We would like to inform the community of some disturbing plans being developed along Scenic Highway 1, near the turn off to popular Jalama Beach.
Highway 1 from the 101 at Las Cruces to State Route 246 in Lompoc is one of the few valuable State Scenic Highways in our county. cherished State Scenic Highways. Along the route are the surrounding farmland and the beautiful Farmland and the scenic views of this rural highway have been well protected by longtime farming families families protected.
In September 2021, the Santa Barbara County Planning and Development Office approved a land use permit Permission for Big Bend Ranch to grow 9.19 hectares of cannabis, a very thirsty plant, and use of up to 22 acre-feet of well water that would be drawn from shallow wells near a stream during the growing season growing period. This amount is equivalent to about 7 million gallons (or the amount of water needed to power 65 average American homes per year).
You may know that the flat, prime farmland in this area is used for growing lima beans (butter beans) and some chickpeas have been grown for as long as the locals can remember. Cattle graze on the steep hills above the plains. Historically, this land has not been irrigated. Water is very scarce here, both for the wildlife and for the residents and their livestock, and that is why the Neighbors of the property in question (3151 San Julian Road) are very concerned about this proposed new land use. The fact that Santa Barbara County has received less than average rainfall for eight of the last 10 years Below average for eight of the last 10 years has all of us even more concerned.
The El Jaro Creek that flows through this ranch is considered critical habitat for the southern Steelhead, a federally recognized endangered species. This creek also provides habitat for the red-footed frog, another protected species, and other rare animals. El Jaro Creek is an important one Tributary of Salsipuedes Creek, the largest tributary of the lower Santa Ynez River. Much has been done to protect the spawning ground along both El Jaro and Salsipuedes Creeks To improve habitat for the Southern Steelhead. Any measure that would reduce or eliminate the pools in these streams would adversely affect the protected species.
Santa Barbara County only allows a 10-day period after the approval of a land use permit in which within which residents can appeal. After receiving the approval notice, our group of 18 set out Neighbors quickly got to work and objected to the permit (Case number 19LUP-00000-00133).
The District has scheduled the hearing for this appeal to the Planning Commission for March 2, 2022.
There are many reasons why this is not a good location for growing cannabis, however, our objection focuses on the water issue. We firmly believe that the removal of the proposed large Amount of water will affect the summer pools in El Jaro Creek, of which the protected species species depend. This water use is also likely to impact the capacities of at least seven nearby wells owned by several long-established local families.
In addition, this narrow section of Highway 1 is known to be very dangerous due to frequent traffic jams Accidents and fatalities along the curves leading past Big Bend Ranch. We are worried that the proposed project will only exacerbate these problems on this busy commuter route, which runs between the town of Lompoc and Highway 101.
If you've been driving down Santa Rosa Road lately, you're feeling the effects of the spread of the seen growing cannabis. Why should you open the door to this phenomenon on one of the most popular and beautiful side streets in our region? most beautiful side streets?
