Cannabis concerns are not just about NIMBYism

Alicia Russell, the cannabis representative who published a “Community Voices” piece last week (Record-Bee January 22) makes many valid and excellent points. One cannot disagree with the fact that cannabis has provided economic benefit to the communities here, our government, and many residents.

I can disagree however, that the objections to cannabis are simply based on NIMBYism (Not in My Back Yard). If you will notice, not once does Ms. Russell mention the impact on our environment. Or perhaps she doesn’t believe that cutting down over 100 oak trees (as proposed in one new cannabis development) is consequential? Removal of our diminishing oak forests, chaparral, and depletion of ground water sources are issues that must be considered. As someone who has reviewed biological studies on many of these projects, I can say without reservation, that many are inadequate, unrealistic, and incomplete.

Let’s not forget that the County of Lake has benefitted cannabis developers too. As pointed out in a recent article in the Press Democrat, growers have been attracted to this county because of cheap land prices, lax regulations and a welcoming environment. This is what also irks local residents. Big cannabis businesses are purchasing land here because they see this industry as a cash cow with little evidence of environmental concerns other than the “reports,” they must generate, which, as I have pointed out, are often inadequate and frankly questionable regarding their veracity. To top it off, growers are now asking for either a reduction or an elimination of the taxes on cannabis that were the main impetus driving the acceptance of this industry — the impressive amount of tax money to the county.

I have visited two cannabis developments that were just fine. Well developed and placed in areas of low impact on neighbors and the environment. It can be done. The push to start projects before all permits are in place, the “Early Activation,” process has been abused and caused many problems. Eliminating this short cut will be very beneficial.

I would encourage cannabis growers who come to Lake County to respect the people who make their homes here and to develop careful, thoughtful and wildlife friendly projects. Show that your main goal is not just financial benefit. Care about this place. It is unfair to categorize objections to cannabis projects as simply NIMBYism. Those of us with concerns are people who have fought for years to protect this county from damaging projects and thoughtless developers. Don’t dismiss us as people who only care about our “own back yards.” All of Lake County is our back yard and we intend to protect it.

A resident of Lower Lake, Roberta Lyons has served on the board of directors of the Lake County Land Trust. Beginning in the late 80s Lyons became active with the Redbud Audubon Society, serving as president of that organization for five years. Also interested in historic preservation, Lyons was a founding member of the Lower Lake Historical School Preservation Committee. This committee was responsible for the preservation and restoration of the historical Lower Lake brick school that now serves as the south county museum.