March—April 2013 Congressman Jared Every Watershed Needs Huffman to speak at MCL’s Annual Dinner April 19 “Friends” Marin Conservation League is honored In a two-part series, the to have Congressman Jared Huffman MCL Newsletter explores (D—San Rafael), as guest speaker for its the watersheds of Marin th Annual Dinner on April 19 . County and how they Huffman (D-San Rafael) was sworn have become the subject in as a member of the 113th Congress on of volunteer citizen stewardship over the past January 3, 2013 to represent ’s two decades. Part I provides second district, which spans from background for how we the Bridge north to the have come to think in terms Oregon border and includes all of Marin, of protecting watersheds, Mendocino, Humboldt, Trinity, and Del and focuses on North and Norte, and much of Sonoma Counties. Central Marin watersheds. Part II (May-June News) Huffman is a member of the Committee will feature Southern and on Natural Resources and the House West Marin Watersheds. Budget Committee. “Pink Alder, Corte Madera Creek, Ross Valley Watershed,” by Creekwalker Photographs/Sue by Nona Dennis Mace, from the Reflections on Water series, sponsored by the Gallinas Watershed Council Prior to his election to Congress in November of 2012, Huffman served six very person lives within a memorialized by poet Gary Snyder: “Find years in the California State Assembly watershed.” So states the Tomales your place on the planet. Dig in, and take where he authored more than 60 pieces Bay Watershed Stewardship responsibility from there!” A recent exhibit of successful legislation and received “EPlan (2003). “ All of our actions—including at the Bay Model in Sausalito, “Reflections hiking, driving on paved or dirt roads, on Water,” celebrated not only the beauty Continued on page 10 building homes, raising livestock, gardening, of Marin creeks in stunning photographs boating, drinking water, or enjoying the by Creekwalker (pictured), but also the benefits of indoor plumbing—affect the inspiration of citizen-activists like the Gallinas watershed in which these activities occur. As Watershed Council in taking responsibility for a resident or landowner within a watershed, their own watershed. each individual is responsible for being an More than two decades ago, the informed watershed citizen who responsibly Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), manages his/her impacts, while supporting charged with implementing the federal conservation of the larger system.” Clean Water Act, also embraced a watershed Citizen stewardship of watersheds is approach to “restore and maintain the not a new idea. It originated with the “bioregional” movement of the 1970’s, which Continued on page 6 shifted environmental action away from protest as a primary strategy toward taking In This Issue— responsibility for local regions defined by President’s Message—Page 2 natural boundaries—like a watershed—in Status Updates—Page 3 which human communities co-exist with February Business Breakfast—Page 9 natural communities and can take action to Stream Ordinance—Page 11 Congressman Jared Huffman protect their surroundings. The concept was

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A Message from the President—Spring has sprung!

pring is here! (MCL sponsors clean ups at a few locations If you have along creeks or coastline.) The webpages the time and identified in the article can tell you the when inclination,S hiking and where of each watershed activity. It is a on our vast open good way to learn a bit more about our county spaces this time and to get that good feeling of helping our of year is great environment. You can also learn more about with the array Marin’s watershed issues by attending the of wildflowersMCL Water and Watersheds Committee that changing every meets on the last Thursday of each month. week (in some My term as president is coming to a places, every day). close with the Annual Meeting on April The views are sharp from either the wind or 19. It has been an interesting and busy (hopefully) rain. The hills are green and the air two years. The MCL Board of Directors is is fresh. We live in a wonderful place. Another always an exceptional collection of talents Commons Flickr Creative Woods, ©Claire joy of living here is exploring for different and commitment. It has been challenging Fremont’s Star Lily, a native perennial wildflowers, some are harder to find than and rewarding as the organization became herb, is one of the many wildflowers found others but certainly worth the effort. involved in diverse issues requiring the blooming in Marin each spring. The county watersheds that are the focus talents of our in house activists. From trail use picnic parties. I appreciate the opportunities of this newsletter are so important to the changes to major development projects such I have had with MCL and continue to admire mosaic of habitats our lands support. The as the San Rafael Airport sports facility which the people who shoulder up to the tasks that people who put in their time and energies we unsuccessfully tried to reduce, we have keep the organization vital, including the helping to keep them healthy are to be been visible and engaged. We have sponsored staff! commended. We can all support their efforts events such as the Coastal Cleanups, Walks by helping with the projects that need to be into Conservation History, Business— done, not the least of which is the California Environment breakfasts with noteworthy Coastal Cleanup—September 21 this year. speakers, and our traditional holiday and

Tennessee Valley Multi-Use Pathway now open The recently opened Tennessee Valley Class I Pathway Improvement is one of many projects in Marin County’s WalkBikeMarin program that have been funded by a $25 million grant awarded to the County in 2005 by the federal Non-Motorized Transportation Pilot Program. The 900-ft. boardwalk segment connects Tennessee and Tamalpais Valleys with the Mill Valley/Sausalito multi-use path, replacing an asphalt path that, like many other areas around Tam Junction, was frequently flooded by high tides. Dru Parker

