Reimagine Mt. Tam Watershed Recreation Management Plan Update

The Watershed Recreation Management Plan (WRMP) public workshops concluded in April 2023. You can view most of the meetings on the Marin Water YouTube Channel.

Marin Water staff and consultants are creating a draft report based on our feedback. It should align with the four goals we’ve outlined below. The draft is expected in September and will include an opportunity for public comment. Join the MCBC Reimagine Mt. Tam Local Team to stay in the loop and be informed on future meetings and volunteer days on Mt. Tam. 

What We want the Watershed Recreation DRAFT Plan to include

1. Bicycle Trail Classification

The District has 10 Trail Classifications on the Watershed, including two for hiking trails and one for equestrian trails. We want a Bicycle Trail Classification for trails built, adopted, or designated to be used by bicycles. These trails would create new loops and longer scenic routes, close gaps for safety, and provide trail experiences similar to those enjoyed by hikers and equestrians.

2. Collaboration as watershed recreation plans evolve

Any new trail experience on the watershed should address visitor conflict and reduce environmental impacts. We have extended an invitation to meet with conservation organizations and other stakeholder groups to identify shared interests and areas of compromise. We believe that adopting some non-system trails along with road-to-trail conversations and other actions, will create new trail experiences for bikes without displacing other users.

3. Update the Road & Trail Management Plan

It’s time to update the 2005 Road and Trail Management Plan to include a Bicycle Trail Classification and work with stakeholders to identify a selection of thoughtful, safe, and environmentally friendly bike trail projects to implement in the future with a mileage goal.

4. Interim Trail Steps

We recommend a few initial trail projects to inform future actions. These pilot projects could include conditions such as seasonal closures, time allocation, and a trial period, as well as monitoring, education, and other actions to promote the highest level of success. This approach would help identify the benefits of moving bikes off roads for their safety. Also,  improving connectivity, creating new loops while avoiding sensitive habitats, and reducing maintenance costs and visitor conflict.

91% of Watershed visitors feel safe on Mt. Tam!

Analysis of a 2022 visitor survey was presented at a recent Watershed Committee Meeting. Of note, the visitor survey found:

“While the typical activities and patterns of use have remained relatively the same over the past ten years, the total levels of visitation across the District’s watershed lands are estimated to have increased by approximately 27.5% to roughly 2.3 million visitors annually; total estimated range of usage is from 1,984,196 to 2,645,947. Despite this increase, visitors continue to rank their experience as ‘good’ or ‘great’ and 91% of respondents stated that they feel safe, 8% of respondents did not answer and 1% said they felt unsafe while on the watershed.“

The survey results support our focus on safety, equity, and sustainability as the key goals for a positive outcome.

MEMBERS MAKE IT HAPPEN

All of our work to make Marin more bike-friendly is powered by your generous giving. Join the team fighting on your behalf for expanded trail access today!