Christina Aranguren | Aug 16, 2015Timber Harvest Plan for controversial Calistoga Hills resort recommended for approval
A timber harvest plan required for the logging and construction of Calistoga Hills Resort (formerly Enchanted Resorts development and Diamond Hills Estates subdivision) was recommended for approval Thursday, April 23, 2015 by the multi-agency review team charged to evaluate the plan. As lead agency, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection has received over 100 public comment submissions from residents and organizations throughout California which question or challenge the controversial plan, including the Calistoga Tree Coalition, Forests Unlimited, Friends of the Napa River, Latinos Unidos, and Vision 2050 affiliates Napa Group, Redwood Chapter of the Sierra Club, Calistoga Citizens for Green Community, Living Rivers Council, California Fisheries & Water Unlimited, Defenders of the East Napa Watersheds, Dry Creek Road Alliance, Get a Grip on Growth, Mt. Veeder Stewardship Council, Protect Rural Napa, Save Rural Angwin, Soda Canyon/Loma Vista Foundation, Stop Syan Expansion, St. Helena Citizens, Save Yountville Hill, and Watersheds Alliance of Atlas Peak. Three attorneys have also commented.
Prior to the recommendation, the timber harvest plan was returned twice to the developer's forestry consultant in December, 2013 and May, 2014 because of non-compliance with State Board of Forestry regulations and was unaccepted for filing. Due to challenge from the San Francisco Bay Regional Water Quality Control Board in September, 2014, a second Pre-Harvest Inspection of the property was held on February 23, 2015. It was not open to the public.
CDF Team Chairman Anthony Lukacic reported at the April 23 review that because of new information, the plan would require re-circulation and the public comment period remain open to all California residents citing serious environmental concerns and/or relevant new information. The public comment period closed June 29, 2015.
Normally, CDF has fifteeen working days following close of comment to issue a final determination and reply to the comment submitted. Due to the volume of comment submitted, the determination date has been extended to August 31, 2015; an additional extension can be issued if needed. Following approval, the plan can be legally challenged within 30 days of the determination.
To view the complete file on this project go to:
this ftp folder (you may have to register as guest)
Financial contributions to oppose the plan can be made on the
Forest Unlimited website or mailed to (with an email memo to Charlotte Williams at
Citizens for Green Community):
Forest Unlimited
P.O. Box 506
Forestville, CA 95436