200 attend meeting to oppose clear-cutting oak trees
-By Dick Mason
Pictured left is a shot from Google Maps in 2015, and on the right is a shot taken by Matt Trevison in his plane a few weeks ago.
Attendees were broadly opposed to clear cutting oaks to make way for vineyards
–More than 200 people turned out Monday night at Nature’s Touch in Templeton to discuss the recent clearing of an oak forest on land operated by Justin Vineyard and Winery, owned by Lynda and Stewart Resnick‘s Wonderful Corporation. Read the original report: Justin Vineyards criticized for clear-cutting oaks.
Vicki Shelby, representing First District San Luis Obispo County Supervisor Frank Mecham helped moderate the event. Concerned residents asked questions and made comments related to oak trees, reservoirs, grading and the impact of wineries on local ranchers and property owners.
The attendees were broadly opposed to the clear cutting of oak trees to make way for vineyards. They circulated petitions and stickers with Justin logo’s and “Just No.” Attendees at the outdoor meeting demonstrated a profound frustration with neighbors who have incredible resources and little sense of public responsibility.
San Luis Obispo County Planner Art Trinidade took questions and spoke about code enforcement issues. “The Resnicks may have to plant 500 oak seedlings if code enforcement finds them at fault. Although it’s legal to clear trees for agriculture, the Resnick company may have violated grading restrictions.” When Trinidade started talking about the company replanting seedlings to replace trees cut down, some yelled from the crowd that they’d be dead before those seedlings were trees.
Linda Heaton, whose family’s property borders the land, which was cleared to make way for grapes and a reservoir, said a silt fence will not prevent erosion.
Bill Spencer, who has lived in the area of Sheep Camp Creek since 1962, said, “water is the issue.”
Fifth District San Luis Obispo County Supervisor Debbie Arnold told those in attendance that a similar clear-cutting episode by Kendall-Jackson in Santa Barbara inspired discussion about an oak tree ordinance 20 years ago, but the agriculture community opposed it, saying no one would clear trees like that.
Speakers encouraged people to attend today’s San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors meeting.
Bill Pelfrey of the Templeton Advisory Group encouraged people to also attend the Tempelton Advisory Group Meeting Thursday evening at 7 p.m.
