Fresno, CA (KMJ) The San Joaquin River Parkway and Conservation Trust says it will no longer use human‑based compost at the Sumner Peck Ranch following public concern over the material’s origins.
In an exclusive conversation with KMJ’s Philip Teresi, Executive Director Sharon Weaver confirmed Thursday that the trust will not bring any additional compost onto the property. She added that removing the compost already spread would require coordination with Earth Funeral—a Washington state-based company that donated it—because of California state regulations governing human remains.
Appearing on KMJ’s Broeske & Musson Show Thursday morning, Fresno County Supervisor Garry Bredefeld blasted the use of the compost, calling it a “stupid decision” that should have gone before both the County Public Health Department and the conservancy. While he called the move to stop accepting the material “progress,” Bredefeld says the existing compost still needs to be removed.
“The stupidity and lack of common sense is absolutely breathtaking”, Bredefeld said at a Thursday afternoon press conference. He was flanked by Fresno City Councilman Nick Richardson and other officials including Madera County Supervisor Jordan Wamhoff who said his board will consider a ban on human-based compost. A similar ban may also be proposed in Fresno County.
KMJ has obtained a letter from the law firm representing the San Joaquin Parkway and Conservation Trust which confirms compliance with current California law.
Conservancy boardmember Kacey Auston-Tibbetts, who joined Bredefeld in condemning the human composting decision, joined in the debate Thursday with Philip Teresi.
