It can work with the local agricultural community to craft policies and programs that will protect and assist endangered family farms and farmlands. Purchased agricultural land can be leased back to allow farmers to keep their land in production. Even the sale or donation of non-agricultural parcels can reduce taxes and overhead for farm and ranch operators. Sound land management and conservation practices are essential to keeping agricultural land viable and our farming communities productive and safe. When a critical property is threatened with development or degradation of the natural resources, and when all reasonable attempts at voluntary negotiations fail, the District must have a tool which permits it to protect the land in the interest of the greater good of the community.
Eminent domain is that tool.
It does so only under extreme circumstances, when reasonable attempts at negotiation fail, AND only when there is strong documented public interest in the property from within the District. Over the past 26 years, the District has begun the process of eminent domain only 15 times out of some 400 land transactions. The District offers nearly 250 miles of trails, ranging from easy walks to challenging excursions. Bicyclists and equestrians are permitted on most trails. Areas with fragile habitats, endangered species, or considerations of public safety, or those that have active agricultural operations may be off-limits or have restricted access for the public.