Mark West Wikiup Open Space Preserve Fee Title Purchase and Conservation Easement
Summary
SCH Number
2023120333
Public Agency
Sonoma County Water Agency
Document Title
Mark West Wikiup Open Space Preserve Fee Title Purchase and Conservation Easement
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
12/12/2023
Document Description
Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District (District) is funding Sonoma County Water Agency’s (Sonoma Water) purchase of a fee interest of the approximately 30-acre property. Sonoma Water is acquiring the property for the potential to further programs related to habitat restoration, groundwater opportunities, water education, and recreational opportunities for the public. Sonoma Water will execute a Purchase and Sale Agreement with the landowner WBR, LLC. As a condition of the District’s funding, Sonoma Water will convey a conservation easement and recreation conservation covenant, along with an associated Offer to Dedicate the fee interest, to the District at closing. The conservation easement will protect the scenic, natural, recreational, and educational resource values of the Property, which is adjacent Mark West Creek and the densely populated Larkfield-Wikiup neighborhood. The recreation covenant will ensure the Property is open to the public within three years after execution and in perpetuity as a park and open space preserve after future compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
Contact Information
Name
Thomas English
Agency Name
Sonoma County Water Agency
Job Title
Environmental Specialist
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency / Project Applicant / Parties Undertaking Project
Phone
Location
Cities
unincorporated
Counties
Sonoma
Regions
Unincorporated
Cross Streets
Carraige Lane and Wikiup Drive
Zip
95403
Total Acres
approximately 30
Parcel #
039-062-010, 039-070-013, 039-070-021, 039-210-006
State Highways
Highway 101
Schools
Mark West Charter School, John B. Reibli School, Cardinal Newman
Waterways
Mark West Creek
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Sections 15316, 15317, 15325 (a) (c) (f).
Reasons for Exemption
The purchase and sale agreement and execution of the conservation easement and recreation covenant acquisition, along with an associated Offer to Dedicate the fee interest to the District is exempt because the purpose of the project is to preserve the natural condition of the Property, including plant and animal habitats; the restoration of natural conditions including plant and animal habitats; and the preservation of open space or lands for park purposes. This project is also exempt because the purpose is to provide for a park and to maintain the open space character of the area.
Exempt Status
Statutory Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Public Resources Code Section 21080.28 (a)(1), (A), (B), (F).
Reasons for Exemption
The purchase and sale agreement and execution of the conservation easement and recreation covenant acquisition, along with an associated Offer to Dedicate the fee interest to the District is exempt because the purpose of the project is to preserve the natural condition of the Property, including plant and animal habitats; the restoration of natural conditions including plant and animal habitats; and the preservation of open space or lands for park purposes. This project is also exempt because the purpose is to provide for a park and to maintain the open space character of the area.
County Clerk
Sonoma
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
Disclaimer: The Governor’s Office of Planning and Research (OPR) accepts no responsibility for the content or accessibility of these documents. To obtain an attachment in a different format, please contact the lead agency at the contact information listed above. You may also contact the OPR via email at state.clearinghouse@opr.ca.gov or via phone at (916) 445-0613. For more information, please visit OPR’s Accessibility Site.