January—February 2011

January—February 2011 Save the Date! Marin’s Open Lands: Dr. Peter Gleick to Speak at MCL Annual Planning for the Future Dinner April 15, 2011 arin Conservation League is pleased Mto announce that Dr. Peter Gleick, Dru Parker President and co-founder of the Pacific Institute in Oakland, , will join MCL to give the keynote address at our Annual Dinner, April 15, 2011, at the Key Room at Hamilton. Dr. Gleick is an internationally recognized water expert and was named a MacArthur Fellow in October 2003 for his work. Dubbed a “visionary on the environment” by the British Broadcasting Corporation, Dr. Gleick has conducted research and written on the critical connections between water and human health, the hydrologic impacts of Social trails like this San Anselmo shortcut, (shown climate change, sustainable water use and here from both ends,) which parallels a short section globalization, and international conflicts of the Tomahawk fire road, contribute to erosion, over water resources. Tickets will go on sedimentation and the spread of invasive plants. sale in February so watch your in-box for your invitation. The Annual Dinner SOLD arin Conservation League’s Parks and immediately accessible to local dog walkers, OUT last year—register early! MOpen Space Committee will again have hikers, equestrians, and bikers. They also a full agenda in 2011 tracking several multi- form the heavily vegetated wildland/urban year planning processes on the County’s Open interface (WUI) that figures so prominently Space Preserves and on Marin Municipal Water in current efforts to reduce the hazard of District (MMWD) watershed lands. Together, wildfire. Populations of invasive plants have the two agencies own and manage more been crowding out natives and compounding than 36,000 acres of public lands that define the hazard of fire for decades. MCL meeting Marin County’s landscape. The Marin County minutes from forty years ago record efforts to Open Space District (MCOSD) Resource control invasives on Mt. Tamalpais. And both Management Plan Framework (August 12, agencies are besieged by increased pressure 2008) describes its 34 open space preserves in from a growing regional population to expand terms of the vital “ecosystem services” each recreational opportunities. Marin’s success in provides—“clean water and air, quality of life setting aside valuable open space and federal attributes; beauty and inspiration; habitat park lands over the years has made the county for native plants and animals; places to walk, a popular destination for recreationists from run, hike, and ride a bicycle or horse; and a far beyond its borders. place to find peace and quiet.” The MMWD Both MCOSD and MMWD are trying to watershed can be described in similar terms. engage the public in their planning processes In many instances these lands are through collaborative workshops as well as Dr. Peter Gleick. also the extended “backyards” of Marin’s Photo by Carl Ganter, Circle of Blue, ©2008 residential neighborhoods. As such, they are Continued on Page 8

PAGE 1 January—February 2011 A Message from the President—A Year-full of EIRs t would be nice to start EIRs. Now, along with other concerned commercial complex is not an appropriate Ithe New Year with a citizens, I am on the outside, restless, waiting land use on the edge of residential Lucas clean slate, but that is for the opportunity to scrutinize a massive Valley. The proposed Indoor Soccer Facility at not the nature of nature EIR document for its adequacy. In 2011, we San Rafael Airport will merit close attention or conservation action! anticipate more than our share of EIRs, some when the Final EIR is released by San Rafael. January 1 is meaningless of which will already have arrived at the MCL has consistently opposed this project; to a redwood tree or a office by the time you read this. the proposed buffers simply aren’t adequate coho salmon—or, it seems, A year ago (Newsletter, Nov-Dec 2009) we to protect a population of endangered to an Environmental observed that MCL’s “Land Use Work Requires California Clapper Rail in Gallinas Creek from Impact Report (EIR). a Long Memory.” To illustrate, we cited the activity anticipated at this huge facility. Also on the 2011 docket: a Final EIR for Most people live out their lives successfully development projects that had been pending Sir without ever looking at an EIR. In contrast, for years if not decades. Well, add another Francis Drake Boulevard Rehabilitation ; action on a proposed hotel at Marin Conservation League volunteers have year! We expect a number of projects currently Project , Sausalito/Tamalpais Valley, carried out much of the organization’s on the back burner to surface in 2011. These Whaler’s Point that has been pending for 35 years; possibly advocacy work by reading EIRs ever since the include EIRs for two Tiburon developments: a Draft EIR for , California Environmental Quality Act became a Draft EIR for the Martha Company’s Mt. Burdell Commons Novato; an EIR on law in 1970. CEQA or its federal role model development of Easton Pt., the spectacular MMWD’s Vegetation ; and others. the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) 110-acre site overlooking that Management Plan enters into nearly every public decision MCL has been the subject of lawsuits dating back Because CEQA continues to play a key monitors—development projects, parks and to 1976 (expect anywhere from 32 to 43 very role in informing so many public decisions, open space road and trail plans, vegetation large residences to be analyzed); and a Final and because these documents are long, management plans, water supply projects, EIR for a more recent proposed land division often abstruse, and highly technical, MCL freeway improvements, and more. Over the on Paradise Drive—Alta Robles—which has will continue to conduct public CEQA years, we have seen a pattern emerge: EIRs just reappeared after a year in limbo. The education workshops, as we did in 2010. and their accompanying heaps of technical public hearing is scheduled for January 26. In the meantime, we will make use of EIRs data seem to lurk in the dark corners of a This geologically sensitive site has seventeen as efficiently and effectively as possible in consultant’s cubicle, waiting for a moment landslides that will need repair if it is to be carrying out MCL’s mission: “to preserve, like the period between Christmas and New developed. protect, and enhance the natural assets of Year’s (when normal people are having fun) An environmental document for LucasFilm Marin County.” to suddenly appear in three volumes with on Grady Ranch is likely to appear—perhaps deadline for comment. as a Supplement to the EIR certified in 1996. I used to be on the inside writing those MCL is concerned that this large industrial-

