The following is one person's quick synopsis of what the initiative means. Please read the full text of the ordinance here.
No one may cut or remove timber or other forest products of any tree species from land capable of growing a crop of trees of any species for the conversion of that land to uses other than the growing of timber, particularly if the conversion is to an agricultural use of the land, provided that the land is within 325 feet of the centerline of a stream that can be used by fish, or a seasonal stream that supports invertebrate life, 175 feet from the centerline of a natural drainage ditch that can carry eroded soil, 50 feet from the centerline of any man-made ditch or culvert, 1000 feet from the edge of any wetlands or any home on a neighbor's property, or within 75 feet of any seep or spring.
Lands that are already zoned for timber production are exempt from this ordinance, as are lands on an owner's property that are within 150 feet of his home or proposed home.
The ordinance acknowledges that a property owner may remove dead or diseased trees and poison oak from his property.
Interpreting the Initiative: Since the Initiative has been filed with the County Elections Official, its interpretation is now beyond the control of those who launched it. What is says and what it means is now in the hands of the lawyers and the courts.
Questions:
1. Does the Initiative apply to replanting a vineyard once the old vineyard has been pulled?
2. If no trees need be removed, does the Initiative apply to converting land to a vineyard?
3. Is there a clear delineation between what is a tree species and what is not?