Madrone Needs Your Support

November General Meeting

Thank You

Contract on Mayacamas Restoration Planning

Seed Gathering at Sanctuary

The Village at Pine Flat

Agreement on Hillside Ordinance

Observations

Midweek Walkabout Results

Pee Wee Report

Things To Do

Winter Birding

Ideal Holiday Gift

Through the Garden Gate: Backyard Birding

Welcome New Members

Pee Wee Audubon

Agreement on Hillside Ordinance

After months of sometimes-heated debate, a joint committee of grape growers and environmentalists has presented the County Board of Supervisors with recommendations for a hillside vineyard erosion control ordinance. The proposal was accepted by the Supervisors on Tuesday, October 6, and sent to staff to be crafted into an ordinance.

As proposed, the measure would provide for erosion control on new hillside vineyards. According to Diane Hichwa, Madrone Audubon's representative on the committee, "This is one of the first times there has been a collaboration, with the two sides educating each other about their perspectives. Coming out of that with a mutually acceptable proposal is a significant achievement, and we hope that a similar approach can be applied to some of the county's other environmental issues."

The proposal would require growers to file erosion-control plans for new hillside vineyards. It is a "tiered approach," with more stringent plans required for the steeper slopes, and with anything more than a 50 percent slope off-limits to planting. It also provides a 50-foot "no-touch" setback from both year-around and seasonal "blue line" streams.

When the ordinance comes to the Board for approval, public support will be helpful; to be apprised when the date and time are set, please call Diane Hichwa at 579-1182.