SPEAKER SERIES Newsletter of the Marin Audubon Society. Vol. 62, No. 1 September 2019 Free and Open to the public Richardson Bay Audubon Center 376 Greenwood Beach Road, Tiburon

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12 7:30 PM Exploring Costa Rica from the Cool Highlands to the Humid Lowlands By Gordon Beebe The MARIN AUDUBONRail SOCIETY Annual Report For Fiscal Year 2018-19 t’s been a challenging and very successful restoration/levee improvement project to year. Through the great work of our produce a design ready to obtain regulatory Board members, volunteers, and our agency permits. (See the story below.) Iother supporters, we’ve increased our habitat Other grants helped us continue our habi- enhancement and protection work, and educa- tat protection work by contributing to the tion about and the natural environment. purchase of two parcels at Black Point: from We continued our successful efforts making Marin County Open Space District, Marin Marin a better place for wildlife and for all of County Fish and Wildlife Commission, us. Our major activities and accomplishments California Alpine Club Foundation, Rose Gordon Beebe Gordon during the year are briefly described below. Foundation, and RHE Foundation. The Collared HABITAT RESTORATION Alpine Club Foundation also contributed to Visit four very different rainforest purchasing native plants for Bahia. ecolodges in Costa Rica, as we • Measure AA Grant for Tiscornia Nature- search for the Resplendent Based Sea Level Rise Adaptation: Marin HABITAT ENHANCEMENT in the high mountains of the south, Audubon was awarded a Measure AA grant At Corte Madera, we completed planting of the then to a sea level marsh with a in the amount of $939,084 to prepare techni- transition zone by installing 15,200 additional high diversity of and mammal cal reports, develop a conceptual plan and plants which we are now watering with a plan , a mid-elevation lodge on the continental divide with a variety conduct environmental review for this marsh continued on page 4 of eastern and western species, and finally to an active geothermal area in the north. Experience both the visual and auditory wonders of the MAS Awarded Measure AA VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR JANE MEDLEY of the rainforest, with in-depth stories of fascinating plant and Grant for Tiscornia Marsh The MAS Board is relationships. Views of trails and Restoration Project happy to announce our lodgings depict what you can expect choice of Jane Medley from a visit to this tropical paradise. At its June meeting, the Restoration Authority as our Volunteer of the Gordon Beebe is a field trip leader approved the staff recommendation to award Year awardee. Jane and website editor for Madrone Marin Audubon Society a grant $939,848 for is in her second term Audubon Society, as well as a volunteer on the Marin Audubon at Native Songbird Care & Conservation the Tiscornia Marsh Nature-Based Restoration Project. Our project received the highest score Board and she has in Sebastopol. He specializes in been Field Trip Chair documenting birds, other animals, and of the 15 proposals that were submitted. since the beginning. Stalker Jude plants in photographs, audio and video. We are honored to have been awarded Throughout her tenure, He lives in Santa Rosa, CA. this major grant. Building on the preliminary Jane has greatly expanded the number NEXT MONTH’S SPEAKER: design produced by Environmental Science and diversity of field trips offered to our members. She has initiated special trips THURSDAY, OCTOBER 10 7:30 PM Associates (ESA) over the last few years with a grant from the Marin Community Foundation, for chapter members only and scheduled Changes in Bird Status in the special unusual trips including boat trips to Central Valley Since 1944 this phase of the Tiscornia Marsh Project will the Farallons, the Delta and San Francisco By John Sterling advance the design for restoring an eroded Bay. Under her direction, we now have a section of the marsh to benefit endangered and regular field trip series to places of birding other species, raising the height of the levee importance in Marin. IN THIS ISSUE to improve flood protection for the adjacent Jane is an asset to Marin Audubon and Canal Community, and constructing the Bay to our members and to wildlife. The more President’s Message 2 folks know about species, the more they Trail on the levee. The slope will provide transi- Field Trips 3 and 7 are likely to want to protect them. tion habitat and high tide refugia for wildlife, Thank you, Jane, for your dedication Conservation Report 5 allow for migration of marsh with sea level rise and all the wonderful field trips, workshops and stabilize the levee. The grant will also cover and programs you have organized for our Habitat Stewardship 6 CEQA environmental review. members. continued on page 5

LIKE US ON WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/MARINAUDUBON SEPTEMBER 2019 1 BOARD OF DIRECTORS Most phone numbers are in the 415 area code President’s Letter unless otherwise noted. Questions? Please contact the appropriate Board member. By Barbara Salzman President Barbara Salzman 924-6057 Vice President Lowell Sykes 388-2821 The coming year promises to be exciting and programs arranged by Douglas Waterman for Secretary Ann Thomas 914-9559 challenging. We are beginning work on our new our Speaker Series, and continued exciting field Treasurer Susan Winston 949/632-0908 grant from the Restoration Authority which will trips planned by Jane Medley, whose excep- Conservation Phil Peterson 828-4780 fund planning, over the next two years, to restore tional work was recognized as MAS Volunteer Barbara Salzman 924-6057 Tiscornia Marsh and improve the levee to protect of the Year. Well deserved, Jane! The rest of our Field Trips Jane Medley 559/760-1551 the Canal Community from sea level rise. The dedicated Board members will be continuing Membership Barbara Demeter 707/479-1124 project will have major benefits for the people their important work. Outreach, Social Media of San Rafael and the wildlife of San Rafael Bay. But we have some gaps we need to fill to Elyse Omernick 694-2320 We’re also beginning grant applications to estab- carry on. We