ADVOCATE PROTECTING AND SUSTAINING THE UNIQUE LANDS, WATERS, AND BIODIVERSITY OF SINCE 1971

ACTION ALERTS, PROGRAMS, EVENTS, VOLUNTEERING & GIVING WINTER 2017 | 2018

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MISSION Executive Director’s Note To protect and sustain the unique As we approach the winter holidays and celebrate lands, waters, and biodiversity of Individually, we are one drop. Together, we are an ocean. environmental successes for the Tomales Dunes West Marin. - Ryunosuke Satoro and San Geronimo Valley Open Space, I find myself reflecting on the importance of EAC’s work and vital VISION role in West Marin’s environmental legacy. To provide long-term protection and conservation of the unique It takes Vision, Vigilance, and You. ecosystems and rural communities of West Marin to serve as a foundation EAC was founded in 1971 by a committee of activists and community leaders for environmental protection for who understood encroaching development would devastate the West Marin future generations. environment. EAC’s voice was needed to advocate for open space, appropriate development planning, and protection of our coastal resources. The vision of GUIDING PRINCIPLES our founders has remained a touchstone for over 46 years, as the organization ADVOCACY has evolved and responds to new challenges. Use grassroots strategies to research The environmental movement of the 1970s manifested itself upon the West and publicize local environmental Marin land and waters in the forms of parks, open space, wilderness, marine issues facing our community to protected areas, and preservation of agricultural lands creating a conservation, inform, empower, and educate and open space mecca. Today, people, birds, and animals alike migrate to stakeholders and our members. West Marin for respite and relaxation taking advantage of the environmental APPRECIATION protections put into place. Respect the complex ecology and On the surface, West Marin is an example of what conservation efforts and intrinsic value of the natural world. long-term development planning can do to protect the environment. However, this takes unrelenting vigilance, and time –sometimes decades—to ensure COLLABORATION environmental protections are put into place, and even more time to ensure Partner with local communities, that they remain. organizations, governments, businesses, and members to ensure You can see this type of work in action, when you explore the restored maximum public participation around wilderness of Drakes Estero, swim or sail along , or explore the local environmental issues. coastal dunes systems at Dillon Beach. Because of your support we were able to remain engaged for years to ensure the preservation and protection of these EDUCATION special places. Provide opportunities to learn about the environment through events, But we cannot do it alone. EAC needs you. Your voice, your support, and your community workshops, outreach, and pen. Together, we can work to ensure there is a voice for the environment publications. at the table. I invite you to engage in our work by joining or renewing your membership, taking local action through our action alerts, signing petitions, ENGAGEMENT joining us at a hearing, volunteering in our office, or at an event. Engage our community in activities that promote a healthy environment, As we approach our 50th anniversary in 2021, I am profoundly honored by including stewardship through Winter is an exciting time to visit National Seashore. EAC’s achievements, and I am excited for our future. With your help, we will membership, events, citizen science One can view Pacific gray whales migrating south to their birthing work together to protect the lands, waters, and biodiversity of West Marin for and volunteer opportunities. lagoons in Mexico, and view Northern elephant seals return to our current and future generations. Chimney Rock beaches to birth and mate. Due to increased traffic INTEGRITY Here’s to 2018 and all that it will bring. along the Point Reyes Headlands, especially on weekends, the Use science, law, and policy to make Seashore instituted a shuttle bus system in 1998, which typically In gratitude, ethical decisions around complex begins on the last Saturday of December and continues through late Morgan Patton | Executive Director environmental issues in a dynamic March or mid-April. Please plan accordingly. environmental and political landscape. 2 Learn more at www.nps.gov/pore/planyourvisit/shuttle.htm 3 Protecting West Marin Lands “If future generations are to remember us with gratitude rather than When Bay Area counties are ranked by the acres they have permanently protected in parks, wildlife refuges and open space contempt, we must leave them something more than the miracles of preserves, Marin County comes in first with 55.6% of its land, or approximately 289 square miles protected. These lands are primarily found in the western region of the county, in or around what we affectionately call West Marin. Shaped by tectonic technology. We must leave them a glimpse of the world as it was in the plates, divided by the San Andreas Fault, and set along the Pacific Flyway and Pacific Ocean, West Marin is species rich, diverse, and beaming with life and park protections. However, with roughly 6.5% of Marin’s population residing in the area, beginning, not just after we got through with it.”- Lyndon B. Johnson plus 2 million visitors a year, environmental threats like development, pollution, and climate change pose a unique set of challenges to its use and management. Since 1971, EAC has been actively advocating for land protection from Dillon to Muir beaches. Our prior successes have included opposing the county-wide plan that would have constructed a six-lane highway from the Golden Gate Bridge to Point Reyes and constructed over 1.3 million homes, stopping the West Marin landfill expansion, and protecting of the Drakes Estero wilderness. But our work continues, and we are excited to share some of our current news and updates on our land programs below.

