Coyote Lake Harvey Bear Ranch Master Plan
Coyote Lake County Park was established on the west side of Coyote Lake Reservoir, east of the city of Gilroy in 1969. This park has successfully provided boating, fishing, and camping recreation to the citizens of Santa Clara County for many years. In 1998, the park grew to a size of 4,448 acres through the acquisition of the Harvey Bear, and the adjacent Mendoza Ranches, to become the second largest park in the Santa Clara County Parks system. The park is now called Coyote Lake–Harvey Bear Ranch County Park.
In January 2004, the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors approved a Master Plan for Coyote Lake-Harvey Bear Ranch County Park. The Master Plan is a 20-year blueprint for recreational development at this park. It strives to provide a diversity of recreation while retaining the park's spectacular character.
Read the Coyote Lake-Harvey Bear Ranch Master Plan - May 2003
Coyote Bear MP Table of Contents
Coyote Bear MP Ch1
Coyote Bear MP Ch2
Coyote Bear MP Ch3
Coyote Bear MP Ch4
Coyote Bear MP Ch5
Coyote Bear MP Ch6
Coyote Bear MP Ch7
Coyote Bear MP Ch8
Coyote Bear MP Ch 9 and Appendix
Natural Resource Management Plan - Jan 2004
Natural Resource Management Plan Appendices
View Maps for the Natural Resources Management Plan
Read the Coyote Lake-Harvey Bear Ranch Final Master Plan Environmental Impact Report
Coyote FMPEIR - Cover
Coyote FMPEIR - Table of Contents
Coyote FMPEIR - Executive Summary
Coyote FMPEIR - CH1
Coyote FMPEIR - CH2
Coyote FMPEIR - CH3A
Coyote FMPEIR - CH3B
Coyote FMPEIR - CH4
Coyote FMPEIR - CH5
Coyote FMP EIR - CH6
Coyote FMPE IR - APP. A & B
Coyote FMPEIR - APP. C
Coyote FMPEIR - APP. D
Coyote FMPEIR - APP. E
Coyote FMPEIR - APP. F
Master Plan EIR Comments and Responses (Volume II)
Key Elements of the Approved Master Plan
Lakeside Area: Continuing emphasis is on boating, camping, and picnicking with new camping and picnic areas proposed, along with showers, water play area and small amphitheater for ranger talks.
Slopes and Ridges: Over 4,000 acres of passive open space will preserve the slopes and the hillsides overlooking the valley and the lake. Multi-use trails will traverse the area but most of it will remain as natural habitat. Opportunities for hang gliding and paragliding may be provided at key points along the ridge.
Mendoza Ranch Area: An environmental education center emphasizing natural history, education, and outdoor skills for both youth and the general public is proposed for this scenic back roads area. Staging areas will provide trail access to regional trails in the area and link up to the rest of the park.
Western Flat Area: Historically cultivated in crops, hay, and pasture, the 300 acres located off San Martin and Foothill Avenues offer the most potential for a mix of recreation for local and regional needs. A 35 acre equestrian center is proposed with the versatility to serve many types of equestrian related activities. Along with picnicking, youth fishing pond, off-leash dog area, trails, and a regional staging area, a 6 acre Historic Site is included at the location of the historic Martin Murphy Ranch site. A golf course is proposed for about 150 acres. Between 80 and 90 acres of open grassland will serve as a buffer and visual screen between the local community and the proposed uses.
Maps for Coyote Lake-Harvey Bear Ranch County Park Natural Resource Management Plan
Proposed Trails
Existing Ranch Road Network
Proposed Management Areas
Proposed Grazing Management Areas
Existing Infrastructure
Current Land Use
Resource Constraints
Hydrologic Resources
Ranch Roads and Trail Slope Analysis
Erosion Features
Slopes
Soils and Geologic Features
Biological Survey Locations
Existing Vegetation
Archived Documents:
Project Newsletters
Project Map
Project Archives
Draft Project Goals
History of Planning at Coyote Lake County Park
Project Task Force Information and Meetings
Attachments