will be losing our Treasurer Susan Speaker Series lish Monarch Butterfly habitat, and we’ll be Winston. If you have accounting skills and Doug Waterman 415/506-4675 hard at work maintaining the habitats we own. would like to support and be a part of Marin Special Projects Jude Stalker 680-6291 Our work protecting threatened habitat Audubon’s habitat acquisition, restoration and Nominating has begun with appeals of two projects that protection and environmental education work, Editor, The Rail Bob Hinz 383-8688 would impact habitats: one for 11,310 solar call me for information 415/924-6057. We Website Dave Chenoweth 415/381-7908 panels in baylands and another for two houses also need a Volunteer Coordinator, which is an Property Management Ed Nute 669-7710 that would impact our properties at Black opportunity for someone who likes people and Volunteer Coordinator Point. There are major projects and issues we wants to help encourage volunteers, especially BAAC Reps Lowell Sykes 388-2821 Barbara Salzman 924-6057 will address to protect habitat: on the Farallon to maintain habitats on our properties. Islands; on baylands at risk with a possible A huge thank you to everyone who con- DIRECTORS MEETINGS Gnoss Field runway extension; and at Pt. Reyes tributed to our spring appeal. This appeal is Meetings open to members. If you wish to attend please call 924-6057. with the new Management Plan and DEIS. dedicated to our properties. As we acquire and 6:30 PM, First Tuesday of the month We’ll also be continuing our work on fire and restore more habitats, we have greater needs for Richardson Bay Audubon Center fire suppression activities as they affect natural removing invasive plants, replacing them with 376 Greenwood Beach Road habitats and wildlife. It looks like it will be a native plants, and watering newly planted plants. Tiburon, California 94920 busy fall for our Conservation Committee. We’re looking forward to an interesting MAS telephone: 721-4271 (for messages only) To improve our functioning and com- and stimulating year meeting the challenges Marin Audubon Society is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) munications, our Board members have begun of property ownership and ongoing threats to organization. All memberships and contributions work to upgrade our website, guided by our our natural resources while continuing to offer are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. new Outreach Chair David Chenoweth. We’ll educational and fun activities. Join us for a The Rail is published ten times a year by the be looking at attracting more members under field trip, for a program, on a volunteer work Marin Audubon Society on 100% recycled the leadership of our new Membership Chair day or join one of our Committees. We’re here paper; edited by Bob Hinz [email protected], Barbara Demeter. You can expect some exciting for you, for our wildlife and for habitats. 383-8688; assisted by other members of MAS; and designed by Studio NaCl (www.studionacl. com). Deadline is the first of each month. ©2019 Marin Audubon Society Pt. Reyes National Seashore Management Plan Website: www.marinaudubon.org Members can receive The Rail electronically The National Park Service (NPS) has released B. Continued ranching with lease terms of instead of a hard copy by emailing the Draft Environmental Impact Statement up to 20 years, and an elk population thresh- [email protected] (DEIS) for a General Management Plan old (NPS’s preferred alternative). B would DONATIONS APPRECIATED! Amendment for the Point Reyes National adopt a new Ranchland Zone with three sub- Marin Audubon Society welcomes gifts of Seashore and the north district of the Golden zones and management direction; would allow funds, stock, or property, and bequests in diversification (pigs, goats, sheep and row crops general, or in honor or memory of someone. Gate National Recreation Area which is man- with no irrigation) in some subzones; establish Gifts may be directed to any MAS project. aged by the Seashore. The stated purpose of Unspecified gifts of more than $500 will lease terms of up to 20 years and set a threshold the Plan and the EIS is to establish guidance be placed in the Endowment Fund for of 120 for the Drake’s Bay herd where the elk- conservation, the protection of wildlife species, for the preservation of natural and cultural rancher problems have occurred; and cull the and the preservation and enhancement of resources, including Tule Elk, and the manage- wildlife habitats. Since MAS is an all-volunteer herd using lethal methods. continued on page 6 organization, 100% of your donation goes to its ment of infrastructure and visitor use in the projects. All gifts are tax-deductible and will be planning area which consists of 28,000 acres acknowledged in The Rail, as well as personally currently leased for grazing of dairy and beef on behalf of the Society. Checks should be made out and mailed to: Marin Audubon cattle. Ranching is considered part of the MAS Needs A Treasurer Society, P.O. Box 599, Mill Valley, CA 94942. Seashore’s cultural heritage. Management of the Do you have accounting experience? Drakes Estero and Limantour Tule Elk herds is Would you like to support MAS in discussed. Six alternatives are presented: our habitat protection and education MISSION STATEMENT A. No Action (required by the National work? Then we’d like to talk to you! To conserve and restore natural Environmental Policy Act) would continue to For more information please contact ecosystems, focusing on birds follow the 1980 General Management Plan Barbara Salzman at 415/924-6057 and other wildlife and their habitats, which allows continued ranching use on 27,000 or [email protected] for the benefit of humanity and acres under 5-10-year leases. NPS would cap- the earth’s biological diversity. ture and move, or kill elk that leave the Park.

2 THE RAIL LIKE US ON WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/MARINAUDUBON MAS FIELD TRIPS No need to sign up for one-day trips, just join us. Bring lunch, snacks, water, field guide, and binoculars. For information, Open to the public accessibility, and weather check: Jane Medley, 559/760-1551, [email protected]. CHECK OUR WEBSITE FOR THE MOST RECENT UPDATES.

