A rare confluence of geologic, atmospheric, and oceanographic conditions has created a singular coastal ecosystem—Tomales Dunes. This dynamic, shape-shifting formation has its own intrinsic beauty and supports a unique community of plants and animals. Tomales Dunes is like no other place on Earth. The opportunity we now have to protect this special place is as rare as the dunes themselves. To fail to act would be a tragedy.

–Jules Evens, author of “The Natural History of the Point Reyes Peninsula”

Coastal Commission Accepts EAC’s

Tomales Dunes Appeal:

Hearing Date to be announced.

On November 17, 2008, the Marin County Board of Supervisors approved a new Master Plan and Coastal Permit for Lawson’s Landing. Because the permit granted by Marin County violated the California Coastal Act and Marin’s Local Coastal Program, EAC and other groups appealed the County’s decision to the California Coastal Commission. Our appeal focused on the County’s failure to protect wetlands and other sensitive habitats, on the feasibility and timing of the proposed new septic system, and on the practice of reserving a large portion of the property for a few select “second-home” RVs instead of providing access to the general public.

In January 2009, the Commission accepted our appeal, which means it will review and decide the Lawson’s Landing Coastal Permit application itself. There are a number of ways the California Coastal Commission could improve the Master Plan, including:

1. Identifying all wetlands and sensitive habitats and providing appropriate buffers, as required by the Coastal Act.

2. Requiring timely installation of the new septic system. (Under the County’s plan, this could take more than a decade to complete.)

3. Approving a management plan that migitates past unpermitted uses by ensuring that sensitive species and habitats are protected and restored and that deals with the impact of invasive species.

4 . Requiring  that all camping spaces are open to the public, not reserved for a lucky RV owners who hold private long-term leases over prime camping areas.

Please join us at the California Coasdtal Commission hearing to show your support for protecting the Tomales Dunes and wetlands, and the sensitive wildlife that depend on the area for their survival. The item could be on the agenda as soon as the August meeting in San Luis Obispo or might be further delayed. If you would like to be alerted to the extact date and time once it is scheduled, please call (415) 663-9312 or email to eac@svn.net

Lawson’s Landing has a legion of fans who want things to stay the way they are, and they will be making their voices heard at the Commission.  It is essential that the Commissioners know that you want the Dunes protected and our Coastal laws enforced.

In the meantime, EAC has urged the California Coastal Commission to impose interim protections to protect water quality, wetlands and other environmentally sensitive habitat areas. We are also asking the County and the Regional Water Quality Control Board to monitor the existing primitive septic systems to protect Tomales Bay. Until the hearings occur, we will be keeping close tabs on the process and working to ensure that the Commission understands the importance of protecting Tomales Dunes and enforcing the Coastal Act.

EAC is also working with the Lawson family, other non-profit groups, and government agencies to secure funding for conservation easements over part of the dunes, coast, and wetlands, as a way of ensuring long-term protection and management of the sensitive resources of Tomales Dunes and enabling the Lawsons to continue their family business.  At the end of 2009, the US Fish and Wildlife Service and the California Coastal Conservancy committed $1.5 million for a conservation easement that would protect at least 50 acres of Tomales Dunes wetlands.

Make Your Voice Heard

Learn More About the Tomales Dunes Campaign

To donate to the Tomales Dunes Campaign, click here.