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Status Updates across or under sixteen lanes at Wornum Drive, would create a safety problem for San Rafael Airport MCL Opposes 101 pedestrians and bicyclists attempting to cross Recreational Facility Greenbrae/Twin Cities traffic entering and exiting the freeway. 4. The cost of the project, currently Approval Challenged Interchange Project estimated at around $150 million, is out of This massive 85,700 sq. ft. indoor soccer facility with outdoor fields proposed at San by David Schnapf proportion to the modest benefits it might achieve. Rafael Airport was given the green light on December 12 on a 3-1 vote by the San The MCL Board opposes the proposed 5. The “Draft Environmental Document” Rafael City Council (Council Member Damon “Highway 101 Greenbrae/Twin Cities Corridor circulated by Caltrans in December, 2012, Connolly dissenting). It was a disappointing Improvement Project” as it is currently contains serious flaws and is entirely but not unexpected outcome of a six-year configured. (see also MCL January-February inadequate in its failure to evaluate review process. Gallinas Creek Defense Newsletter). MCL has been monitoring the less intrusive alternatives or compare Council, a coalition of citizens, has filed a environmental impacts of each lawsuit in Marin Superior Court that asks of the alternatives. An EIR/EIS, the court to vacate the City’s approval of the as required by CEQA and NEPA, project and its EIR. should be prepared. Among other deficiencies cited in the suit, Community opposition to the EIR fails to seriously address the project’s the project is widespread and impact on the endangered California clapper has rapidly escalated. MCL rail; it does not analyze potential hazards representatives, along with associated with placing a large recreational hundreds of other project facility used by both children and adults opponents, attended the within safety zones of the airport runway; January 29 Caltrans/TAM it dismisses significant cumulative impacts hearing on the project. The associated with the emission of greenhouse Town of Corte Madera has gases in that new rules were promulgated been particularly critical of after the Draft EIR was prepared; and it does both the project and the Draft

Caltrans not address inconsistencies with City policies. Environmental Document. Rendering of the proposed flyover as viewed from TAM, which had expected MCL has opposed the project since it Industrial Way. this project to move forward was first proposed but did not join in the smoothly, is undoubtedly lawsuit as an organization. MCL encourages evolution of this massive Caltrans project surprised by the intensity and breadth of interested persons to make donations to the for many years, and has concluded that the opposition. Gallinas Creek Defense Council. Contributions project is flawed for several reasons: are tax-deductible to the fullest extent The principal justification for the project, 1. The project fails to address existing allowed by the IRS. according to the DED, is to improve freeway flooding in the area, which will worsen with safety in the corridor. Accident statistics expected sea-level rise and increased storm presented in Caltrans’ own study, however, Continued on page 4 intensity due to global climate change. MCL show that accident rates in the project area believes that preparing Marin’s transportation are generally about the same infrastructure for sea level rise should be or lower than state averages, A notice posted at McInnis Park, across the creek from given high priority in any new highway and that the project would the proposed Airport sports facility, informs park users projects. actually increase congestion of the presence of California 2. The massive scale of the project is totally at points along Sir Francis clapper rail out of character for Marin. The substantial Drake Blvd. In response, enlargement and complexity of the freeway TAM shifted to different access routes, along with the massive “flyover” accident statistics to justify structure that would, in itself, obstruct views, a safety “problem.” The new would be visible from many distant vantage accident statistics proved to points. be unreliable in that they 3. The elimination of the existing include many accidents in pedestrian/bicycle freeway overpass and San Francisco, and elsewhere replacement with a new street level route, outside the project area. Dru Parker