Bears? In Marin? Although this bounder was spotted in , there have been a half-dozen or so recent sightings of Ursus americanus in the Point Reyes National Seashore, according to news reports and the Seashore’s website. The black bear was once common to the county and an important part of the native ecosystem, but unregulated hunting wiped out the population by 1901. For more details, visit www.nps.gov/pore/ naturescience/black_bears.htm. And remember: Don’t Feed the Bears! Photo © Howard Ignatius, Flickr Creative Commons, www.howardignatius.com

PAGE 2 January—February 2011 On the Waste Front County Plastic Bag Ban By the time this Newsletter reaches your mailbox, the County Board of Supervisors will most likely have voted to ban single-use plastic bags from grocery establishments in the unincorporated areas of the county. The draft ordinance was introduced to the Board of Supervisors on December 6, 2010, and an amended version had its first reading on December 14. The public hearing and vote were scheduled for January 4, 2011, with a clear indication that it would be approved unanimously. At this writing, one question remained to be decided: will the ban apply to other retail establishments besides groceries Dru Parker as MCL believes it should? retail) establishments in unincorporated waste going into landfills. Marin County is hardly a leader in moving Marin County, require that reuseable bags be BB Soil is built and renewed by composting to ban plastic bags, but not for lack of effort. made available for purchase, and place a five food and garden waste and returning it Supervisor Charles McGlashan has worked cent or more charge on single-use paper bags to the earth. for five years to reach this point, meeting made with recycled content. Exempted from with non-profits like Green Sangha, Surfrider the ban are dry cleaning establishments and BB Adding food scraps to your green bin will Foundation, and several youth groups that produce bags. Education and enforcement advance the existing waste diversion goals are focused on plastics abatement, and with will be the responsibility of the County of Marin County and future mandates representatives of the grocery sector who will Department of Weights and Measures. toward “zero waste”. be most affected. Supervisor Susan Adams Marin Conservation League will continue to BB Putting food scraps into green bins will has been a strong ally, but until recently pressure our State legislators to get a state- potentially allow smaller garbage bins public support was lukewarm. The Town of wide ordinance passed. at lower rates, even though there will be Fairfax banned plastic bags several years ago, an initial rate increase to pay for more and United Markets in San Rafael voluntarily frequent pickup of green bins. eliminated them simply because it was the B “right thing to do.” The State came close to B It works! Neighboring and passing a state-wide ban in late 2010, but Residential Counties have been successfully failed to get sufficient votes. San Francisco, recycling food scraps for several years. In San Jose, Alameda and Los Angeles Counties Food Scrap San Francisco participation is mandatory have not waited for leadership from the State and many of the issues, such as public in passing similar ordinances. The mounting education, have been addressed. Alameda accumulation of plastic debris fouling stream Recycling has been at it over seven years, and each and marine environments (19 billion bags are residence pays a tax to support food scrap By Joan Irwin used annually, and less than five per cent are recycling education. recycled; Marin alone uses some 138 million Marin County residents are known to be BB It’s an easy solution for the majority of plastic bags every year) is in itself sufficient early adopters of environmentally sound people who have neither the time nor reason for the County and other towns and practices, yet we are still lagging behind the space for backyard composting. cities in Marin County to take this step. Local San Francisco and Alameda Counties in one And for those who are doing backyard agencies also spend public funds every year deceptively simple area: food scrap recycling. composting, green bin recycling can take cleaning plastic bags from storm drains. Depending on where you live in Marin, it’s as food scraps such as meat and bones that easy as filling a green bin, and the New Year The ordinance will go into effect January are putrescent (they smell bad!). is the time to get on board. The importance 1, 2012. (Visit marinconservationleague.org Marin’s late start in food scrap recycling of food scrap recycling is rapidly becoming /advocacy to view the ordinance.) Basically, can be attributed in part to the county’s 22 common knowledge: it will ban plastic carry-out bags from being dispensed in all grocery (and possibly other BB Food waste makes up over 25% of existing Continued on Page 11

