The Sonoma County Board of Supervisors has cast a decisive majority, funneling $1.8 million toward the Kelly Creek Protection Project. This appropriation, drawn from district-specific infrastructure funds, will support the acquisition and subsequent merging of 47 acres of the Scott Ranch property into the existing Helen Putnam Regional Park. According to Sonoma County's official website, District 2 Supervisor David Rabbitt, who spearheaded the funding push, celebrated the news. "Scott Ranch is a special place," said Rabbitt. “I’m very grateful to the Kelly Creek Protection Project and Davidon Homes for striking an agreement that will transform nearly 90 percent of the property into an extension of Helen Putnam Regional Park while creating up to 28 homes on the remainder of the ranch. The entire community will benefit from this partnership."

The hefty sum is earmarked to cover nearly half the $4.1 million purchase price. This financial commitment is part of a broader strategy to quickly preempt potential residential development, ensuring the land's preservation for public use. The partnership does not rely solely on government funding; the Earth Island Institute is set to scoop up the slack, steeply providing another $5.4 million. These combined contributions will enable public access improvements, ecological restoration, and various enhancements before the proverbial baton is passed to Sonoma County Regional Parks.

This tactical conservation move thwarts a far denser developmental scheme initially proposed by Davidon Homes, which floated a plan for 93 residences in 2003. The revised strategy now includes improved habitats for local iconic species, such as the California red-legged frog, and the maintenance of the historic Scott Ranch barns. There's a tangible buzz of approval from the community and environmentalists, who have long advocated for protecting this space and its ecological treasures.