The Public Lands Conservancy (PLC) endorses the acquisition of the San Geronimo Golf Course for open space to be managed and restored as parkland and critical habitat protection for endangered coho salmon.

The acquisition will be orchestrated by the Trust for Public Land. The Trust has signed an option to purchase the 157 acre golf course and eventually turn it over to the Marin County Parks.

The PLC believes the acquisition has many benefits. It will provide: critical habitat for wildlife species, eliminate millions of gallons of irrigation water use, allow for the restoration of streamside riparian habitat, provide flooding relief to San Geronimo Valley residents, and add recreation opportunities such as hiking, wildlife viewing, and picnicking.

Importantly, the acquisition will provide additional protection for critically endangered coho salmon. It is one of the most important actions that can be taken to protect and restore coho salmon in Marin County. This unique run of coho salmon in Marin and other Central California counties has teetered on the brink of extinction.

The Golf Course lies at the headwaters of the Lagunitas Watershed that saunters 33 miles through magnificent Douglas fir, redwood, riparian, and live oak habitat. The San Geronimo, Lagunitas, and Devils Gulch Creeks support the largest wild run of coho salmon along California’s Central Coast. This area is considered to be one of the last refuges for wild coho salmon.  The lower sections of the watershed are protected by Samuel P. Taylor Station Park and Golden Gate National Recreation Area.

Marin County has led the way in environmental protection on many fronts. This acquisition is destined to become yet another crown jewel of Marin County and a gift to the nation.

If you would like to support this acquisition, please write a note or letter by October 31, 2017 to Dennis Rodoni, Marin County Supervisor, at drodoni@co.marin.ca.us.

Don Neubacher, Public Lands Conservancy