PAGE 3 January—February 2011 Status Updates diseased and hazardous; removal of 650 No. San Pedro Rd. 200 trees; and the questionable safety This site for a proposed 12-unit residential of narrow access onto North San Pedro development at the eastern end of North San Road on a blind curve. For Santa Venetia Pedro Road possibly goes unnoticed by most residents, the main issue is traffic: people in Marin. Drivers and cyclists pass any additional traffic on the already by every day en route to China Camp State crowded thoroughfare, especially Park, but pay little attention to the heavily during the morning commute, is viewed forested 14.8-acre parcel that has been the as a significant impact. subject of subdivision plans since 2003. For On November 8, 2010, after a two- neighbors and residents of the Santa Venetia year hiatus, the Final EIR returned to community, it’s a different matter. They have the Planning Commission for review. fought to limit the development for seven As currently zoned, the property could years! support five large homes, but in a The site, located across from Point Gallinas way that would disturb much of the Road, includes the steep slopes of San Pedro site, hence the need to explore other Mountain and is covered with oaks, bays, and alternatives. Consideration of these madrone. A pond and wetland of uncertain will return to the Commission in early origin occupy an area near the single 2011. At this writing, it seemed likely Commons Cole/Flickr Creative ©Kevin driveway off N. San Pedro Road. The one that a “Reduced Density Alternative” The Northern harrier, a California species of existing residence and neglected outbuildings (possibly nine or ten homes) would special concern, is one raptor susceptible to are shrouded by eucalyptus trees and French be environmentally preferred and still fatal “bird strikes.” broom. The property is well-known to bird meet most of the developer’s objectives. watchers like Terra Linda resident Jean The loss of so many trees, however, MCL, Marin Audubon Society, EAC of West Starkweather, former MCL President. For the even with replacement (“mitigation”), will Marin, and several individuals appealed the past few years she has been observing several dramatically alter the wooded nature of the decision to the County Planning Commission pairs of nesting herons who have raised their site. and requested that an Initial Study pursuant young at the top of a tall eucalyptus. to CEQA be required. The Planning Commission MCL has submitted comments to the concurred on a 5 - 2 vote. NextEra appealed Since the application to subdivide the Planning Commission and attended public the adverse Planning Commission decision parcel was first filed, numerous environmental hearings over the years, and continues to to the Board of Supervisors. On December studies have been prepared. Development advocate for limiting development so as 14, the Supervisors, rejecting the decision constraints are many: runoff from the steep to leave much of the woodland habitat of the Planning Commission, voted to grant slopes; the pond and wetland, which need undisturbed, save the heron tree if at all NextEra a permit without first requiring an restoration; the heron rookery whose nesting possible, and restore the wetland to a higher Initial Study. The approval was made subject tree has been found by an arborist to be function. to the condition that bird deterrent devices would be attached to the guy wires and that Met Towers in bird monitoring, including carcass surveys, West Marin would be conducted by qualified biologists and reported to the County quarterly for the In MCL’s last Newsletter we reported three-year term of the permit. that NextEra Energy, the nation’s largest developer of wind energy, had applied to the MCL believes that the proceedings on these County to install two 60-meter (197.7 foot) applications was flawed, beginning with meteorological towers for up to three years on an incomplete staff report on August 26, ranch properties north of Tomales. The purpose 2010, followed by piecemeal submission of of these met towers, which will be supported information by NextEra, some of which was by a system of guy wires, is to measure wind not made public. The record was fragmented, resources for possible future development of scattered among staff reports, resolutions, wind turbines in that area. County planning amendments, and applicant exhibits. This staff determined that the towers are exempt resulted in a lengthy, disorderly proceeding. from the California Environmental Quality Act This could have been avoided had the County (CEQA) and authorized the necessary permits. first prepared an Initial Study outlining the Concerned over the possible impacts on birds possible environmental impacts of the project and aesthetic resources in the Coastal Zone, followed by a Negative Declaration of Impact 650 North San Pedro Road Dru Parker with appropriate mitigation measures.

PAGE 4 January—February 2011 WASTE NOT!

Business-Environment Breakfast Focuses on Food-Waste-to-Resource arin County holds the unenviable Will the iconic pigs Mrecord of being among the world’s top residing on the grounds waste generators. But it does not have to of Marin Resource be that way. As Patty Garbarino, President Recovery be out of a of Marin Sanitary Services (MSS), said at job when the food scrap MCL’s Business—Environment Breakfast on recycling program goes November 4, “Generation—that’s what it’s all into full swing? about.” Ms. Garbarino and fellow panelists Jason Dow, General Manager of Central Marin Sanitation Agency (CMSA), Jessica Jones, District Manager of Redwood Landfill, and

