Board of Supervisors approves $1.8 million to fund Helen Putnam Regional Park expansion

The bulk of an old dairy ranch on the edge of Petaluma long eyed for housing will be preserved as open space for future generations and merged into Helen Putnam Regional Park, thanks to a partnership between the County and a community group.

The Sonoma County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday awarded $1.8 million to the Kelly Creek Protection Project, which is buying 47 acres of the Scott Ranch property from developer Davidon Homes. The money, which will cover nearly half of the $4.1 million purchase price, comes from a fund for community infrastructure projects in the 2nd Supervisorial District.

“Scott Ranch is a special place,” said District 2 Supervisor David Rabbitt, who represents the area and led the funding initiative. “I’m very grateful to the Kelly Creek Protection Project and Davidon Homes for striking an agreement that will transform nearly 90 percent of the property into an extension of Helen Putnam Regional Park while creating up to 28 homes on the remainder of the ranch. The entire community will benefit from this partnership.”

When the acquisition is complete, the Kelly Creek Protection Project and its fiscal sponsor, Earth Island Institute, will provide another $5.4 million in public access improvements, ecological restoration work and other enhancements before transferring the property to Sonoma County Regional Parks. Sonoma County Ag + Open Space is also supporting the project by providing part of the funding for improvements and restoration.

Davidon Homes in 2003 proposed building 93 homes on the property, a project that was later revised to 28 homes. The project includes improved habitat for the California red-legged frog and preservation of the historic Scott Ranch barns.

###
Contact Information:
Office of 2nd District Supervisor, David Rabbitt
David.Rabbitt@sonoma-county.org
(707) 565-2241

Matt Brown, Communications Specialist
publicaffairs@sonoma-county.org
(707) 565-3040
575 Administration Drive, Suite 104A
Santa Rosa, CA 95403