Supervisors Discuss Indigeny Reserve
Sonora, CA– The Tuolumne County Supervisors have approved a change in a Conditional Use Permit for owners of a local apple ranch.
Indiginy Reserve is a 160 acre organic apple ranch, ciderworks and distillery located in the Apple Valley region of Sonora. There have been concerns raised in the community that the future operations could negatively impact the quiet rural setting.
Jay Watson, owner of Indigeny Reserve, requested that the county eliminate the section of the permit that allows for the processing of fruits not grown on the property, and eliminate a second part that would allow large special events.
“I withdrew the two items because I think they are contentious at this point,” said Watson, “In the future, if I really require to bring in additional product over and above what I grow on my ranches, I’ll address it at that time.”
The revised Conditional Use Permit removes the condition relating to processing of apples and other fruits not grown primarily on the same land as the facility.
It also eliminates the condition of allowing up to 20 events per year that would be accessory to the agricultural processing facility, including guest authors, story tellers, food enlightenment, gardening and horticultural demonstrations, lecturers, small group meetings, musical events, educational classes, farm tours and product introductions.
Indigeny Reserve plans to fully open its tasting room in early 2012.