PACHECO POND, Novato be ready. If the weather on the day of our trip with possibilities of Tufted Puffin, Thursday, September 5, 2019 trip is particularly cool or windy, the swifts Laysan Albatross, and South Polar Skua. 8:30 AM to noon are likely to enter the stacks early, so plan Additional September possibilities include With Bob and Sande Chilvers accordingly. Bring scopes, binoculars, and, Wilson’s Storm-Petrel, Fork-tailed Storm- Join old friends and meet new ones as if desired, folding chairs for your seating Petrel, Scripps’s Murrelet, Buller’s we resume our regularly scheduled walks comfort. It can be chilly at dusk. Please Shearwater, and Sabine’s Gull. Other on the first Thursday of the month. While stay with our group and do not enter any of more numerous pelagic species seen construction projects continue at the Las the private areas on the property. Use soft on last year’s trip included Black-footed Gallinas ponds, we will be offering our voices and be sure to respect the privacy of Albatross, Northern Fulmar, and additional traditional walk at an alternate location. local residents. shearwater, phalarope, jaeger, and auklet For the months of September and October DIRECTIONS: From Hwy 101 take the species. and possibly longer, we will be checking Central San Rafael exit. Head east on The cost will be $150 per person out Novato’s Pacheco Pond, known to Third St./Point San Pedro Rd for about 3.5 for Marin Audubon Chapter-Supporting provide habitat for a variety of ducks, miles. The brickyard will be on the right. The Members and $185 for all others. If you Black-crowned Night-Heron, Common address is 1 McNear Brickyard Rd. Turn in at are not yet a Marin Audubon Chapter- Gallinule, Sora, and Virginia Rail. Nearby the brickyard entrance and park as directed. Supporting Member, please sign up now trees provide additional habitat for both at www.marinaudubon.org to enjoy the songbirds, egrets, and a number of raptors DRAKES BEACH AND THE FISH DOCKS reduced cost of this trip. Include the including Peregrine Falcon. No. 9, Birding in Marin Series name, email address, and contact phone Thank you, Bob and Sande, for agreeing Point Reyes National Seashore number of each participant. There is to continue as our expert and friendly Saturday, September 21, 2019 always a chance the trip may need to be guides on this popular monthly walk. We 8:30 AM to mid-afternoon rescheduled at the last minute due to sea welcome bird enthusiasts of all levels and With Jim White and Bob Battagin conditions, so we need to be able to reach help each other to find and identify the September provides the most surprising participants. As the trip date approaches, birds. The area around Pacheco Pond is month of birding in Marin as many juvenile we will send an email with additional trip mostly flat, butwe will be walking across birds make their first migration south and information. Be prepared for any kind of some rocky, uneven surfaces. Dress in west without the aid of Google Maps. weather with layered clothing. A rain jacket layers and bring binoculars, scopes, and Western migrants such as Nashville, and pants are essential no matter what the water. Heavy rain cancels. Hermit, and Black-throated Gray Warblers weather on shore. Take seasick medication DIRECTIONS: Take the Bel Marin Keys Blvd may be in the Point Reyes tree islands, if needed. You will be on the boat all day. exit from Hwy 101. Travel east on Bel Marin and we sometimes see more unusual Bring lunch, snacks, water, a hat, and plenty Keys Blvd for 1.4 miles passing through a Eastern species. Drakes Bay also begins to of sunscreen. commercial/industrial section until arriving harbor wintering specie s like Red-necked DIRECTIONS: Head north on Hwy 1 from at a small parking area on the right, which Grebes, Marbled Murrelets, and loons. the town of Bodega Bay. Continue past the faces the pond. We will meet in the parking We will picnic early and then head to the fire station and the Tides Wharf in Bodega area and walk to the trail a short distance Fish Docks and/or the ranches along the Bay. Turn left on East Shore Rd at Bodega up the road. road to the lighthouse. This year’s trip will Bay Inn and head downhill to the port. not include a walk to the lighthouse due to VAUX’S SWIFTS AT MCNEAR BRICK continued restoration work in that area. RODEO LAGOON, Marin Headlands AND BLOCK, San Rafael DIRECTIONS: Meet at the Drakes Beach Sunday, September 29, 2019 Thursday, September 19, 2019 Parking Lot near the monument, which is 7 AM to noon 6 PM to 7:40 PM depending on the weather located in the shrubby area across from With William Legge and David Wiechers With Rusty Scalf the restrooms. Follow Sir Francis Drake Join William and David for this second This event is organized for MAS members. Blvd through Inverness out to Point Reyes of their fall migration field trips at Rodeo Due to limited parking availability, this National Seashore. Keep going until you get Lagoon. This is their longtime “patch,” which is not an open invitation for the general to the Drakes Beach Rd where you’ll bear never seems to disappoint birders with daily public. Please do not publicize this event left. Expect about a 35-minute drive from variations in species seen and unusual on Nextdoor or other community listservs. Point Reyes Station to Drakes Beach. sightings. On this particular trip, our group Join other MAS members for an evening will be targeting Parasitic Jaeger, migrating opportunity to witness Vaux’s Swifts during CORDELL BANK PELAGIC TRIP shorebirds, warblers, and other passerines. their fall migration through Marin, which From Porto Bodega, Bodega Bay We will begin the morning with a Sea Watch occurs in September and October. Dan REGISTRATION OPEN at 7 AM. Those arriving later may join us at McNear of McNear Brick & Block has kindly Sunday, September 22, 2019 8 AM for a circuit of the lagoon. allowed Marin Audubon to access this 7 AM to 5 PM DIRECTIONS: Head south on Hwy 101 and remarkable site where decommissioned With Steve Howell take the last Sausalito exit just before the smoke stacks provide an important There is still space available on MAS’s third Golden Gate Bridge. At the exit stop sign, turn communal roosting place for the swifts. annual pelagic trip to the Cordell Bank, a right and go under the freeway, then follow Watching thousands of swifts as they rocky undersea bank 22 miles west of the the road down to the left. Within 300 feet descend into the stacks just before night- Point Reyes headlands. Both experienced turn left at the sign to the Marin Headlands fall is an unforgettable sight. At the peak of and beginning birders are invited to join (This is the only available left turn before you migration, as many as 19,000 swifts have this trip to one of the West Coast’s best begin the descent into Sausalito). You should been counted in one evening. However, locations for birds and whales. This year we see the tunnel with the five-minute light. keep in mind that the number of swifts have partnered with the Redwood Regional Proceed through the tunnel on Bunker Rd varies greatly from night to night and can Ornithological Society (RROS) in offering to the Rodeo Lagoon Parking Lot at the end. range from a few hundred to thousands. this exciting trip. We will again travel on Meet by the bridge over the channel to the Like everything else in birding, there are no Rick Power’s New Sea Angler, a 65-foot fish- beach or join MAS birders with scopes along guarantees! ing charter boat suitable for birding. the nearby beach area. Sunset on the evening of our visit will The Cordell Bank is a magnet for be at 7:12 PM, so plan on arriving early to unusual and rare sightings. It is a great continued on page 7