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hearings in which the Commission and the concerned for different reasons. The largest from page 3 Status Updates public have had an opportunity to weigh in number of units—70 percent of the total on this State requirement. 2007 to 2014 allocation—would be located County Red-Tape All California cities and counties are in their community, at St. Vincents/Silveira required by law to include a housing Ranch, Grady Ranch, and Marinwood Plaza, Committee Reaches element in their general plan that responds placing a disproportionate burden on the Halfway Point to community housing conditions and community and its schools. Further, the Grady needs and demonstrates how the county Ranch is unsuited to the proposed 240 units The RIAC (“Red Tape”) Committee was (or city) will accommodate its fair share of of affordable housing due to its distance convened by the Board of Supervisors late regional housing needs affordable to all from transit and services, environmental last year for the purpose of identifying and income levels. The County is responsible for constraints, and lack of infrastructure like recommending various strategies to facilitate housing in unincorporated areas and has water and sewers. review of development projects that are been working on the Element since 2009. The Draft Element also contains numerous consistent with Countywide Plan policies, With the help of a Housing Task Force in programs aimed at streamlining the County’s consider streamlining CEQA review, and 2011, County staff identified 17 sites that review of affordable housing proposals. achieve greater efficiencies throughout the could feasibly accommodate the 773 housing MCL is concerned that programs aimed at County’s permit processes. The Committee units, at densities up to 30 dwellings per acre, ministerial (as opposed to discretionary) has met four times and has spent the majority allocated by the State for the current cycle review of projects, or short-circuiting CEQA of its meetings learning how the Community of 2007 to 2014. Because the next cycle from environmental review, might erode public Development Agency operates and what July 2014 to 2022 requires planning now to participation and transparency, a vital if often efficiency initiatives and CEQA procedures are meet future housing needs, another 35 sites controversial component in the County’s already in place. were identified to create a “menu” of options review procedures. The most recent meeting on February 21 for affordable housing. The Planning Commission will conduct a (too late for Newsletter print deadline) was The need for affordable housing in Marin is final hearing at1:00 on Monday, March 11, intended to focus on the Countywide Plan well-demonstrated in the Draft Element, but before sending its recommendations to the and generate feedback from the Committee where it might be located is a persistent issue, Board of Supervisors. Further hearings at the members. as are concerns about density. The majority Board level will continue into summer 2013. A workshop will be held Thursday, March of candidate sites are in East Marin, and 7, from 6:30 to 8:30 in Planning Commission many are constrained by existing uses and/or Progress on Plan Chambers to receive public input. local conditions such as traffic congestion. Tamalpais Valley, for example, where several Bay Area (SB 375) Marin County’s 2012 sites have been identified as “available,” MCL has been tracking the progress of has numerous environmental constraints, the “Plan Bay Area,” or the Sustainable Draft Housing Element including serious traffic congestion, frequent Communities Strategy, process since 2009. Is a Mixed Bag flooding and susceptibility to sea level rise as Required by SB 375, the “anti-sprawl” well as to ground shaking and liquefaction in bill passed by the legislature in 2008, the The County Planning Commission held its an earthquake. Local residents have voiced SCS will be a regional blueprint for future first hearing on the merits of the 2012 Draft their opposition strenuously. transportation and land use in the San Housing Element on February 11. The hearing Francisco Bay Region. was just one of a series of workshops and Lucas Valley and Marinwood residents are A primary objective of the SCS is to reduce per capita automobile-related greenhouse gas emissions to meet a regional target of 15 percent reduction by 2035. The SCS work effort by ABAG and MTC has produced a total of five alternative scenarios since 2010, out of which a Preferred Scenario was released in May 2012. At the same time, a Draft EIR was begun. After a lengthy hiatus, ABAG and MTC are expecting to release the Draft EIR and a Draft Plan Bay Area this March. 240 units of There will be another round of regional affordable housing public meetings, with the Marin meeting are proposed for scheduled for April 29. The schedule calls for Grady Ranch on adoption of the Final Plan and certification Lucas Valley Road. Dru Parker Continued on page 5

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Status Updates from Page 4 of the Final EIR in June, 2013, after a 55-day review period. MCL has submitted several letters of comment during the planning process Our concerns have focused on excessive job growth projections, the need to respect the County’s unique place and role in the Bay Region as a recreational and environmental resource, the limited land available in Marin for development, limited water supply, and significant areas of the County that are subject to sea level rise. It was clear from the results of Alternative Scenario analysis by ABAG and MTC that shifting land use patterns and transportation investments alone would be unlikely to reach the 15 percent per capita GHG reductions target mandated by SB 375. As a consequence, the Final Plan may have to consider other Tracey Ruiz, Patch.com policy and funding strategies to reduce vehicle miles to reach this target. MCL will Above: Map of some of review the Draft EIR when it is available and the areas included in will continue to report on progress of the the parcels that Marin Plan. Sports Academy would like to see used for a Sports Academy sports complex. Ammo Hill is not included in at Hamilton the plan, but Landfill The North Marin Unit of MCL recently 26 (circled in blue on heard a presentation of a proposal by Marin map and pictured at Sports Academy to construct a multi-sports left) would be home facility at Hamilton. Still in concept form, the at least eight lighted 88-acre complex would include nine baseball baseball fields. fields, four soccer fields, a 130,000 sq. ft. indoor sports facility (“hall of champions”), a 40,000 sq. ft.“bunkhouse”/ hotel, and parking for 1,700 cars. Dru Parker Eight of the baseball fields would be on Landfill 26 (a waste dump left over from the city manager and council members Good News for Marin military occupation of Hamilton that is still and are contacting local Little League and being monitored for possible groundwater Soccer groups to emphasize that this facility State Parks! contamination). The project proponents are would not be limited to local use. They are In the November-December 2012 leasing the site from the federal government also visiting similar sports facilities in other Newsletter we reported that Assembly Bill for $10/year. They intend this commercial locations, such as Sunnyvale and Pleasanton, 1478 will return $20.5 million in “found” funds facility to become a regional sports center. to determine what impacts can be expected to keep State Parks that were threatened with With good reason, neighbors at Hamilton on a local community. closure open for a minimum of two years, and are voicing their concerns; lighted fields, The proponents have not yet filed an it will address critical maintenance needs. noise, and traffic would have a dramatic application with the City. If and when they AB 1478 authorized the Parks Department effect on the quiet condition that now exists do, MCL will study the application and its to distribute $10 million in matching funds in the area. Because wetlands are scattered environmental impacts and take a formal to those parks that were kept open through across the site, Marin Audubon Society is position. the donation of private funds and volunteer opposed to the project. efforts (volunteer labor is given a dollar The neighbors have met with the developer, Continued on page 11

