Residents press Calaveras supervisors to finish Open Space Plan updates and set a timeline

Several residents and members of the Calaveras Planning Coalition urged the Calaveras County Board of Supervisors on Jan. 13 to make completing the county’s Open Space Plan a top priority and to adopt a clear implementation timeline.

At a packed public comment period, Linda Deesom and other speakers said the county failed to meet a statutory update deadline and should prioritize three topics they cited as required: equitable access to open space, climate resilience and wildlife connectivity. Joyce Tinto, representing the Planning Coalition, said the county has not used basic conservation tools such as permanent conservation easements and urged the board to correct deficiencies so the county retains lawful authority to approve building permits and subdivisions on open‑space lands.

The speakers cited a need to inventory existing conditions across the landscape, identify future conditions necessary to meet conservation goals, and adopt measurable implementation measures. Penny Sarvis urged the board to include an implementation “order, pacing and timeline” so the county can compete for state open‑space funding. Tom Infosino, speaking as a private citizen and attorney, urged the board to add open‑space updates to the county’s 2026–2029 strategic plan.

Board members did not take formal action on the Open Space Plan at the Jan. 13 meeting; the comments were received during the public comment period and will inform the planning department’s priorities. Several supervisors acknowledged the statutory obligations and the funding advantage jurisdictions gain when plans are complete, and suggested staff return with options and timelines.

The next procedural step, according to public speakers, is for the board to agendize direction to planning staff to prepare and adopt a plan that conforms to state requirements and identifies implementation measures and a schedule. The board did not set a new deadline during the meeting.