Wildlife facility told to move or close

The Barry R. Kirshner Wildlife Foundation has worn out its welcome.

On Tuesday (Oct. 7), according to a report in the Chico Enterprise-Record, the county Board of Supervisors effectively told the exotic-animal facility that it had to move from its Durham site or close. No deadline was given, but supervisors suggested they would impose one at a future meeting.

At issue was an appeal of a use permit the county Planning Commission approved in June. The appellant, neighbor John Hoptowit, argued there was simply no rationale for having such a facility in the middle of farming land.

The foundation has been saying it will move for years and supervisors were frustrated that no progress had been made. By a 4-1 vote, with Maureen Kirk dissenting, they directed County Counsel Bruce Alpert to report back to them on Nov. 4 about whether they can hold off on the use permit to give the organization a deadline and time to move.

CN&R efforts to reach the Kirshner Foundation by press time were unsuccessful.