Vegetation Biodiversity Management Plan released and seeking public comment

The Marin County Open Space District (MCOSD) and members of the Parks and Open Space Commission heard a report on July 16, 2013 from parks staff on a draft Vegetation and Biodiversity Management Plan (VBMP). The district owns and manages 34 open space preserves that are managed for both natural resource protection and recreation. Vegetation management has been focused on clearing fuelbreaks as impediments to the spread of potential natural or human-caused fires, but the clearing has led to an unforeseen infestation of invasive nonnative plants. The MCOSD has experienced an increase of more than 500% in vegetation management responsibilities over the past decade. This is largely a result of increased fuelbreak construction, and the expansion of weed infestations. The MCOSD has not experienced a corollary increase in staffing or budget. Consequently, many of the weed infestations are going untreated, and displacing rare species and native habitats throughout the preserve, resulting in the degradation of the quality of MCOSD lands. As a result, MCOSD is less able to reduce fuel loads and preserve biological diversity on its preserves. Community involvement is critical to the success of the VBMP process. We have hosted public workshops at different stages of the project to convey information, and to solicit input and answer questions. The Marin Parks website is the place to find information about the VBMP project including public workshop dates, locations, and agendas as well as related documents as they become available. Throughout the development and implementation of the VBMP, we will work closely with the Marin County Fire Department, local and regional fire districts, and other partners and entities, including local fire departments, cities, and stakeholders to ensure information sharing and participation in the development and implementation of the VBMP. To see the plan, have an opportunity to comment, go to: http://www.marincounty.org/main/board-actions/2013/july/july-16/veg-management. The comment period runs for 30 days. Please use this online form to let us know what you think about the Preliminary Draft VBMP. Your feedback must be submitted by 5:00 p.m., August 16, 2013. Contact Natural Resources Program Manager Mischon Martin mmartin@marincounty.org or (415) 473-2056 for more information.