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Watersheds from Page 1 could become part of the solution to areas, and pavement, and to the west, rolling prevent pollution. This activism has since farmlands and a few villages, ultimately to chemical, physical, and biological integrity coalesced into groups of “Friends,” “Alliances,” enter marshlands, bays, and the ocean. It is of the Nation’s waters.” By planning within “Watershed Councils,” “Watershed Stewards,” a system that connects wildlife and aquatic hydrologically defined boundaries, the and so on. More than a hundred such groups habitats from headwaters to bay; it is a source agency found that efforts to protect aquatic now exist around , and of much of Marin’s drinking water supply; resources from pollution and enrich fish and Marin has at least ten associations devoted and, at the same time, it poses unpredictable wildlife habitats could be far more effective if to caring for particular Marin watersheds. hazards to inhabited lowlands that lie in the the watershed were treated as a social as well path of storm flows and/or tides from the bay. as a hydrological reality, where communities, neighbor to neighbor, could engage, educate Marin’s watersheds have Over the 250 years of European settlement and persuade one another in pursuing shared changed over time since Miwok and Pomo habitation, the Marin goals. County watersheds have undergone dramatic Marin County has over 3,000 miles changes: erosion and sedimentation as native Out of this concept has come a radical shift of natural creeks. Some of them remain grasslands were converted to annual grasses in water management, away from traditional relatively natural in spite of changes to the and overgrazed, and forests and woodlands engineering and towards the consideration landscape. These creeks drain about a dozen were logged; fish habitat lost as dams were of the physical and biological “health” of watersheds—or two dozen, including sub- built, channels were altered, structures the entire , for example by watersheds. Stormwater that falls on the encroached into creeks, riparian vegetation “slowing, spreading, and sinking” stormwater peaks and ridges of Marin is carried down was stripped, impervious surfaces of streets runoff in the upper watershed to reduce through a fine network of ephemeral and and homes were introduced, and creeks sedimentation and flooding downstream. seasonal creeks to year-round streams— disappeared into culverts; and creeks became The watershed concept also prompted a new through a succession of forests, woodlands, dumping ground for wastes and other environmental activism in which citizens, chaparral, grasslands and, to the east, densely pollutants. It is a miracle Marin’s streams by taking responsibility for their watershed, packed homes, commercial and industrial continue to support viable fish populations and lush riparian habitat! Watershed stewardship begins with local government Land development decisions made long ago that contributed to the degrading of creeks and marshes and flooding of urban lowlands are being addressed these days as Marin’s creeks and streams have come under scrutiny. A watershed approach is now fully embraced by Marin County’s Watershed Management Program. In 2008, the County adopted a framework to integrate flood management, water quality protection, and environmental (habitat) restoration, as mandated by federal and state laws and regulations and countywide policies. Primary responsibility for flood management resides with the Marin County Flood Control and Water Conservation District, established in 1953 as a separate and distinct agency governed by the District Board (the Board of Supervisors), and staffed by the County Department of Public Works. Eight Flood Control Zones in the County address specific flooding problems, mostly concentrated in the eastern urbanized corridor. The more recent Marin County Stormwater Pollution Prevention Program (MCSTOPPP) was added to District and Public Works Marin County Department of Public Works Continued on page 7

