Special interests rule: “The inaction of the Board has basically been a signal to the large landowners–cut now in case some changes might be coming next year. This the county leaders have done wittingly or unwittingly while failing to institute a temporary time out on tree removal proposals. The message delivered is, “bull doze what you have now.”
FOREST UNLIMITED: As I write, our oak woodlands are at great risk.
Contact Your District Supervisor: Call the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors main number 565-2241.
Contact District 1 | Contact District 2 | Contact District 3
Contact District 4 | Contact District 5
Three members–a majority of the Board of Supervisors, have indicated they want to help trees and have even on occasion expressed frustration and impatience with the lack of progress on tree protection. Notwithstanding this, the majority have not agendized this item. They point to doing “something” next year….at least they are talking about it. Before you get too excited, they have been talking about it for almost a decade. Much of the concerned public is aware of the problem and should properly expect to have their concerns move forward.
The inaction of the Board has basically been a signal to the large landowners–cut now in case some changes might be coming next year. This the county leaders have done wittingly or unwittingly while failing to institute a temporary time out on tree removal proposals. The message delivered is, “bull doze what you have now.”
Not only are there permits for approximately another 100 acres of oak woodland removal for vineyard pending, one of the most at risk woodlands has now been placed on the market. A Private land trust, recognizing the significance of this woodland, tried to purchase it but was unsuccessful.
Will the Majority of Supervisors act? If not now, when?
Even now a much needed “time out” cannot apparently be mustered. Given this situation, we should be concerned that any updates to the tree ordinance will be very soft on large land owners seeking to convert native oak woodlands to intensive viticulture. This despite climate change imperatives and the rapidly shrinking woodlands.
Please pay attention and voice your concern for the woodlands and support for a time out today. Call the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors main number 565-2241.
