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The southern end of the Tyler Ranch property fronts Foothill Road, a paved public road in the town of Sunol. This easy access and large flat area provide an excellent opportunity for a staging area and picnic spot. The ranch extends northerly 3.5 miles along the ridgeline and Sinbad Canyon, where its northern boundary abuts Pleasanton Ridge Regional Park at the terminus of Kilkare Road, which runs along Sinbad Creek. Not only will acquisition of this property provide the essential staging area for the future eastern extension of the Niles Canyon portion of the Alameda Creek Regional Trail, it will also connect to the extensive trail system already in place in Pleasanton Ridge Regional Park, and along with the recent $1.44 million Phase I purchase of a 320 -acre portion of Tyler Ranch, will increase the park's total acreage by 30 Currently the only two access points to Pleasanton Ridge Regional Park are through the Oak Tree staging area on Foothill Road in the Town of Pleasanton, one and three quarters miles north of Niles Canyon Road at the southeastern portion of the park, and via a walk -in access at Thermalito Trail at the southern end of the ridge. The staging area is congested during high season, parking overflows to the busy roadway, and trails to the ridgetop are steep and accessible only to the most fit hikers. Elevations at the staging area begin at 400 feet and climb to 1,400 feet at the ridgetop a 1,000 -foot gain in elevation on a one -half mile trail. The trail systems in place in Pleasanton Ridge Regional Park can provide superb outdoor experiences only if they are made more accessible. Acquisition of the Tyler Ranch property will provide a new, generous staging area, supplying another key access point at the southwestern end of the park. A trail system will be developed over existing ranch roads and currently unused trails on the property to provide a more gentle ascent to the ridgetop, making the spectacular views accessible to a wider range of park visitors. In addition to the internal trail systems of the Park, the Tyler Ranch access will provide a future connection to the Alameda Creel< Regional Trail. 3. Strate:ic Value in Land Protection The Bay Area has been experiencing rapid growth and suburban sprawl. There has been rapid urbanization of the surrounding area. Development of the property would fragment the habitat, allow erosion to degrade the surrounding creeks and streams, and introduce domestic animals into the wildlife habitat. Until the Park District owns the Tyler Ranch property, the threat of development remains. The property was previously marketed for residential development, but the District has been able to secure a three -year option to purchase it. If the District were unable to purchase and preserve the property, it would likely be sold for residential development. The opportunity for a large public staging area for the Alameda Creek Regional Trail at the eastern end of Niles Canyon and a new entrance to Pleasanton Ridge Regional Park at the southern end of Sunol Ridge would be lost. Although local voter sentiment favors open space, current zoning and General Plan designations leave the property vulnerable. Further, development would fragment the habitat, interrupt wildlife corridors and result in erosion problems on the steep hillsides. Acquisition by the Park District will preserve a significant, undeveloped tract of land containing valuable habitat, safeguard a dominant ridgeline, protect significant watershed, secure regional trail connections, and provide new public recreational opportunities. The subject property is zoned "A" Agricultural District. The intent of the "A" District is to promote General Plan land use policies for agricultural and other non -urban uses. 2