In compliance with state water rules developed in 1995, Marin Water has a duty to take care of the protected and endangered aquatic species within Lagunitas Creek. This work is also important for ensuring the overall ecological health of the Mount Tamalpais Watershed, where more than half of our local water is sourced.
Since 2020, the Lagunitas Creek Watershed Enhancement project has received support from numerous state and federal grants that will help improve spawning and rearing habitat in key portions of the 103-square-mile Lagunitas Creek Watershed, home to one of the largest remaining populations of coho salmon in Northern California.
This project is meant to improve spawning habitat for protected and endangered aquatic species within Lagunitas Creek. More than a dozen sites have been selected for habitat improvement, which involves the addition of hundreds of logs and thousands of tons of gravel to provide shelter as well as to create deeper, slower pools for rearing.
Construction Update (July 24, 2026) – Lagunitas Creek project work begins for season
Another season of habitat restoration work is set for August-October 2026 at the final site in Phase 1. To date, work has been completed at about half of the sites identified for improvements.
Footage from the project site
An innovative piece of equipment called a “stone slinger” was utilized during Lagunitas Creek Enhancement work in the fall of 2025. The device uses a directionally controlled high speed conveyor system to distribute a stream of new gravel from the top of the bank down to the creek bed. This technique requires minimal disturbance to the banks.
This flyover video was taken after the completion of the first phase of construction, highlighting the favorable habitat for salmon spawning and rearing.
Schedule and Status
Design: Summer 2020 – Spring/Summer 2026
Construction: Summer/Fall 2024 – Summer 2030
Contact Information
- Marin Water Fisheries Program: 415-945-1191
Our Role
The District’s ongoing fisheries monitoring and restoration work is guided by the District’s Lagunitas Creek Stewardship Plan (LCSP), which is a requirement of SWRCB WR95-17. In an effort to enhance watershed resiliency, and meet the stewardship goals of SWRCB WR95-17 the District is interested in continuing to implement instream restoration work along Lagunitas Creek to improve instream habitat for Coho Salmon, steelhead trout and freshwater shrimp.
Funding Sources
| Capital Maintenance Fund | CDFW grant funding | DWR grant funding | U.S. Bureau of Reclamation grant funding | Wildlife Conservation Board grant funding | Total |
| $395,000 | $6,428,765 | $1,990,000 | $1,400,000 | $1,109,000 | $11,322,765 |