Landscape Resources

Open space in Santa Clara County provides residents with clean water sources through creek and stream protection, miles of hiking trails and protected areas for local wildlife. Preserving open space for future generations is a hallmark of any good Master Plan.

Protecting natural areas can help resolve water-related environmental problems. Wetland protection, for instance, can remove the need for costly and environmentally questionable flood-control structures. They also provide:

• Environmental education opportunities
• Needed habitat for mammals, birds, insects and seeds
• Increased property values

Trails and recreation

The planning for trails and recreation include trail connectivity, placement in conjunction with existing and planned infrastructure, biological considerations, and recreation on reservoirs, streams and the Bay.

Open space

Master planning for open space areas will relate to water supply, such as potential groundwater recharge areas and source water protection; flood protection, such as preserving floodplain areas adjacent to streams and environmental stewardship, such as open space for habitat connectivity and wildlife corridors.

Urban

The water district will consider the county’s urban land use in the Master Plan as it relates to water resources, including impacts of development, riparian corridors, opportunities for preservation and sustainable planning.

Rural/agriculture

Rural land use, including agriculture in the county, will be considered in the Master Plan as it relates to water resources, including impacts of development, riparian corridors, opportunities for preservation and sustainable planning.