Over recent years, CSERC has led efforts to convince officials in both local counties to adopt far stronger grading ordinances to protect the region’s water, wildlife, and scenic values.  Calaveras County has the greatest need since it currently doesn’t have any effective grading ordinance to restrict grading or to authorize “stop work” orders when some projects create grading problems.

   Due to CSERC’s complaints and due to positive work by both counties’ planning staff, new grading policies are finally headed through the approval process in each county.  Hopefully, by the end of the year, approved policies will restrict mass grading and limit ridge top clearing or other practices that cause significant watershed impacts.