Stay tuned to when we put up the information about the Environmental Impact Reports which are pending. It's government, so don't hold your breath.

We'll also give you information on how to respond to the EIRs and when the subsequent hearings will be held.

One thing that's interesting is that I have had more people come up to me and verbally support the quarries than ever before. And not just people who have lived here for decades and are quite adjusted to their presence.

These are people who KNOW that gravel products are a part of rural life and have no interest in our area becoming paved over with asphalt and concrete. They know that septic systems are also rural and we won't be getting any major sewer systems to our cabins any time soon. And gravel driveways are more tree/watershed friendly than paved driveways. AND that the alternative to gravel land mines is river mining (way bad for the Russian River) and shipping gravel from distant places (way expensive and polutting with deisel emissions).

So when you hear loud voices complaining about gravel truck traffic, remember that it's not necessarily the majority of locals thinking that way.

 And take a look arond these days during the winter months. Where are the trucks now? This is a seasonal business afer all.

Yes, I support the gravel mines for all of the above reasons. I'm leaving my decision about the expansion plans until I see the EIRs and I recommend others do so as well. This is an issue we need to be educated about - not run on emotions.