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POST to sell 4,262 acres to National Park Service

The Peninsula Open Space Trust plans to sell Rancho Corral de Tierra, a large tract of land surrounding Montara and Moss Beach, to the National Park Service.

The Peninsula Open Space Trust spent nearly $30 million to acquire the 4,262-acre area, one of the largest pieces of undeveloped space on the San Mateo County coast, according to spokeswoman Nina Nowak.

The federal agency will pay approximately half the purchase price for the land, according to POST.

Congress recently approved additional funds for the acquisition. Including the latest $5 million appropriation, Congress has set aside a total of $11 million to date toward the eventual purchase.

The tract of land harbors flora and fauna unique to Rancho Corral de Tierra, according to the trust. The terrain is steep and rugged, offering both impressive vistas and challenging hiking trails.

Threatened and rare species found in the area include the Montara manzanita, Hickman's cinqefoil, peregrine falcon, San Bruno elfin butterfly, San Francisco garter snake, and the California red-legged frog. The land is also home to several critical watersheds.

Incorporating Rancho Corral de Tierra into the GGNRA would connect the Bay Area Ridge Trail network with the California Costal Trail system.

— Bay City News Service