Application for Consideration of Appointment to the Coastal Advisory Committee (CAC)
Thank you for your interest in being appointed to the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District's Coastal Advisory Committee. The CAC's job will be to review, discuss, and recommend revisions to specified District policies related to the San Mateo County coastal area under consideration for annexation by the District, and will include the responsibility of gathering input from a wide range of community and special interest groups on the Coastside. The District policies to be reviewed include those concerning eminent domain, land acquisition, and agricultural land use.
Please answer the following questions, which will help the existing members of the CAC to select representatives for the three "at large" seats available. The intent of appointing such individuals is to ensure that there is adequate representation for Coastside interests which are otherwise un-represented, or under-represented, on the CAC. "At large" members must live within the area under consideration for annexation. Please limit your answers to the space provided. Please write legibly. This form must be returned to the District office, 330 Distel Circle, Los Altos, CA 94022-1404 (fax: 650-691-0485) by 5:00 p.m., Friday, February 12, 1999.
1) Briefly describe your reasons for wanting to participate on the CAC.
In living in this area for 33 years I have developed a profound love and concern for the uniqueness of the Bay Area. From that concern has come a sense of stewardship and vigilance that the environment that I enjoy will also be available to future generations. For 28 years I have practiced the stewardship of a 325 acre farm I call the Segelstad Sanctuary. I have learned a great deal about forestry in converting a cattle ranch into a tree farm and also gained a great appreciation of the native plants and animals. As a person, now retired, I would enjoy sharing my philosophy of stewardship and conservation of the land, and have time and energy available to do so.
2) Please describe your personal or professional interest in and knowledge of Coastside land use and land conservation issues, and what expertise or experience you will bring to the CAC.
As a professional retired from solar energy technology research and development, I have long held views to utilize land judiciously, maximizing use of natural siting and environmental elements and minimizing waste of energy and materials and land.
As a farmer and forester I have learned the realities of land conservation, reclamation and potential of afforestation (sic) and reforestation projects. I know the risks, costs and benefits, both short and long term.
As an environmentalist and solar scientist I have presented testimony before the Cal. State Public Utility Commission, Energy Commission and the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate.
As former director and of Zero Population Growth I have long been aware of the pressures of human over-population.
3) What is the Coastside interest which you feel is un-represented or under-represented on the CAC, and what are your qualifications to represent those interests?
It may well be that the native plants and animals that have no voice but have an important part to play in the quality of human life need a spokesperson for their interests in preservation of habitat.
4) Do you own property in the coastal area under consideration for annexation? If so, please briefly describe its location, size, and use. (It is important for the CAC to be aware of any potential conflicts of interest that may arise that might be relevant to its deliberations.)
Yes, as described above I acquired a 325 acre ranch on West Bear Gulch Road, about halfway between Hwy 35 and Hwy 1, in 1970. I occupy this as my home and sole residence and have converted the property from a ranch into a tree farm and wildlife sanctuary.
5) What clubs, organizations, or interest groups do you belong to or are you affiliated with?
Past president and director of the California Institute of Man in Nature, an organization dedicated to conservation and education and acquisition of important ecologically sensitive lands along the coast in Mendicino County ( (illegible word) Reserve is an example). Past or present supporter or member of the Union of Concerned Scientists, Natural Resources Defense Council, Friends of the Earth, Sierra Club, and past Executive Director Emeritus (70-72) of Zero Population Growth. Member, American Farmland Trust, supporter of Peninsula Open Space Trust. etc. Served as advisor to Nixon, Anderson, McGovern and others on science & environment.
6) Please provide a brief description of your desired outcome of the work of the CAC.
To achieve a rational, logical equilibrium between the needs for preservation and conservation and the needs for human utilization. Neither rampant development nor fanatical conservation serves the needs of the citizens. A thoughtful path can be developed that balances these conflicting interests. I would enjoy being a part of that process.
Harold E. Segelstad
16250 Skyline Blvd.
Woodside, CA
(650)747-0304