By Jim Reece - Owners of nearly 70 parcels filed protests against the “Open High Country” designation of land East of Dew Drop, with many stating their opposition in 5-minute addresses to the Amador County supervisors and planning commissioners Wednesday in Jackson. 66 people or families representing 67 properties filed opposing comments against the designation, which would change the Land Use designation from Open Recreation to Open High Country, which in part would require special use permits for year-round residency East of Dew Drop. Among reasons given were that medical or police assistance were not readily available in the area. One parcel owner said that he and his wife both had suffered strokes, adding, “we were on vacation, nowhere near a hospital.” Local land owner Ciro Toma spoke on behalf of Plasses Meadow Group LLC, whose owners plan an 80.55-acre campground with a bar, restaurant and propane, gasoline and diesel sales. Toma said that supervisors must “think that owners are naïve if you think they are going to live up there in January or February, then call up and have the roads plowed to get the kids to school.” Toma said “if someone want to go up there and be a hermit, let them go up there and be a hermit.” He noted that there is a couple that lives Upcountry, East of Dew Drop, year-round. They can be seen riding snowmobiles in the winter. He said owners “just feel that the use permit should be treated the same as everywhere else in the county.” Toma said the property was originally purchase in 1853, with the purchase subject to recognition as owned territory. District 2 planning commissioner Dave Wardall asked what they did for use permits back then? Supervisor Louis Boitano said “the county did not come into existence until 1854.” Supervisors were to take further public input in the final day of the serial meeting, Thursday.