A decades-old vision to open Fitch Mountain to public access inched forward this week, as the Healdsburg City Council approved a management plan for the 173 acres at the top of the mountain.
The planning process created a series of controversies, which were mitigated one by one as they arose.
The conservation easement that was created when the Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District purchased the land in 2014 was permissive by land conservation standards, allowing mountain bicycling, dogs on leash and events that could include up to 150 people.
While most agree that dogs on leash would be acceptable, opponents argued that currently, dogs are rarely kept on leashes and dog owners have to be educated about the rule, especialy as it relates to wildlife protection.
The event plan was dropped after fierce opposition from the Fitch Mountain Association, a group of property owners.
The land is expected to open to the public by the end of this year.
– Ray Holley
