High-Country Health Food and Cafe in Mariposa California

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'Click' Here to Visit: 'Yosemite Bug Health Spa', Now Open.
'Click' Here to Visit: 'Yosemite Bug Health Spa', Now Open. "We provide a beautiful and relaxing atmosphere. Come in and let us help You Relax"
'Click' for More Info: 'Chocolate Soup', Fine Home Accessories and Gifts, Located in Mariposa, California
'Click' for More Info: 'Chocolate Soup', Fine Home Accessories and Gifts, Located in Mariposa, California
'Click' Here to Visit Happy Burger Diner in Mariposa... "We have FREE Wi-Fi, we're Eco-Friendly & have the Largest Menu in the Sierra"
'Click' Here to Visit Happy Burger Diner in Mariposa... "We have FREE Wi-Fi, we're Eco-Friendly & have the Largest Menu in the Sierra"
'Click' for More Info: Inter-County Title Company Located in Mariposa, California
'Click' for More Info: Inter-County Title Company Located in Mariposa, California

Dear Editor:

On Tuesday November 17 at 2pm, the Mariposa County Board of Supervisors will be voting on adopting the requirement of a conditional use permit for mining projects. Currently, Mariposa County does not require a conditional SST LTRuse permit on parcels of 160 acres and over on land zoned as Agricultural Exclusive (AE). Much of Mariposa County land is zoned AE. There are also a number of mining claims that dot the land along the Merced River watershed – the water that flows to many faucets, through fractures into wells, and to some of our schools and farms.

I am a fourth generation cattle rancher. My children and grandchildren are the fifth and sixth generation. My family has ranched this area in good and bad years. When I was told by our County Supervisor, who is against greater community input, not to worry, that if the mines took out my water or contaminated it with chemicals, that he would make sure they would get me more water. This statement showed his ignorance and lack of respect for the ground that has fed us and sustained our cattle businesses for generations. To lose our water, is not a gamble I am willing to take. Ironically, only a conditional use permit would have the legal teeth to ensure my business is made whole in the event of a mining disaster. Without it, our water, our health and our livelihood are vulnerable.

Conditional use permitting is a tool that our community and leaders can use to work with a mining applicant to ensure that public health, safety and welfare concerns are addressed. The existing system does not allow for meaningful public input. In fact, Mariposa County is one of the only counties in California that allows mining by right. I am not a fan of lots of regulation, but not all regulations are equal. Some rules, like employees washing their hands after using the toilet, are important - so is conditional use permitting. We are smarter now. We have seen the disasters and their horrible impacts. A conditional use permit is a minimum standard for good policy that can help protect the Mariposa public, our agricultural operations and your water.

Please join me, and many others, including the Farm Bureau, in demanding that the Mariposa County Board of Supervisors adopt conditional use permitting for mining projects. Attend the Board meeting or send a letter supporting conditional use permitting via email to the BOS Clerk at: rlaroche@mariposacounty.org. For more information, please see our website, saveranchlands.org.

Mary Ann Visher
Hornitos,CA