We've recently seen several important conservation victories in Santa Clara and San Mateo counties.
A Win for Biodiversity in Mountain View
After several years of community advocacy, Mountain View adopted its Biodiversity and Urban Forest Plan and Parks and Recreation Strategic Plan. Together, these plans establish biodiversity as a core community value and recognize that parks can support healthy ecosystems as well as recreation.
The Sierra Club Loma Prieta Chapter joined the Santa Clara Valley Bird Alliance, GreenSpacesMV, the Mountain View Coalition for Sustainable Planning, the California Native Plant Society Santa Clara Valley Chapter, and many community members, in encouraging the City to strengthen its commitment to biodiversity, habitat, and nature-based park planning.
A key outcome was the inclusion in every park of a Biodiversity Anchor, dedicated areas intended to support native habitat and ecological function. While we would have preferred stronger commitments to the exclusive use of locally native plants in these areas, the City has committed to adaptive management and periodic review. We look forward to working with Mountain View as these spaces are implemented and refined to maximize their ecological value.
Measure D Renews Support for Open Space
Voters approved Measure D, renewing funding for the Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority. The Sierra Club Loma Prieta Chapter endorsed the measure because it will help protect open space, restore habitat, improve climate resilience, reduce wildfire and flood risks, and expand opportunities for people to enjoy nature. The outcome reflects the community's continued commitment to conserving the region's natural landscapes.
San Mateo County Adopts Bird-Friendly and Dark Sky Standards
San Mateo County adopted updated Design Review Ordinance standards that include Bird-friendly building design and Dark sky lighting requirements for new development in portions of the unincorporated County. The Sierra Club Loma Prieta Chapter has supported these provisions, which will reduce bird collisions, limit light pollution, and better protect wildlife, while promoting more sustainable development.