Jon Elam, General Manager of Tamalpais Dru Parker Community Services District (TCSD) explained windrows and then creating piles to obtain how food scraps, which make up more than a Marin loaded with treated compost. Because optimum temperatures to further reduce quarter of all garbage destined for the landfill, of its greater volume, commercial food waste, pathogens and “fix” nitrogen. After final can have a second life as a resource. These such as from restaurants and schools, presents screening for useable particle size, the result experts explored how food waste is being wholly different challenges in collection and is compost, which the landfill sells. collected, who is converting food scraps to treatment. MSS began a pilot project in 2007 compost and energy, what processing is to collect and treat commercial food waste Jon Elam, who oversees one of Marin’s involved, and how a community-based pick- for compost. Since 2008, a partnership ground-breaking food recycling programs, up and composting service really works. between MSS and CMSA has been studying described TCSD’s programs and its challenges. the feasibility of hauling commercial food TCSD operates a three-can pick-up program Ms. Garbarino opened by reviewing progress waste to the CMSA treatment plant, where for regular garbage, single-stream recyclables, in recycling residential food waste. Food it will be added to anaerobic digestion tanks and green (garden) waste. With weekly scraps are being picked up by several haulers, to create energy for running the plant. This pickup, food scraps are now allowable in including MSS, and turned into compost at program, which has been tested at similar green cans. He explained that the success of facilities in and out of the County. Composting facilities, is called F2E (Food to Energy). residential food recycling depends greatly on on this scale requires a large investment. the cooperation of the residents to participate Special haul trucks cost $250,000, and Jason Dow then described CMSA’s and follow simple rules. To encourage support, obtaining permits for a composting facility operation and elaborated on the partnership TCSD has provided residents with convenient, requires at least two years. Every evening, with MSS in the F2E program. CMSA treats clearly labeled kitchen scrap buckets. About MSS sends three truck-loads of food waste 11 million gallons of wastewater a day from 20 percent of TCSD’s customers currently (10 to 15%) combined with green waste (85 129,000 customers in Ross Valley and San participate in the curbside composting to 90%) to a 100-acre composting facility at Rafael, plus San Quentin. The plant operates program. TCSD also hosts e-waste collection Zamora in Yolo County. The trucks return to two anaerobic digesters, which produce methane to power the plant. These digesters days and community events centered on currently run at 25 percent of capacity. When waste reuse. Elam said he looks forward to Announcements necessary improvements are made, they will that the day when “waste” disappears from our vocabulary. MCL welcomes your newsletter have sufficient capacity for 20 tons of food articles and photos (300 dpi waste per day from MSS and other haulers, The program was held at the MSS required). Email submissions expandable in the future. Together with Educational Classroom and was hosted by to Dru Parker at dparker@ CMSA’s existing cogeneration of methane gas, MSS, which provided a substantial continental marinconservationleague.org. the additional energy will enable the plant to breakfast for the approximately 75 attendees. The deadline for the March- become fully energy self-sufficient. CMSA A photo of curbside pick-up pioneers Ted April issue is February 7, 2011. anticipates a payback of less than two years Wellman and Gloria Duncan, both MCL on the initial investment to adapt equipment heroes, is a reminder of the leadership that MCL updated its position on for the program. once pushed for recycling and unprecedented water supply in 2010. To view curb-side pickup that are now county-wide. the revised document, visit Jessica Jones continued the discussion by As a consequence, three-quarters of Marin’s marinconservationleague.org/ describing the food composting that has been garbage is redirected away from landfills. advocacy and click on Water, added to green waste composting at Redwood Diverting food scraps into useful resources, Wetlands and Watersheds. Landfill. The process involves grinding food waste hauled in by truck into 6-inch shreds whether compost or energy, will move Marin to maximize aerobic decomposition; forming closer to the goal of zero waste.

PAGE 5 January—February 2011 Events MCL’s Holiday Party More than a hundred MCL members and guests attended the annual holiday party on December 3rd and contributed a full barrel of food (and cash) to the Marin Food Bank. Many thanks to holiday party Chair Betsy Bikle, Chef Stu Smith, and all the MCL board members for making this such a fun evening. Clockwise from right: Kraemer Winslow; Greg Zitney, Nona Dennis, Gary Oates; Ralph Mihan, Linda Dahl; Richard Benson, Dotty LeMieux; Jonathan Frieman.

All photos by Tim Rosenfeld

November Business- Environment Breakfast The November 4th Business-Environment Breakfast (see article on page 5) focused on food waste recycling. Clockwise from bottom: Jon Elam; Jason Dow; Patty Garbarino, Jessica Jones; audience. All photos by Tim Rosenfeld

PAGE 6 January—February 2011

Events Senator Leno to speak at MCL’s Walk Into History: Hamilton February 4 Business- Saturday, Feb. 12th, 9:30—1:00

Environment Breakfast Hamilton Field was dedicated May 12, 1935, just a few months after the tate Senator founding of the Marin Conservation League. From the initial purchase by SMark Leno will the federal government of 776 acres of wetlands that had been diked for discuss upcoming agriculture, to the construction of 8,000-foot long runways, to expansion legislation of the land base to 2,183 acres—Hamilton Field played a major role in and the state World War II as a launching pad for fighter planes and was at one time of the State at Marin’s largest employer. The Army’s withdrawal from the base in 1974 Marin triggered a decades-long saga in the County over the future of the airfield. Conservation The Marin Conservation League, its North Marin Unit in particular, was League’s Business- closely involved throughout all aspects of the Hamilton debate. Environment

