Sandra Scott: As our lawns die, new nut trees are being planted
Driving home today I witnessed something unbelievable at the corner of Stoddard and Kiernan: the digging of holes on approximately 25 acres to plant (guess what) – more nut trees! While the rest of us are being asked to conserve, conserve, conserve our precious water, I cannot comprehend how this irresponsibility is allowed to continue. I see my neighbors doing their best to comply with new water restrictions. The neighborhood now looks like a wasteland of dead lawns and shrubs. As I drive out through the Beckwith, Dakota, Blue Gum, Shoemake area I see acres of lush green lawns on the property of local almond barons in addition to their young, green almond trees.
A little word of advice to my neighbors who live in town: Watch your wallets. Very shortly you will be penalized for doing your part to conserve and your water bill is going to increase dramatically so you can further subsidize this ongoing irresponsibility on the part of farmers in Stanislaus County and the surrounding area.
Sandra Scott, Salida
This story was originally published June 22, 2015 at 11:54 AM with the headline "Sandra Scott: As our lawns die, new nut trees are being planted."