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Board pauses Williamson Act contract changes and requests white paper after Nature Conservancy raises water‑rights concerns
Summary
Planning staff recommended a six‑month moratorium on Williamson Act contract nonrenewals and rescissions while staff prepares a white paper; The Nature Conservancy and Parks Creek Ranch managers described conservation measures, water‑use commitments and investments, and warned that unenrolling could reduce the property’s attractiveness to agricultural buyers.
Haley Link, planning director, told the board staff is preparing a white paper to address novel issues that have arisen in recent Williamson Act contract discussions, especially questions about dedication of water rights to in‑stream flow and how that could affect adjudicated downstream rights. Link recommended a six‑month moratorium on processing nonrenewals and rescissions of Williamson Act contracts so staff can analyze these issues and propose consistent policy or guideline updates.
Supervisors expressed concern about the potential…
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