LIKE US ON WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/MARINAUDUBON SEPTEMBER 2019 3 Annual Report continued from page 1 ACQUISITION the Bay is a violation of the public trust, developed by volunteer John Perone. Completed acquisition of nine properties which holds that waters of the state are Martha Jarocki is leading monthly volun- at Black Point: six tax default parcels, two reserved for public use including fish and teer workdays to maintain the habitat. At others purchased and one donated. Funds wildlife habitat, and not for private uses Bahia we hired the Center for Social and from our partner Marin Baylands Advocates such as permanent residence that damages Environmental Sustainability (CSES) to along with other grants funded the purchase eelgrass, and covers and degrades open help our volunteers plant, maintain and of the tax default properties and a portion water habitat. enhance habitats. We removed highly inva- of the purchase of the larger parcel from a • Marin County Open Space District (OSD): private owner. We now own 18 parcels at sive French broom from, and then planted Hunt Camp Trail Settled the suit we Black Point. native grasses on the newly purchased brought with the Marin Conservation property at Black Point. Triangle Marsh EDUCATION League and the Native Plant Society against workdays led by Bob Hinz are continuing • Field Trips, Speaker Series, The Rail, the OSD for failure to conduct adequate and MAS volunteer, Jude Stalker, continued and Outreach Most MAS activities serve environmental review for the Hunt Camp to organize workdays to remove non-native to educate others about natural resources, Trail on the Giacomini Preserve. Since the Limonium from shoreline properties in be it speaking at hearings, writing letters, suit, the OSD is taking a more responsible southern Marin. Ed Nute began planning hosting events (field trips, workshops or approach to trail improvements and our for planting milkweed, the primary plant speaker series). The past year we published concerns have diminished. for Monarch Butterfly, whose population is 10 issues of our newsletter, The Rail, Ponti Ridge Submitted comments on in steep decline across the US. presented nine Speaker Series programs the OSD efforts to consolidate trails and focused on birds and other natural protect habitat. resources, and held 79 field trips (includ- • Highway 37 Marin Audubon Society ing San Francisco Bay and Delta trips, two Participated in meetings Statement of Financial Position with the Baylands Group, property owners As of June 30, 2019 pelagic trips and the “Birding in Marin” series with Bob Battagin and Jim White) organized to work to protect the North ASSETS and classes (“Birds in Flight” photography, Bay ecosystem; a Public Access Committee Current Assets (wildlife agencies and organizations that Operating Bank Accounts 94,544 six “Evolution of Birds” sessions, birding Property Bank Accounts 101,060 classes for beginners, and Spring Bird own properties or restore habitat and are Marin Baylands Advocates Bank Account 24,175 Song classes). Our website is active and concerned about public access impacts Total Current Assets 219,779 we’re on Facebook. on wildlife and habitat), an outgrowth of Real Property 4,662,542 Resilient by Design; and meetings of the CITIZEN SCIENCE Investment Account 1,364,375 Policy Advisory Committee (consisting of Sponsored three Christmas Bird Counts, TOTAL ASSETS $6,246,696 elected officials of Marin, Sonoma, Solano Cheap Thrills in northern Marin County, Marin Audubon Society Statement of Activities and Napa counties). July 2018 through June 2019 Southern Marin County, and the Pt. Reyes Count. • San Geronimo Golf Course Spoke at REVENUE AND SUPPORT hearings and a press conference in support PARTNERING Donations 236,855 of Trust for Public Land’s efforts to acquire Grant Income for Property Restoration, Continued to serve as fiscal agent for this property to restore habitat for the and Enhancement 526,021 Marin Baylands Advocates, our partner Membership 38,869 benefit salmonids, Northern Spotted Owl, in acquiring baylands, and to represent Events and Activities 23,735 other wildlife and people. Interest and Dividend Income 43,010 MAS on Boards and committees: San • Northern Spotted Owl Marin Baylands Advocates Income 34,530 Francisco Estuary Institute, San Francisco Worked with Marin County OSD and cities with nests TOTAL REVENUE & SUPPORT 903,020 Estuary Partnership, San Francisco Bay Joint Venture, MMWD’s Lagunitas Creek within their boundaries (Larkspur, Mill EXPENSES Advisory Committee, Marin County Open Valley, Corte Madera and Fairfax) in an Property Restoration, Enhancement, Space District’s Environmental Roundtable, effort to set up a public notice process to and Management 569,194 protect the owls. Professional Services 17,995 One Tam, San Francisco Bay Shoreline Office Supplies, Printing, and Postage 34,638 Advocates, and various committees related • San Anselmo Flood Risk Reduction Program Expenses 28,339 to improving Highway 37. We continue to Project Submitted comments to Marin Insurance 10,344 work with other Marin organizations on County supporting moving forward with Property Parcel Taxes 14,174 updating Community Marin. an environmentally sensitive project and Permits and Fees 4,316 Website and Social Media 2,447 CONSERVATION ACTIVITIES TO PROTECT raising some issues related to habitat. Other General Expenses 2,862 WILDLIFE AND HABITAT • 290 Grandview Opposed expansion of a Marin Baylands Advocates Expenses 1,156 MAS Policies: To guide our advocacy work, house that violates Novato’s Urban Growth TOTAL EXPENSES 685,465 we adopted a solar policy and are working Boundaries. Novato approved the project.

