Marin Voice: MMWD directors urge collaboration as watershed recreation plans evolve

The citizens of Marin displayed compelling initiative in 1912 when they voted to form the Marin Municipal Water District, California’s first publicly owned municipal water district.

But the sources of MMWD’s water had long existed in Mount Tamalpais’ rain-fed creeks, which have supported settlements extending back to the Coast Miwok civilization and their predecessors. Sheltering these water sources was one priority for MMWD’s early leaders when they established a protected watershed on the slopes of Mt. Tam.

A second priority was creating public access to connect the community to those watershed lands. In 1917, MMWD launched one of California’s first ranger programs to help protect the watershed, including through the management of recreational activities.

More than 100 years later, we continue to benefit from that prescient planning, investment and stewardship.

The watershed continues to provide about 75% of MMWD’s water. It is also a biodiversity hotspot: 15% of California’s plant species are found on Mt. Tam, including eight species that exist only in Marin.

All reservoirs are open for fishing, and there are over 150 miles of watershed trails and fire roads with varying degrees of access for hiking, running, viewing nature, walking dogs, riding horses and biking.

The presence of a large accessible open space amid our creative community is a tremendous asset that has shaped our communities connection to the natural world. It also contributes to the development of our community’s youth, who range from environmental stewards, cross-country runners, avid hikers and world-class mountain bikers.

Not surprisingly, the watershed is also at the center of debates over activities that can appear at odds. Historical tensions between hikers and equestrians regarding the safety and preservation of shared trails were ultimately addressed through a mutual willingness to find common ground.

This cooperation enabled the district to maintain horse access to fire roads and designated trails. Unfortunately, differences between hikers and environmental advocates on the one hand and the mountain biking community on the other have proved more challenging to resolve.

The district is now developing a watershed recreation management plan, which is a feasibility study that includes the input of all stakeholder groups and the broader public. The process has included six community workshops, a watershed visitor survey and opportunities for public comment during board of directors and watershed committee meetings over the last year.

The objective is to guide the development of up-to-date management policies and procedures that ensure environmental health, maintain high-quality water supplies, reduce wildfire risks and provide access for ongoing outdoor recreation.

The likelihood of achieving these objectives will increase if groups on opposing sides of contentious planning issues, particularly those related to bicycle access, come together to find acceptable compromises.

The “hiker vs. biker” debate has gone on for decades. Frustration over perceived differences in watershed trail access has likely contributed to the increasing disregard of regulations by some. Rigid viewpoints may disenfranchise younger community members who represent the future of environmental management.

The lines between stakeholder groups, however, are increasingly blurry: Many conservationists enjoy cycling; many mountain bikers care deeply about the health of our watershed.

Rather than focusing on differences, it is time to recognize shared values and work together on watershed access strategies that contribute to a productive path forward. The recreation management planning process is a means to finding mutually acceptable solutions. There are examples that have been developed locally and across the country through thoughtful access planning, which provide models for how to share open spaces lands while protecting biodiversity.

We must align all recreation management decisions with MMWD’s mission of providing safe and reliable drinking water, in concert with protecting the diverse ecology and environment of our watershed. Yet, as our community evolves, recreation plans must also maintain pace with changes in patterns of visitation and ensure inclusivity. Time and time again, Marin residents have put differences aside and worked together to maintain the beauty and wonder of our county.

We are now presented with another opportunity to continue this practice.  Let’s all roll up our sleeves and develop strategies that ensure a healthy watershed ecosystem and a safe outdoor resource for all.

Ranjiv Khush and Matt Samson are Marin Municipal Water District directors, representing Division 3 and Division 1, respectively.  The views expressed are their own and do not necessarily reflect district policies or positions.