Contentious Project Faces Pushback Over Fire, Parking Concerns In Marin County

NOVATO, CA — The Novato City Council voted at their early July meeting to ask Marin County for more time to review the controversial Buck Gulch Falls Creek Restoration and Trail Improvement Project after residents voiced concerns about wildfire safety, parking and emergency access.

The council directed Mayor Rachel Farac to request a 90-day extension of the county's environmental review and scheduled a meeting for Tuesday to formally consider the city's response to the project.

The Marin County Open Space District stated the project is intended to improve visitor safety, restore Arroyo de San Jose Creek and reduce erosion while providing year-round access to Buck Gulch Falls in Ignacio Valley Open Space Preserve.

Proposed improvements include two pedestrian bridges, trail realignments, new boardwalks and fencing near the waterfall, restoration of nearly 19,500 square feet of creek and riparian habitat, and converting part of the Buck Gulch Falls Trail from a hiking-and-equestrian trail to a hiking-only trail.

County officials said the changes are designed to keep visitors out of the creek, improve accessibility and protect sensitive natural resources.

But residents who live near the Fairway Drive trailhead told the council the improvements could draw more visitors to the area, worsening parking congestion, emergency access and wildfire evacuation concerns in their neighborhood.

Councilmember Pat Eklund, who requested the discussion, said the city needed additional time to review the draft environmental document before the county's Friday comment deadline.

Eklund called the environmental review insufficient, saying it failed to fully address parking, emergency access and trail use. She argued the proposed trail improvements and new bridges would attract more visitors to an area already experiencing congestion.

"Over time, the conditions on Fairway have reached an intolerance level for the community, and this proposed project will only exasperate the current situation," Eklund said.

More than a dozen residents urged the council to intervene, describing vehicles blocking driveways and the neighborhood's cul-de-sac on busy days. Several said the project could complicate evacuations in a Cal Fire-designated high or very high fire hazard area.

One resident said the neighborhood had recently begun a Firewise planning effort and needed to prioritize evacuation planning before expanding access to the trail. Another cited a Native American Heritage Commission letter identifying potential cultural resources within the project area.

Novato city staff said they had already begun reviewing the environmental document and was preparing comments focused on city concerns, including police and fire access and impacts to local streets.

At the council's direction, those comments will be incorporated into a single letter from the city.

The council voted 4-0, with Councilmember Sandeep Karkal absent, to request the extension and continue reviewing the project even if the county declines to extend the comment period.

Councilmember Tim O'Connor said it was important for the city to submit its concerns as quickly as possible, regardless of the county's decision.