Capabilities
Since Marin voters passed Parks Measure A in 2012, vegetation and biodiversity management capabilities have been significantly expanded. Measure A provides funds to pay vegetation and fire ecology science staff, who identify, oversee, and monitor priority project areas. Measure A adds boots on the ground, by funding a Marin County Fire crew, Conservation Corps North Bay crews, and outside contracting services. It also supports bringing in substantial numbers of grazing animals seasonally. This provides additional tools to draw upon in the effort to reduce fire fuel, maintain emergency access, reduce invasive plant species, and support safe recreation in Marin County preserves.
- MCOSD staff perform routine maintenance, such as mowing and removing hazards.
- Conservation Corps North Bay (CCNB) assists on a variety of projects – clearing brush, weed whacking, and removing debris.
- Sheep, goat, and cattle grazing are used strategically in different areas of county preserves.
- Contracted service crews are hired as needed to work in high priority areas.
- The Early Detection, Rapid Response team conducts surveys for invasive plants throughout all Marin County preserves.
- In 2019 and 2020, a Marin County Fire crew funded by Measure A took on key vegetation projects.
Collaboration
In March 2020, Marin voters funded the Marin Wildfire Prevention Authority (MWPA), a new agency to lead the development of fire adapted communities in Marin. The MCOSD engages in an ongoing collaboration with MWPA and Marin County Fire, as well as other regional fire agencies, to maximize the effectiveness of resources and establish vegetation management priorities.
For questions about the Vegetation and Biodiversity Management program contact Vegetation and Fire Ecologist Sarah Minnick.