Trinity County Releases Draft Environmental Impact Report for General Plan Update

Press release from the County of Trinity:

Trinity County has released the Draft Environmental Impact Report (Draft EIR) for the Trinity County General Plan Update, marking an important milestone in the County’s long-term planning process. The public is invited to review the document and submit comments during a 47-day public review period beginning Wednesday, July 15, 2026, and ending Monday, August 31, 2026, at 5:00 p.m.

The General Plan is the State-mandated document that guides how and where Trinity County will potentially grow and develop over the next 25 years. The update addresses critical issues including land use, transportation, housing, conservation, open space, and public safety, and will help establish County priorities and guide future decision-making.

The General Plan Update is intended to reflect the community’s vision for Trinity County’s future, balance growth and conservation, protect the County’s quality of life, establish clear expectations for development, promote efficient and orderly growth, and incorporate a comprehensive and inclusive public outreach process.

“This is an important opportunity for Trinity County residents to participate in shaping the future of our communities,” said Drew Plebani, Director of the Trinity County Community Development Department. “The Draft EIR provides the public with an opportunity to review the environmental analysis associated with the General Plan Update and provide meaningful feedback before the process moves forward.”

Prepared in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), the Draft EIR evaluates potential environmental impacts associated with the proposed General Plan Update. The analysis addresses a broad range of topics, including air quality, biological and cultural resources, greenhouse gas emissions, water quality, land use, transportation, public services, utilities, wildfire, and cumulative impacts. The Draft EIR identifies toxic air contaminant construction emissions, greenhouse gas emissions, and construction noise impacts  as significant and unavoidable despite feasible mitigation measures; all other environmental impacts were determined to be less than significant or less than significant with mitigation.

How to Review and Comment

The Draft EIR, Notice of Availability, and project background documents are available for public review through the Trinity County Community Development Department’s Planning and Environmental Review webpage, and also on the project website: trinity2050.com. Printed copies of the Draft EIR are also available for review during normal business hours at the Trinity County Community Development Department in Weaverville, and at the Trinity County Library in Weaverville, Trinity Center Branch Library, and Hayfork Branch Library.

Written comments must be received by 5:00 p.m. on Monday, August 31, 2026, to receive a formal response addressing significant environmental issues. Comments may be submitted by email, postal mail, or hand delivery to:

Drew Plebani, Director

Trinity County Community Development Department

530 Main Street

Weaverville, CA 96093

Email: trinity2050@trinitycounty.org

Following the public review period, the County will prepare a Final EIR, including responses to comments received on the Draft EIR. The County will consider the environmental analysis and public input as it continues its deliberations on the General Plan Update.