Body of News Release
Marin County, CA – Marin County Parks is close to completing a long-planned conservation goal: adding a small parcel of land to the existing Bald Hill Open Space Preserve and giving hikers access to some amazing views.
The nonprofit Marin Open Space Trust plans to donate 6.8 acres known as Sky Ranch Knoll to the Marin County Open Space District, which would manage the property as part of the Bald Hill preserve. On August 25, the Open Space District is scheduled to request approval from the District Board, which is comprised of members of the County Board of Supervisors, to execute the donation agreement and officially adopt the hilltop.
The property is about one mile due west of downtown San Anselmo and one mile due south of downtown Fairfax. It represents the sixth and final piece of land envisioned for conservation within the hilly preserve, which offers spectacular 360-degree views. Adding the Sky Ranch Knoll to the Bald Hill preserve will only add about a quarter of a mile of hiking trails, but the newly accessible high point on the knoll will feature breathtaking viewpoints, especially south toward Mount Tamalpais and Marin Water woodlands and east toward San Pablo Bay.
“Sky Ranch Knoll is the final piece of a conservation vision that has been decades in the making,” said Supervisor Brian Colbert, who represents the area near the property. “Protecting this land means preserving the character of the Ross Valley, expanding public access to open space, and ensuring these incredible views and trails remain available for generations to come. I’m grateful to Marin Open Space Trust, County Parks, and the many community partners who have worked persistently over the years to bring us to this moment.”
If the Board approves the transaction, escrow would close in September. It would come only a month after the Board approved a hilltop donation at the nearby King Mountain Open Space Preserve, close to Corte Madera and Kentfield.
"MOST has been an invaluable partner, especially in the Greater Ross Valley area, working alongside the Open Space District to preserve essential lands and maintain public access to trails", said Carl Somers, Chief of Planning & Real Property. "Their swift response to emerging opportunities and ability to harness local fundraising efforts have made a significant impact on our community."
Bald Hill Open Space Preserve is 107 acres and comprises two distinct pieces: Bald Hill and Sky Ranch. The two units are linked together by trail connections that pass through adjoining MMWD lands. The earliest acquisitions within the preserve occurred in 1994 and created the gem that became the Sky Ranch unit of the preserve. Other small acquisitions followed over the years and finally the 16.2 acre core of Sky Ranch was added in 2015. Acquisition of the 60-acre summit of Bald Hill itself was finally celebrated in 2023. MOST was the orchestrator of both of these larger additions to the Bald Hill preserve and the more recent King Mountain acquisition.
With the proposed 6.8-acre donation, MOST is offering $100,000 to help with land stewardship.
The August 25 meeting begins at 9 AM at the Civic Center, although the timing of the Sky Ranch Knoll item is tentatively scheduled for the early afternoon. Meetings take place in the Board chamber, Suite 330, at the Marin County Civic Center, 3501 Civic Center Drive, San Rafael. Meetings are livestreamed on the County website and aired locally on Channel 27 for Comcast and AT&T U-Verse subscribers. Meeting participation guidelines are provided on the County website as well.
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