On April 16, 2024, the Marin Water Board of Directors approved the Watershed Recreation Management Planning Feasibility Study. The study informs multi-benefit outcomes that can be advanced to help protect the unique goals of different watershed visitors and the biodiversity of the District's lands.
The Feasibility Study was developed through a robust public engagement process, including workshops, meetings, visitor surveys, literature reviews, site visits and data analysis, and will be an important part of Marin Water's ongoing adaptive management of the Mount Tamalpais Watershed — where the District sources the majority of its water. The overall planning effort incorporated community feedback and lessons from other water districts, parks and open spaces beyond the District's watershed boundaries.
About the Watershed Recreation Management Planning Feasibility Study
Mt. Tamalpais and its adjacent watersheds support a rich array of plants and animals, panoramic vistas, and recreational opportunities that are treasured by residents and visitors alike. Marin Water began stewarding the 22,000 acres of watershed lands over 100 years ago, with a mission to provide the community with “reliable, high-quality water” and to sustainably manage the Mt. Tamalpais Watershed to protect water quality and biodiversity. The Mt. Tamalpais watershed makes up a portion of the Golden Gate Biosphere Reserve (UNESCO 2002) which supports a highly diverse complex of terrestrial, coastal, and marine environments spanning 82,000 acres.
Since before the turn of the last century, Mt. Tamalpais has been a magnet for recreationists. Watershed visitors include anglers, hikers, equestrians, nature viewers, runners, walkers, youth camps, cyclists and many more. In an effort to support the diverse range of visitors coming to the watershed and to help protect water quality and natural resource, Marin Water implemented a process to develop the recreation management planning feasibility study.
Past Workshops, Engagement Activities, Public Meetings
Date | Forum | Meeting Materials |
April 16, 2024 6:30 p.m. | Board of Directors - Regular Meeting (On Zoom OR Marin Water Board Room, 220 Nellen Ave., Corte Madera) Agenda Item 9a: Watershed Recreation Management Planning Feasibility Study | |
March 21, 2024 9:30 a.m. | Watershed Committee Meeting (On Zoom OR Marin Water Board Room, 220 Nellen Ave, Corte Madera) Agenda Item 4c: Watershed Recreation Management Planning Feasibility Study - Strategic Opportunities | |
Feb. 29, 2024 6 p.m. | Watershed Committee Meeting - (San Rafael Council Chambers, 1400 Fifth Ave.) Agenda Item 2: Watershed Recreation Management Planning Feasibility Study | |
June 15, 2023 Beginning at 1:30 p.m. | Watershed Committee Meeting - Agenda Item 2: Watershed Recreation Management Plan Update | |
5-7 p.m. | Community Workshop #6 Watershed Recreation Management Plan Outcomes and public input | |
5-7 p.m. | Community Workshop #5 Watershed census survey data, best management practices and adaptive management | |
Watershed Site Visit Roads, trails and Azalea Hill Project | ||
5 - 7 p.m. | Community Workshop #4 Watershed facilities, visitor management, and public input | |
5 - 7 p.m. | Community Workshop #3 (in-person at Lake Lagunitas) Stewardship, partnership and outreach programs, and public input | |
Ongoing August to October 2022 | Watershed Data Collection Survey In-person and online survey collection | ----- |
5 - 7 p.m. | Community Workshop #2 Watershed census survey update, data collection process, and public input | |
Watershed Site Visit Ranger and Naturalist hike; meet at the Lake Lagunitas Parking Lot (parking day passes will be provided) | ||
June 8, 2022 5 - 7 p.m. | Community Workshop #1 Introduction to project, review of scope of work, objectives, and public input |
Related Documents and Resources
- Visitor Census Data Analysis (June 2023)
- Roads and Trails Management Plan
- Roads and Trails Management Plan Enviornmental Impact Report
- E-bike Citizen Advisory Committee
- Biodiversity Fires, and Fuels Integrated Plan
- Board Policy 7 Watershed Management
- Watershed Recreation Plan Initial Scoping Phase Summary Memo