PRESENTATION ITEM: OPEN SPACE 20th ANNIVERSARY
TOWN OF FAIRFAX PROCLAMATION
Celebrating the Fairfax Open Space Committee’s
20th Anniversary
WHEREAS, the Fairfax Open Space Committee (FOSC) was established in 2004 with the mission to preserve the visual and environmental values of the Fairfax community by acquiring and protecting undeveloped land; and
WHEREAS, the FOSC has, over the past 20 years, safeguarded significant open spaces, providing sanctuary for indigenous flora and fauna and ensuring that future generations can enjoy the natural beauty of Fairfax; and
WHEREAS, the Fairfax Open Space Committee (“FOSC”) is an advisory body to the Town Council, assessing open space opportunities (and more) and providing input on certain long-term planning matters; and
WHEREAS, the FOSC has played a pivotal role in fostering a strong community of dedicated volunteers, donors, and supporters who have contributed to the success of its conservation efforts, including the recent acquisition of the 100-acre Wall property; and WHEREAS, the Committee has collaborated with and been inspired by our community neighbors, the San Anselmo Open Space Committee (SAOSC, who has been in “business” more than 40 years), and has worked in close partnership with local, county, regional and State entities, including the Marin Open Space Trust (MOST), the Marin County Open Space District, the Marin County Board of Supervisors, the State Coastal Conservancy and the Town Council and Town of Fairfax overall; and
WHEREAS, FOSC has created a legacy of environmental stewardship, notably through projects like the Redwood Preserve, Creekside Preserve, Jolly Hill Open Space, and Sky Ranch (in 2015, 16 acres of open space in Fairfax & San Anselmo!), providing valuable green spaces and fostering community pride in land conservation; and
WHEREAS, this year, the pinnacle of the many successes of FOSC was attained working with the Town Council, MOST, and many other trusted partners – on September 30, 2024, the Town of Fairfax acquired the 100-acre Wall Property (the “Jewel” of Fairfax), for the protection, restoration, and enhancement of natural resources, wildlife habitat, open space, California Native American tribal cultural resources, and compatible public access. FOSC held fundraisers and worked hard to foster community support; and
WHEREAS, the contributions of current and former FOSC members, including its leadership and all its members, as well as the many community youth who have been involved, have ensured that the Committee’s vision and mission continues to thrive; and WHEREAS, in recognition of its 20th anniversary, we honor the Fairfax Open Space Committee for its two decades of dedication to protecting open spaces for the benefit of the entire Fairfax community and beyond.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT HEREBY PROCLAIMED, that the Town Council of the Town of Fairfax, do hereby proclaim the year 2024 as the 20th Anniversary of the Fairfax Open Space Committee, and, with our sincere appreciation for FOSC members present and past - we urge all residents to recognize and celebrate the Committee’s accomplishments and continued herculean efforts to preserve and protect open spaces, and thus protecting the beauty, the biodiversity and natural resources of Fairfax and beyond.
Signed this 16th day of October 2024
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Barbara Coler, Mayor of Fairfax