Vineyard development encompasses more than planting grapes. Considerations include:
¥ Water - Grapes use water for both irrigation and frost protection. Residents living near vineyard development report a noticeable drop in the water table as vineyards go in.
¥ Chemical contamination of soil, water and air - While Mendocino County is at the forefront in organic wine grape production, it still represents less than half of the grapes grown. Small, local growers are more likely to grow without chemical fertilizers and pesticides, whether or not they are officially organic, but large, corporate growers are increasingly an influence in Mendocino County, and, like most out-of-the-area corporations, are not necessarily concerned about the communities in which they operate. The first chemical used in vineyard planting is Methyl Bromide, a major ozone depleter which has been banned in California, but with temporary exemptions for certain crops, grapes being one.
¥ Watershed/Riparian Habitat - Erosion and subsequent stream siltation result from most vineyard development. Some conscientious developers put cover plants on the tilled soil in the vineyard, but far too often the area is cleared of all vegetation, the soil is tilled several feet deep and without adequate set backs from streams. Road building contributions to erosion, and grading on steep slopes has a significant impact. Vernal pools (natural seasonal ponds) and their particular habitat are jeopardized by road building and other grading.
¥ Deforestation and destruction of oak woodlands - Irrigation, mechanical soil disturbances, and chemicals are all detrimental the oaks that are left in the area, however most often the oaks, some of which are very old, are cleared to make way for the vines. There was a move by vineyard developers last year to clear 10,000 acres of forestland, mostly in Mendocino County, to put in grapes. The Board of Supervisors closed the loophole that considered grapes and trees alike in regard to agricultural development, and didn't require special permitting for going from one to the other. Clearly the ecosystem is drastically changed when a forest is replaced with vineyards.
¥ Monocrop (and alcohol at that) - Loss of biodiversity leaves a weakened biosystem. When only one species is planted, whether it be trees or a food crop, disease or insects can wipe it out. Monocrops reduce the animal, bird and insect populations by destroying their habitat. One concern about the expansion of wine grapes is that we are using our agriculture land for producing alcohol rather than food. When walnut, pear or cherry orchards are replaced with wine grapes, the question must be asked, is this in the best interest of society in general?
One critical piece of development in general is the lack of a grading ordinance in Mendocino County. We are the only agriculture county in the state without such an ordinance, and it is mandated in the county general plan. This situation leaves the county vulnerable to a civil law suit. The Board of Supervisors side steps this responsibility by deferring to a five county task force that has been in effect for several years, but has developed nothing to date. An ordinance would cover all types of development including road building.
The figures in "Some Facts and Figures About Mendocino County Vineyards and Wineries", as well as the "Land Use Patterns" and "Wine Grape Acreage by County, 1994-98" were supplied by the Mendocino County Wine Growers Alliance. They indicate the growth is still minimal compared to total land use and growth in other counties. Still, now is the time to develop a vision of the future and start taking steps to assure development over the next decade is consistent with the desire of the people living here, not with the out-of-area corporations who have only economic interests, and not with people just moving to the area who want a small vineyard but have no understanding of the impact on the ecosystem or of what the changing landscape means to people who have lived here for years.
For more information about vineyard development and what is being done in the county at the grassroots level, contact the MEC, or Community Action Network in Anderson Valley, 895- 3616.
Copyright Mendocino Environmental Center 2000
Permission granted to excerpt or use this article if source is cited