Santa Rosa's Finley Aquatic Center to Close for Inclusive Renovations, Ridgway Swim Center Boosts Schedule
The Finley Aquatic Center in Santa Rosa will undergo a series of much-needed upgrades, including accessibility improvements and the construction of a new splash pad, remaining closed through spring 2024.
Marin County Fire Department Conducts Prescribed Burn to Mitigate Wildfire Risks Near Stinson Beach and Mill Valley
As prescribed fires are deliberately set in Marin County's Mount Tamalpais Watershed, what impact can this strategy have in minimizing the threat of devastating wildfires in California?
California Commercial Dungeness Crab Fishery Resumes with 50% Trap Reduction for Whale Safety
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife has reduced the number of traps in the commercial Dungeness crab fishery to protect whales, effective January 18, with a 64-hour pre-soak starting January 15.
Sonoma County's Salmon Creek Beach Partially Closed Due to Beached Fishing Vessel Recovery Effort
A fishing vessel named The Aleutian Storm ran aground at Salmon Creek Beach in Sonoma County, prompting a temporary closure for a salvage operation coordinated by various agencies. Beachgoers are advised to follow updates and posted signs.
Point Reyes Closes Popular Trails Limantour and Mount Vision Roads Due to Storm Damage
Limantour and Mount Vision Roads at Point Reyes are closed through Monday due to storm damage. Drakes Beach Road and Lighthouse Visitor Center are open limited hours, weather permitting, but the lighthouse stairs are closed.
Point Reyes Snowy Plover Population Boosted by Discovery of New Nests Despite Raven Predation
Biologists at Point Reyes have discovered new snowy plover nests, boosting the season's total to 33, with 14 chicks fledged. Predation by ravens is a concern, prompting new conservation strategies.
$1.8 Million Allotted by Sonoma County to Expand Helen Putnam Regional Park Through Kelly Creek Project
The Sonoma County Board of Supervisors approved $1.8 million for the Kelly Creek Protection Project to expand Helen Putnam Regional Park by 47 acres, while allowing for some residential development.
Maxwell Farms Regional Park Unveils New Upgrades with All-Weather Sports Fields and Improved Accessibility in Sonoma County
Maxwell Farms Regional Park's first renovation phase is complete, featuring new sports fields, expanded parking, disability access, and environmentally friendly infrastructure.
Sonoma County to Conduct Controlled Burn for Ecological Benefits and Wildfire Prevention at Tolay Lake Regional Park
A controlled burn is scheduled at Tolay Lake Regional Park by Sonoma County Regional Parks, FIGR, and CAL FIRE for wildfire prevention and ecological benefits on Oct. 23, with the park closed for safety.
Marin County Plans Controlled Burns in Maurice Thorner Preserve and San Geronimo Park to Mitigate Wildfire Risks
Marin County Parks and local fire will conduct controlled burns in Maurice Thorner Preserve and San Geronimo Park to manage vegetation and reduce wildfire risk, asking residents not to call 911 for smoke reports.
Temporary Road Closure at Boggs Mountain State Forest for April, Visitors Advised to Plan Accordingly
CAL FIRE LNU announced a road closure in Boggs Mountain State Forest from April 1st for road improvements, reopening May 1st, 2025. Access is restricted but alternative outdoor areas are suggested.
Marin County Faces $1.2 Billion Challenge to Save Stinson Beach from Sea Level Rise
Stinson Beach faces costly measures to address sea level rise, with projections of 3.3 feet increase by 2085, totaling $1.2 billion in adaptation costs. Funding challenges arise due to the high volume of vacation homes in the area.
Salt Point State Park Plans Controlled Burn for Ecological Health, Public Advised of Minor Disruptions
California State Parks plans a controlled burn at Salt Point State Park to manage vegetation and improve wildlife habitat, with temporary area closures and smoke management measures in place.
Corte Madera Kids Score $335K Fix For Shuttered Town Park Playground
Corte Madera approved up to $335,000 to replace the fenced Town Park playground. The project combines a nearly $83K grant with town funds and could begin in February.
Bay Area Sierra Club Hauls Trump Interior Into Court Over Park History Whitewash
The Sierra Club sued the Interior Department, saying it withheld FOIA records about Secretarial Order 3431 and a QR-code review that led to removed park signage. The case could force disclosure of internal emails and visitor comments.
Bay Area Lawmakers Champion Bill to Elevate Ridge Trail to National Scenic Status
Representatives Huffman and Schiff, alongside the Bay Area congressional delegates, introduced a bill to designate the Bay Area Ridge Trail as a National Scenic Trail, aiming to enhance its status and connect the remaining parts.
Estero Americano Preserve Turns Bodega Harbour Cul‑De‑Sac Into Coastal Gridlock
A newly opened 547‑acre Sonoma Coast preserve is overflowing into the Bodega Harbour neighborhood, prompting town halls and possible 'No Parking' rules. Neighbors want quick fixes.
Bolinas Fights Back: Locals Push Rival Plan To Save Duxbury Reef
A Bolinas citizens group filed an alternative petition to protect Duxbury Reef that emphasizes education, signage and adaptive management instead of a full fishing ban. State staff will review competing filings ahead of regional hearings this spring.
Point Reyes Ranchers Get the Boot as Park Shuts Down 167-Year Tradition
A Nature Conservancy‑backed settlement will shutter most ranches at Point Reyes, paying leaseholders while leaving dozens of ranch hands and tenants displaced across West Marin.
Tailless Young Mountain Lion Gets Second Shot In NorCal Wild
An 11-month-old female mountain lion that spent five months at Sonoma County Wildlife Rescue was released back into northern California and fitted with tracking gear.
Napa Land Trust Rolls The Dice On Wildfire Tax And Its Next 50 Years
As it marks 50 years, the Land Trust of Napa County names a new CEO, backs a half‑cent wildfire tax and shifts toward strategic acquisitions and stewardship.
.webp?max-h=350&w=550&fit=crop)










































