Protecting the Tomales Dunes The Future of Local Coastal Planning Halts Past and Present Seashore Ranching Over Environmental Hazards

The Tomales Dunes, located at the The National Park Service (NPS) In 1976, the Legislature mouth of Tomales Bay near the town of started the General Management enacted the Coastal Act, largely Dillon Beach, California, support several Plan Amendment (GMPA) process responsible for the preservation of distinct habitats and are surrounded for Point Reyes National Seashore California’s 840-mile coastline. The by a rich coastal environment including and the north district of Golden Gate Act created a mandate for coastal coastal prairie, coastal scrub, salt National Recreation Area. The GMPA counties to manage the conservation marsh, tidal flats, bay, and ocean. The was initiated following a lawsuit and development of coastal resources dunes are also the primary location of against NPS for their 2014-2016 Ranch through a comprehensive planning and a local commercial business, Lawson’s Comprehensive Management Plan regulatory program, which includes Landing, a long-established local program. A GMPA is required under Local Coastal Programs (LCPs). fishing spot, boating resort and private the settlement of that lawsuit. This is The LCP is a planning document that campground. Since the beginning of the start of a lengthy process in which identifies the location, type, densities, EAC’s history, we have been monitoring NPS will update management guidance and other ground rules for future development activities and advocating for more than 28,000 acres of national development in the coastal zone. Each for the protection, preservation, and park service lands, including all lands LCP includes a land use plan and an restoration of the Tomales Dunes, currently leased for ranching. implementation plan. These programs brought about by concerns that the NPS released a set of six conceptual govern decisions that determine the sensitive environmental dune habitat alternatives in mid-October focused short and long-term conservation and and Tomales Bay were being impaired. on where ranching will occur in use of coastal land, water, and other Due to EAC’s work in the 2000s, the the Seashore and accepted public resources. dunes were protected by a Coastal comments through November 22nd. Development Permit (CDP) issued by This comment period is outside of the Marin County certified its current LCP the California Coastal Commission in standard NEPA process many of us in 1981, and in 2008 started a process 2011, legalizing Lawson’s Landing. are used to and allows for additional to significantly amend it. The 1981 LCP The CDP implemented standards for public review. This is in response to an has provided a development framework development and camping activities; executive order requiring regulatory for public participation that has required the removal of private trailers streamlining. To ensure maximum successfully protected and conserved and leach fields; and established public participation and time to gather natural and coastal resources, the a protection, restoration, and facts, NPS put forward these concepts community character of our unique ...... Continued on page 10 ...... Continued on page 11 ...... Continued on page 11 4 5 Protecting West Marin Waters “EAC is doing important work in West Marin. Plus, they are a Marin County is composed of roughly 308 square miles (37.5%) of water resources, including a robust watershed of fresh friendly organization to volunteer with and respect my time. water creeks, ponds, lakes and reservoirs; but its defining water feature is the vast Pacific Ocean, which surrounds roughly 60% of its shores. In rural West Marin, you can find over 140+ miles of public coastline between Dillon and Muir beaches, Volunteering is a perfect way to take a relaxing walk on the beach plus a federally designated Seashore, and two offshore national marine sanctuaries protecting and providing thousands of square miles of critical habitat for plants, marine and land mammals, birds, and fish, including the federally endangered solo, or with my family, while at the same time supporting the coho salmon. Since 1971, EAC has been dedicated to the protection of our coastal resources, which are sensitive to environmental threats like development, marine debris, pollution, climate change and sea-level rise, just to name a few. environment.” – Marin MPA Watch volunteer, Lena Zentall Prior successes for our work have included protection of the Estero Americano and Estero San Antonio from land use development and sewage waste, the jet skis ban in the Greater Farallones National Marine Sanctuary and Tomales Bay, and the designation of Tomales Bay as a Ramsar site, or wetland of international importance. But our work continues, and we are excited to share some of our current news and updates on our water programs below.

