The Greenline at 30

This Saturday, July 21, marks the 30th anniversary of a historic vote by the Butte County Board of Supervisors to adopt the Greenline, the boundary protecting Chico’s westside orchard lands from urban-style development. That pledge was controversial in 1982, and it remains so today.

The Greenline has not changed, and its biggest backer, former Supervisor Jane Dolan, wants to see that it never does. These days, with a weak demand in the housing market, there’s little if any pressure to build on properties outside the boundary. Still, some property owners in the area would like to develop their lands.

In this special issue, we take a look at the Greenline, hear from its challengers and advocates, and look ahead to its future as a tool to protect Chico’s rich agricultural lands.