Ventura County adopted a controversial proposal to extend new protections to wildlife in Ventura County.
Ventura County Supervisors approved a wildlife corridor ordinance which would limit things like fences and lighting which could impact the movement of wildlife. Hundreds of people testified at the marathon hearing Tuesday, which lasted nearly eight hours, and didn't end until about nine at night.
The proposal is the result of two years of community meetings. The idea is to improve connectivity between wildlife habitats in the region, so animals like mountain lions and deer can move more freely. Some cities, residents, and environmental groups have endorsed the plan, but others argued it would impact property rights, and hurt property values.
County Supervisors approved the ordinance on a 3-2 vote. County planners pointed out that some of the things property owners feared would be banned under the ordinance would still be allowed on a permit basis.
During the hearing, some opponents threatened to sue the county if the ordinance is passed.
