Google Earth Tour Of Humboldt

[Ben J]

Maybe federal land is the exception, but here in Humboldt there is no argument that outdoor grows are declining... It has grown exponentially the last few years.

[Darian]

Amazing!!! A biblical reference, too. I see you're sticking to your talking points (in a dramatic way, of course).

Regardless, there is some good info in your post. While it's true that some of those grape growers have riparian rights to water, not all of their properties are situated next to a stream or river. Seems like the only applicable rule for you is that water rights trump everything else, including damage to the environment. A better approach is to recognize that even water rights can and in some cases should be changed/modified for the benefit of all. Negotiation is always preferable to legislation or litigation. Even if you have a good cause, you can still lose.

While I respect agricultural activities and their products, I don't share the view that riparian or other water rights create an entitlement to water at the expense of everyone or everything else.

[Darian]

Over the years (almost two centuries), water rights have been legislated and litigated ad nauseum. The state has authority to legislate new or changes to water rights as it sees fit and I'm a believer in using statutes to regulate water usage. IMO, some of the problems involved with fish and wildlife management in this state have a great deal to do with the current scheme of water rights. I'm not advocating throwing out those rights but modification of some sort should be part of any discussion to improve management of fish, wildlife and environmental conditions to prevent further decline of species.

IMO, A grower with riparian rights should be allowed to draw water to irrigate crops but not be able to de-water a river/stream to the detriment of species that rely on water for their existence or discharge polluted run-off into those waterways.

Time to get together and try to make some changes to these statutes so that they work for everyone and everything in the this state.

[dpentoney]

Look at what water rights have done to the Colorado River system. Mexico gets shafted big time since virtually all the water is taken before it gets to Mexico, and hardly any gets to the Gulf of California.

Riparian rights are cool to a point, but when you look at the level of wine grape plantings that have occurred along the Russian River in the last 50 years it has had a huge impact.

[Darian]

Interestingly enough, there was a timely article in yesterdays SacBee (reprinted from the NY Times) concerning the potential impact of climate change on vineyards/wineries (unable to locate link). As the climate warms and makes grape growing difficult, vineyards will have to re-locate. Scientists predict that 59% of of wine country in the western US will be unproductive for vineyards (according to climate models). The concern expressed in the article is the impact on fish, wildlife and the environment as we expand further into areas that will be suitable for growing grapes.

Another, equal concern should be the consideration/discussion of modification of the purchase of water rights by vintners moving their operations in the state in order to help mitigate vineyard operations. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure....

[bchris964]

Research on marijuana is applause able but it is illegal according to the law.
No doubt,it is big source of export for growing country but still not suitable for the humane health.