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The Road and Trails Management Plan (RTMP) Update will build on the District’s past planning efforts to guide how Marin Water manages, maintains and restores watershed roads and trails into the future. The update will:
- Integrate findings from the WRMP Feasibility Study and Biodiversity, Fire and Fuels Integrated Plan.
- Reevaluate trail classifications and standards.
- Update social trail management criteria
- Identify bike access routes and restoration priorities.
- Refine visitor management and outreach strategies.
- Complete a comprehensive environmental analysis.
WHAT'S NEW? Upcoming Community Open House: As part of the RTMP Update, Marin Water will host community open house events on Sunday, November 9, 2025 and Monday, November 10, 2025 at Sky Oaks Ranger Station, 49 Sky Oaks Rd, Fairfax, CA 94930-2108. These two open house events will offer an opportunity to learn more about the planning process, ask questions, and share your perspective on the future of watershed roads and trails. The open house will feature three interactive stations, each focused on a key topic related to roads, trails, and watershed stewardship. Participants will have the chance to engage with staff, explore potential approaches, and contribute ideas that will help shape the updated plan. Key topics will include:
Feedback from this event will be summarized for review with the Watershed Committee in December 2025 as the planning work moves forward. |
About the Roads and Trails Management Plan
The RTMP guides how the District maintains and manages watershed roads and trails to protect water quality, support safe public access and preserve natural resources. Adopted in April 2005, the RTMP established best management practices and environmental protection measures that continue to shape how the District stewards Mt. Tamalpais Watershed lands today.
Through the RTMP, the District proactively maintains service roads to ensure emergency access and water system reliability. Maintenance and repair projects on watershed roads and trails also help prevent erosion, protect sensitive habitats and maintain recreational access.
Each year, the District – working with staff, volunteers, and contractors – implements proactive maintenance and repairs to roads and trails to protect habitat, maintain infrastructure access and support visitor safety.
Building on Community Planning Efforts
In April 2024, following an extensive public engagement process, the District completed the Watershed Recreation Management Plan (WRMP) Feasibility Study. This study evaluated existing facilities, visitor use patterns and opportunities to enhance public access while maintaining the watershed’s ecological integrity.
The Feasibility Study was developed through a robust public engagement process, including workshops, meetings, visitor surveys, literature reviews, and site visits and data analysis and will be an important part of Marin Water's ongoing adaptive management of the Mount Tamalpais Watershed – where the District sources the majority of its water. The overall planning effort incorporated community feedback and lessons from other water districts, parks and open spaces beyond the District's watershed boundaries.
Findings from the WRMP Feasibility Study – including community recommendations on access, stewardship, and education – will directly inform the RTMP Update.
Engagement Opportunities
Public participation is a central part of the RTMP Update process. The District plans to host workshops, tours, public meetings and other opportunities for engagement. The proposed schedule is outlined below.
November 9 & 10, 2025 – RTMP Community Open House and Workshop at Sky Oaks Headquarters
- Establish watershed environmental setting
- Identify social trail priorities and opportunities
- Explore bike trail classification and routes
- Plan for visitor engagement and stewardship
December 18, 2025 – Watershed Committee Meeting: RTMP Planning Update
- Review social trail priorities and opportunities
- Provide guidance on bike access scenarios and standards
- Considerations for visitor engagement and stewardship
February-April 2026 – Series of Community Watershed Site Visits
Additional event details to follow in the coming months.
April 23, 2026 – Watershed Committee Meeting: RTMP Planning Update
- Review plan elements and scenarios
Summer/Fall 2026 – Public draft of updated RTMP available; Environmental Review
Stay Connected
- Come back to this webpage periodically for new information on upcoming engagement opportunities, project documents and further news as the RTMP Update progresses.
- Get notified! Subscribe here to receive email notifications and updates about this and other elements of the Recreation Management Plan process. By subscribing you will also receive Marin Water’s monthly e-news update containing information about water- and money-saving customer resources and rebates, the Mt. Tam Watershed, water supply and more.