With over 70 percent of Modoc County managed by the state and federal governments, many local land use decisions have the potential to affect private landowners, county government, and the local economy. Through the Modoc County Land Use Committee, however, Modoc County has paved the way for a new era in public lands management.

Appointed by the Modoc County Board of Supervisors, the 24–member Committee is comprised of a cross section of individuals with expertise in timber, grazing, mining, hunting, fishing, wildlife, and farming—all activities that occur on public land.

The purpose of the Committee is to ensure that Modoc County is a full partner in managing public lands within the county. The Committee is charged with reviewing state and federal land management agency projects for possible impacts to individual citizens, county government, and the local economy. After carefully researching any proposed activities and meeting with agency representatives as needed, the committee then recommends appropriate action(s) to the Modoc County Board of Supervisors.

“We did not form the commission as a way to control management of public lands. We wanted to be sure the county had a voice on how those lands are managed, and that agencies understood what the county needed to survive,” says Nancy Huffman, a Modoc County supervisor and long–standing member of the California Biodiversity Council.

As a result, Huffman points out that there has been continuing discussion among state and federal resource managers, county government, and people who depend on natural resources for their economic well being.

The agencies of the Modoc County Land Use Committee have recognized the importance of working together to protect the fragile ecosystems of the lake and the basin. The Committee and the Modoc County Board of Supervisors provide a forum for agencies to discuss activities and management proposals and to work cooperatively on projects.

California Biodiversity News: Volume 9, Number 2
Fall/Winter 2002
For more information on the California Biodiversity Council, please contact:
Erin Klaesius, Communications Coordinator
CA Biodiversity Council
1416 Ninth Street, Suite 1311
Sacramento, CA 95814

Email: erin.klaesius@fire.ca.gov