POST transfers Lower Purisima Creek to MROSD

The Peninsula Open Space Trust (POST) has transferred 183-acre Lower Purisima Creek to the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District (MROSD) for $2.25 million. It is hoped that the land will one day serve as a critical link in an extensive trail network from Skyline Ridge to the Pacific Ocean.

Rising between Lobitos and Tunitas creeks four miles southeast of Half Moon Bay, the property climbs up wooded valleys and grassy slopes, culminating in a long, narrow ridge with ocean views. The sloping land features scrub-covered knolls, lush meadows, redwood groves, eucalyptus stands and a winding, alder-lined creek. It was purchased from a private owner for $2.25 million in February 2005 as part of POST’s Saving the Endangered Coast campaign.

"We are extremely pleased to transfer Lower Purisima Creek to the Open Space District," said POST President Audrey Rust. "Any development would have impeded possible future hiking connections between the Bay Area Ridge Trail and the California Coastal Trail."

The property was originally part of the Cañada de Verde y Arroyo de la Purisima Spanish Land Grant in 1865. Its upper reaches offer dramatic views of the ocean, Lobitos Ridge, Bald Knob and the Lobitos and Tunitas creek valleys. Irish Ridge, the windswept divide between the two creeks, crosses the southeast portion of the property at an elevation of about 1,200 feet. Most of the land lies on the northwest flank of this ridge, which slopes down steeply to Lobitos Creek.

"We are thrilled because this is the District’s first purchase in the Coastside Protection Area that will one day link Purisima Creek Redwoods to the Pacific Ocean" said District General Manager Craig Britton. "In addition, this property will allow us to protect valuable habitat and water resources, while giving the District the opportunity to provide for public enjoyment of coastside open space."

The property is adjacent to POST’s Lobitos Ridge and Bluebrush Canyon properties and the Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve, which is managed by MROSD. A striking diversity of habitats flourishes here, including open northern coastal scrub, a mixed redwood and Douglas-fir forest, eucalyptus plantings and a half-mile riparian corridor.