Recent proposals for rezoning the Monterey Road corridor threaten the progress that’s been made in protecting Coyote Valley, a crucial conservation area just south of San Jose.

Coyote Valley, just south of San José, is a key location for wildlife connectivity, regional biodiversity, flood protection, and trails and public open space. Santa Clara County voters agree and have consistently and overwhelmingly supported conservation of this region. Yet now, these efforts could be undermined by recent proposed developments directly in the Coyote Creek corridor between Monterey Road and US Highway 101.

Squeezing development into this narrow, critical slice of land and water will have dramatic, negative impacts. But maintaining this protected corridor, and locating development in urbanized areas rather than the green fields of Coyote Valley, will provide numerous benefits to all the species who share this area – including humans.