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alternative trail alignment into the interior of the park from the former Garms property off northern Foothill Road, which is slated to become a staging area. Possible trail uses could include hiking, horseback riding, bicycling,picnicking and nature study. Such a trail could also provide future alternative public access to nearby Tehan Falls, a seasonal waterfall with a sixty-foot drop nestled in a thick canopy of trees with a carpet of green moss and ferns that is currently inaccessible to the public. In contrast to the surrounding urban environment that is located just miles from the park,the land within the park provides a wonderful respite from the city sights and sounds. The Park District's vision of providing resource-compatible, low impact recreation in this area of Alameda County has long been supported by several other local jurisdictions and planning efforts. Acquisition and protection of open space in the Pleasanton ridgelands area for recreational use is supported Alameda County's East County Area Plan which sets forth policies and programs that support the ridgelands as permanent open space for public use and creation of a regional trail system connecting Pleasanton Ridge to West Dublin and Contra Costa, Santa Clara and San Joaquin counties. The Pleasanton General Plan 2005—2025 also supports the expansion of Pleasanton Ridge Regional Park for recreation. Goal 6 of its Open Space and Conservation Element aims to achieve an open space system that that offers pedestrian, bicycle, equestrian, and hiking trails, staging areas and restrooms, and preserves areas that offer extraordinary views. Expansion of Pleasanton Ridge Regional Park is also supported by the following, target frail user groups: the Hayward Hiking Club, the Bicycle Trails Council of the East Bay, Bike East Bay, and the Fast Bay Area Trails Council. These groups advocate for appropriate access to open space for recreation, and promote collaboration among trail planners, funders, developers and users. 3. Strategic Value in Land Protection Currently the Glenn property is an inholding within Pleasanton Ridge Regional Park. Acquisition of the property as part of Pleasanton Ridge Regional Park will ensure that the land is managed as part of a • nationally recognized park system which balances conservation, resource enhancement, environmental education and recreation. The Park District employs best practice resource management principles that support • biodiversity and healthy ecosystems while bringing the public closer to the natural world in their backyards and providing opportunities for recreation and environmental education. The acquisition of the Glenn property creates a special opportunity to accomplish two essential goals: providing and expanding public access and extending and protecting a habitat corridor. The Glenn property offers a unique opportunity to expand the trail system on the eastern side of the ridgelands for low intensity recreation. Park District staff will examine the feasibility of connecting the property to the Garms facility and future staging area located to the east off Foothill Road. The property may also play a role in providing alternative public access to nearby Tehan Falls, a popular destination that is currently inaccessible by the public. Access into the Park is also needed to connect to the Calaveras Ridge Trail which runs through the center of the Park. This scenic trail may eventually link to proposed trail systems in eastern Alameda County and Contra Costa County such as the Shadow Cliffs to Del Valle Trail, Shadow Cliffs to Morgan Territory Trail, and the Arroyo Mocha Trail. Finally, the proposed acquisition will allow the Park ALAMEDA COUNTY I Community Development Agency I PLANNING DEPARTMENT Grant Funding Application I ALTAMONT ti