Safeguarding future generations. We are all fortunate To address this problem, stakeholders beneficiaries of this work and guardians are working on aquaculture best Tomales Bay to ensure the Bay remains healthy and management practices (BMPs). It is our Now recognized for protection by ecologically balanced for generations hope that through the implementation the California Bays and Estuaries to come. of BMPs, aquaculture marine debris Policy, Tomales Bay has been a will be reduced and routine clean ups EAC remains active in our legacy of will take place. EAC is engaged with working waterway for hundreds of Tomales Bay protection, including years. During the last 250 years, many our local community advocating for current work on aquaculture best measurable and enforceable BMPs, environmentally catastrophic impacts management practices and the new occurred from livestock overgrazing, mandatory clean ups, and employee shellfish lease proposed for the Bay. cultivation of row crops, introduction training to ensure marine pollution is of non-native species, over-fishing, minimized and ideally eliminated. This unmanaged aquaculture, erosion, Partnering for a is an excellent first step to address a and over-logging activities within the Cleaner Tomales Bay current environmental problem on the waters and along the shoreline. These Bay and work with other stakeholders activities fundamentally altered the Despite our collective efforts, to create a workable solution. complex ecology of Tomales Bay. Tomales Bay still faces environmental issues. Many of these issues can be EAC is committed to the long- Over time, groups like EAC, have remediated and new threats stopped. term health of Tomales Bay and its been working to protect Tomales Today, we have an opportunity to watershed. To ensure the effectiveness Bay and its watershed. Some of reduce the amount of marine debris of this commitment we will continue EAC’s most notable work to protect and plastic entering the bay and to work with our community around Tomales Bay includes protecting the harming habitat and wildlife. these issues to create partnerships and Giacomini Wetlands, stopping the educational opportunities so that we city of Santa Rosa from dumping its One way EAC is working to combat can all contribute to the restoration and raw sewage into Estero Americano, marine debris is by working with preservation of Tomales Bay. Become a banning jet skis from the Bay to the shellfish growers and government Marine MPA Watch Volunteer Farallon Islands, and securing Tomales agencies to address marine debris New Aquaculture Bay as a Ramsar Site, which gained dispersed through aquaculture Register to train at one or more of our four practices. Debris enters the water Lease Proposed the Bay recognition as a wetland locations at Agate County Beach, Corte Madera through natural, accidental, and/or of international significance. Within The end of 2016 marked the first new Marsh, or at Point Reyes National Seashore’s incidental loss and includes plastic the last 50 years, significant work Tomales Bay aquaculture lease proposal Limantour or Drakes beaches. Help us learn how has been accomplished to begin oyster growing bags, plastic zip ties, in over 25 years. The application and other industrial items...... Continued on page 11 people are using our marine protected areas to restore and preserve habitat for (MPAs). Learn more and register online at www.eacmarin.org. 7 Protecting West Marin’s Biodiversity “We don’t inherit the earth from our ancestors, Biodiversity, a combination of bio (life) and diversity, generally refers to the variety and variability of life on Earth. Variation is measured at the genetic, the species, and the ecosystem level. No feature of Earth is more complex, dynamic, and varied we borrow it from our children.” - David Brower than the layer of living organisms that occupy its surfaces and its seas, and no feature is experiencing more dramatic change at the hands of humans. West Marin has been identified as being a part of the California Floristic Province, or one of 25 internationally recognized botanical hotspots with the most concentrated biological diversity and most severe threat of loss according to Conservation International. A snapshot of West Marin’s biodiversity includes 490+ North American bird species, 80+ species of land and marine mammals, 85+ species of fresh and saltwater fish, 29+ species of reptiles and amphibians, 50+ rare, threatened, and endangered wildlife species, and thousands of aquatic and terrestrial invertebrate species including sea anemones, starfish, butterflies, and insects. EAC works with agencies and partners who manage a wide range of parks, open space, and agricultural lands to provide long-term protection for the unique ecosystems supporting our species rich environment. Learn more about our current biodiversity programs below.

