The San Diego County Board of Supervisors has taken a significant step towards promoting sustainable agriculture by advancing a proposal to exempt sustainable cattle-grazing from existing grading and clearing ordinances, thereby expanding ranching operations on county-owned land.
In a unanimous 4-0 vote on Wednesday, the board directed Chief Administrative Officer Ebony Shelton and the Planning Development Services to explore options within a six-month timeframe, following a request from Supervisor Jim Desmond.
Desmond emphasized the importance of this proposal, noting the growing concerns among ranchers regarding regulatory burdens tied to permits required for cattle grazing.
He highlighted that while grading and clearing requirements may have been necessary in the past to mitigate the ecological impacts of poorly managed grazing, ranchers have since made considerable advancements in sustainable land management practices.
Desmond stated, “Many rotate grazing and maintain limited herd sizes, allowing for grazing areas to recover, resulting in stronger and more resilient landscapes.”
He asserted that ranchers are essential contributors to land conservation efforts, adding that cattle grazing can bring valuable land management co-benefits, particularly when compared to more intensive land development practices.
The proposal aims to support the local ranching industry, which reduces reliance on external beef supply chains, reinforcing Desmond’s assertion that the presence of ranchers in the county is a fortunate asset.
Vice Chair Terra Lawson-Remer expressed her support for Desmond’s proposal but emphasized the importance of consulting a broad range of stakeholders to avoid implementing impractical policies.
She raised concerns about ensuring that the Land Use & Environment Group staff members have adequate time to develop and present viable options to the Board of Supervisors, given their involvement in pressing issues such as accelerating housing production.
In response to Lawson-Remer’s concerns, a county official assured that, although the task would require additional staff hours, the team is equipped to manage it effectively.
During the public comment segment of the meeting, a majority of speakers, including San Marcos Mayor Rebecca Jones and representatives from the agriculture sector, showed strong support for the proposed changes to grazing policy.
Andy Lyle, a member of the San Diego County Farm Bureau, articulated the benefits of animal grazing, stating that it has the potential to improve soil health and structure.
He elaborated, noting that livestock manure not only enriches the soil with nutrients and organic matter but also helps incorporate plant materials and seeds into the ground through their hooves.
Lyle praised rotational grazing methods, explaining that they enhance the soil’s ability to absorb rainfall while simultaneously reducing runoff and erosion.
The Resource Conservation District of Greater San Diego County also echoed support for sustainable grazing practices, referencing state legislation in the form of Senate Bill 675 that aligns with these measures on public lands.
Joel Kramer, an official from the district, warned against categorizing cattle grazing as a degrading activity, asserting that it would represent a missed opportunity.
He emphasized that sustainable grazing practices can positively impact certain endangered species, like the burrowing owls and tricolored blackbird, fostering biodiversity in the region.
Katie Ostrander, a rancher and Warner Springs resident, reinforced the importance of maintaining healthy grazing land for both wildlife and cattle.
She stressed, “We recognize that the land’s ecosystem is fragile and interconnected,” underlining the necessity of sustainable practices in ranching.
However, differing views emerged regarding the proposal. Dan Silver from the Endangered Habitats League indicated that while they are conceptually supportive of a revised grazing policy, it is crucial to recognize that grazing has both benefits and drawbacks.
Silver insisted that any ordinance exemptions should not be regarded as a predetermined conclusion, as implementing strict best management practices and clearly defined site selection criteria would be essential for ensuring the success of such initiatives.
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