MCL Parks and Open Space Committee Meeting
Marin Conservation League
Parks and Open Space Committee
3:00 – 5:00 pm
In-person/Zoom hybrid
Register: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0pcOmgrD4vG9XtnkUk-dxDuEZFSvAuGyhD
The MCL Parks and Open Space Committee (POSC) opens the New Year on Thursday, January 8, from 3:00-5:00 p.m.by featuring two projects of the One Tam collaborative: Marin Regional Forest Health Strategy, a massive resource document completed in 2023 that is now being widely implemented across the county and beyond; and the Bothin Marsh Evolving Shoreline Adaptation Project, a major infrastructure project that is working its way through the design and eventual CEQA environmental Review, after a decade of prior study, visioning, and concept development.
The Marin Regional Forest Health Strategy, is not new to this committee, but it has been several years since its release. We will receive a “refresher” overview of the Forest Strategy and learn about how it is being implemented from Senior Project Manger, Danny Franco, Golden Gate National Parks Consesrvancy. He will review how the Forest Strategy came together to become a critical resource and 10-year roadmap that is now guiding many forest and woodland resilience and woodland management programs and projects. Since the document’s release in 2023, work to protect forests guided by the Strategy is happening across the region. One Tam has been awarded a total of over $15 million in additional grants for implementation by the CalFire Forest Health Program, the State Coastal Conservancy, the Watershed Research and Training Center, and the Wildlife Conservation Board. Local agency projects are all benefitting.
Examples of local projects that have been guided by the Forest Strategy will be provided by Shaun Horn and Bree Hardcastle who will join Danny in the presentation.
For an overview of the Forest Health Strategy, see HERE
The Bothin Marsh “Evolving Shoreline” Adaptation Project on the shores of Richardson Bay also is not new to the POSCommittee. We have received periodic updates since the needs for the project were first recognized in 2017-2018 and study was initiated in a collaboration between Marin County Parks and One Tam. Rob La Porte and Tara McIntire will up-date the committee after several years of working behind the scenes to bring the preferred concept through design stages
As background, after years of prior coastal geomorphology and ecological studies, the needs had been identifies to address chronic tidal flooding of the Mill Valley-Sausalito Multiuse Path and the enhance the long-term resilience of Bothin Marsh habitats to rising sea levels. Project partners and consultant WRT developed three draft concepts. Feedback from the extensive community engagement activities revealed that an overwhelming majority of the public supported the concept “Ring the South Marsh.” That involves realigning the trail from its present crossing of the marsh on the old railroad bed, to a route that skirts the marsh perimeter adjacent to Almonte Blvd. This location would afford the greatest opportunity to reduce disturbance to sensitive species and enhance the overall tidal marsh habitat. Design elements include physical separation between road and the trail, an ample trailhead with amenities at Tam Junction, and an inviting visual experience of the marsh from shore.
The design team completed 35% design drawings and is approaching 65%. The next step will be preparation of the CEQA public review document, targeted for 2027.
For a comprehensive report on the project to date, see HERE
Marin Water Watershed Committee Meeting, December 18, 2025
Also on the January 8, 2026 POSC Agenda will be a brief review of the December 18, 2025 meeting of the Marin Water Watershed Committee. The agenda was packed with materials of interest to the POSC: 1) Report on vegetation management projects, including various vegetation-as-fuel treatments, from mechanical removal to prescribed fire, and invasive weed removal, all completed according to specifications of the BFFIP (Biodiversity, Fire and Fuels Integrated Plan); 2) Report on MW’s comprehensive Volunteer Program(s); and 3) Report on progress and public workshops in updating of the 2005 Road and Trail Management Plan and EIR. MCL is gratified that the District has undertaken this important approach to the recreation planning process. MCL and others requested this several years ago as the only comprehensive and environmentally responsible way to determine where and under what conditions to open formerly-restricted trails to bike access on the Watershed.
As a preface to further MCL discussion of the RTMP and other topics discussed at the December 18 Watershed Committee meeting, you will find links to slide presentations for all three topics mentioned above :
