The Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors made a decisive move on Tuesday, opting to halt the advancement of the proposed low-impact camping area (LICA) ordinance following extensive deliberation and significant community opposition, particularly from residents near the CZU burn scar.
Concerns voiced during the three-hour debate centered around the potential implications of increasing campsites across the county. These concerns included heightened wildfire risks, an already strained insurance environment, and the impact on sensitive habitats. The memories of the devastating CZU Complex fire, nearing its four-year anniversary, loomed large in the discussion, highlighting community anxieties about any policy that might escalate these risks.
Originally championed by District 2 Supervisor Zach Friend, the LICA ordinance was intended to complement Senate Bill 620, proposed by state Senate President Pro Tem Mike McGuire. However, with SB 620 facing uncertain prospects in the state legislature, supervisors unanimously agreed to delay local action on LICA until the state bill’s fate becomes clearer.
Barbara Parna, a resident of Boulder Creek, expressed her dismay over the ordinance, citing personal insurance challenges exacerbated by wildfire risks. She questioned the county’s sensitivity to the community’s recovery needs and voiced concerns about the influx of new residents under such policies.
Despite recommendations from the county’s development department, the LICA ordinance faced opposition from the county planning commission and various local stakeholders, including environmental groups and fire officials. The original proposal would have allowed property owners with five or more acres to establish private campsites, albeit with stringent restrictions in high fire hazard zones.
Amid mounting public resistance, Supervisor Friend proposed a revised version on Tuesday, significantly scaling back the number of campsites and campers permitted under the ordinance. However, consensus on these amendments remained elusive.
District 1 Supervisor Manu Koenig underscored the county’s responsibility in balancing public access with environmental stewardship, expressing concerns that the proposed ordinance could tip this delicate equilibrium.
As discussions continue, the fate of the LICA ordinance remains intertwined with broader legislative developments and ongoing community feedback, reflecting the complex interplay between public policy, environmental protection, and local resilience in the face of wildfire risks.