Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District

San Francisco Bay Area, California

Category: Plan

Year: 2006–2031

Funding: Funded primarily through voter-approved Sonoma County sales tax grants, state and federal grants, and private donations.

BACKGROUND

In Sonoma County, California, rapid urban development is threatening agricultural lands and natural ecosystems. The Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District preserves open spaces and farmland to combat urban sprawl, supports carbon sequestration, and protects watersheds for flood and drought resilience. This pioneering conservation strategy, funded through local measures and led by the County, links agriculture, water management, and climate adaptation.

Image Credit: Sarah Stierch
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