Politics & Government

New Vineyard Rules Block Deforestation

Satellites will monitor the county's 'tree-scape' to ensure that property owners don't clear forests before applying for vineyard permits.

 

It will be harder to redevelop forested hillsides into vineyards, thanks to a new rules passed by the Sonoma County Supervisors Tuesday.

The erosion-preventing legislation blocks grape growers from ripping out foliage from inclined fields – an increasingly common practice now that open flatland are mostly developed. New vineyards must additionally be 50 to 100 feet from unstable hillsides and requires three years of follow-up.

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Under current legislation, the Vineyard Erosion and Sediment Control Ordinance, or VESCO, vineyards can be planted on slopes of up to 50 percent with no regulations of tree removal, reports the Santa Rosa Press Democrat. .

But with the new rules trees can not be removed on grades above 40 percent; from 25 to 40 percent a 'slope stability analysis' is required.

Find out what's happening in Sonoma Valleywith free, real-time updates from Patch.

But many present said the rule was a moderate, ineffective choice – catering to both sides, while appeasing none, reported the Santa Rosa Press Democrat

Environmental groups think it doesn't go far enough, and agriculture and growers groups believe the process was rushed, Carrillo said.

“It seems to me that no one's happy here, on either side,” Carrillo said.

Still, officials say the new rules take the necessitate precautions against erosion.

And, don't think about pulling a fast one on the county. Officials say they will monitor tree canopies via satellite to prevent property owners from clearing hilly areas before seeking a vineyard permit. 

Whether you're a vineyard owner, worker or an interested environmentalist – What do you think of the new regulations? Do they take the necessary precautions against erosion, which is a big problem in the region, or, do they needlessly block new agricultural businesses from locating in county?


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