Category: News
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he Bear Smart Three Rivers team is raising significant concerns about Tulare County Solid Waste’s proposed Bear Management Area ordinance and the process used to advance it, citing process issues that community members say obscure the ordinance’s flaws, misrepresent key facts, and may conflict with state and county requirements.
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On 28 October 2025, the Tulare County Board of Supervisors held a contentious public hearing regarding a proposed garbage ordinance that would affect the community of Three Rivers. The Bear Smart Three Rivers team has provided an annotated transcript of the discussion that exposes the untruthful and misleading statements that informed the vote to introduce the ordinance.
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There is a strong case against the proposed garbage ordinance and an opportunity to prevent its adoption at the Tulare County Board of Supervisors meeting on November 18th. With community support, the Bear Smart team is engaging professional help to do just that.
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In a 3-2 vote, the Board of Supervisors approved a solid waste ordinance that increases our residential rates 30% and our commercial rates 10% without solving the community’s trash issue. Learn about the expected impact of the ordinance and what you can do.
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In a 3-2 vote on Tuesday, the Tulare County Board of Supervisors approved a bear-resistant trash cart ordinance that adds 30% to every Three Rivers household’s monthly trash bill without solving the community’s garbage crisis.
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The Bear Smart Team has reviewed the proposed garbage ordinance and confirmed that it increases Mid Valley Disposal’s profits at our expense WITHOUT solving the problem. Tell the board of supervisors to reject the proposal and instruct Solid Waste to start over – this time in collaboration with the community and the Bear Smart team.
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Why do all successful bear smart communities mandate bear-resistant trash containers or enclosures?
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The Bear Smart Three Rivers team recently researched what other communities are paying for certified bear-resistant carts and gathered feedback from the community. Based on the community feedback, the Bear Smart Three Rivers team is asking the county to fully fund certified bear resistant carts for trash and recycling.
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Thanks to all of you, Tulare County staff agreed to meet with the Bear Smart Three Rivers Team! During the meeting, county staff expressed strong support for certified bear-resistant trash containers for everyone in Three Rivers. These containers must be affordable, however, and the Bear Smart team needs your help.
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Twice this last week, a bear was able to open one of Mid Valley Disposal’s uncertified “bear resistant” carts and distribute trash along the highway. The damaged rim indicates that the bear was able to get under the lid and pry it up.