| To: Chairman Mike Cale and Board of
Supervisors Dear Mike and Board, I've been following the discussion on the Outdoor Recreation Plan with some interest. I know that the Board will do a good job setting out the priorities. The trails debate has generated a lot of controversy (I'm sure that comes as no surprise to you). After the plan is approved and the implementation begins I have a suggestion. If a certain property has a trail designation, then it should have a higher value to Sonoma County than visual open space. Therefore the landowner should be paid more for the easement. I think that some (admittedly not all) of the landowner opposition will go away at that point. If the landowner is convinced that a trail will still negatively effect agricultural opposition then more money will not change his or her mind. However, it may be that an increase in purchase price might close the deal and Sonoma County can proceed with implementing the plan. You may already be considering this type option, if so please make my ramblings part of the comments. Thanks to all for a great job.
Jim Harberson
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