The AWCP was conceived through a collaboration of local vintners in conjunction with the support of Monterey County Supervisors.  It should also be noted that this proposal was ultimately designed to "stand alone", if NOT approved with the new General Plan #5.

As cautious stewards of our wondrous Monterey County, when we decide to convert grasslands, oak woodlands, and any native habitat to pave the way for vineyards and other development, that decision carries serious impacts for our wildlife and bird habitat.  Although I am not as familiar as I would like to be with the millions of species of birds, plants, insects, and species involved, I don't need a degree in science to appreciate that some could become extinct, and quite often do! Development of vineyards encourages cutting trees, and brush removal to be replaced by vineyards whose practice is to "discourage birds from visiting their harvest."

I often wonder, and perhaps you do too, what happens in the event of a glut on the grape market? What impact will this pose on vineyards which span Monterey County valleys and rolling hills as far as the eye can see? Vineyard development here seems to have blossomed at a remarkable rate during the past ten years.  Climate change (yes...I do believe we are experiencing change) could cause serious disruption in the wine market, so depending so much on one "special interest" could be economically disastrous for our county, and quite unwise at the very least.