GUEST OPINION: Don't choose vineyards over redwoods, history

<p>As an early morning mist filters through the redwoods in the village of Annapolis in northwest Sonoma County, a Pomo elder of the Kashia band walks through the forest toward an ancient settlement site. The elder's presence at this place is linked to a deep concern over the spirituality of sacred places being endangered by development of this land into vineyard. The concern is well placed. </p><p>This development entails the conversion of 130 acres of mixed redwood and timberland into vineyard. Forest conversion here threatens key heritage sites that are critical to the cultural well-being of Native peoples. The zone in which the forest conversion is proposed by Artesa Winery (owned by the Spanish winery Codorniu, one of the largest corporate wineries in the world) was once populated by Pomo ancestors. </p><p>The area around Annapolis was an ideal location for settlements between the rich marine resources of the Pacific Ocean and communities located in the interior. </p><p>Located just a short distance away from the Gualala River, once a seasonal source of salmon, Annapolis once hosted a wide array of Native American activities in prehistoric and historic settlements, which included stone tool manufacturing, shell fish processing and ritual life. </p><p>In 2000, Sonoma State University issued a warning to an archaeological contractor that the area in and around Annapolis has a high probability for Native American cultural resources. An initial archaeological survey in 2000 located sites of interest, several of which were later reassessed, demarcated and required to be protected. Since 2000, curiously, this warning has been overlooked in the years of controversy surrounding the proposed vineyard development.</p><p>To correct earlier archaeological survey methods, an additional survey was conducted in 2009. The results significantly increased the number of known sites, indicating that earlier studies had been inadequate. Even this recent survey is far from adequate.</p><p>My additional investigations show more locales within and immediately bordering the project area. Only the most rigorous survey possible of this property — located in the midst of a highly sensitive historical area — is an acceptable solution for protection of indigenous history. Anything less creates serious questions about how we treat the histories of native peoples. </p><p>County planners commented on the draft environmental impact report issued by Cal Fire in 2009, noting that it is not compatible with many of the 1989 county general plan goals. The 1989 county general plan requires such projects to “preserve significant archaeological and historical sites, which represent the ethnic, cultural and economic groups that have lived and worked in Sonoma County.” </p><p>Missing from the Sonoma County response however is any mention of how historical and archaeological sites will be adequately identified and preserved. Sonoma County authorities must step up and declare their determination to protect this sensitive historical and archaeological zone.</p><p>Annapolis provides an unusual opportunity to understand and preserve an important part of Pomo and other Native American history in Sonoma County, a history mostly erased in the interior of the county.</p><p>It is noteworthy that much of the recent destruction of these sites has occurred as a consequence of vineyard development that uses bulldozers equipped with vertical forks to rip soils deeply penetrating ancient cultural remains and permanently removing any knowledge of the past.</p><p>All of those who are concerned about the future of Sonoma County need to ask how we are allowing the destruction of redwood forests and Native American heritage. Sonoma County appears to be on the verge of forsaking its natural heritage and its cultural heritage simultaneously.</p><p>As the Pomo ask that their sacred places not be disturbed and desecrated, why are we not stopping this desecration while we have the chance? </p><p>Hopefully the image of the Pomo elder will remain a promising reminder of a history preserved rather than an image that comes to haunt us.</p><p>[</p><p><i>Peter R. Schmidt is a professor of anthropology at the University of Florida. As a student at Santa Rosa High School, he assisted Essie Parrish, the famous Pomo healer, to repair the Round House at Kashia Rancheria East of Stewarts Point. E-mail him at schmidtp@ufl.edu.</p>