HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda Bill 3.ALate1 10/18/2010e
October 11, 2010
President Valerie Brown and District Directors
Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District
575 Administration Drive, Room IOOA
Santa Rosa, CA 95403
RE: SCAPOSD Citizens Advisory Committee Position
Roblar Ranch Conservation Easement Exchange
Dear President Brown:
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The SCAPOSD Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC) convened a special meeting on October 7,
2010 to discuss the proposed Roblar Ranch ~conservation easement exchange and amendment.
The purpose of the meeting was to provide CAC members and the pub(ic an opportunity to learn
about the proposal being presented to the Board on October 19, 2410 and determine what
recommendations the committee could prepare for the Board's consideration.
Though the staff report for the Board was not yet available, District staf~presented details of the
proposed exchange and amendment, as well as fielded questions from the CAC. The meeting
was very well attended by members of the public. Most in attendance, including the project
applicant, spoke for the record. A copy ofthe meeting summary notes is attached.
With a strong majority vote, the CAC authorized the executive committee to prepare this letter
and include the following recommendation.
The Advisory Committee to the SCAPOSD takes the following position:
We oppose the release of the easement for the Roblar Ranch Conservation Easement for the
following reasons:
1. The citizens of Sonoma Counry ezpect the easements acquired by the District will be
permanent.
2. Sale or release of easements for private purposes sets a dangerous precedent and
should not be considered.
3. Approval of a road through the easement will damage the reputation of the District
and erode public tr"ust that the District permanently protects properties it acquires.
We appreciate the opportunity to submit this recommendation for your consideration.
Sincerely,
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Andrew S. Rodgers, Chair
SCAPOSD Citizens Advisory Committee
Attached: CAC Meeting Notes, October 7, 2010