Banding Since 1918, migrating and nesting birds Partnering for have been protected under the federal Together for Birds Migratory Bird Treaty Act, which makes San Geronimo Open Space Marin County provides unique habitat it illegal for anyone to interfere with any This November, EAC supported the for nesting and migratory birds. migratory bird or active nests except Marin County Parks purchase of the Located along the Pacific Flyway, the under a valid permit issued by the 157-acre San Geronimo Golf Course, area is home to some of the largest bird United States Department of Fish and which would extend the natural habitats diversity anywhere on the planet, with Wildlife. The California Fish and Game and greenbelt within the San Geronimo over 54% of all North American bird code also has protections which make it Valley’s rural villages. unlawful to take, posses, or needlessly species sighted within the Point Reyes “ destroy the nest or eggs of any bird Seashore. In spring and fall, thousands ,” “This opportunity would be a capstone of migratory birds descend upon the with limited exceptions. We felt that the of a multi-generational effort to county. They are relatively easy to laws were not being clearly followed preserve San Geronimo Valley’s rural observe, and excellent indicators of and that there was a need for more character and magnificent natural environmental health. Unfortunately, protection for our unique and diverse resources,” said Marin County Parks these canaries in the coal mine are bird populations. Director Max Korten. under threat due to a number of In March of 2017, we partnered with We are happy to report the Marin factors, including human disturbances, (ACR) and County Board of Supervisors voted development, climate change, habitat Point Blue Conservation Science unanimously in favor of the acquisition. loss, and pesticide use. (PBCS) requesting the Marin County Take Action EAC and other environmental groups Since 2015, EAC has received Supervisors address current roadside worked together to support the Learn about new action alerts complaints from the community vegetation management practices by County’s acquisition to create open and how you can take action, concerning potentially harmful roadside enacting an ordinance to protect bird space, as it is extremely beneficial vegetation management practices by habitat and ensure compliance with the including lending your voice to the upper watershed of Lagunitas to important issues through a number of businesses and agencies current laws. This is an opportunity for us to do Creek and the Tomales Bay watershed. who cut trees in the area, threatening “ attending hearings, submitting something at the local level and to and/or harming nesting birds, including online petitions, contacting tailor an initiative to this county, which It will also protect and allow for your representatives, and an osprey nest with young. After restoration of endangered coho is such a bird hot spot,”says Ashley reviewing the concerns presented salmon and threatened steelhead volunteering your time. Learn Eagle-Gibbs, EAC’s Conservation more by signing up for our by the community and researching trout habitats, improve water quality, the current bird protection laws, we Director. As a result of our outreach, online newsletter or by visiting ...... Continued on page 15 eliminate a host of fertilizers and decided to take action...... Continued on page 11 our Take Action webpage Supervisor Rodoni’s office facilitated 8 online at www.eacmarin.org. 9 New Aquaculture The Future of Protecting the Tomales Dunes Past and Present Local Coastal Planning Halts Over Environmental Hazards Continued Continued Lease Proposed Continued Seashore Ranching Continued enhancement plan to restore the development, including ESHA in coastal villages, our scenic Commission action. These sections are submitted by San Andreas Shellfish and conducted public workshops to dunes-wetland complex. The Lawson’s Area 6. To now undo those specific vistas, public access to coastal areas, a vital piece in addressing sea-level rise company to the California Fish and gather additional information. Landing entity (Lawson’s) was required limitations imposed on present and and the agricultural lands of West Marin and climate change in our county. As Game Commission (CFGC) proposes a to return to the Commission with future development that formed for 36 years. you can imagine, climate change is not lease in a area that will likely impact It is our understanding that the a CDP amendment to develop a critical parts of that conflict resolution addressed in the 1981 Certified LCP, harbor seals, birds, eelgrass, vessel concepts presented are preliminary, wastewater system on the uphill, process, would signal that all such For the past eight years, EAC has which remains in effect. traffic, and public access. and thus are deficient in definitions, agricultural portion of their 960- protections obtained under conflict been actively engaged in researching, baselines, and scope. This comment acre property on a location already resolution can be removed and reviewing, testifying at meetings, It appears further stakeholder and EAC testified at the February period is an opportunity for the public reviewed and approved by the render the process itself meaningless. and providing comments to agencies agency discussions will be delayed until 2017 CFCG hearing, requesting to seek clarification, question the Commission. However, this fall, the and county supervisors about the the new year, and it is unclear whether a re-submittal. EAC stated, “The conceptual alternatives, and present Lawson’s submitted an amendment to EAC testified at the Commission pending LCP amendments. the county will meet their May 2018 application is incomplete, ambiguous, missing information. the 2011 CDP to the Commission. hearing on November 8th in Bodega deadline to accept the November nearly illegible and contains several Bay to argue against the proposed In November 2016, the Coastal 2016 conditional certification or if inconsistencies.” Despite our We submitted extensive comments EAC had two problems with the CDP amendment and that using Commission conditionally certified we will all have to begin anew. We comments, the CFGC marked the focused on eight key points: amendment: conflict resolution to rebalance Marin County’s proposed Land Use are dedicated to advocating for the application as received, primarily as a baseline, management strategies a balanced permit would make a Plan and the Implementation Plan protection of our irreplaceable coastal procedural matter. and regulations, diversification of First, the amendment proposed mockery of the original permit. with revisions to the definition of resources and will keep