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Watersheds from Page 6 other east Marin creeks, has responsibilities in 1993 to comply with federal undergone dramatic transformation starting and state laws and regulations governing with introduction of annual grassland water pollution. Since that time, MCSTOPPP species, apple orchards on the valley floor, has been working with Marin’s 11 cities and creeks channelized for irrigation, and tidal towns and many other public and private marshlands diked and drained for agriculture. partners to reduce stormwater pollution and After incorporation in 1960, the town grew to protect and enhance habitat and other rapidly through the 1990s, and continues to beneficial uses in the Marin’s creeks and grow faster than other parts of eastern Marin, streams. Together, the District and MCSTOPPP continuing to replace the natural landscape are engaged with local communities in with hard surfaces and landscaping. Creeks in developing comprehensive Watershed the upper watershed are still incising. Most Programs for specific watersheds. channels through the town have narrowed, and urbanization has contributed to “Friends” play a critical role downstream flooding. Government can’t protect Marin’s The lower marshes of Novato Creek contain watersheds alone! Over the past two decades, some of the largest tidally influenced habitats citizen volunteers have taken an active role in in the bay region, supporting shorebirds protecting and restoring the health of their and waterfowl populations as well as the own watersheds. “Friends” groups in Marin endangered California clapper rail. Diked, “Silver Run, Miller Creek” by Creekwalker Photographs/Sue Mace, from the Reflections on Water series, sponsored by the Gallinas Watershed Council County range widely in scope of activities, formerly tidal baylands also provide seasonal wetland habitat for birds and waterfowl. The depending on the size and complexity of channel to the south and east before entering watershed also supports both rearing and their particular watershed and the age of . Las Gallinas Valley Sanitary spawning habitat for steelhead. the organization. Regardless of differences, District seasonally discharges treated effluent they share certain fundamental goals. These Since its founding in 2001 by into the lower reach of the creek, very close include building watershed awareness by environmental advocates and scientists, to the tidal mouth of Gallinas Creek, in the educating local communities—e.g., how Friends of Novato Creek (FNC)—has been next watershed to the south. stormwater drains through the landscape, partnering with community and youth Unlike other east Marin creeks, the Miller problems of erosion and sedimentation, local groups, schools, MCSTOPPP, and others to Creek still has fairly intact riparian areas. fish and wildlife populations, how peoples’ monitor water quality in Novato’s creeks, In many locations, however, the banks are activities influence the flow and quality of monitor hazardous conditions at the former 20 to 25 feet high and often over 100 feet water—and engaging the local community, Hamilton Air Force Base, organize community wide. Downcutting and bank erosion caused schools and youth groups in hands-on work events to clear debris from creeks, such initially by overgrazing and removal of projects that run the gamut, from water as on annual Coastal Clean-up Day, and riparian vegetation in the headwaters, and, quality monitoring, removing invasive non- protect endangered species. The group has later, by housing development in the middle native species and replanting native plants, to placed 20 fish-shaped “Protect Our Creek” and lower reaches, continue to deliver fine studying habitats and protecting endangered signs throughout the watershed to identify sediment into the system, which degrades species. Most of these groups also critique tributaries and raise awareness to keep creeks habitat for steelhead. Channel and bank local development proposals that could have clean. FNC also advocates for sound land use conditions and riparian habitat, otherwise, adverse impacts on their watershed. planning in the watershed. are highly variable throughout developed Marin County’s watersheds Miller Creek Watershed areas of Lucas Valley and Marinwood. Separated from the Novato Creek Miller Creek watershed needs “Friends”! A and their Friends watershed by Big Rock Ridge, the Miller group known as Miller Creek Watershed Novato Creek Watershed Creek watershed covers 12 square miles. The Stewards was kicked off in 2007 by activists 30 miles of stream and tributaries originate who understood the creek’s values and In northeast Marin, the 17-mile-long in the open space and ranches that once its vulnerabilities, but the group did not Novato Creek and its six main tributaries form supported dairies and grazing cattle in the persist as an organized effort. Individuals the first major watershed south of the Marin- upper Lucas Valley. The creek flows through have continued to promote projects with Sonoma County line. Covering some 45 multiple housing developments in Lucas students and teachers to restore creek habitat square miles, it is the largest drainage basin Valley and Marinwood before passing under behind Dixie School and Miller Creek Middle in eastern Marin County and the driest. The Highway 101 and through the Silveira Family School, working under the guidance of headwaters originate among oak, bay and dairy lands before entering diked baylands STRAW (“Students and Teachers Restoring a madrone woodlands and grasslands; the City at the Northwest Pacific Railroad (NWPRR) Watershed” ). STRAW, a frequent partner with of Novato covers most of the mid watershed; Bridge. In the 1920s, the creek east of the watershed “Friends,” evolved from a project and the mainstem enters San Pablo Bay near bridge was redirected into a man-made the mouth of the . As with Continued on page 8

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since that time. East of Highway 101, dense from Page 7 Watersheds neighborhoods and industrial and commercial at Brookside School in San Anselmo in1992, development occupy the 100 year flood plain in which fourth-grade teacher Laurette of the creek. The unincorporated community Rogers engaged her students in saving of Santa Venetia, between the South Fork endangered freshwater shrimp. The project and San Pedro Rd., has experienced frequent took off and expanded into a collaboration flooding due in large part to its origins as a with the schools throughout Marin in their marsh. It was one of the first developments environmental education programs. Now in Marin County to be constructed on fill over a program of PRBO Conservation Science, , and has since subsided. Sea level STRAW provides expertise in hydrology and rise, land subsidence and aging infrastructure biology, revegetation, habitat restoration, and present key flood protection challenges. Two- other stream-related technologies. thirds of the Gallinas watershed is in the The Miller Creek watershed is almost entirely City of San Rafael, and the remainder, like privately owned, with hundreds of homes Santa Venetia, is unincorporated, a division along the creek. This presents an obstacle to that presents conflicts in watershed policies, cooperative citizen action. Supervisor Susan governance, and/or funding between the two Adams, whose District 1 encompasses the jurisdictions. watershed, has initiated discussions with Gallinas Creek shares an outlet to San all affected interests to begin planning a Pablo Bay with Miller Creek in the vicinity multi-stakeholder Watershed Program for of McInnis Park. A planning effort under the Dru Parker Miller Creek. It will be an opportunity for the direction of Marin County Parks will study The county has posted road signs alerting volunteer Watershed Stewards to regroup the potential for restoration of both McInnis the community to local watersheds. and participate. Marsh and the lower reach of Miller Creek, so as to improve habitat connectivity between Management Planning process. Two top Gallinas Creek Watershed the two watersheds and marshes for special- priorities of the Council are to release the The next drainage south is the 5.6 square- status species like the California clapper rail. creek from trapezoidal channels and restore mile Gallinas Watershed. Two forks of Gallinas a continuous greenbelt of habitat along its Creek extend from the hills of Terra Linda The Gallinas Watershed Council was formed by a group of concerned citizens seeking length, and to restore transitional habitats to the north and San Pedro Ridge and San between wetlands and uplands in the lower Rafael Hills to the south and converge near to connect their diverse neighborhoods to their creeks and wetlands. The group has floodplains, in part to buffer future rise in sea the wetlands of Santa Venetia and McInnis level. Park. Today, the once-wooded watershed been a model for citizen action and education San Rafael Creek Watershed is highly urbanized, and remaining native through public programs such as the recent habitats have been fragmented except for the photographic exhibit “Reflections on Water” Between Gallinas Creek Watershed and still-forested San Pedro Ridge. at the Bay Model, leading creek and wetlands Corte Madera Watershed to the south, is the clean-ups, advocating against land uses that 11-square-mile San Rafael Creek Watershed. As Terra Linda was developed, the North could threaten creek habitats (e.g., San Rafael Its tributaries originate on the grassy and Fork, which had once supported steelhead Airport soccer facility), and collaborating wooded slopes above Mount Tamalpais habitat, was channelized and lined with with the County on the Gallinas Watershed Cemetery and on south-facing slopes of concrete; no steelhead have been observed San Pedro Point. As these ephemeral creeks reach the City of San Rafael, they become The North Fork highly urbanized, mostly routed under the of Gallinas city in culverts. An exposed reach of Mahon Creek is lined Creek between B Street and Highway 101 is in concrete and tidal and bordered by wetlands and has been runs down the proposed for restoration. Along the San Pedro median of Del Ridge southern watershed boundary, small Ganado Road drainages flow through Loch Lomond, Glen and Freitas Park, Peacock Gap and nearby neighborhoods, Parkway (right) forming several isolated wetlands along the in Terra Linda Bay shore About 80 percent of the San Rafael watershed is developed, and the city of San Rafael occupies almost 90 percent of the watershed. East San Rafael, once a vast wetland of San

