Pictured: Leo Mena (Environmental Analyst) Removing Scotch Broom
(Image courtesy of Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy)

Two members of the Panorama team got their hands dirty over the weekend at the Hands On Tam Winter Workday Broom Bust! The Marin Municipal Water District and the Marin County Parks hosted the volunteer event, with coordination from One Tam, an organization that unites resources and experience from the four public agencies responsible for the preservation of Mount Tamalpais (California State Parks, Marin County Parks, Marin Municipal Water District, and National Park Service). 

Panorama’s own Kristi Black and Leo Mena joined residents of Marin, along with representatives of several agencies, including Marin Municipal Water District, National Park Service, and Marin County Parks in an effort to remove French and Scotch Broom from the watershed. 

French and Scotch Broom are invasive plants that have successfully invaded the Mt. Tamalpais watershed and brought with it a host of issues. Not only does French and Scotch Broom take over native habitat for California plants and wildlife, it also poses a serious fire hazard risk. In an effort to combat these risks, the Marin Municipal Water District has started the environmental review process for the Wildfire Protection and Habitat Improvement Plan (WPHIP), which details 38 actions to fulfill  the goals of reducing wildfire risk and preserving habitat. Panorama is currently preparing the Draft EIR for the WPHIP.

If you are interested in attending a volunteer events, be sure to check out the Marin Muinicipal Water District website!