Golden Gate National Recreation Area (GGNRA) announces the transfer of 3,800-acre Rancho Corral de Tierra from Peninsula Open Space Trust (POST) to the National Park Service (NPS). The new park is off Highway 1, south of Devil’s Slide between Montara and El Granada, under the shadow of Montara Mountain. The property features rolling hills, hidden vales, and coastal vistas.
“We are pleased that Congress has provided funding to complete the purchase
of Rancho Corral de Tierra,” says GGNRA Superintendent Frank Dean. “This magnificent parcel adds to the region’s protected open space, and helps extend existing national parklands on Milagra Ridge and Sweeney Ridge southward in the coastside of San Mateo County. Thanks to the vision of POST, this remarkable parcel—and its breathtaking coastal views, ecologically vital watersheds, and miles of public trails—were protected and preserved for all. We look forward to continuing our work with the coastside community in planning for Rancho Corral de Tierra as part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area.”
One of the largest swaths of undeveloped land on the San Mateo County coast, the rancho once had been envisioned to become a patchwork of private subdivisions, “ranchettes,” and golf links. POST has a history of working with NPS to extend GGNRA down the San Francisco Peninsula. POST President Walter T. Moore says, “I’m thrilled to see Rancho Corral de Tierra officially become part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. We are honored to be able to add almost 4,000 more acres of parkland for the public to enjoy. It is a testament to the beauty and ecological significance of this land that it is now a national park.”
Highlights of Rancho Corral de Tierra include:
* Dramatic ascent of 2,000-foot-high Montara Mountain
* Scenic viewshed for California State Highway 1
* Multiuse trail segments for hikers, bikers, and equestrians
* Headwaters of four important watersheds (Martini, Montara, San Vicente,
and Denniston creeks)
* Riparian, coastal scrub, and coastal chaparral habitats supporting
diverse array of animals and plants
Transforming the property into a park is just beginning. In coming months, NPS will work with local communities and public land agencies on the coastside to develop maps and signage for the existing network of trails, and develop a long-term plan for the new national park. Visitors to Rancho Corral de Tierra should be aware that the stables and farms in the area (Ocean View Farms, Cabrillo Farms, Renegade Ranch, Ember Ridge, and Moss Beach Ranch) are working operations. Visitors should not enter these properties or approach the animals without permission.
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