Supervisors warn state land purchases risk dewatering ranches in Scott Valley

A board member urged attention to several recent state purchases in Scott Valley — Quartz Valley, Shackleford Peace, and an 80-cattle ranch — and said the state now controls many upstream water sources. "In the last 5 years, the state now owns every water source coming into Scott Scott Valley," the member said, adding concern about dewatering of ranches and increased fire risk.

The speaker said the trend threatens the local tax base and public safety and described the purchases as "deplorable." Board members did not adopt a formal policy at the meeting but discussed possible follow-up and monitoring of water-right and land acquisition developments.