Construction of the private golf course would have entailed cutting down 400 trees, half of them live oaks, eliminating portions of existing wetlands, and diverting nearby springs into lakes on the course. Fifty million gallons of water would be required annually to irrigate the course. The Planning Commission also voted unanimously against certifying the Draft Environmental Impact Report. The project proponents now have the option of appealing these decisions to the County Board of Supervisors. Considering the strong opposition by environmental organizations at the Planning Commission hearing, it is likely that these groups would raise the same objections to the County Supervisors, if they consider an appeal.
Field trips are open to everyone.
Bring lunch and water and wear shoes and clothing suitable for moderate walking. Trails can be muddy in wet weather. Heavy rain cancels. Sunday, January 14. Dr. Sara Fultz of Stanford University Biological Sciences will lead us to find and identify them.