Pros and Cons: Preservation Ranch
The Preservation Ranch project is large in scope, and consists of a number of components that are interdependent. The vineyard development provides the essential economic foundation to responsibly manage the remaining 17,900 acres (91% of the total property) into perpetuity without the use of public funds.
To objectively evaluate the project, it is essential to compare the merits of both options; the Preservation Ranch Project approved versus the Preservation Ranch Project denied. It's also important to note that all the public benefits will be secured prior to the timber conversion commencing.
Project Approved
Project Denied
Environmental
- 17,900 acre conservation easement
- Restored forest, including planting 1 million trees
- Consolidate 160 parcels to 60, reducing fragmentation and restricting future development
Environmental
- No conservation easements on property
- No income for forest restoration efforts
- Existing 160 parcels likely to be sold off with unplanned development
Social
- Bring property into conformance with Sonoma County General Plan for land densities
- Expanded public access to natural habitat
- Provide access to Native Americans for cultural purposes
Social
- Ongoing parcel fragmentation and land use issues due to lack of zoning conformance
- No public access
- No access to Native Americans for cultural purposes
Economic
- Create local jobs, and generate $300 million in increased property value
- Increase in timber values, providing revenue streams for management
- Reduce risk of catastrophic fires through large scale forest management best practices
Economic
- Fewer local jobs created and less income for Sonoma County services
- Timber values remain low, with very limited funds for forest restoration or conservation
- High risk of catastrophic fires: due to no forest management practices at scale
