At the latest Grassroots Institute meeting, local leaders discussed key issues impacting Mendocino County, including drought preparedness, aquaculture challenges, and housing initiatives.
Drought Resilience Planning Underway
Amber Fisette from the Mendocino County Water Agency provided an update on county-wide drought planning. She outlined the requirements of SB 552, a state law passed in 2021 mandating counties to form a standing drought task force and develop a drought resilience plan.
“The drought task force facilitates preparedness for small water systems and domestic wells,” Fisette explained. She added that the drought resilience plan focuses on identifying risks and proposing solutions but does not require the county to implement those measures directly.
Fette also presented a drought vulnerability map, showing that roughly half of the county faces medium to high drought risk, with the Anderson Valley and northern and southeastern areas particularly vulnerable. Upcoming drought task force and community meetings are scheduled for January and February 2025, respectively, with a plan submission to the Board of Supervisors expected in May 2025.
Aquaculture Struggles in Fort BraggS
arah McCormick from the City of Fort Bragg highlighted ongoing challenges with establishing an aquaculture program in Noyo Harbor. Despite receiving a Coastal Commission grant, permitting hurdles have delayed the project.
“We’re trying to explore the feasibility of a commercial venture, but the permitting system feels broken,” McCormick said. She noted that the city had hoped to launch a pilot project in 2024 but this has been moved to the spring 2025. McCormick said she is concerned that the effort may be reduced to a document outlining the complexities of the permitting process.
McCormick emphasized the need for clearer guidance and a more streamlined process to support California’s push for a blue economy and aquaculture development.
Housing and Camping Initiatives
Marie Jones addressed efforts by the City of Fort Bragg to become a state-designated “pro-housing” community. Proposed changes include eliminating parking and use permit requirements for multifamily housing projects and introducing a streamlined design review process to encourage development.
“These changes would make multifamily housing approvable by right, handled entirely by staff. It’s a bold approach for Fort Bragg,” Jones said.
She also discussed the county’s exploration of allowing transient camping, or “hip camps,” on private parcels without public hearings. The proposal, which, in practice, changes residential zones into commercial zones, would permit up to five campsites on five-acre properties. Jones noted concerns from coastal communities about traffic and density impacts.
The full meeting is available on the GrassRoots Institute website for those seeking more information.