CSERC: After years of controversy, Calaveras County finally rejects illegal golf course development project

In 2001, neighbors of a Calaveras County ranch noticed massive grading and clearing. They alerted County officials that a golf course was being illegally created on agricultural land that was restricted by Williamson Act limitations. Over the following years, various county officials declared the project to be a violation, yet no action was taken to halt construction. The property owners took advantage of the situation to develop a completely unpermitted 18-hole golf course. CSERC repeatedly urged the County to take aggressive action, and CSERC staff twice visited the site to talk directly with the owner.

Instead of requiring the golf course to be returned to a natural condition or converted back to agricultural use, the County instead allowed the owner to apply for a huge new development plan. Lodging, a clubhouse, a restaurant, a bar, and other facilities were all requested along with plans to subdivide the property. Project neighbors rallied together and became adept at lobbying county supervisors, informing the media, and filing legal comments. CSERC staff poured hundreds of hours of time into efforts to turn back this blatant attempt to gain approval for a project that violated the General Plan and was based on the unpermitted golf course.

When the project finally came up for a final vote, the Trinitas golf development proposal was rejected by a slim 3-2 decision. The majority of supervisors echoed many of CSERC's key comments as reasons why this project was unacceptable. On top of its County planning conflicts, it depended solely upon septic and well water to handle tens of thousands of anticipated customers each year. It also had significant environmental impacts that couldn't be mitigated. CSERC's efforts clearly contributed to the successful final result.