Breakfast Commons Huston/Flickr Creative ©Kelly Forum on February 4, 2011, from 7:30 to 9:00 am, at the Embassy Suites in Each episode of Hamilton’s history is a tale in itself, with familiar characters MCL’s Business—Environment and politicians. The end result—a residential and commercial community and a vast wetland restoration in progress—and the battles to achieve Breakfast Friday, February 4 that result, will be the subject of a “Walk into History.” The stories will 7:30—9:00 am be told by eyewitnesses, and we will conclude with a view and progress Embassy Suites, San Rafael report on the wetland restoration as it is being implemented.

San Rafael, 101 McInnis Parkway. Tickets are $25 for MCL members and $30 for non-members and a full, Visit marinconservationleague.org/events to register or call 415- organic breakfast buffet is included. 485-6257. This program is free and open to the public. Advance registration and payment required by January 28, 2011. Register at marinconservationleague/ Hamilton Field Headquarters in 1935. From the National Archives. #events or return the form below. REGISTRATION FORM Bu s i n e s s —En v i r o n m e n t Br e a k f a s t : Se n a t o r Ma r k Le n o 2/4/2011 Name(s) Title/Org. Street

City State Zip Ticket price includes Phone full organic breakfast. r MCL member $25 r Non-member $30 Total Due $ Pre-registration r Check enclosed, payable to mcl r Charge my Credit Card the amt. shown above required by 1/28/2011 Make checks payable to MCL or pay total card # due by credit card. Fax form to 415-485- exp. date name on card 6259 or mail to MCL, 1623-A Fifth Ave., San Rafael, CA 94901 card sec. code signature Refunds given only if the event is canceled.

PAGE 7 January—February 2011

future” (emphasis added). The RMP Framework Open Space from Page 1 sequestration, and coordinating access for outlined four management plans for resources emergency services with Marin County Fire, through “on the ground” volunteer projects. in the open space preserves: 1) Vegetation Marin Municipal Water, and local districts. The following updates are not intended and Biodiversity; 2) Roads, Trails and Visitors; 3) Cultural and Geologic Resources; and 4) to cover all planning activities of both MMWD and MCOSD are trying agencies, but to draw attention to several Carbon “footprint” (feasibility study). The current planning efforts that could result in MCOSD is preparing the first two of these to engage the public through significant changes in Marin’s open spaces plans, described below, and MCL is actively collaborative workshops and to the recreational experience of those following the planning process. MCL also is who use them. critiquing two separate recreation projects By late 2009, political pressure from that the MCOSD is undertaking: the 680 Trail mountain bikers to open more trails to bikes MCOSD Current Planning and the Stafford Lake Bike Park. was mounting and along with it, complaints about illegal bike trails and conflicts with In 2007, the County completed a lengthy In late 2008, preparation of the Vegetation hikers and equestrians. The controversy was and collaborative Strategic Plan that and Biodiversity Management Plan got sufficient to prompt the Board of Supervisors articulated a vision and laid out goals for the underway, with the ambitious objective of (acting as Directors of the MCOSD) to future of its park and open space system. The updating information on vegetation and convene a lively workshop on November 3, principal goal was to: “Protect, restore and habitats on all of the County’s preserves. 2009, followed by another public meeting of preserve the natural systems of the lands held Although the Plan’s emphasis is on reducing the Board of Supervisors in February 2010. in trust for current and future generations.” wildfire risk—i.e., assessing the extent of During the intervening months, Supervisors The Resource Management Plan Framework invasive species and developing strategies for Susan Adams and Steve Kinsey worked as a (RMP), adopted by the County in August, aggressive weed abatement for protection subcommittee with MCOSD staff to develop 2008, carried that goal forward with the from wildland fire—the plan is also directed recommendations for near-term actions to intent of “…guiding the stewardship of open toward managing preserves for plant and relieve some of the pressure while at the same space in such a way as to achieve balance animal diversity and addressing system- time allowing MCOSD staff to move ahead between the need to protect and conserve wide challenges such as preserving wildlife Fallon with the long-term Resource Management resources and the public useDillon of preserves and Beach MARINcorridors COUNTY between protectedBodega PARKS Ave. areas, conserving AND Pe a Rd. - talum Continued on Page 9 open space for all to enjoy now and into theles soil and water quality, promoting carbon OPENToma SPACE DISTRICT PRESERVES Tomales Petaluma Tomales Point Petaluma N Miller Boat Launch D St. 101 0 4 miles S W E o n o 1 m a C o u n t y 0 4 kilometers M a r i n C o u n t y all S rsh - Pet ad Marshall a aluma Ro M Shoreline Olompali State Historic Park River 37 . d R N ov at Mount Burdell Hwy. o Tomales Bay a m B u lv l d Rush Creek a . State Park t Little Mountain 37 e