Dru Parker Continued on page 9

PAGE 8 March—April 2013 Mr. Levine Goes to Sacramento

Local environmentalists and political “kicked over to the activists heard Freshman Assembly Member Assembly.” He stated Marc Levine give his early impressions of the that he valued the California legislature at Marin Conservation utility of EIRs that he League’s Business-Environment Breakfast read as a San Rafael on Friday, February 8, at the Embassy Suites. Councilmember and Marc has joined 37 other new members of the importance of the California State Assembly at a time when, public process that as he says, the State is “flat broke”—when CEQA provides but any further budget cuts will have an impact. is concerned about Although a super-majority of Democrats projects being halted currently control the legislature, their by CEQA lawsuits on individual priorities are not all the same. non-environmental Marc’s election last November took many grounds. The audience by surprise. Outspent by about six to one, he received his remarks nonetheless won by a comfortable margin. He with interest but also has been given five committee assignments urged him to not delay in defending CEQA at Jana Haehl in the Assembly including Vice-Chair of Assemblymember Levine meets with this time. MCL looks forward to working with Local Government, and a seat on Higher constituent Rick Fraites after the February Marc on statewide environmental issues of Education, Governmental Organization, 8 breakfast talk. and Arts, Entertainment, Sports, and Media local importance. Committees, as well as Select Committee on Agriculture and Environment. In the latter assignment, he hopes to build on Marin’s Watersheds from Page 8 and Sonoma’s “best practices” in organic Rafael Creek, still supports a four-acre tidal the San Pedro Peninsula shoreline, including farm production as an example of California’s a “managed” wetland at the San Rafael Rock leadership. marsh at Pickleweed Park—home to a small population of the endangered California Quarry. Marc is particularly interested in two clapper rail—as well as several diked areas of Part II will focus on Corte Madera Creek, current environmental issues—the need to seasonal wetland accessed by the Jean and and Tomales Bay watersheds, regulate hydraulic fracturing (“fracking”) and John Starkweather Shoreline Park trail. Just along with several smaller coastal watersheds. a statewide ban on plastic bags. According to offshore, the two small , which Marc, fracking is largely unregulated; a permit support a large heron colony, are managed as to frack an existing well can be obtained in part of the San Pablo Bay National 10 days, with no paper work. California does Wildlife Refuge. Black-crowned not know where fracking is occurring, nor high-heron, snowy egret, great does industry disclose what chemicals are egret, and great blue heron forage injected (the typical response is: water, sand in small wetlands on the San Rafael and a “bunch of other stuff”). He believes “mainland.” that if fracking is to continue in California —and the potential is huge in Monterey There is no organized “Friends” Shale formations—it must be proven safe group for the San Rafael Creek and a permit process required. On the plastic Watershed, but sometimes one bag issue, Marc believes that because 62 “Friend” will do. That would be jurisdictions in the State already have some Jean Starkweather, who, with the form of ban on single-use plastic bags, it is support of Marin Audubon Society time to renew the effort for a statewide ban and Marin Conservation League, and he has drafted a bill to that effect. has cared for the remnant wetlands of East San Rafael for many On other environmental topics he was decades. Individuals in the South less specific. As the Senate Committee on San Pedro Road Coalition also have Environmental Quality considers possible taken an interest in protecting the reforms to CEQA, he claims to be a “spectator,” small remnant of wetlands along watching the debate play out before it is Joyce Clements, Gallinas Watershed Council

