ALTERNATIVES	GLENN COUNTY GENERAL PLAN 2007 - 2027
	INTRODUCTION Evaluation of project alternatives is an integral, mandatory part of the EIR process. Section 15126(d) of the CEQA Guidelines prescribes the following with respect to alternatives analysis: Describe a range of reasonable alternatives to the project, or to the location of the project, which could feasibly attain the basic objectives of the project, and evaluate the comparative merits of the alternatives.
	(1) If there is a specific proposed project or a preferred alternative, explain why the other alternatives were rejected in favor of the proposal if they were considered in developing the proposal. (2) The specific alternative of "no project" shall also be evaluated along with the impact. If the environmentally superior alternative is the "no project" alternative, the EIR shall also identify an environmentally superior alternative among the other alternatives. (3) The discussion of alternatives shall focus on alternatives capable of eliminating any significant adverse environmental effects or reducing them to a level of insignificance, even if these alternatives would impede to some degree the attainment of the project objectives or would be more costly. (4) If an alternative would cause one or more significant effects in addition to those that would be caused by the project as proposed, the significant effects of the alternative shall be discussed, but in less detail than the significant effects of the project as proposed. (5) The range of alternatives required in an EIR is governed by "rule of reason" that requires the EIR to set forth only those alternatives necessary to permit a reasoned choice. The key issue is whether the selection and discussion of alternatives fosters informed decision-making and informed public participation. An EIR need not consider an alternative whose effect cannot be reasonably ascertained and whose implementation is remote and speculative.
	It is irrelevant to consider an alternative project location. Glenn County is required by law to prepare and adopt a general plan that applies to all lands under its jurisdiction. The geographic limits of the county are unlikely to change appreciably, except to the extent that spheres of influence or portions of those spheres of influence associated with the two incorporated cities may gradually be annexed. The Planning Area presently includes all county lands except those lands within the incorporated city limits of Willows and Orland.
	Although large portions of the County are administered by federal agencies, such as the Department of Agriculture, U.S. Forest Service, and these lands are not subject to the Glenn County General Plan, both the California General Plan Guidelines and federal law and policy address the need for local governments and federal land management agencies to coordinate their land use activities. The Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 states that, "Land use plans of the Secretary [of the Interior] under this section shall be consistent with State and local plans to the maximum extent he finds consistent with Federal law and the purposes of this Act" (43 U.S.C. Section 1712 [1976] and 43 U.S.C.S 1712). Under California law, local governments are required to refer their general plans or substantial general plan amendments to "Any Federal agency if its operations or lands within its jurisdiction may be significantly affected by the proposed action, as determined by the planning agency" (Government Code Section 65352). Similarly, every effort will be made to assure that the Glenn County General Plan and the general plans of Willows and Orland will be mutually consistent.
	Based on these conditions, it is reasonable to conclude that the geographic limits included within the Plan are somewhat unchangeable and that the County is required to adopt a general plan that applies to this stable Planning Area. Thus, an alternative project location will not be considered.
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