Candice Basnight

The Board meeting agenda included a closed session regarding real property negotiations for properties in San Mateo County. The regular meeting included approval of a claims report, a grant funding application for the Santa Cruz Kangaroo Rat Project, and the award of contracts for on-call graphic design services, an agricultural conservation easement for the North Cowell property, engineering design and construction support for the Miramontes Crossing Replacement Project, and a construction contract for the Bear Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve North Parking Area. Additionally, the Board discussed a commemorative bench request, received a Public Affairs annual update, and reviewed an informational Ranger Public Safety report.

The committee meeting agenda includes the selection of a committee chair for the calendar year, consideration of grant awards for the 2025 grantmaking program, a proposed update to the board policy regarding site naming, gifts, and special recognition for bench dedications, and a review of legislative positions with feedback on priority action items.

The committee discussed the Draft 2026 Legislative Program, focusing on the definition of statewide significance, CEQA streamlining, statutory exemptions, and equitable public access. Additionally, members provided input on the planning of a future signature event, emphasizing experiential activities over traditional tabling formats, budget considerations, and potential collaborative efforts with docents and partners to engage the community.

The board received an informational update from the Public Affairs department regarding activities for the fiscal and calendar year 2025. Key discussion topics included the expansion of digital and print communications, the success of the Wildfire Resiliency Campaign, progress in governmental affairs including legislative advocacy, outreach efforts, social media strategy improvements, and support for numerous Capital Improvement and Action Plan projects.

The Board conducted a closed session regarding anticipated litigation before proceeding to the regular meeting. The Board approved an addendum to the Bear Creek Redwoods Preserve Plan Environmental Impact Report, incorporating a directive to staff regarding the timing of bird nesting surveys. Additionally, the Board awarded a contract for the Fremont Older House Re-Roofing Project. Other proceedings included presentations on the Santa Cruz Kangaroo Rat genetic analysis and a wildland fire resiliency program update, alongside reports from committees and staff.