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Annual Dinner from Page 1 numerous awards for his legislative Marin Conservation League leadership. Huffman chaired the Water, Annual Meeting and Election, April 19, 2013 Parks, and Wildlife Committee, served on the Budget Committee and was co-chair of the The Key Room at Homeward Bound Legislative Environmental Caucus. 1385 N. Hamilton Parkway, Novato, California In the Assembly, Huffman distinguished Proposed Slate of Officers and Directors for 2013—2014 himself as a legislator who tackles complex public policy challenges, works tirelessly, The Marin Conservation League’s Nominating Committee, and gets results—often by forging bipartisan chaired by Vicki Nichols, has nominated the following persons for election consensus on difficult issues. He played as MCL Officers and Directors at the 2013 Annual Meeting and Election. a leading role in crafting and passing the All MCL members who attend the meeting are eligible to vote. historic package of water reforms in 2009. Other notable laws authored by Huffman include California’s pioneering lighting Nominated for Election as Officers for 2013-2014 efficiency standards (AB 1109) which were President—David Schnapf, Greenbrae subsequently adopted into federal law; the First Vice President—Jana Haehl, Corte Madera nation’s largest programs for solar hot water Second Vice President—Vicki Nichols, Sausalito heating (AB 1470) and paint recycling (AB Secretary—Nona Dennis, Mill Valley 1343); and reforms that improve California’s Treasurer—Ken Drexler, Fairfax State Parks system (AB 1589) and Department of Fish and Wildlife (AB 2402). Nominated for election The following Directors will Friday, April 19 as Directors new to the MCL Board continue to serve existing terms: 5:30 pm Term ending April 2015 Term ending April 2014 The Key Room, Hamilton Pamela Reaves—San Rafael Priscilla Bull—Kentfield Jill Templeton—Mill Valley Jon Elam—San Anselmo $75 per person Fred Holden—Belvedere Pre-registration required Term ending April 2016 Chris Yalonis—Fairfax Sally Gale—Petaluma Randy Greenberg—Tiburon Term ending April 2015 Prior to his election to public office, Robert Johnston—Pt. Reyes Station Ann Thomas—Corte Madera Huffman was a Senior Attorney for the Douglas Wilson—Mill Valley Judy Teichman—Pt. Reyes Station Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC). One of his proudest accomplishments at NRDC was helping forge an agreement to Directors nominated for re-election Term ending April 2015 Term ending April 2016 restore a 153-mile stretch of the San Joaquin Susan Stompe—Novato Larry Smith—Nicasio River in California’s Central Valley. Huffman also served 12 years in local government as a Director of Marin County’s the Year will be announced at the dinner. largest special district, the Marin Municipal The event will be again be held at 5:30 Water District (MMWD), from 1994 to 2006. pm, Friday, April 19, at the Key Room at MCL will also be presenting its annual the New Beginnings Center, a program Awards for Environmental Achievement of Homeward Bound, 1385 No. Hamilton Want less paper? at the dinner. The John M. McPhail, Jr., Parkway in Southern Novato. To receive this newsletter Green Business Award will be given to the Tickets will be $75 per person and pre- Tamalpais Community Services District; and other announcements registration is required. Invitations will be Marge Macris will receive the Green electronically, please email us at mailed to all members in early March. At that Award for Environmental Leadership; PRBO time, guests will also be able to register online [email protected] Conservation Science will be awarded the at marinconservationleague.org/events or by Ted Wellman Water Award; and the Peter with the subject line calling 415-485-6257. This event has sold Behr Award for Lifetime Achievement will be “Email Only.” out the past several years, so register given to Bob Berner, long-time Executive early—no tickets will be sold at the door. Director of Marin Agricultural Land Trust; and the Marin Conservation League Volunteer of

PAGE 10 March—April 2013

Status Updates from Page 5 Expanded Stream Conservation value for purposes of reimbursement). The Ordinance underway remaining $10 million will go to deferred maintenance of parks and $0.5 million to The Marin Community Development accessory building or removing native trees, administering fund distributions. Agency is beginning the process would fall within an SCA. If it does, staff With much celebration, officials of Marin of expanding the County’s Stream would have to determine if the proposed District State Parks, Friends of China Camp, Conservation Ordinance to implement project could be approved through a Marin State Parks Association, and State policies in the 2007 Countywide Plan. ministerial permit, or would require the Parks, Sacramento, signed an agreement on The Plan outlines standards for stream more detailed review of a discretionary Saturday, February 16, at China Camp Village, setbacks in unincorporated areas of the permit. As outlined in preliminary materials, that memorialized FOCC’s successful efforts County and the kind of development a key test for any development proposed in obtaining AB 1478 funds to match the and other actions that can occur within within an area covered by the ordinance many donations that have kept the Park open. Stream Conservation Areas (SCAs). would be whether it could have significant According to Ernest Chung, President of FOCC Although long contemplated by the impacts on hydraulic capacity of the and instrumental in gathering donations last agency, the task to develop the ordinance waterway; on habitat acreage, value, or year, these funds will be supplemented by took on new urgency when Judge function; or on water quality. Other related grants that were previously received from Lynne Duryee enjoined the County last studies could be authorized to determine the Marin Community Foundation, the Dean September from approving applications what standard management practices Witter Foundation, the Horace W. Goldsmith for development might be required Foundation, and Marin County. By leveraging within the SCA in The process will identify what types to avoid or offset what was accomplished at China Camp, the San Geronimo of development are covered by the possible impacts. and with the additional support from these ordinance and what are exempt Valley until the Over the past month, grants, China Camp will also receive matching County adopts an CDA staff members funds to assure operation of Olompali State expanded SCA ordinance. The current have been meeting in small informational Historic Park and Tomales Bay State Park. injunction exempts certain applications, sessions with affected community groups such as additions that don’t expand the The matching funds will relieve much of and other stakeholders such as MCL to the Parks’ near-term financial stress existing building footprint in the SCA. outline the ordinance and solicit feed- Nevertheless, the injunction has created back. The optimistic schedule calls for Marin State Parks Association (MSPA), uncertainty for building activity in the conducting an evening public workshop Valley after several years of controversy. FOCC’s parent organization, will become the on March 14, set for 7:00 to 9:00 p.m., operator of Olompali and, together with At the same time as she issued the in Planning Commission chambers (room National Park Service, Tomales Bay. injunction, Judge Duryee held that the 328). The Planning Commission will then County had adequately fulfilled CEQA hold meetings during April and May and The matching funds will relieve much requirements in the Environmental submit their recommendations to the Board of the Parks’ near-term financial stress Impact Report on the 2007 Countywide of Supervisors on June 18. Many details and allow Olompali and tomales Bay parks Plan, countering the charge made by will need to be considered in drafting an to open more often. It will also provide a Salmon Protection and Watershed ordinance that protects critical stream valuable window to improve the viability Network (SPAWN) that the EIR had failed resources, meets with public support and of the three parks—allowing more visitor to address the cumulative impacts on creates a sense of stewardship for our access—by strengthening the parks’ endangered Coho salmon populations waterways. The MCL Water and Watersheds revenue generation capabilities, catching of numerous individual development Committee will be examining these details up on deferred maintenance, and building encroachments into SCAs. over the coming months. programs to enhance the experience of park users. Together with the projected revenues Building on the Countywide Plan from the parks themselves, there should policies for setbacks from streams and be sufficient funds to keep the parks open creeks, the current process will identify through June, 2016, and possibly beyond.