RESULTS FROM OPERATIONS 217,555 on a policy addressing the effects of fire • Brescia Houses Submitted multiple management in relation to habitats. Investment Gain – Realized comment letters stating many issues and Unrealized 44,777 • Richardson Bay Anchor-Outs Continued related to houses on two properties that CHANGE IN EQUITY 258,831 to raise objections to BCDC and the virtually surround three of MAS’s parcels Richardson Bay Regional Agency about at Black Point; objected to the removal of TOTAL EQUITY – BEGINNING OF YEAR 5,987,865 anchor-outs on Richardson Bay, advocat- 53 trees and construction of a 10.5-foot TOTAL EQUITY – END OF YEAR $6,246,696 ing for their removal. Permanent living on high retaining wall, among other points.

4 THE RAIL LIKE US ON WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/MARINAUDUBON • MMWD Commented on the CEQA Conservation document for the Azalea Hill project and on MMWD’s budget. MAS supported a MAS APPEALS PROJECTS Both appeals are scheduled to be before budget that included more funds to ensure APPROVED BY MARIN COUNTY the Planning Commission on September 9. habitats of the watershed are maintained. — SUPPORT NEEDED No funds were added but the budget was Silveira Property Solar Facility adjacent to approved over objections to any increases. MAS and Marin Bayland Advocates (MBA) Redwood Landfill and between the SMART tracks and Highway 101. Proposed on • Pt. Reyes General Management Plan appealed the following two projects to the baylands and adjacent uplands, the solar and EIS Submitted scoping comments on Planning Commission because the environ- facility, consisting of 11,310 solar mod- the six alternatives the Seashore developed, mental analyses by staff were inadequate. In ules, was approved by the Deputy Marin and requested that an alternative be included partnership with others, we felt obliged to County Zoning Administrator without that would maximize protections and appeal to the Planning Commission in the recognizing that the site is historic bay and habitat for all native wildlife, not just elk. hope of getting more thorough environmen- tal analyses. adjacent uplands, both parts of the Baylands • Robin Drive, Corte Madera Commented Brescia Houses Readers of The Rail will Corridor, and with an inadequate analysis on the loss of native trees. This is a posi- of potential impacts. Marin Conservation tive project with affordable housing, but recognize that we’ve been commenting on proposals for building these two houses for League appealed separately on the basis of that does not justify removing mature, lack of a solar ordinance. native oaks, particularly the ancient oaks many months. On July 2, Marin County near the ridge. approved the smaller of the two houses and • Corte Madera Gap Closure Submitted denied the second, larger house but approved WHAT YOU CAN DO: the removal of seven trees to build a turn- comments on this segment along Wornum Please help by sending an email to the around for fire trucks. Other issues included Drive which is part of a larger project that respective planners: Megan Alton at in the appeal were a 10.5-foot high retain- is proposed to extend southward from [email protected] for the Brescia ing wall that would block access to Marin Corte Madera Creek. projects and Sabrina Sihakom for the Audubon property, loss of native trees and • PG&E Maintenance Permit Commented Solar project, [email protected] other impacts on MAS property. We were to regulatory agencies on PG&E’s joined in this appeal by MBA and neighbors. Operations and Maintenance General Application asking that mitigation be in- kind and that impacts to San Francisco/ San Pablo Bay wetlands not take place at Measure AA continued from page 1 a Suisun Marsh site, which PG&E has Changes at Audubon Marin Audubon will manage the grant already purchased for mitigation, jumping and will again contract with ESA to prepare, the gun on the regulatory process. Canyon Ranch over the next several years, technical studies • North Bay Mitigation Bank Objected to that will inform the project design; prepare Since the establishment of Audubon the Regional Water Quality Board and the a CEQA environmental document, under Canyon Ranch, which began with the pur- Army Corps of Engineers on a proposed the direction chase of the Martin Griffin Preserve lands mitigation bank on private property along of the City of by the Marin Audubon Society, more than San Antonio Road with a number of San Rafael, that fifty years ago, the supporting chapters have specific questions. MAS does not support appointed representatives to the ACR Board will result in mitigation banks because they set the stage of Directors. The chapter representation was a conceptual for losing wetland resources elsewhere. based on a mutual understanding between design sufficient • GGBHTD Mitigation Plan Commented the Boards of Directors that is codified in to apply for on the Bridge District’s proposal to restore the ACR Bylaws. Initially each chapter had permits from and mitigate four acres of tidal marsh on three representatives. Four years ago, the regulatory the north end of the 72 acres it owns on number was reduced to one. the Corte Madera Bayfront. We recom- agencies. At In May of this year, the MAS representa- mended locating the mitigation on the the same time, the Multi-cultural Center of tive on the ACR Board, was