NEWS RELEASE

The public is invited to join Sonoma County Regional Parks, the Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District, and the Bay Area Ridge Trail Council for the dedication of the Johnson property addition to Hood Mountain Regional Park, including a 5-mile section of the Bay Area Ridge Trail. The dedication will begin at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 21, 2006 at the Hood Mansion, 7501 Sonoma Hwy (12) in Santa Rosa.

The ceremony will feature speakers County Supervisor Valerie Brown, Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation & Open Space District General Manager Andrea Mackenzie, Bay Area Ridge Trail Council Executive Director Janet McBride, Sonoma County Regional Parks Director Mary Burns, and Sierra Club Outings Chairperson / Bay Area Ridge Trail Council Founding Board member Carol Vellutini. A complimentary light lunch will be served afterwards, followed by a variety of outings and activities beginning at 1:00 p.m., including presentations by historian Gaye LeBaron and former property owner Willard Johnson, an interpretive walk with naturalist Andy LaCasse, a “hiker’s hike” with Dave Chalk and Bill Myers, a mountain bike ride with Sonoma County Trails Council President Ken Wells, and a horseback ride with Sarah Reid from State Parks’ Mountain Assistance Unit. Individuals participating in the outings are encouraged to bring a daypack and drinking water, and to wear sunscreen, layered clothing and sturdy shoes.

The addition of the 307-acre former Johnson Ranch to Hood Mountain Regional Park provides enhanced access from the Highway 12 scenic corridor. Acquired in 2003 by the Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District, the Johnson property now includes a new 5-mile segment of the 500-mile Bay Area Ridge Trail. This Ridge Trail segment begins on the floor of the Sonoma Valley and winds through the former ranch, connecting to the Hood Mountain Trail near the 2,730-foot summit. The trail passes by ponds and a group of historic cabins, through a grassland meadow, up a wooded canyon and into forested hillsides, emerging on the ridgeline between Napa and Sonoma valleys with panoramic views. The current phase of development also includes the park driveway from Pythian Road, a 25-space parking area, equestrian trailer parking, new multiple-use trails, and informal picnic areas.

Funding for the park expansion and development came from the Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation & Open Space District, Sonoma County Park Mitigation Funds, California State Park Bonds – Proposition 12 and Proposition 40 funds, and State Coastal Conservancy – Bay Area Ridge Trail Funds. Construction was performed by John Benward Company, Sonoma County supervised adult crew, Campbell Grading, California Conservation Corps, and Regional Parks volunteers and staff.

Reservations are requested for this event. Please call (707) 565-2730 and leave a message with the number of people in your party. For more information, call Sonoma County Regional Parks at (707) 565-2041 or visit www.sonoma-county.org/parks.