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Watershed Recreation Management Planning

 

On April 16, 2024, the Marin Water Board of Directors approved the Watershed Recreation Management Planning Feasibility Study. The study informs multi-benefit outcomes that can be advanced to help protect the unique goals of different watershed visitors and the biodiversity of the District's lands. As part of the study, a number of strategic opportunities were identified which are focused around the following key areas: stewardship; visitor outreach services; watershed facilities, policies and plans; and adaptive management. The District will be exploring a range of actions within each of these opportunity areas over time, as feasible. Updates on such efforts will be provided on this page.  

Current Efforts on Strategic Opportunities

Trail Sharing Pilot and E-Bike Class I Access

At the Sept. 3, 2024 Board of Director's meeting, the Board approved a Watershed Trail Sharing Pilot & E-Bike Class I Trial. These programs are intended to inform future watershed recreation management decisions, with a focus on improving visitor experience and protecting environmental resources.

The Trail Sharing Pilot & E-Bike Class 1 Trial programs are currently on hold due to legal challenge. For more information, read Marin Water's Oct. 3, 2024 statement and Dec. 5, 2024 statement regarding the status of these programs.

Go to the pilot and trial webpage for program details


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About the Watershed Recreation Management 
Planning Feasibility Study

Mt. Tamalpais and its adjacent watersheds support a rich array of plants and animals, panoramic vistas, and recreational opportunities that are treasured by residents and visitors alike. Marin Water began stewarding the 22,000 acres of watershed lands over 100 years ago, with a mission to provide the community with “reliable, high-quality water” and to sustainably manage the Mt. Tamalpais Watershed to protect water quality and biodiversity. The Mt. Tamalpais watershed makes up a portion of the Golden Gate Biosphere Reserve (UNESCO 2002) which supports a highly diverse complex of terrestrial, coastal, and marine environments spanning 82,000 acres.

Since before the turn of the last century, Mt. Tamalpais has been a magnet for recreationists. Watershed visitors include anglers, hikers, equestrians, nature viewers, runners, walkers, youth camps, cyclists and many more. In an effort to support the diverse range of visitors coming to the watershed and to help protect water quality and natural resource, Marin Water implemented a recreation management planning feasibility study.

Watershed Recreation Management Planning Feasibility Study (approved April 2024)

This report was prepared by Alta Planning + Design, Inc., with review by Marin Water staff.

Background Information on Community Engagement Process

The Feasibility Study was developed through a robust public engagement process, including workshops, meetings, visitor surveys, literature reviews, site visits and data analysis, and will be an important part of Marin Water's ongoing adaptive management of the Mount Tamalpais Watershed — where the District sources the majority of its water. The overall planning effort incorporated community feedback and lessons from other water districts, parks and open spaces beyond the District's watershed boundaries.

Related Documents and Resources