Sprol

The people of West Marin are serious about their environmental conservation. Rich in history, the area was developed, built-up, and re-developed for over a hundred years. But in 1971 that came to a halt.

The Master Plan developed for West Marin in 1964 promised a different future for the region. It included coastal resorts, airstrips, four-lane highways, marinas, and a lot more people. In 1971, conservationists bought tracts of land along Bolinas and Tomales Bay, and organized citizens were able to reject the Plan. It was put to rest once and for all when, in 1973, the West Marin Board of Supervisors limited housing development to one house per 60 acres.

And so, if you visit West Marin today, it’s as tranquil and untouched as it’s ever been. To ensure that it stays this way, the residents of West Marin have taken some very unique and pro-active steps.

EAC

Formed in 1971 by the residents of thirteen unincorporated West Marin communities, the Environmental Action Committee of West Marin is the strongest, and sometimes only, advocate for environmental and wildlife issues. Because there is no local government, the EAC is often the only entity speaking on behalf of West Marin’s environment and natural resources before County, State, and Federal government organizations.

The purpose of the West Marin EAC is to ensure “the protection and appreciation of West Marin’s natural environment and rural character. EAC works for clean air, pure waters, healthy ecosystems, a diverse and thriving native flora and fauna, and the preservation of a rural, community spirit.”

Some of the EAC’s more notable achievements include the banning, in 2001, of all jet-ski activity on Tomales Bay. This makes Tomales Bay, at 948 square nautical miles, the largest jet-ski free area in the country. In 1998, the EAC produced “Madre Terra Solo Hay Una”, the first Hispanic environmental education video ever in the United States.

One of it’s more impressive stand-offs was against the Pritzker family of Chicago, who owns the Hyatt hotel chain. In 2003, the family purchased 850 acres of land, on which they intended to build homes, stables, and guest houses that would have totaled over 52,000 square feet of development. While some counties and cities would welcome this kind of development (and addition to their tax base), the EAC’s primary concern was with the potential agricultural repercussions.

Luxury estates drive up land prices, making them unaffordable for working ranchers to purchase. And of course, where one goes, others will follow, which could have potentially turned the area into a mini-resort, steering it away from it’s current agricultural base.

Determined to ensure that this didn’t happen, the EAC negotiated with the family, convincing them to reduce the size of their planned build. The EAC also required the residential homes to meet strict energy and green building standards.

Countywide Plan

First developed and approved in 1994, this plan has provided years of public policy direction regarding land use, and environmental protection. The Countywide Plan outlines Marin County’s policies on natural resources, agriculture, housing, and transportation. Any commercial or residential development that occurs in Marin County must comply with the policies in the Countywide Plan.

The plan was initially developed by four Working Groups that addressed sustainability, natural systems, built environment and the economy, equity, and culture. These groups created sustainability policies that were used as guidelines for the County Plan.

The plan divides Marin County into three corridors: the Coastal Recreational, the Inland Rural, and the City-Centered Corridors. The corridors were created as a means of controlling where and how land is developed, keeping the majority of the development focused in the City-Centered Corridor.

West Marin Exchange

The residents of West Marin can also utilize something called the “West Marin Exchange”. It’s an internet-based database where residents can buy, sell, and trade unwanted items, rather than throwing them out.

Green Business Program

Formed in 1996, the Green Business Program is a partnership between the environmental and business communities. Through this program, businesses are taught how to comply with “Green Business Standards” for minimizing waste products, conserving resources, and preventing pollution. Local governments in the Bay Area collaborated with the United States Environmental Protection Agency, the California EPA Department of Toxic Substance Control, and the business community to form the rules and regulations that make up the program.

Though the process is voluntary, over 300 businesses to date have been certified.
Becoming certified means that a business complies with environmental regulations, and take a proactive approach to prevent pollution and preserving natural resources.

With these, and other programs, in place, West Marin has maintained it’s pristine, beautiful land, while simultaneously welcoming residential and commercial development. The balance they have achieved sets an exemplary example for communities everywhere.

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