Plan To Allow Public Access To Mt. Umunhum By 2016

SANTA CLARA COUNTY (AP) -- After being off limits for three decades, Mount Umunhum could be open to the public over the next few years for access to panoramic views of Monterey Bay and San Francisco.

The agency that owns the land, the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District, is scheduled to vote Thursday on the plan for reopening the former home of Almaden Air Force Station.

The 3,500-foot-high mountain is about 26 miles south of San Jose.

The San Jose Mercury News reports that the district still needs to secure $13.1 million to clear toxic debris, like asbestos, left over from the air station and to repave the five-mile road.

Under the plan, Mount Umunhum would be open for permit-only access in two years, and full public access would be possible by 2016.

A final vote on the plan is expected in August.

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