you informed operations, protection of natural to place an administrative and the term ongoing agriculture. The The application is now under resources, climate change, habitat retail complex and a wastewater on the progress of this long-term work. After hours of public testimony, the Commission did not approve the Department of Fish and Wildlife protections, habitat restoration, and system in a location that has been Commissioners upheld the Coastal Environmental Hazards sections, Learn more at (CDFW) review. According to the public access. See full comment letter designated as an Environmentally Act and the 2011 CDP with a 8-4 that address sea-level rise planning, www.eacmarin.org/marin-lcp. regulations, “No state leases shall and additional information using the Sensitive Habitat Area (ESHA) vote, rejecting the amendment. instead directing the Commission and be issued, unless the Commission link below. and California Red-Legged Frog The Commission also gave specific Marin County to return later with an determines that the lease is in the corridor, a federally and state instructions to staff and the Lawson’s agreed upon document. Point Reyes National Seashore is a protected species. In 2011, the Partnering for San Geronimo public interest in a public hearing to stay out of ESHA and advised that unique landscape, a combination of proposed area was marked for the Continued conducted in a fair and transparent a future wastewater system must not In 2017, we saw some progress towards Valley Open Space wilderness, recreation, and pastoral mandatory removal of all illegal manner, with notice and comment...” interfere with ESHA, frog corridors, the non-Environmental Hazards LCP landscapes. As this process develops, development (i.e. buildings), and any pesticide use in the watershed, CDFW will help the CFGC make this or the pond the Commission tried so sections being approved by Marin we will remain committed to our future development in this area was significantly save water, and protect determination by preparing a report. hard to protect in 2011. County at a Board of Supervisors guiding principles to ensure the prohibited. The decision migratory birds and other native by the Commission was an important hearing in May 2016, even though wildlife. We are fully engaged in the public protection and preservation of natural Second, Commission staff is milestone for the future protection there are some issues with the Board process surrounding this lease resources, restoration of degraded recommending that this illegal of the Tomales Dunes and a reminder resolution and the County has not Under County ownership, county application and have been in contact habitats and park resources, and development be approved by using that “the coast is never saved, it is submitted anything to the Coastal parks would be able to pursue with CFGC, CDFW, the California maximum public access to parklands. a process called Conflict Resolution, always being saved” – Peter Douglas, Commission for sign off by the potential projects such as recreational Coastal Commission, the Greater which is a way to resolve a conflict former Executive Director of the Executive Director. opportunities, and creek enhancements Farallones National Marine Sanctuary, The GMPA must protect, restore, and between two equally important Coastal Commission. which would benefit the community and other Tomales Bay advocates preserve park resources using ranch mandates of the Coastal Act, Unfortunately, there has been little and stakeholders to ensure coastal leases that ensure multi-generational, Thank you to our supporters and and generations to come. We are such as coastal recreation and progress towards culmination of resources are not harmed by the environmentally sustainable ranching members who have followed this happy to have been a partner on this protection of natural resources. the Environmental Hazards sections victory. proposed lease. is complementary to the natural The Commission used conflict environmental issue with EAC for the in 2017. Marin County withdrew the resources and visitor experiences resolution in the original 2011 CDP last 30+ years, and especially to the sections with the intention to re-submit Stay tuned for news and updates We will keep our members informed within the park. to approve recreational development 60 members who sent in comments them in 2018, citing no practical way through our online action alerts. on the status of the application, next in wetlands and ESHA in which and attended the hearing to ensure of finishing discussions and holding steps, and opportunities for public We look forward to keeping you up to development is prohibited. Having the Commission Honored Thy Dunes! a stakeholder meeting before the involvement in online action alerts. date on this important issue. done that, it explicitly protected September 29th deadline for Coastal Learn more at Learn more at specific areas of ESHA from future www.eacmarin.org/tomales-dunes www.eacmarin.org/gmpa2017. 10 11 GET INVOLVED & GIVE BACK Ways to Give & Support Our Work Year End Gifts Workplace Giving Give a Doubled! Can Triple Your Impact Gift Membership In the spirit of year-end giving and Many companies not only encourage Introduce a friend or family member #GivingTuesday our board has their employees to give, and volunteer to our member circle by giving a gift generously offered to match all time to nonprofits in their communities, membership this holiday season. donations to EAC 1:1 up to $20,000 but they will also match those efforts through December 31st. with dollars and other means of For household memberships of $50 support. or more, your recipient will receive a This is a great time to consider joining, personal gift card, plus a stationary set renewing your annual membership, Triple your impact for EAC by asking of six owl cards and envelopes by local increasing your annual giving, or your employer about their workplace wildlife photographer and EAC board joining our Guardian Circle ($1,000+) giving options, which can include: member, Daniel Dietrich. as it will double your impact for our mission. Member gifts are critical to our • Payroll Deduction (Monthly, Contact us directly before December successes, thank you! Quarterly or Annual) 20th to ensure your gift. Remember checks and online gifts • Employer Matching Gifts need to be postmarked prior to December 31st in order to qualify • Volunteer Support Programs for your 2017 taxes. Gifts are tax- deductible unless benefits of value are Planning on giving through your noted. workplace? Contact us to give us a heads up, so we can properly authorize Sending in a gift of stock? Be sure it with your employer. to check with you broker on timing to ensure delivery before 2017 ends.

