April 5, 2005: GPBC opposes the development of “Bidwell Ranch”

This is the text from a speech by Marilyn Ditmanson.

The Green Party of Butte County opposes the development of “Bidwell Ranch”.

The Green Party advocates Grassroots Democracy, that every human being deserves a say in the decisions that affect their lives. The citizens of Chico have vigorously opposed development of the “Bidwell Ranch” property for over 20 years. We are here to advocate for present and future generations who will be affected by the choices we make today. Bidwell Park (and its adjacent open spaces) is an irreplaceable treasure of immeasurable value. It is a resource that belongs to the entire community.

The Green Party advocates Ecological Wisdom. Human societies must operate with the understanding that we are part of nature, not separate from nature. We must maintain an ecological balance and live within the ecological and resource limits of our communities and our planet. Bidwell Ranch is a recharge area for residential and agricultural water supplies. It is our obligation to protect water supplies. Bidwell Ranch as open space allows CDF to use the Chico Airport to protect our forests. It is our obligation to protect our forests. With a rapidly growing population, open spaces become increasingly vital to the health of our community. Once gone, open spaces are impossible to replace or regain. Bidwell Ranch property is teeming with wildlife. In addition, it supports vernal pools, a rapidly disappearing environmental resource in California, and meadowfoam, a federally protected endangered species. The Bidwell Ranch property is an irreplaceable resource for current and future generations. We have a moral obligation to protect this community resource.

The Green Party advocates Economic Justice. We must choose economic development that assures protection of the environment; broad citizen participation in planning; and enhancement of our quality of life. The Chico General Plan calls for strict protection of viewsheds. Houses on Bidwell Ranch would drastically damage the viewshed of Upper Park. All it takes is a walk up the North Rim Trail of Bidwell Park to see the blatant disregard for the General Plan. The building on the south rim of Bidwell Park is an abominable display of arrogance and a monument to the failure of our representative bodies to protect the environment and the rights of the community.

We citizens, as the current stewards of the land, have an obligation to protect our community resources for future generations. The Green Party of Butte County opposes development of “Bidwell Ranch” land. We believe the City Council has a moral obligation to protect the resources of Chico for current and future generations. We expect you to protect the rights of the community. We expect you to reject any development of “Bidwell Ranch”.