October 1998
Vineyard Expansion Changing 'Viewshed'
The popularity and profitability of wine has led to a big increase in the acreage devoted to grape growing in woodland areas, which has spawned a challenge--how can vineyard acreage and oak trees co-exist? A new publication based in part on research funded by the University of California Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program (UC SAREP) looks at the physical, biological and social benefits of maintaining and restoring native vegetation including oak trees in and around vineyards.
"Our publication offers practical information on balancing agricultural production with natural resource conservation," says Adina Merenlender, a UC Cooperative Extension specialist with the Integrated Hardwood Range Management Program. Vineyard expansion in former woodland is driving local ballot measures, ordinances and community attention in Santa Barbara, Napa, Sonoma, San Luis Obispo, Marin and Monterey counties.
"Vineyard expansion is changing the ‘viewshed,’ or what people see in their surrounding landscape," says Merenlender. "The changing landscape and the loss of oaks is what’s driving these issues." Merenlender is the co-author of "Vineyards in an Oak Landscape," a publication based on natural resource and agricultural research with input from grape growers and Cooperative Extension farm advisors. "Educational materials for growers are as important as regulation," Merenlender says.
The publication (#21577, $4.50) is available through UC DANR Communication Services, (800) 994-8849.
Media Contacts:
Lyra Halprin, (530) 752-8664, lhalprin@ucdavis.edu
