Residents urge Clear Lake council to consider moratorium on cannabis and ag projects in Burns Valley watershed

Several residents urged the Clear Lake City Council to consider a focused moratorium on cannabis and agricultural cultivation in the Burns Valley (Oglund Canyon) watershed during public comment on May 19.

David Hughes, speaking for roughly 40 Burns Valley homeowners, said the group successfully appealed two cultivation approvals and remains concerned about the cumulative effects of cultivation on local water resources. Hughes asked the council to consider bringing a moratorium for the Burns Valley watershed before the city so the community can study water impacts and update permitting policies. Two emailed commenters (Ed Roby and Deb Salley) also urged a temporary moratorium until drought conditions improve or monitoring data show no significant changes in water tables.

Vicky Crystal, a long‑time resident and nonprofit volunteer, asked the council to act immediately citing cumulative water use by vineyards, legal and illegal cannabis grows, and other agricultural projects. She proposed a moratorium of up to a year, or longer if monitoring showed continuing impacts.

Council members acknowledged the comments; staff and the mayor noted the county previously rejected a countywide moratorium proposal and that planning and appeal processes are underway. No formal council action to impose a moratorium occurred at the meeting; the mayor said the topic should be scheduled for future council consideration.

Why it matters: The requests raise jurisdictional and resource issues—local well viability and drought resilience—that could prompt changes to local land‑use policy or coordination with the county if the council elects to study or act on a moratorium.