Project Name
Cascade Bridges
Improving visitor safety and preserving creeks in Cascade Canyon
The proposed project was originally received as a public proposal from the Friends of Corte Madera Creek Watershed and the Marin County Bicycle Coalition in spring 2016. The proposed improvements would remove recreation from the San Anselmo creek channel, improve the visitor experience and accessibility for all trail users, and enhance the sustainability of the trail consistent with the MCOSD’s Road and Trail Management Plan. Installation of recreational bridges would allow trail users to safely use the trail during wet weather without crossing through San Anselmo Creek. This would reduce sediment into the creek and improve habitat for aquatic wildlife including trout, salmon, and frogs.
A species of special concern, Foothill yellow-legged frogs were once widespread throughout California and Marin County. However, decades of land development, dam building, and harmful agricultural practices drastically decreased their numbers. In Marin County today, these frogs are only found in a few creeks in isolated, disconnected watersheds, including Cascade Canyon. Land managers, scientists, and volunteers are working together to protect the frog populations that are struggling to survive in Marin.
Learn more about Foothill yellow-legged frogs at One Tam.
California Environmental Quality Act
MARCH 8, 2022
Comment Period Concluded
The Initial Study/Proposed Mitigated Negative Declaration, prepared to comply with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), was circulated for public review and comment February 16, 2021 through March 19, 2021. One hundred ninety individuals and organizations submitted comments. Prior to releasing a formal response to comments document, MCOSD is working to obtain information needed to address the public comments.
MCOSD commissioned a traffic consultant and installed visitor use cameras for a three-week period in August-September 2019 and a six-week period in March and April 2021. The traffic study analysis is currently underway. Data from that study and visitor use cameras will help inform a response to comments concerning traffic and visitation.
To address comments about habitat restoration, MCOSD has developed a draft habitat restoration plan, which is being finalized.
MARCH 19, 2021
California Environmental Quality Act
The MCOSD prepared a draft Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration (IS/MND) for the proposed Cascade Canyon Bridges and Trail Improvement Project. The IS/MND provides information regarding the setting of the project area, the project description, analysis of potentially significant environmental impacts that could result from implementation of the proposed project, and mitigation measures to reduce potentially significant environmental impacts to a less than significant level. The Notice of Intent to Adopt a Mitigated Negative Declaration and the draft IS/MND can be accessed using the links provided below.
The public comment period ended on March 19, 2021. The MCOSD will consider comments received during the public comment period prior to finalizing the IS/MND.
- Notice of Intent to Adopt a Mitigated Negative Declaration
- Draft Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration
- Online Public Meeting Announcement
An online public meeting took place on March 4, 2021. At this meeting, MCOSD staff presented the proposed project and conclusions from the draft IS/MND. Video of this public meeting is available by clicking the link below.
Improving visitor safety and preserving creeks in Cascade Canyon
UPDATED: OCTOBER 8, 2016
Community Workshop
Public engagement on the project began with a community workshop in Fairfax on September 8, 2016. Following the meeting, the public was invited to submit comments on the project during a 30-day formal comment period that closed on October 8, 2016.
Since that time, Marin County Open Space District (MCOSD) staff has conducted a geotechnical investigation to inform the project design and studies regarding the cultural and biological resources of the preserve, in conjunction with environmental groups, open space neighbors, and regulatory agencies.