By Alex Lane  -

A proposal has been included in the General Plan that would require a conditional use permit for any residential use of Up Country lands East of Dew Drop. The proposal is number 19 in a list of potential changes available for public viewing through the County’s website. In the language of the document, the proposal would apply to, “public and private lands east of Dew Drop presently used or anticipated to be used for passive and commercial recreation, limited managed forestry, mining or grazing activities.” This and other elements of the General Plan have been added and revised based on public input in years of past meetings. Amador County Planning Director Susan Grijalva acknowledged last week that “there is some opposition to what the county and staff have proposed” and expected extended public comment on the issue during a public workshop Saturday and another, Wednesday, October 15th. Two other public meetings are scheduled for October 14th and 16th. “I own my land, and I shouldn’t have to have a use permit to go on my own land,” said Jennifer Cunio Girard, owner of a cabin near Silver Lake.” District 1 Supervisor Elect John Plasse agreed, saying “it is against my core beliefs to devalue or further incumber someone's property with additional regulations.” Plasse is a property owner in affected area. This option has been the only one available throughout the process of developing alternatives A, B, C, and D. Plasse said he didn’t “understand why leaving things as they are can't be an alternative,” said Plasse.”