Trouble in bloom at California development site

[JNA]

Headline and Article from the AP Wire:
http://www.newsday.com/news/science/...ence-headlines

Hightlights:

SEBASTOPOL, Calif. -- Did someone in this wine country town illegally plant an endangered flower to sabotage a proposed housing development? That is the question at the center of a quarrel folks here have dubbed "Foamgate."

... opponents seized on the discovery of the federally protected species in hopes it would force the developer to scale back plans for 145 houses and apartments.

But state wildlife officials investigated and concluded that the meadowfoam had been transplanted there. They ordered it dug up.

"Our community takes a very hard, careful look at development," said Kenyon Webster, the town's planning director. "That small-town character is the reason a lot of people want to live here."

When the meadowfoam appeared in April 2005, and the Department of Fish and Game determined it had been planted, it appeared to be the work of zealous conservationists.

"The people who planted it mistakenly believed that it would be the silver bullet that killed the project," said Scott Schellinger of Schellinger Brothers, the developer behind Laguna Vista.

Anybody have any stories about the length / efforts taken to delay / stop a subdivision project ?

[Richmond Jake]

Anybody have any stories about the length / efforts taken to delay / stop a subdivision project ?

When I was working out in California, a neighbor opposed to a proposed development would drag a garden hose to the center of project site each night and turn on the water. Lo and behold, a "seasonal vernal wetland" developed. WTF is that? More delays. More environmental assessment. Only in California thanks to CEQA. Oh, those days out on the left coast....I'm sure I'll remember more when the fog of this past weekend clears....

[Otis]

I know of some little kids who pulled out all the survey stakes for a subdivision in the woods where we, I mean they, played.

[imaplanner]

When I was working out in California, a neighbor opposed to a proposed development would drag a garden hose to the center of project site each night and turn on the water. Lo and behold, a "seasonal vernal wetland" developed. WTF is that? More delays. More environmental assessment. Only in California thanks to CEQA. Oh, those days out on the left coast....I'm sure I'll remember more when the fog of this past weekend clears....

A vernal pool is a seasonal depression that is covered by shallow water for a few months out of the year and is dry for the remainder. It can provide habitat for many different types of rare and endangered species- including fauna that may lay their eggs that remain dormant during the dry months. Many different types of animals also use them as a seasonal food and water source.

[The One]

I know of some little kids who pulled out all the survey stakes for a subdivision in the woods where we, I mean they, played.

Let me guess......did that happen in Florida perhaps.......and were there owls involved.....hmm......I hope your getting some of the royalties........

Hey, is this Carl?

[Zoning Goddess]

Let me guess......did that happen in Florida perhaps.......and were there owls involved.....hmm......I hope your getting some of the royalties........

Hey, is this Carl?

OT: You're a real hoot. Weren't your rights to read his books revoked when you moved out of state?