Request for Bids: Johnston Ranch Habitat Enhancement and Water Supply Improvement Project

Mar 4, 2026

Download the complete bid package here.

The San Mateo Resource Conservation District (SMRCD), in partnership with Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District (MROSD) and Peninsula Open Space Trust (POST), welcomes contractors to bid on the Johnston Ranch Habitat Enhancement and Water Supply Improvement Project (Project), located in Half Moon Bay, CA in San Mateo County. This Project will protect streamflow in Arroyo Leon Creek, enhance riparian habitat for wildlife, address chronic erosion issues, and improve water security and drought resilience for the agricultural operations at Johnston Ranch. Project activities include, but are not limited to, the following components:

• Irrigation Reservoir: Excavating and constructing a new approximately 15 AF poly-lined irrigation pond, including the installation of fencing, a diversion pipe, an intake pipe, and pump station.

• Habitat Pond: Buttressing and increasing the height of the existing embankment on a 1.1 AF pond to expand it into an approximately 5 AF habitat pond. New outlets will be installed within the habitat pond to direct overflow to the new irrigation reservoir, a restored stream channel and the upgraded existing spillway channel.

• Historic Channel Restoration: Restoring an historic stream channel below the habitat pond to re-establish a fluvial connection between the watershed and Arroyo Leon Creek. A stilling basin will be installed at the head of the channel to dissipate energy while also serving as a culvert crossing for cattle and vehicle access over the channel.  The stream will serve as the primary receiving waters when the habitat pond overflows and will help support a riparian habitat corridor.

• Spillway Reinforcement: Upgrading the existing habitat pond spillway that is in disrepair. A new drop structure will be installed at the head of the channel to accommodate the raised embankment and protect this area from erosion. The earthen portion of the spillway channel will be graded and strategically reinforced to serve as an auxiliary spillway during periods of higher flows.

The Project will expand the capacity of an existing stock water pond and build a new irrigation reservoir to support the agricultural operations at Johnston Ranch while expanding riparian habitat around the existing stock pond, restoring an historic stream channel, and reinforcing a failing embankment and spillway.

A mandatory pre-bid tour will be held at the project site. Attendance is required for all bidders. RSVPs for the pre-bid tour are required.

When: 3/19/2026 at 10:00 am

Where: Johnston Ranch project site, just south of Half Moon Bay, CA (exact location and directions to be shared with pre-bid tour RSVP)

RSVP: Email ryan@sanmateoRCD.org by 3/17/2026 at 4:00 pm

Bids are due by 4/9/2026 at 12:00 pm NOON (PST). Late submissions will not be considered.

Public Bid Opening 4/9/2026 at 4:00 pm virtually via Zoom. Zoom Meeting Link Meeting ID: 850 1532 0728 Email ryan@sanmateoRCD.org for additional Zoom meeting information.