what types of development are covered th by the ordinance and what types are MCL will hold its 13 Walk into (Conservation) exempt. The draft revised ordinance History at Olompali State Historic Park on contemplates, a tiered review process, in Saturday, March 23, at 9:30 a.m. See page which agency staff would first conduct an 12 or visit marinconservationleague.org/ initial site assessment of a development events for details. request to determine whether a proposed activity, such as installing a patio or

PAGE 11 Non-Profit Marin Conservation League Organization Board of Directors U.S. POSTAGE PAID Permit No. 151 Officers San Rafael, CA Susan Stompe, Novato, President March—April 2013 David Schnapf, Greenbrae, First Vice President 175 N. Redwood Dr., Ste. 135 Vicki Nichols, Sausalito, San Rafael, CA 94903-1977 Second Vice President Nona Dennis, Mill Valley, Secretary RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED Kenneth Drexler, Fairfax, Treasurer Directors Priscilla Bull, Kentfield Jon Elam, San Anselmo Jana Haehl, Corte Madera Fred Holden, Belvedere Roger Roberts, San Rafael Larry Smith, Nicasio Bob Spofford, San Rafael Judy Teichman, Point Reyes Station Ann Thomas, Corte Madera Periann Wood, Mill Valley Chris Yalonis, San Anselmo

Board of Directors meetings are held the 3rd Tuesday of the month at 7:30 pm and are open to the public.

Staff: Walk Into (Conservation) History #13 Dru Parker, Operations Manager Molly Foley, Operations Administrator Olompali State Historic Park Contact Information 175 N. Redwood Dr., Ste. 135 Saturday, March 23 San Rafael CA 94903 415.485.6257 9:30 am—12:30 pm www.marinconservationleague.org [email protected]

Committee Meeting Schedule Land Use and Transportation: 1st Wed. of the month, 9:00 am—Noon Parks and Open Space: 2nd Thurs. of the month, 3:00—5:00 pm Water and Watersheds: Last Thurs. of the month, 4:00 - 6:00 pm Climate Action: 3rd Thurs., odd- You are invited to join MCL for our 13th Walk into (Conservation) numbered months, 6:30—8:30 pm History at Olompali SHP, on the bay-facing slopes of Novato’s North Marin Unit (NMU): Day and venue varies Mt. Burdell. This moderately strenuous 2.7-mile hike on the Meeting sites and times may vary; Miwok and Loop Trails is free and open to the public. It will be led confirm at our Issues Committee by MCL President Susan Stompe and biologist Clint Kellner. webpage or call 415.485.6257. Wear layers, sunscreen and comfortable shoes, and bring a snack or Marin Conservation League was founded in 1934 to preserve, protect and enhance Marin picnic lunch, water and camera. After the walk, meet at the Frame County’s natural assets. House (Visitor Center/Museum) to learn more about the Park’s history. MCL is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization. All contributions and memberships are tax- Please RSVP to 415-485-6257 or at marinconservationleague.org/events. deductible to the extent allowed by law. Newsletter Editor: Nona Dennis Directions: From southern Marin, travel north of Novato on Highway Newsletter Design / Production: Dru Parker 101. Exit at the Landfill Access, cross the highway and come back to Printed in Marin on 100% recycled paper. the southbound entrance to the park. Meet in the paved parking area. Please share and recycle. The parking fee is $8; please bring exact change. Sorry—no dogs.

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