The Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park, located in the Central Valley, is a 1,000-acre re-creation of the only California town founded, financed, and governed by African-Americans. In 1908, the town was founded to improve the economic and social status of African-Americans, and in 1970 it was re-created as a state park. Since 2000, the park has had more than $13 million invested in its restoration and preservation, and has become an essential visit for anyone interested in American history. Now the site honoring Colonel Allensworth and fellow pioneers may meet its demise because of some inconsiderate bullshit – literally.
The Tulare County Board of Supervisors approved a plan to locate 12,000 head of cattle directly adjacent to the Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park. Conservation and civil rights groups have recently filed suit against the Board for approving the construction of the mega-dairies which could create almost 16 million pounds of manure annually, and over 10,000 gallons of contaminated wastewater per day.
The lawsuit charges that the Board violated the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) without adequate environmental review of the impact the massive dairies would have on neighboring communities. A related legislative victory has created a buffer zone between the community and the mega-dairies, though the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) is hoping to achieve more by fighting the installations all together. The threat of groundwater contamination is also a serious concern since water is scarce in the region.
“Imagine the fumes wafting off of 16 million pounds of manure each year,” said NRDC Environmental Justice attorney Tim Grabiel. “The Board of Supervisors’ decision to allow these facilities next to the state park is a slap in the face to African Americans and everyone else who cares about the rich cultural heritage of this state. The construction of these giant facilities would undermine years of revitalization and preservation efforts, and spoil the park and visitor experience for everyone.”
[Homepage Photo by slack13; Article Photo by California State Parks]
