• The project includes creation of an irrigation reservoir, significant grading, removal of native oak trees, and new vineyards.
• County of Monterey is the lead agency.
• The project was guided by the Monterey County General Plan of 1982.

• There are two grading permits (in 2004 and 2011) associated with this vineyard. The 2011 permit expired without grading action taken by the permittee.
• The Planning Commission approved the project in June 2003.
• The Mitigated Negative Declaration was approved by the Planning Commission in June 2003.

• Lack of Adequate Environmental Review
  The California Environmental Quality Act requires a full EIR where there “might” be adverse environmental impacts. The Gallo proposal to expand a South Monterey County vineyard needs that kind of environmental review.
• Inconsistent Planning Documents
  LandWatch notes that the current Monterey County General Plan, adopted in 1982, is not only chronologically out of date, but is now internally inconsistent and legally inadequate. This fact has been noted by the County itself.

LandWatch engages in the public process in a variety of ways. For this project, here is a list of our engagement strategies.

• Letter: Comments on Project’s Inconsistency with the General Plan (94K PDF)
  LandWatch notes a history within the County to move forward with projects without proper analysis. This project is no exception. Furthermore, the project is not consistent with the General Plan which is out of date. (01.26.04)