Board Defends Public Lands, Confronts Surveillance Debate at Wide-Ranging Session

The Nevada County Board of Supervisors covered a sweeping agenda Sept. 8, unanimously adopting a resolution to protect federal public lands from sale, hearing pointed demands from residents to cancel the county's Flock Safety license plate reader contract, and celebrating milestones from a 175-year-old county to an 80-year-old concert society building a new performance hall. The meeting also showcased the community's relationship with the Yuba River — and the growing strain record crowds are putting on it.

• Board unanimously adopts resolution opposing federal land sales and calling for full Forest Service and BLM funding in Nevada County

• Three residents demand the county drop its Flock Safety surveillance camera contract, citing Grass Valley PD's recent termination of its own deal and documented privacy violations

• Record visitor crowds intensify Yuba River trash crisis; Board proclaims Sept. 19, 2026 as 29th Annual Cleanup Day after 657 volunteers removed 8,000 pounds of debris last year

• InConcert Sierra marks 80 years as its Crown Point Venues concert hall nears 60% completion

• Two residents challenge the Hidden Grove housing project, raising fire evacuation risks and Planning Commission process concerns

• Deputy Probation Officer Ben Hertel honored for saving a hockey teammate's life with CPR

The Board unanimously adopted a resolution affirming the county's opposition to selling federal public lands without local engagement — a pointed response to recent proposals and funding cuts threatening Forest Service and BLM operations in the Sierra.