FPUD approves lease of buffer property to Silverthorn Ranch

The Fallbrook Public Utility District has agreed to lease 7.57 acres of FPUD property west of the district's Water Reclamation Plant to Silverthorn Ranch for nursery use.

FPUD will receive $400 per month for the first year of the six-year lease beginning Oct. 1, and the Consumer Price Index will determine annual rent increases. The conditions also require Silverthorn to use recycled water. Al Gebhart was not present when the Sept. 28 vote was taken, but the other four FPUD board members supported the lease.

"It provides a buffer from wildfires that we periodically encounter on Camp Pendleton," said FPUD general manager Brian Brady. "They will use all recycled water for their growing operations and we get some modest lease payment."

The 7.6-acre property is adjacent to the Naval Weapons Station property line. The district had previously leased the area for nursery use before solar energy facilities were constructed at the Water Reclamation Plant. The area behind the solar facilities burned during the May 2014 fires and was subsequently cleared. FPUD staff solicited for proposals from nurseries, received a response from Silverthorn Ranch, and negotiated a lease for board approval.

The lease prohibits on-site sales but allows Silverthorn to construct, operate, and maintain nursery facilities for the cultivation and harvest of ornamental plants, palm trees, and cacti. Other lawful uses will be allowed if FPUD provides written permission.