Go Green: Give Monthly! Shop & Give Programs Volunteer

Become a Sustaining member and give Shopping online this holiday season? Give the gift of your time and skills. Join, renew, give a gift membership, a recurring monthly or quarterly gift. Office, event and special projects Consider shopping through one or support needed. Have specialized or consider a special year-end gift. more of our Shop & Give Programs Recurring gifts are an excellent way to skills in IT, policy, marketing, or social by adding the Environmental Action #GivingTuesday on November 28th kicked help our mission throughout the year. media and want to give back? Contact Committee of West Marin as one of off the charitable season, harnessing the This predictable income allows us to us directly. plan and reduce our resources. your charities of choice, and help raise generosity of people around the world to bring funds for the mission. real change to their communities. It’s a great Consider a monthly gift of $10, $15, Not Online? Mail Us. time to give - whether it’s some of your time, a $25, $50, $100 or more, and receive Enjoy huge savings at 3,000+ popular EAC | ATTN: GIVING donation, or the power of your voice. special perks and updates throughout online retailers like Target and Office PO Box 609 the year. Gifts of $100 or more places Depot, and great deals like exclusive Point Reyes Station, CA 94956 you in our Guardian Circle ($1,000+). Lowe’s coupons! Plus no cards Learn more about ways to give online You can also schedule a recurring required. Learn more about GIVING Questions? Contact Us (415) 663.9312 at www.eacmarin.org. annual gift with us directly by phone. ASSISTANT, ESCRIP & AMAZONSMILE at www.eacmarin.org. [email protected] 12 Thank you! 13 gem to this community and organization. Thank SAVE THE DATE Community Profile: Wildlife Conservationist & Donor Jules Evens you for your time and story! Grab your brood and flock to our annual fundraiser and presenting them before boards, subsequent sea-level rise. Additionally, Jules Evens: My pleasure. A big thanks to the staff supervisors and committees to ensure we are experiencing an increase in and board for carrying on this legacy. I’ll see you at POINT REYES BIRDING & NATURE FESTIVAL long-term protections were in place. I visitation and shifting demographics, the bird festival! wanted to be a part of that. So, I joined with people having less connection April 27th - 29th, 2018 as a contributing member. to place, which potentially means Jules Evens, born and raised in New England, less philanthropic or stewardship lived and worked as a wildlife biologist in West Keynote Speakers Jessica Taylor: What made you take engagement. Marin for over four decades. He served on the the leap to become a board member? EAC board for several years, and has led a number Keith Hansen & of trips for our spring fundraiser, the Point Reyes Jules Evens: EAC was and is a Peter Pyle Birding and Nature Festival. He is the principal of a grassroots nonprofit, with a long environmental consulting group, Avocet Research 50+ field events with the Bay Area’s history of success in protecting Associates. His primary research focuses on tidal top birders and naturalists exploring natural values of West Marin, but it wetlands, avian population trends, and species the birds and wildlife of Marin and also means all hands on deck. As a at-risk. He has written or co-authored three books Sonoma counties contributing member, I knew I was This fall, I sat down with Jules Evens, a in the University of California Press Natural History helping financially to ensure the work Tickets on sale in wildlife biologist, conservationist, and Series—The Natural History of the Point Reyes could be done, but I also had become author to learn a little more about his Peninsula (3rd edition, 2008), An Introduction to February 2018 friends with other members and wanted connection to EAC and why he has California Birdlife (2005), and Birds of the Northern to contribute more. Because of my ______supported us for over 30 years. California Coast (2014)–as well as various scientific background in biology and writing, Jessica Taylor : What would you papers and natural history articles. Become a Jessica Taylor: Greetings Jules! I was able to take my giving to the tell someone who is thinking about Friend of the Festival Thanks for meeting with me. Tell me next level. Under the urging of then donating or volunteering with EAC? at $250 or higher and receive how you first heard about EAC. Executive Director Catherine Caufield, Banding Together for Nesting Birds Continued early-bird access, plus special perks we successfully petitioned the Ramsar Jules Evens: Do it! No gift is too big! Jules Evens: I first heard about EAC Convention, an international treaty for EAC has a long history of effective a stakeholder meeting in the fall of 2017 to assess Join or Renew in the late 1970s when they were the conservation and sustainable use leadership and uncompromising your annual membership for early- protesting the expansion of the levees the environmental concerns and current agency/ of wetlands, for Tomales Bay to be advocacy for coastal issues, wildlife bird access and discounts. Early- in the marshlands at the south end of business practices or lack thereof. Attendees designated as a wetland of international protection and land-use stewardship included EAC, PBCS, Marin Audubon Society bird access is for members-only Tomales Bay. It was years of advocacy importance. Working on the petition in our community, but they can’t and dedication that eventually led to (MAS), Supervisor Rodoni and his aide Rhonda registration. gave me a deeper connection with, and do this without member support. I Kutter, Maureen Parton, aide to Supervisor Kate the levee removal, and the restoration appreciation for the Bay, but also with currently give monthly to help the Individual membership starts at $35, Sears, Parks and Open Space, Department of Public of what we now know as the Giacomini the organization who worked diligently or $50 for a household of two. organization throughout the year, but Works, Pacific Gas and Electric, and Caltrans. We Wetlands. to ensure these special places were annual gifts are the financial backbone continue to work with our partners to advocate for ______protected. of the organization. As I explore the Jessica Taylor: So, how did you get stronger bird protections in Marin County. Sierra Point Reyes wilderness, the Giacomini Learn More involved with EAC? Club and MAS have also joined our efforts by Jessica Taylor: What do you think are Wetlands, or Tomales Dunes; I feel that [email protected] sending additional letters of support. Jules Evens: When I first came to the biggest environmental threats to EAC and the personal donations that www.eacmarin.org West Marin, the landscape reminded West Marin today? support it have made a huge difference. When my kids and grandkids return for It is important that the County establish best of my Vermont home. As a biologist Jules Evens: The current administration a visit, and they experience the natural management practices (BMPs) to ensure and establishing an evaluation process to measure the success and and conservationist, I was concerned is trying to privatize public lands, beauty and ecological diversity of West compliance with federal and state laws. This compliance with the new protective measures. about the continued protection of the to commodify the commons. This Marin, a place we called home for over includes implementing BMPs, scheduling biological diversity and the natural is a dangerous threat to parks and four decades, I am particularly thankful maintenance for sensitive habitat areas (like We plan to meet with Supervisor Rodoni’s office again this winter in heritage of the area. At the time, EAC wilderness. Small activist groups such for all the work that has gone into wetlands and riparian corridors) outside of nesting order to discuss the next steps towards better bird protections. We had a campaign against the West Marin as EAC are critical watchdogs with local landfill expansion, and they were one protecting this unique place. season, training employees and contractors to can use your support by signing our online petition letting Marin influence that will need to resist this identify nests, requiring advance bird surveys by Supervisors know this issue matters to West Marin. of the only local nonprofits taking on land grab. Another threat, particularly qualified biologists, creating public transparency, Visit www.eacmarin.org/bird-protection to submit your comments. environmental advocacy campaigns to wetlands, is climate change and Jessica Taylor: Jules, you are a true

