork of varying terrain and wildlife habitats, serving as an example of northern California’s rich biodiversity.  From the ranch’s highest elevation, outdoor enthusiasts will be able to enjoy jaw-dropping 360-degree vistas of the Pacific Ocean, the San Mateo coastline, and the San Gregorio Valley.  Future hikers and equestrians might also spot the threatened California tiger salamander and the threatened California red-legged frog.

"Driscoll Ranch is the largest property ever acquired for public use in the history of MROSD," said Craig Britton, General Manager of MROSD.  "Over the next two years, we plan to hold a series of public workshops to make sure people have a chance to provide meaningful input about future use of the ranch."  The District plans to incorporate Driscoll into the adjacent La Honda Creek Open Space Preserve located north of the ranch.  Combined, these two properties will create the District’s largest preserve in the county, spanning a total of 5,759 acres.