San Rafael, CA – Marin County’s plan for managing roads and trails across its vast system of open space lands will be discussed at a community workshop May 13 in Novato.
Deer Island Open Space Preserve in eastern Novato is one of six preserves in County Parks' Region 4.The workshop will focus on potential road and trail designations for Region 4, including the Deer Island, Indian Tree, Little Mountain, Mount Burdell, Rush Creek, and Verissimo Hills preserves. Neighbors, environmentalists, cyclists, hikers, equestrians – anyone who enjoys Marin’s open spaces– is invited to attend.
The workshop takes place from 1-3 p.m. at Margaret Todd Senior Center, 1560 Hill Road. Attendees are encouraged to provide feedback on maps illustrating proposed designations for the Region 4 preserves.
Marin County Parks is in the third year of implementing its Road and Trail Management Plan (RTMP), approved by the Marin County Open Space District Board of Directors in 2014. The purpose of the RTMP is to establish a road and trail system that is sustainable, safe, enjoyable, and reduces environmental impact.
“The RTMP provides a consistent, inclusive, science-based approach to road and trail management,” said Carl Somers, Marin County Parks’ Chief of Planning & Acquisition. “To date we’ve successfully worked with the community to formally designate roads and trails in Regions 1, 2 and 3, resulting in a smaller environmental footprint and a better recreational experience in 18 of our 34 preserves. Now we are working on Region 4.”
After roads and trails are designated, RTMP implementation can include trail upgrades, realignments, road-to-trail conversions, new trail construction, and decommissions to improve roads and trails while restoring habitat.
Community engagement and science-based planning are integral components of the RTMP’s success. Public participation, such as attending workshops, submitting road and trail proposals, and providing comments, are helping create a sustainable road and trail system that balances recreation and preservation.