P - Atherton Ave. s e Chicken Ranch Beach y e Stafford Lake R Blvd. t Black Point Boat Launch in Verissimo Hills Novato o Inverness 1 P Drake Deer Island Point N Indian Tree ic Francis Reyes as io Station V a l Sir le Indian Valley y

R d . Ignacio Valley Whitehouse Pool Point Reyes Playground Valley Loma Verde P A B L O B A Y Sir N Drake Lucas S A Francis Lucas Valley Pacheco Valle Rd. ur Rd. to GGNRA Samuel P. Taylor an Terra Linda/Sleepy Hollow Divide im State Park L Point Reyes National French Ranch Roy’s Redwoods McInnis Park Seashore Maurice Thorner Blvd. Loma Alta Santa Venetia Marsh D r a k e s Castro Field Park B a Forest Knolls Park Pueblo Park, Candy’s Park & Adrian Rosal Park y Lagoon Park Santa Margarita Island Gary Giacomini San Pedro Mountain White Hill Fairfax Point Reyes . d McNears Beach Park Cascade Canyon R San Anselmo edro 1 San P Bald Hill San Marin County Parks Marin Municipal Rafael Water District Creekside Park - Fa as irfax and Open Space in Ro l ad Bo Baltimore Canyon King Mountain 580 W Mt. Tamalpais . est R cr Blithedale Summit id ge ge id District Preserves c R r . Bolinas Lagoon e E Alto Bowl s m t ra i o c Camino Alto n Ring Mountain County Parks Bolinas Park a Mill Valley Village Green P Tiburon Ridge Muir Horse Hill County Open Space Preserves Hwy. Agate Beach Stinson Beach Woods Paradise Beach Park National Parks and Recreation Areas Upton Beach Mt. Tamalpais 131 Tiburon Uplands Preserve State Park Bothin Marsh Old Saint Hilary’s State Parks P Shoreline A C I Tiburon Other Public Land F I C Angel Island Hwy. 101 State Park Water District Land O C Muir Beach Sausalito E A National N F R A N C I S C Recreation Area S A N O B Bay Area Ridge Trail A Y Marin County Parks and Open Space Department Headquarters ©Ben Pease, www.peasepress.com. San Francisco Point Bonita

PAGE 8 January—February 2011

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Plans. (RTMP) was the second program element public acquisition or have developed through One of the interim projects brought up at outlined in the 2008 RMP Framework. Work repetitive use, while illegal trails have been the February public meeting was the long- on the Plan had its kick-off with a series of constructed by renegade mountain bikers. standing plan to construct the “680 Trail,” four public workshops during the first week These unplanned trails are not designed which has been discussed in previous MCL of December, 2010 in Novato, San Geronimo properly and therefore contribute sediment Newsletters. After more than six months of Valley, Mill Valley and the Marin County Civic to streams, destroy vegetation, fragment studying the environmental pros and cons of Center. Although billed as “public scoping” habitat, invite spread of invasive weeds, and various alternative alignments for this 3-mile meetings, these informal workshops were create visual scars. It is a constant struggle multi-use trail and responding to many designed to solicit public input on “what for MCOSD to keep up with the maintenance, vocal concerns, including MCL’s, the MCOSD works and what doesn’t” on open space restoration, enforcement, and improvement Director Linda Dahl will recommend a final lands. of both formal and informal roads and trails. alignment to the Board in early 2011. Plans The MCOSD web site describes the 200 The RTMP and related EIR will study are that construction likely will begin in late miles of unpaved roads and trails that types and locations of roads and trails for spring. traverse the County’s open space preserves public use in the preserves and identify key A second interim project suggested at the as former logging and ranch roads, fire roads, improvements where they are necessary. It February 2010 meeting was the development narrow hiking trails, and wildlife trails. Many will compare impacts of alternative strategies of a full-spectrum, off-road bike park at of the trails have been improved and are used to achieve a fair and appropriate range of Stafford Lake. That plan has recently been regularly by hikers, dog walkers, equestrians, recreation opportunities that have minimal the object of a preliminary feasibility study bird watchers, mountain bikers, and others impacts to the natural environment, are safe to estimate costs and identify environmental who simply enjoy being in nature. Others and avoid conflicts among users, and are issues. It is likely that the Novato-area park remain in an unimproved condition. The financially feasible to construct, maintain, will be considered more seriously in 2011, demand for recreational use of the roads and restore, and enforce. MCL will be participating at which time costs and environmental trails continues to grow, and with that come throughout the planning process with natural requirements will be examined in greater increased conflicts among user groups and resource protection as a primary concern. depth. impacts to the natural environment. Informal For more information, contact Planning and (“social”) trails either remain from before The Road and Trail Management Plan Continued on Page 10