dismissed along northeast corner instead of northwest so Marin (MCM) will reach out to the Canal with three other (non-chapter appointed) that it would be adjacent to the existing Community about sea level rise and the Directors. No explanation was given, either marsh, not constructing a trail all around Tiscornia Project, and will work with youth to the MAS Board or to the Directors dis- the marsh and improving the transition to produce a video and radio show. missed. The only response to our zone by increasing its width and planting This major grant for the Tiscornia questioning was that the ACR Board action native plants. project is from the 2016 Measure AA, the was in conformance with the state code and • BCDC Fill Policies Submitted written Clean and Healthy Bay Measure managed ACR Bylaws and that there was an attorney comments and testimony at the public by the San Francisco Bay Restoration present. We have no knowledge of, nor have hearing, supporting revising BCDC’s Authority. The Authority was established we had any experience with, our ACR repre- policies to allow fill for marsh expansion. to fund projects that restore, protect and sentative that would support a dismissal. BCDC policies currently allow fill in enhance the wetlands and wildlife habitat We are disappointed and concerned that the Bay only for public access. Fill will along San Francisco Bay and its shoreline. this action indicates a major change in the be needed to expand the marsh for our Learn more about the Authority at http:// long-standing, open relationship between Tiscornia project. sfbayrestore.org. MAS and ACR.

LIKE US ON WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/MARINAUDUBON SEPTEMBER 2019 5 Habitat Stewardship HABITAT STEWARDSHIP PROGRAM It’s been a busy summer taking care of our Sustainability (CSES) to help plant, water Two invasive, non-native, annual properties. and cage the oaks and to remove invasive wild plants, Salsola soda and Dittrichia CORTE MADERA RESTORATION SITE radish from the Central Peninsula. Lowell graveolens, become noticeable at Sykes has followed up with watering the oaks. this time of year. They will bloom in At Corte Madera thanks to Martha Jarocki’s September and October so by leadership, we’ve had two workdays and BLACK POINT pulling them now we will greatly removed lots of Harding grass. Thanks to For our Black Point properties we hired the reduce their abundance next year. John Perone’s innovative design, and his Water CSES to remove a large stand of French broom Both can be pulled relatively easily. Brigade crew of Ed Nute, Dave Chenoweth, and then to plant meadow barley where the Is one of our project areas in your Gerry Jarocki, Bob Hinz, and Lowell Sykes, broom was removed. CSES has also removed neighborhood? Our volunteer days ice plant at Norton Pond. are particularly good opportunities there have been three watering days using for students who need a community John’s plan that runs a long hose from the TRIANGLE MARSH service project. Act locally and join hydrant to our sprinkler system. If you would At Triangle we did the usual things to try to us on a workday. We all make a like to help, contact John, jperonemv@gmail. limit some of the worst invasive plants: pulled difference. com. Watering days are planned for every three and cut Italian thistle, cut and dug Harding VOLUNTEER WORK DAYS weeks until the rainy season begins. grass, and removed various weeds from the Triangle Marsh, East Corte Madera: BAHIA purple needlegrass plantings. First Saturdays: September 7, We planted about 100 coast live oaks donated ARROYO SAN JOSE October 5 by the Native Plant Society, contracted with We’re in the process of planning to remove ivy Meet at 10 AM on Paradise Dr. directly across from the Ring the Center for Social and Environmental from valley oaks at Arroyo San Jose in Novato. Mountain trailhead near the Montessori School. Point Reyes Report continued from page 2 recent years, and its natural resources are suffer- Corte Madera Ecological Reserve: ing. All of the alternatives address endangered Second Saturdays: September 14, C. Removal of Tule Elk. Zones and manage- October 12 ment would be the same as B; the Drake’s Bay species, but there is minimal discussion of hab- Meet at the end of Industrial Way herd would be removed. itat enhancement for the elk and the broader (near Cost Plus Plaza). D. Reduced Ranching. Zones, management range of species that depend on the park. This Contact Martha Jarocki, and 20-year lease arrangements are the same as is particularly evident in Alternative F, which [email protected] or phone in B; phase out the ranches with minimal infra- discontinues ranching, but instead of instead of 415/461-3592. structure over one year on approximately 7,500 increasing habitat enhancement on the vacated Bahia, Novato: acres leaving 19,000 acres; elk management lands, visitor use is expanded. A justification If you’d like to help, please contact would be as in B. for retaining agriculture is that some species Jude at [email protected]. E. Reduced Ranching. The six active dairy benefit from grazing. Indeed, some species do THANK YOU, STEWARDSHIP ranches would be phased out over five years but benefit from shorter grass, but 26,100 acres are VOLUNTEERS would be eligible to convert to beef. Beef graz- not needed for wildlife that prefer short grass. Short grass habitat could easily be provided by Debbie Ablin, Diana Benner and her ing has less impact because the cattle do not Watershed Nursery crew, Dave reduced ranching or by prescribed grazing. have to return to be milked twice a day. Does Chenoweth, Bob Harlow, Bob Hinz, The reduced ranching alternatives, which not reduce acres ranched. 