Vineyard project draws protest

Tom Chorneau • Calistoga Tribune

A vineyard proposed in the scenic woodland in the hills above Angwin faces a stiff challenge over its potential impacts on protected species and watershed resources.

Le Colline Vineyards, which would be built about a quarter mile from Conn Creek, would also require the clearing of about 30 acres on the border of the Linda Falls Preserve.

Although Napa County officials approved the project in March, residents and environmentalists have appealed that decision. The question will go before the county supervisors on August 15.

Critics say the county did not fully evaluate the vineyard’s impact on threatened species, such as the California red-legged frog. Nor did the county fully investigate potential damage to Conn Creek, which feeds Lake Hennessey and serves as a major source of water for the city of Napa, they say.

“The county approved a bad project,” said Kellie Anderson, a self-described environmental activist who lives in Angwin. “The trees and the rock that will be blasted out are in the way of someone getting their 99-point cab. We’ve got to change the county policies that don’t protect the watershed.”

Dave DiCesaris, co-owner of Le Colline, said opponents have overlooked the many improvements that have been designed into the vineyard since he began the approval process nearly 10 years ago. He said that 70% of the 88-acre property will remain in a natural state.

“I appreciate their passion and what they believe in, but unfortunately they have distributed some misinformation about our project,” he said.

The biggest, he said, was regarding the potential impact on Linda Falls, a popular 50-foot seasonal cascade that is protected under a 177-acre permanent conservation easement held by the Land Trust of Napa County. He said that two other nearby vineyards have operated for decades, both about the same distance as his property from the creek.

“And Linda Falls is still in a pristine condition,” he said. “Yes, for some reason our project is going to cause problems.”

In Napa County, where grapes are king, conflicts over new or expanded vineyards occur frequently. Concerns over environmental impacts caused county officials to trim the size of an addition to Stagecoach Vineyards, between Napa and St. Helena, just a few weeks ago. An expansion plan at Duckhorn Vineyards, just north of St. Helena, drew objections from neighbors in May.

In June, the Land Trust bought the 2300-acre Walt Ranch east of Yountville, ending a contentious battle over the clearing of about 300 acres and as many as 14,000 trees.

At issue before the supervisors later this month is whether county staff properly oversaw the environmental review associated with an erosion control permit for the Le Colline project.

Frances Tinney, an attorney with the Center for Biological Diversity based in Tucson, which filed the appeal, said that county staff failed to identify habitat of several threatened and endangered species on the site.

“The property is very rich in bio-diversity,” she said. “This project will hurt the habitat that they need.”

Also Center biologists argue that replacing forest cover with a vineyard will result in creating more erosion and a bigger run-off that will reduce the water quality of Conn Creek.

Brian Bordona, Interim Director of Napa County Planning Building and Environmental Services department, said in a statement that Le Colline’s erosion plan “has undergone a comprehensive review and was deemed in compliance with the county’s Conservation Regulations and the California Environmental Quality Act standards.”