Glen Ellen Open Space

Two hundred people turned out at the Sonoma Developmental Center (SDC) near Glen Ellen on January 28, to discuss a proposal that the State lease out more than 180 acres on the hillside above the Center for cultivation as a vineyard. Every one of the three dozen people who spoke was strongly opposed to the proposal, including farmers, ranchers, and several viticulturists.

The vineyard would be located on the site of an orchard that was used earlier in the century to grow fruit for Center residents. It would require sterilization of the soil and regular applications of pesticides. The property drains into a creek that provides drinking water for the SDC, and borders a mixed forest with a venerable old-growth redwood tree that is a local landmark. Up to now, it has been accessible to the public with SDC permission.

Robert Evans, speaking for Madrone Audubon, pointed out that in 1990, a State Fish and Game survey found a pair of Spotted Owls and a lone male within a mile of the old orchard, which is a hunting ground for raptors. The survey report notes that state and national fish and game agencies recommend maintaining "at least 1,336 acres...within 1.3 miles of the roosting or nesting site of the owls.

"In order to ensure that this federally listed, threatened species is protected, no land changes should occur adjacent to either site until the area has been surveyed to USFWS protocol standards." Confirmation of the owl's presence would place strict restrictions on any change in the habitat.

The location is habitat for many species of plants, mammals, birds and amphibians, and is the sole remaining wildlife corridor connecting Sonoma Mountain and the Mayacamas range. To further preserve this important link, CalTrans reportedly is considering a wildlife underpass for nearby Highway 12.

Many speakers were concerned about the impact of the vineyard on SDC residents and neighboring properties: siltation, road development and truck traffic on the property, loss of recreational open space, and diminishing of the area's underground water supply.

As Madrone Conservation Committee co-chair Clyde Nance sums it up, "This proposal serves no public interest. It is a disservice to the public and a misuse of public assets."

The lease was proposed by the State Department of General Services, which was charged several years ago with leasing or selling "surplus" State properties to relieve a state funding crisis. The State's financial situation has now improved, relieving the urgency of the original DGS mandate, but the wheels continue to turn. The January 28 hearing was held to consider what should be covered in an Environmental Impact Report on the proposed lease.

Another parcel of SDC property, extending up to the ridge from the proposed vineyard, should soon be protected by a "forever wild" conservation easement. Purchase of the easement, at a cost of $225,000, was approved last month by the Sonoma County Agricultural and Open Space District, and now awaits authorization by the State agencies involved. Several speakers suggested that the feasibility of an easement on the lower acreage also be explored.

To express your opinion about the lease proposal, contact Senator Mike Thompson at 50 D Street, Suite 120-A, Santa Rosa 95404; phone, 576-2771; email, <senator.thompson@sen.ca.gov>

George Ellman, Clyde Nance, and others contributed to this article. ---JSB

Madrone Audubon will sponsor a site visit and birding trip to the Sonoma Developmental Center open space on Saturday, April 25, weather permitting. Leaders will be Diane Hichwa and George Ellman. For details, see next month's Leaves or call Judy Burness at 833-5552.