PAGE 9 January—February 2011

mission is the from Page 9 Open Space delivery of high- Resource Chief Elise Holland at eholland@ quality water to co.marin.ca.us or call (415) 507-2820. some 190,000 water supply MMWD Vegetation customers. Beyond that, Management Plan; the District is “Friends of the Watershed” responsible for The Marin Municipal Water District endangered fish (MMWD) undertook a major update of its in Lagunitas 1994 Vegetation Management Plan in Creek, managing 2007, and throughout 2008 conducted a wildfire risk, series of public workshops to explore the ensuring public range of tools capable of controlling the safety, managing spread of invasive plant species. At last count, natural Photo courtesy MMWD the watershed contains nearly 1,000 acres resources such as control of invasive species and protecting sensitive wildlife and Lagunitas (above) and Bon Tempe of invasive plant species, primarily French (below), in the Mt. Tamalpais broom. Alternative levels of abatement were plant species, and providing public access. Recreation, although not a core element of watershed, are two of MMWD’s presented to the public in 2009 and a Draft seven reservoirs. EIR was initiated. Both the Plan and DEIR are MMWD’s mission, has also become a major still pending. management responsibility. In recent years, watershed programs have been expanded to Like the MCOSD, MMWD also inherited include school programs, water conservation MMWD’s “Friends” proposal is education, monitoring species at risk, improving roads and trails, and confronting modeled after the Golden Gate the unknown consequences of climate National Parks Conservancy change. a road and trail network that had been All of these activities currently depend on intended for different purposes. MMWD’s limited financial resources. To expand any watershed lands were assembled around of these programs—or even sustain them at 1912, and the roads and trails reflected a reasonable levels—will require other financial colorful history: Native American routes, means of support. The “Friends” organization logging roads, livestock routes, railroads, fire is being designed to raise funds for these breaks, and old telephone and power lines. broader stewardship programs by establishing Most of these routes needed improvements an independent non-profit association to reach modern design standards and supported by members, foundations, water quality best management practices. To sponsorships, donations, and similar sources address these needs, the District approved its of funds. During initial investigation of first comprehensive road and trail plan for the the “Friends” concept, representatives of watershed—Mt. Tamalpais Watershed Road comparable land management agencies and and Trail Management Plan—in 2005. conservancies, foundations, associations, and local non-profits, including MCL, MMWD has now taken on a new project were interviewed. MMWD conducted two Ben Davidson, www.bendavidsonphoto.com that, if successful, will bring new financial workshops, in the fall of 2010, to solicit ideas of the “Friends” association are exemplary, the support for the array of responsibilities that from the community and to present the draft huge proliferation of worthy environmental the District carries out across its extensive business plan for public comment. The District causes dilutes the County’s donor resources watershed. The proposed “Friends of the expects to launch the organization and begin and volunteer pool. MCL is also concerned Watershed” would consist of a non-profit a District-wide fund-raising campaign this that plans for a new educational facility may companion association to the District, year. modeled after the Golden Gate National be larger than necessary. As the “Friends” business plan has evolved, Parks Conservancy, which carries out myriad MCL urges a conservative approach: MCL has supported the idea, but with important activities to support GGNRA. strong on educational, scientific, and qualifications. In particular, MCL is interested restoration programs and modest in As background, MMWD owns and manages in how MMWD’s “Friends” will cooperate with administrative and capital expenses. 18,500 acres on Mt. Tamalpais, and 2,750 similar associations to minimize redundancies acres draining into Nicasio Reservoir. Its core and coordinate programs. While the purposes

PAGE 10 January—February 2011

should be expanding in early 2011. Food Scraps from Page 3 Frequently asked questions separate districts (incorporated cities, special Getting started at home districts and other County-administrated Most households in Marin have been Q: What are food scraps? areas), each with its own contract, its own putting garden waste in green bins for a A: YES—fruit, vegetables, coffee rules, and its own special requirements. number of years. It’s easy to add food waste grounds, meat scraps, pasta, coffee These 22 districts contract with at least to your green bin instead of putting it in the and tea (including the paper filter and five different hauling companies, and these garbage or down the disposal. For households bags), bones, food soiled paper towels with food scrap pick-up, collection has been and napkins, food-soiled containers Don’t have this service? Tell stepped up to weekly collection from the that are all paper, like a pizza box. your hauler to GET ON BOARD! previous bi-weekly service. What better time NO—plastic of any kind, than the New Year to learn a new habit; you diapers, pet waste. contractors each have separate arrangements may not have eaten up all those holiday with the various landfills to which they haul leftovers. Instead of throwing away brown Q: How much will it cost? the garbage and compostables. By contrast, lettuce leaves, banana skins, shriveled frozen A: There may be a small initial the Alameda County Waste Management canapés you’ll never eat, turkey carcass and increase to your garbage bill to pick Authority and the City and County of San chicken bones or anything that was recently up the green bins weekly rather than Francisco are able to set blanket standards for alive, you can be building soil and helping the biweekly. If there is an increase, it can their waste management practices. environment. often be offset by reducing the size of If you get your garbage bill from Mill Valley your garbage can from 32 gal. to 20 gal. There are two simple rules: Refuse you are in luck (except Almonte). Q: What about raccoons or rodents? They led in Marin by working with all of A: If you do not have animal problems their franchise cities to begin food scrap 1. Stop throwing away food recycling in August 2010. Marin Sanitary today, you will probably not have Service began food scrap recycling in Ross scraps or putting them them by moving food scraps from Valley North in April and in Fairfax a short down the sink disposal. the garbage to the sturdier green bin. Try a Bungee cord if raccoons time later. San Rafael and the remainder of 2. Put them in the GREEN bin! Ross Valley should begin early in 2011. Five are active. Jon Elam of the Tamalpais neighborhoods in Novato are in a trial started Community Services District also You will need a small container close at by Novato Disposal in April 2010, which recommends placing your bins at least hand in the kitchen. A good way to start is to two feet apart so clever raccoons shop in your cupboards for an unused bowl, cannot climb atop your black bin and pot, or other covered container to put on your lift the lid of the adjacent green bin. counter or under the sink that will hold a few days of food scraps. Specialty containers are Q: Do I have this service in my area? also available at many local hardware stores A: Call the number on your garbage bill and kitchen or container supply stores. and ask. If they say no, call your city/ When you are preparing a meal or town/sanitary district and request it. during clean-up, see Rule #1.