20-year leases the Martha and Gerry Jarocki, Linda would seem to be a compromise, appear to same as B; elk would be allowed to continue. Nicoletto, Ed Nute, Lucienne have been designed to be rejected. C and E are O’Keefe, John Perone, Roger Stoll, F. Discontinue Ranching. Ranching would extreme. It is unreasonable to expect a family Lowell Sykes be discontinued and visitor opportunities to close their ranch in one year as proposed in expanded. Prescribed grazing could be used to D or require a change to raising beef as in E. meet resource management goals. Elk could MAS is still reviewing the DEIS, but we are WELCOME, NEW MEMBERS continue to expand within park. planning to include in our comments, a rec- Leonard Baham, Frederick Binkley, The alternatives, particularly the Preferred ommendation for what we think is a more Geraldine Brown, Stan Buman, Alternative B, clearly favor ranching over nat- realistic alternative: a gradual phase-out of Carolyn Ciampi, Richard DiLuzio, ural resources and the clear intent is for the ranches by attrition, i.e., ending ranching Sister Raya Hanlon, Kim Hettler- current ranching acreage to be a permanent use. when family members are no longer inter- Coleman, Christian Jensen, Joan The NPS leasing guidelines provide that if lease ested. This would be fairer to ranchers and a Lundstrom, Robert Mahoney, Laura holders do not wish to continue in agriculture, long-term benefit to elk, other wildlife and nat- Marx, Helen McQueen, Robin & NPS will ask relatives, then neighbors and then ural resources. It would recognize the enabling Karen Meredith, Kate Merriman, go elsewhere to find lessees. Unless these guide- legislation, allow the elk population to expand, Mary Meyers, Nadine Ondera, Susan lines are changed, it appears there would be no Peters, Marti Phillips, Laura Phipps, and provide for improving streams, grasslands, Jack Rabin, Gayle Roberts, Kevin way to reduce ranching. The zoning restric- and other habitats. A specific reduced acre- Anthony Rosa, Debbie Roycroft, tions and increased diversified activities (e.g., age could be retained in ranching to preserve Daniel Ryan, Shelly Scammell, chickens, crops, and goats) are likely to attract cultural history or prescribed grazing could be Marlen Rosalie Schele, Michael predators and would require more funding to used to provide short grass habitat. We will rec- Sheiner, Megan Smith, Lois Tolles, manage and enforce. Currently some of the ommend it again as it was ignored in the DEIS. Pauline Tierney, Patrick Treseler, ranches have more grazing animals than allowed The rigid approach to retaining the huge Linda Votteri,. Douglas Wallace, Amy under range management guidelines, and hab- ranching acreage of 26,100 acres fails to recog- Witske & Warren Phillips, Cherie itats, roads and trails are in need of repair. nize that times change, people change and Whitmore Funding for the Seashore has been decreasing in continued on page 7

6 THE RAIL LIKE US ON WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/MARINAUDUBON Point Reyes Report continued from page 6 Marin Birdlog THANK YOU, DONORS climate has changed. Currently the demand for By Noah Arthur milk is decreasing, milk production is increasing, Bud Alderson, Diane Amarillas, and dairy ranches are struggling. The 2019 Elizabeth P. Anderson, Thomas R. International Climate Change report recognizes Anderson, Louise Armour, Annelies the significant contribution of meat production Atchley, Robert Atwood, Holly A. to global warming and encourages a plant-based Bacuzzi, Marjorie Belknap, Andrew diet to save the planet. The DEIS does not Bollen, Dewitt Bowman, Burkhard mention climate change or the changed demand. Braun, Ingrid K. Brennan, Estate of Margot Brogger Richardson, Priscilla The approach is based more on politics, the & Michael H. Bull, Patricia Cahill, former Interior Secretary Salazar’s promise of Steve Capper, Carolyn Ciampi, 20-year leases at the time of the Drake’s Bay William A. Clarke, Carroll Covey, Oyster controversy and Congressman Huffman’s Judith & Robert Creasy, Katherine legislation to extending the ranching leases to Cuneo, Richard Daly, Michael 20 years, rather than conditions resulting from Donovan, Genevieve Droulers, Leslie climate change and changing economics. 3.0 BY-SA E. Robertson, CC D. Gordon Ellison, Timothy Erdman, Neil & Mary Common Redpoll Erickson, Robert J. Fallat, Tamara & WHAT YOU CAN DO: Louis Fehrenbacher, Richard & Joyce Among the most surprising birds ever to be seen in Access the plan at: https://tinyurl.com/ Finley, Frost Family Sustainability Marin was a Common Redpoll found at Point Reyes y2fptkfr. Review it and comment through Fund, Carl & Donna Gowan, Sallie by Albert Linkowski (June 15). For the complete the “Comment Now” link on that web page. Griffith, Jeannette Gustafson, Arpad Birdlog, go to our website, http://marinaudubon. Comment deadline is September 23 Gyorki, Dolores Hansen, Erika W. org/birds.php. Harris, Tom Hendricks, Harry and Elaine Hicks, Molly Hynes, Iron SHOREBIRD IDENTIFICATION CLASS FIELD TRIPS (continued from page 3) Springs Pub & Brewery, Inc., Maureen Ivy & Jay Berger, Susan L. Janson, A TWO-PART COURSE FALL MIGRATION HOTSPOTS Richard Jennings, Duane Johnson, TAUGHT BY LISA HUG INVITE Point Reyes National Seashore Lorraine Johnson, Joyce L. Johnston, YOUR Fee for both sessions: $15 Sunday, October 6, 2019 Robert Johnston, Candace Key, David FRIENDS! 