JH Ranch in Etna Wants to Expand and Some Residents Are Not Happy
By Aaron Nilsson/KTVL.comETNA, Calif. -- A summer-camp ranch in northern California is looking to expand operations on their property. Some residents in Scott Valley who said they believe the proposed expansion will cause too many problems.JH Ranch owns 350 acres in the Scott Valley. The camp currently operates on 79, but is looking to expand to nearly 200 acres.JH Ranch employees, Jerry Stacher and Bob Fleener, said they love their jobs and for the positive influence the summer sessions have on the youth who attend.A group called The Friends of French Creek said the work the ranch does is admirable, but the current proposals for expansion will have a negative influence on the local community .The group said the issues they worry about include, loud noise, too much traffic on a narrow road, water use for hundreds of people and access and safety in case of fires and other emergencies.Co-Director of JH Ranch, Rob Hayes-St Clair, said any expansion would not occur for another 15 to 20 years.Plus, he added, about 1700 guests come through the ranch during the entire summer, not all at one time.One two week session usually has between 200 and 300 guests.Hayes-St Clair said the ranch knows of possible fire dangers and is doing all they can to preserve the environment.In spite of the opposition on the current plans, both sides are friendly and willing to listen to each other's position.The public will be allowed to comment on the issue until April 4th and then Siskiyou County leaders will discuss the public's remarks.