California: McCloud ranch development threatens Willow Flycatcher

A developer from Chico, California has proposed a 93 acre development,
the McCloud Meadows Ranch, that would pin one of the last known
breeding pairs of willow flycatchers in the McCloud region between a
road, a subdivision and a golf course.

The willow flycatcher is a
small yellowish-grey bird that makes its living in willow and alder
thickets along riverbanks. Once numerous in California’s low lands,
the willow flycatcher has been forced to retreat to higher elevations
as residential development and livestock grazing have destroyed most
of their prime habitat. In 1990, the State of California listed the
willow flycatcher as an endangered species.

Leaving aside for the
moment where these 61 families would get their home financing in this
credit market, what effect they’d have on McCloud’s rural character,
what combined effect they may have on the water table when added to
the still possible Nestlé bottled water facility and what effect
dozens of house cats moving next door to an endangered song bird, we
must first concern ourselves with whether McCloud Meadows Ranch is
following the law. KS Wild and the California Department of Fish and
Game have made compelling arguments that the project will have a
significant effect on the environment and thus requires a full
environmental impact report before proceeding. Please make your view
known to the Siskiyou County Planning Board. The initial comment
deadline has passed, but this project will almost certainly require
further review and public comment and every public voice counts.
You can write the Planning Board at: Siskiyou County Planning Board –
Attn: Rowland Hickel 806 S. Main Street Yreka, CA 96097
http://wwwkswild.org