Williamson Act
June 7, 2007
The Honorable Arnold Schwarzenegger, Governor
The State of California
State Capitol, First Floor FAX: (916) 445-4633
Sacramento, CA 95814
RE: Williamson Act Subvention Program
Dear Governor Schwarzenegger:
Since 1971, California’s Williamson Act has successfully encouraged the maintenance and preservation of agricultural and grazing lands at a nominal fee, a relatively inexpensive means to ensure productive quietude and open space for future generations. At a cost to the State of only $36/acre for grazing land since inception, no other Federal or State agency can claim to be as effective or efficient in the conservation of lands in their charge.
Furthermore, elimination of the subvention program will not only accelerate changes to the landscape of California, it will discourage the remaining agricultural producers who are generating income for the State and helping to feed the world. As a fifth generation cattleman in Tulare County, I consider the Williamson Act the single most important piece of legislation to date to preserve California landscapes for the long term. Any erosion of this Act will surely take agricultural lands out of the hands of the very people who have cared for them best.
It takes no genius to develop ground and increase the tax base, but it’s a lifetime challenge to keep ground productive into the future with the renewable resources of sunshine and rain. I urge you to honor the commitment and foresight of the Williamson Act that has kept California unique.
Very truly yours,
John C. Dofflemyer