eNews

May 7, 2025

MCL Meetings and Events

All are welcome to join MCL's committee and working group meetings to

engage in our efforts connecting people, preservation, and policy. You are receiving this email because you are a current or past MCL member or attended a past event.

IN THIS EDITION

• Legal Settlement Reins in Trail and E-Bike Pilot Programs on Mt. Tam to Protect Sensitive Habitats

• Community News & Happenings - Defeating Washington's Assault on Climate with Congressman Jared Huffman in Mill Valley, May 12, 2025

Marin Water approves Class1 E-bike Pilot with conditions, defers Trail Sharing Pilot

Marin Conservation League is gratified that Marin Water (MMWD, or District) and MCL, California Native Plant Society and Marin Audubon Society have reached agreement after six months of settlement talks in the case of “California Native Plant Society, et al vs. Marin Municipal Water District.” On the grounds that two pilot programs, although limited in time, could increase the potential for impacts to sensitive plant and wildlife species without further environmental review, the three organizations challenged the District’s September 3, 2024, approval of Trail Share and Class1 E-bike Pilot Programs on Mt. Tam roads and trails as categorically exempt from California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) review.

According to the settlement agreement, Class 1 E-bikes will have access to all fire roads but not to trails (“Revised E-Bike Pilot Program”), on a 2-year trial basis. Terms also call for continuing multi-modal trail counters at specified locations (8), continued monitoring of invasive plant species along fire roads, monitoring of bat species known to be sensitive to high frequency noise from E-bikes, monitoring of Northern spotted owl at specified locations, and quarterly reporting to stakeholders, as outlined in the settlement agreement. The agreement also stipulates that the District will rescind the Trail Share Pilot Program and not reinstate the program without conducting further review under CEQA, to include public engagement.

Why did it take a legal challenge to arrive at this point?

Parks and Open Space

The Parks and Open Space Committee will not meet in May.

Our next meeting is on Thursday, June 12, from 3:00 to 5:00 PM.

Community News and Happenings

Defeating Washington's Assault on Climate

Monday, May 12, 5:00 – 6:30 pm, Mill Valley Community Center

180 Camino Alto, Mill Valley

Congressman Jared Huffman, Ranking Member, House Natural Resources Committee, discusses how to sustain global, national, state, and local climate leadership through the next four years. With panelists Sara Aminzadeh, Deputy Secretary, CA Natural Resources Agency; Mary Sackett, Marin County Supervisor and MarinCAN Board of Directors; Colin O'Brien, Deputy Managing Attorney, Earthjustice.

Send your questions in advance to: leadonclimate@gmail.com

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Marin Conservation League

175 N. Redwood Drive, Suite 135

San Rafael, CA 94903

415-485-6257

www.marinconservationleague.org

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The Marin Conservation League was founded in 1934 to preserve, protect and enhance the natural assets of Marin County. Marin Conservation League is a membership-driven 501C3 non-profit organization. Membership dues and contributions are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.