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For more information:
Ronald Miska (415) 499-6391
William Carmen (415) 388-2899
The Marin County Open Space District invites the public to an informative meeting concerning the evolution of Bolinas Lagoon on Tuesday, August 2, 7-9 pm, in the Friends of Marin Center Room, Marin Center Exhibit Hall, Marin County Civic Center, San Rafael. The District's consultants, Philip Williams and Associates, will present their analyses of the lagoon's geomorphic and ecological processes, and what these processes tell us about the lagoon's past, current, and future conditions. The meeting will also include presentations by Wetlands Research Associates and Dr. Roger Byrne of the University of California, Berkeley. Consultants' presentations will be directed to the Project Reformulation Advisory Committee (PRAG). Consultants will respond to questions and comments from the PRAG, followed by questions and comments from the public. This will be the fourth in a series of public meetings as the Open Space District assesses the need to restore Bolinas Lagoon's ecosystems.
Bolinas Lagoon is a 1,100-acre tidal estuary managed by the Marin County Open Space District. The lagoon provides critical habitat for hundreds of resident and migratory bird species as well as marine mammals, fish, and invertebrates. The existence of these habitats may be threatened by the accumulation of sediment in the lagoon. A study released by the United States Army Corps of Engineers in 2002 proposed a multiple year dredging program to restore the lagoon's ecosystems. Public concern related to the impacts of dredging prompted the Open Space District to coordinate a rigorous scientific review of the Corps plan and of the need to intervene in the lagoon's evolution.
The Marin County Open Space District is a tax-supported public agency whose mission is to enhance the quality of life in Marin through the acquisition, protection, and responsible stewardship of ridgelands, baylands, and environmentally sensitive lands targeted for preservation in the Marin Countywide Plan. Since its formation in 1972, the District has acquired over 14,000 acres of land in Marin for resource protection and public enjoyment. For more information about the Open Space District and the Bolinas Lagoon Ecosystem Restoration Project, call (415) 499-6387 or visit the District's website at www.marinopenspace.org.