Friends of Gualala River Protecting the Gualala River watershed and the species living within it
Artesa’s controversial
timber-to-vineyard plan
nears approval
| by Brett Wilkison February 12, 2012 Santa Rosa Press Democrat |
[excerpt:]
A project that would clear up to 146 acres of forest for vineyards in northwest Sonoma County is nearing state approval.
The controversial proposal, put forward by Napa-based Artesa Vineyards on 324 acres outside of Annapolis, has been on the drawing board for more than a decade, with the latest version under review since 2009.
The state Department of Forestry and Fire Protection released a final environmental impact report Thursday that is expected to result in formal approval after the 10-day review period ends Feb. 19.
. . . critics say the plans underestimate harm to water quality, including impacts on struggling salmon and steelhead stocks in the Gualala River watershed, and disturbance of Kashia Pomo tribal sites in the area.
They have called for the property’s protection as a conservation and cultural reserve.
. . .
| To read the entire article, visit the Press Democrat: Artesa’s controversial timber- to-vineyard plan nears approval. |
For additional information, see:
Artesa Winery vineyard conversion nears approval?
CAL FIRE released the Final Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for Artesa Winery’s plan to clear-cut 154 acres of coastal redwood forest to plant a vineyard in Annapolis. The EIR states that the project will have no significant environmental or cultural impacts.
