Kent Island Restoration

Originally a flood shoal in Bolinas Lagoon. Kent Island had become colonized by non-native beachgrass, ice plant, Monterey pine, and Monterey cypress. This invasive vegetation pushed out native habitat, and anchored the island, adversely affecting the lagoon’s hydrological function.

Working steadily for over a decade, Marin County Parks, community organizations, and volunteers have restored significant sections of Kent Island by hand pulling invasive weeds and restoring natural hydrology. Volunteer crews and Parks staff continue to work on monitoring and managing vegetation at the island.

Be a part of the team working to restore the unique ecosystem on Kent Island. Learn the value of protecting this oasis, and how to identify and remove the invasive species that threaten it. Kids age 5 and up are welcome with an adult. Check the calendar for Kent Island volunteer events.

• Eradicate invasive weeds and re-introduce native plants.
• Restore habitat for endangered shorebirds like the Ridgeway's rail.
• Maintain the beauty of the Corte Madera Creek shoreline.
• Improve drainage to reduce flooding and improve tidal flow.

• Invasive weed eradication, primarily by manual methods such as hand pulling.
• Irrigation system to saltwater flood salt-sensitive invasive plant species.
• Encourage natural proliferation of native plants to restore a thriving ecosystem.
• Continued monitoring, early detection, and removal of invasive plants.

• Kent Island Project Summary PDF
• Kent Island Design Plan PDF
• Kent Island Monitoring Plan PDF

• Audubon Canyon Ranch
• Greater Farallones National Marine Sanctuary
• Many groups of community volunteers who have worked on Kent Island over the years

This project began in 2013 with a grant of $126,341 from the federal Estuary Habitat Restoration program.

• 2013: Federal grant received.
• 2014–2018: Installation of saltwater irrigation system and eradication of invasive plants.
• post 2018: Monitoring for invasive species.

Based on a review of the information incorporated in the joint Initial Study/Environmental Assessment, including views of the United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), the general public, and resource agencies having special expertise or jurisdiction by law, as well as the stated best management practices and mitigation measures, the proposed activity would not significantly affect the quality of the physical, biological, and human environment. Pursuant to the provisions of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, the preparation of an additional Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) was not required.

• Initial Study/Environmental Assessment PDF

Preventing Ecosystem Impact

Due to the biological significance of the area, the project included following measures to avoid impacts on sensitive resources.

• Fish screening devices to avoid impacts on coho salmon and steelhead trout
• Preservation of some Monterey pine woodlands to protect heron and egret nesting and roosting habitat
• 100-meter buffer around egret and heron nests during the breeding season
• Seal monitoring and 100-meter buffer adjacent to the harbor seal haul-out area
• Bird nesting surveys
• Worker training on how to to avoid disturbing seals, birds, and sensitive plants

This project required permits and/or approvals from:

• California Coastal Commission
• California Department of Fish and Game
• California Water Quality Control Board
• Gulf of the Farallones National Marine Sanctuary
• NOAA Fisheries
• U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service