Mendocino County to clarify cannabis ordinance’s tree removal prohibition

MENDOCINO Co, CA, 2/8/23 — Language in a Mendocino County ordinance meant to protect local forest lands from out-of-towners seeking cannabis riches has instead penalized small local cultivators in the midst of the commercial permitting process who have removed trees on their properties, as the Board of Supervisors discussed for around four hours on Tuesday. 

Following weeks of General Government Committee discussion and a report from County Counsel and Mendocino Cannabis Department (MCD) Director Kristen Nevedal, supervisors voted to modify the ordinance’s language to clarify how it defines development; apply CalFire’s standards and requirements around tree removal for safety concerns; and simplify the language of a new affidavit form allowing cultivators to explain why trees were removed from their land.