When the small container is full, see Utilities District) are turning food scraps from Rule #2. (You may want to wrap scraps in a restaurants, schools, and grocery stores into newspaper.) energy. Central Marin Sanitary Agency, which The garbage man and the designated serves San Rafael and Ross Valley, is in the composting facility take care of the rest. In planning phase with partner Marin Sanitary about two months your food scraps, along Service to generate the energy needed to run with those of your neighbors, will become a their plant from “digested” food scraps and rich soil amendment full of nutrients that can possibly sell some energy back to the grid. be added back to the soil for your plants. Home-produced food scraps can be turned to black gold for the soil and maybe some real What’s Next gold too. Marin will benefit, you will benefit.

Jeff Cushner/Flickr Creative Commons Jeff Cushner/Flickr Creative Currently, food scrap recycling is for If you do not currently have food scrap pickup Countertop compost containers, like this residents only. The exciting future of service, call your town/city/sanitary district to one-gallon ceramic version from Norpro, commercial food scrap recycling is FOOD tell the hauler to GET ON BOARD! are available in several styles and finishes to ENERGY (F2E). Already some innovative Joan Irwin is a Marin Master Gardener and a 2010 and contain an odor-reducing filter. sanitary districts (including East Bay Municipal graduate of the Environmental Forum of Marin

PAGE 11 Non-Profit Marin Conservation League Organization Board of Directors U.S. POSTAGE PAID Permit No. 151 Officers San Rafael, CA Nona Dennis, Mill Valley, President Brett Powell, Mill Valley, January—February 2011 First Vice President 1623—A Fifth Ave. Roger Roberts, San Rafael Second Vice President San Rafael, CA 94901 Vicki Nichols, Sausalito, Secretary RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED Kenneth Drexler, Fairfax, Treasurer Directors Betsy Bikle, Mill Valley Priscilla Bull, Kentfield Joe Bunker, San Anselmo Carson Cox, Mill Valley Bruce Fullerton, Mill Valley Jana Haehl, Corte Madera Marge Macris, Mill Valley Amy Marr, Mill Valley Michelle Passero, Mill Valley Tim Rosenfeld, Mill Valley Larry Smith, Nicasio Daniel Sonnet, San Rafael Bob Spofford, San Rafael Susan Stompe, Novato Ann Thomas, Corte Madera Periann Wood, Mill Valley

Board of Directors meetings are held the third Tuesday of the month at 7:30 p m and are open to the public.

Staff: Dru Parker, Operations Manager Dru Parker Contact Information 1623-A Fifth Avenue San Rafael CA 94901 415.485.6257 t e l 415.485.6259 f a x [email protected] e m a i l marinconservationleague.org w e b

Monthly Committee Meeting Walk Into Schedule (subject to change): Land Use and Transportation: History: Hamilton 1st Wed. of the month, 8:00 - 10:00 a m Parks & Open Space: 2nd Thurs. of the month, 3:00 - 5:00 p m On MCL’s February 12th North Marin Unit (NMU): Call 415.485.6257 or see our website Walk Into History, you will for meeting details. learn the history of the Meetings (except for NMU) are at battle over Hamilton and 1623-A Fifth Avenue, San Rafael how a unique partnership is restoring the runways of Marin Conservation League was founded in 1934 to preserve, protect and enhance Marin to County’s natural assets. their original wetlands state. MCL is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization. All contributions and memberships are tax- deductible to the extent allowed by law. See page 7 for Printed by Mill Valley Services on recycled more details and visit paper with soy-based inks. Please share and recycle. marinconservationleague.org/ events to register for this free public Walk Into History.

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