14 15 2017 Member Meeting & Potluck + Jerry Friedman Scholarship Awardee Volunteers Rally for Coastal Clean Up & Marin MPA Watch

This June, we kicked off spring by welcoming over 100 of Congratulations to Wendi Kallins of Forest Knolls, our 2017 This September we switched up our regular Coastal The Marin MPA Watch volunteer program, a collaboration our members to our annual member meeting and potluck. Jerry Friedman Scholarship recipient. Clean Up Day at Drakes Beach to join the community between California Academy of Sciences, Point Reyes National Held at the Dance Palace, this event provides an opportunity effort to clean up Tomales Bay. The event was Seashore, and EAC who manages the program, is about to for members to connect with each other, and EAC staff Each year we offer a full scholarship to enable a coordinated by Hog Island Oyster Company, EAC and celebrate 5 years, and has had over 250+ volunteers since its and board members, showcase their culinary skills, thank Marin resident to attend the Environmental Forum Marconi State Historic Park & Conference Center. inception. The program is part of a state-wide network of MPA our volunteers, elect our board of directors, and honor a of Marin’s Master Class training program in tribute Watch programs that are collecting data on how people are community member with our Peter Behr Steward of the Land to environmentalist, veteran Marin County Planning Together we harnessed 60+ staff and volunteers to fight using our state Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). Award. Commissioner, and EAC founder, Jerry Friedman. Our ocean debris in West Marin. Volunteers came from all hope is this scholarship will help local residents continue in over the Bay Area, and as far as Sacramento to join the Volunteers are trained as citizen scientists to observe and record This year, we thanked our outstanding volunteers Karen the steps of people like Jerry, who made such a difference effort. Trash was collected by boat from various sites all offshore and onshore coastal activities in and outside MPAs Gray and Conner Cimmiyotti for their work. Karen helped to keep West Marin Wild. along the bay courtesy of shellfish growers, while family on data sheets at four locations: Drakes Beach, Limantour to coordinate and plan the 2016 Litter Bugs Me event which groups tackled the roadsides from Walker Creek south Beach, Agate Beach, and Corte Madera Marsh. “I am inspired to be a MPA volunteer because it ensures that I will spend time removed over 6,000 pounds of debris from our roadsides I couldn’t afford to take this 11-week to Millerton Point. Kallins says, “ in a place I love, and have a chance to encounter something and waterways. Conner is a Coastal Advocate Intern with class without the help of EAC. As a leader in the Marin our Marin MPA Watch, who was instrumental in helping “It was such a great event for me and my family. Now special,” says volunteer, Michael Warren. Additionally, the sustainability movement, I wanted to stay current on Marin when we are on the road my new instinct is to look for to manage the program this summer. In addition, EAC issues, especially in regards to climate change, because program has cameras monitoring offshore trend activities along debris to be picked up. I can’t wait to help out again.” - members reelected three board members, Ken Drexler, Jerry without addressing it, all conservation and preservation of the Point Reyes Headlands and Point Resistance. Meral, and David Wimpfheimer. volunteer, Cecilia Lin our local lands will be for naught.” A key focus for the program is to inform California’s We were honored to have speaker Dennis Rodoni, newly In total, we removed 1,000+ pounds of debris from the management of MPAs. Volunteer support helps generate elected Marin County District Four Supervisor, who shared Wendi is the co-founder and Program Coordinator for Tomales Bay watershed. Notables included a whole quantities of monitoring data that would not be possible some important issues facing our West Marin community Marin Safe Routes to Schools, the national model program. couch and numerous tires, but the majority of items under the current state budget. “When I take my 8-year old including restoration of Chicken Ranch Beach and a potential She is the President of Sustainable Marin and is on the found included cigarette butts, glass, plastics, and son with me, we have our favorite landmarks, including a large purchase of the San Geronimo Golf Course for conversion to steering committee of Coalition for a Livable Marin. She has microtrash. piece of driftwood in the shape of a sea dragon. I frequently Open Space. been actively promoting sustainability, affordable housing encounter sand dollars, cockle shells, limpets, anemones, many and green transportation county-wide for 35 years. She was The event was followed by an amazing friends barbecue types of kelp, algae, shorebirds, and crabs, which I track using We also presented Sharon Farrell, Vice President of named one of 10 national Active Living Heroes for 2006, . with donated goods from Acme Bread, Caggiano iNaturalist,”says volunteer, Lena Zentall. Stewardship and Conservation at Golden Gate National the 2002 Clean Air Champion award from the Bay Area Air Company, Cliff Bar, Hog Island Oyster Company, Honey Parks Conservancy, with the Peter Behr Steward of the Land Quality Management District, and the 2001 Marin League Bucket, Lagunitas Brewing Company, Marconi Historic “When I walk the beach, I have been surprised how few visitors Award for her work with the One Tam, a community initiative of Women Voters Bunny Lucheta Award for outstanding State Park, McEvoy Ranch, The Palace Market, and there are, and little vessel activity on the bay. I have to remind to help ensure a healthy future for Mt. Tamalpais. public service. Whole Foods Market. myself that even a zero observation is a valid piece of data, plus I get outside and active,”says Michael Warren.