7:30 AM to mid-afternoon Kimball & Anne Taylor, Klein-Donahoe PART I: Classroom Only – $10 With Derek Lecy and Bob Atwood Family Fund, William M. Klemme, Richardson Bay Audubon Center Join Derek and Bob to some of Marin’s Blue Classroom migrant hotspots. Our plan will depend on William Legge, Christine Lindner, 376 Greenwood Beach Road, Tiburon what birds have been seen in the area. Carolyn Lown & Carolyn Kneiblher, Thursday, September 5, 2019 Point Reyes has proven to be one of the Joan Lundstrom (In memory of Janice 7 PM to 9 PM greatest migrant traps on our continent with Huey), Marjorie Macris, Robert PART II: Field Trip Only – $10 more than half of all North American birds Mahoney, Ellanor Malinowski, Daphne (at least 502 species) seen there. Starting at Porto Bodega, Bodega Bay Markham, Sarah Martin, Peter Sunday, September 8, 2019 We will be looking in the areas of Drakes 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM Beach and the Fish Docks/Chimney Rock. Mason, Sharon McCloskey, Maura We may also stop to check the fields and McLane, Jane R. Medley, Richard Identifying shorebirds is a difficult challenge trees surrounding some of the ranches in for many birders. But there are strategies Morrison, Hans & Kari Mueller (In the area as well as the more inland riparian to use that can make shorebird recogni- memory of Janice Huey), Julie Munro, area around the Inverness Tennis Club. tion simpler. During our evening classroom Eileen Murray, Patrick Murray, Steve & Come help us find something rare and presentation on September 5, Lisa will pres- Ruth Nash, Warren and Marcia Nute, unexpected. Fall birders in these areas are ent a PowerPoint workshop on shorebird rarely disappointed! This time of year, as J. Morrow Otis, Anne Owen, John identification. We will not only look at shore- Rich Stallcup said, “The Outer Point never Perone, Susan Peters, Phil Peterson, bird identification to species but also learn gets old. It’s never the same.” how to age and even sex some shorebirds. PG&E Corporation Foundation (donor We will meet at Whitehouse Pool and bird Participants should bring their binoculars to match), Susan Phillips, Jordan Rinker, that area as participants gather before car- this evening presentation. Marianna Riser, Susan & John pooling to the Outer Point. Dress in layers Lisa’s evening presentation will (plan for wind and fog), and bring a hat, sun- Ristow, Susan M. Ryan, Marylee be followed by a field trip on Sunday, screen, water, and lunch. Heavy rain cancels. Sammis, Shelly Scammell, Hugh & September 8, to various locations at Georgia Schall, Ruth M. Schuler, Bodega Bay to practice some of the DIRECTIONS: From Hwy 101 in Larkspur, identification strategies discussed during take the Sir Francis Drake Blvd exit 20.4 David Sexton, Pamela Shandrick, the evening presentation. Bring layered miles to Olema. Turn right onto Hwy 1 and go Cynthia Shaw, Michael Sheiner, Inez clothing, snacks, water, binoculars, and a 2 miles. Before the green bridge, turn left to Skog, Jennifer Sousae, Charles spotting scope if you have one to the field continue on Sir Francis Drake and drive 0.7 Stanberry, Jeanine L. Starritt, Roger mile. On the right, look for the White House trip. There will be a $7 entrance fee if we Stoll, Michael Stone, Kandice K. Pool sign and parking lot. go to Doran Park. Heavy rain cancels. Strako, Peter & Marie Sullivan, Meryl There will be a $15 charge to attend both sessions. Or you may pay $10 to PACHECO POND, Novato Sundove & Roger Harris, Donna & attend just the lecture or just the field trip. Thursday, October 3, 2019 Joseph Terdiman, Rex Thompson, Signups will not be required, but please 8:30 AM to noon Lois Tolles, Charles M. Vadalabene, With Bob and Sande Chilvers remember to bring cash or a check for pay- Marilyn & Robert Van De Loo, ment on the day(s) you attend. Our first Thursday of the month walk in Kathryn VanDyke, Doug Waterman, DIRECTIONS TO FIELD TRIP: Head north October will again take place at Novato’s Pacheco Pond. This location is our current Amy & Bruce Wilcer, Donna L. on Hwy 1 from the town of Bodega Bay. Williams, Amy Witzke & Warren Continue past the fire station and the Tides substitute for Las Gallinas, where construc- Phillips (In memory of Janice Huey), Wharf in Bodega Bay. Turn left on East tion continues. For the complete description Shore Road at Bodega Bay Inn and head and directions, see the September 5 field World Wildlife Fund (In honor of downhill to the port. trip on page 3. William Legge & Jane Medley)

LIKE US ON WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/MARINAUDUBON SEPTEMBER 2019 7 SAVE THE DATE October 3 Field Trip: Pacheco Pond With Bob and Sande Chilvers October 6 Field Trip: Fall Migration Hotspots at Point Reyes With Derek Lecy & Bob Atwood October 19 Field Trip: Abbotts Lagoon With Jim White & Bob Battagin October 27 Field Trip: Rodeo Lagoon With William Legge Check website for updates and details

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