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In compliance with state water rules developed in 1995, Marin Water has a duty to take care of the protected and endangered aquatic species within Lagunitas Creek. This work is also important for ensuring the overall ecological health of the Mount Tamalpais Watershed, where more than half of our local water is sourced.
Since 2020, the Lagunitas Creek Watershed Enhancement project has received support from numerous state and federal grants that will help improve spawning and rearing habitat in key portions of the 103-square-mile Lagunitas Creek Watershed, home to one of the largest remaining populations of coho salmon in Northern California.
This project is meant to improve spawning habitat for protected and endangered aquatic species within Lagunitas Creek. More than a dozen sites have been selected for habitat improvement, which involves the addition of hundreds of logs and thousands of tons of gravel to provide shelter as well as to create deeper, slower pools for rearing.
Construction Update (July 28, 2025)Phase 1B will start in mid-August and continue through November, and includes habitat restoration work at five sites. During the project window, the Leo T. Cronin Fish Viewing Area at the Shafter Bridge will be closed, and the Cross Marin Trail may be subject to temporary traffic control. Visitors are encouraged to heed all construction signage. |
This flyover video was taken after the completion of the first phase of construction, highlighting the favorable habitat for salmon spawning and rearing.
Contact Information
- Marin Water Fisheries Program: 415-945-1191
Our Role
The District’s ongoing fisheries monitoring and restoration work is guided by the District’s Lagunitas Creek Stewardship Plan (LCSP), which is a requirement of SWRCB WR95-17. In an effort to enhance watershed resiliency, and meet the stewardship goals of SWRCB WR95-17 the District is interested in continuing to implement instream restoration work along Lagunitas Creek to improve instream habitat for Coho Salmon, steelhead trout and freshwater shrimp.
| Project | Lagunitas Creek Watershed Enhancement |
| Program | A1F06 Reimbursable ‐ Split Grant Funding |
| Project Number | GC21001 |
| Contact | Shaun Horne | SHorne@marinwater.org |
Project Description
The Lagunitas Creek Habitat Enhancement Project includes 13 restoration sites comprising nearly a mile of channel improvements via the placement of more than 270 logs and about 11,000 tons of gravel below Peters Dam on Kent Lake. Meant to mimic natural habitats, this multi-year project promises to enhance an important coldwater spawning and rearing site for key protected species, such as endangered coho salmon, and protected steelhead trout and California freshwater shrimp.
Benefits
Habitat enhancement will work to restore physical processes that support endangered and threatened species within Lagunitas Creek. This work also benefits the overall health of the Mount Tamalpais Watershed, where we source the majority of the fresh water produced for our customers.
Schedule and Status
Design: Summer 2020 - Spring/Summer 2026
Construction: Summer/Fall 2024 - Summer 2030
Funding Sources
Capital Maintenance Fund* | CDFW grant funding | DWR grant funding | U.S. Bureau of Reclamation Grant | Total |
$395,000 | $4,659,898 | $590,000 | $1,400,000 | $7,044,898 |
*Project contingent on identifying other grant funding. Other grant funding will require Capital Maintenance Fund match to be determined.