Learn more and apply for the 2018 scholarship this spring Stay tuned for how to get involved in September 2018 Thank you to everyone who attended! We encourage Learn more about the program and register for an upcoming online at www.eacmarin.org. at www.eacmarin.org. members to join us in June 2018. training at www.eacmarin.org.

16 17 Give the gift of West Marin Wild this holiday season, “Even if you never have the chance to see or touch the ocean, which doubles as a charitable gift the ocean touches you with every breath you take, to the Environmental Action Committee of West Marin! every drop of water you drink, every bite you consume. Everyone, everywhere is inextricably connected to and utterly dependent upon the existence of the sea.” - Sylvia A. Earle

Perfect for showing your West Marin pride, or as gifts for family and friends. Shop December 5th through 22nd and receive your goods by January 15th. Proceeds benefit our mission, and will be matched up to $1,000 by one generous donor. Choose from adult short and long-sleeve tees, youth tees, and the popular cozy hoodie in five different colors. Thank you to all our supporters for your dedication and long-term Don’t wait, Go WILD today! commitment to our mission. You make our work possible. www.bonfire.com/eacwestmarinwild

18 19 65 Third Street Suite 14 | PO Box 609 Point Reyes Station, California 94956 www.eacmarin.org

Board of Directors Bridger Mitchell, Ph.D. | President Ken Drexler, Esq. | Vice President Terence Carroll | Treasurer David Weinsoff, Esq. | Secretary Daniel Dietrich Cynthia Lloyd, Ph.D. Gerald Meral, Ph.D. David Wimpfheimer

Staff Morgan Patton | Executive Director Ashley Eagle-Gibbs, Esq. |Conservation Director Jessica Taylor | Development Director

Consultants Catherine Caufield | Tomales Dunes

Agriculture Advisory Committee Jeff Stump | MALT Mike Giammona | Rancher Loren Poncia | Rancher PIPER ON THE RIDGE

2017 Coastal Advocate Interns We enjoyed a successful Piper on the Ridge Conner Cimmiyotti | Sonoma State University Alumnus on October 6th. The weather, sunset, Isabella & Gabriella Doerschlager | moonrise and stars could not have been University of California Berkeley better! A special thanks to our piper Dan Morgan Denker | Terra Linda High School McNear, park ranger Mia Monroe, storyteller Corey Goldstein | State Ane Carla Rovetta, and naturalist Todd Sophie Heimerdinger | Drake High School Plummer for a wonderful evening program Claire Polson | College of Marin Liza Sternick | San Francisco State University Alumna on top of Mount Vision, Point Reyes National Seashore. We hope you’ll join us next fall! Photo credits: Daniel Dietrich page 4 and13 | Carlos Porrata front and back cover, pages 9,14-15 and 1920 | David Wimpfheimer page 3