Upcoming Meeting, Special Events & Field Trip Dates
Sign up for Meeting notices: espwildfires@gmail.com
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Upcoming Meeting Dates through December 2026
September 30, 6:00pm College of Marin
2-4 pm, Second Tuesday of the Month
November 13
December 8
Ecologically Sound Practices Meeting
Dear Friends:
We are meeting Tuesday, October 13, 2026 at 2 p.m. for about an hour. We have switched to a zoom account with enhanced security in a webinar format, Please be sure to register in advance, if possible.
Topic: Ecologically Sound Practices Meeting
Join from PC, Mac, iPad, or Android:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83016174801?pwd=VF8U4t1D45a0M7AtbUCcJZCj4QAScC.1
Passcode:328383
This meeting is a follow-up to the September 30 "Super El Nino" event hosted by the MCCMC. It was a huge success but too many of you were not able to access the zoom which had reached capacity early on in the evening.
The purpose of this meeting is to provide an overview of that event with those presenters who are available:.Vice Mayor Gabe Paulson, CO Marin Wildfire, Mark Brown and ESP Chair and MCL Board member, Belle Cole.
It is also to give serious consideration to what we can do to assist in preparing for the severity of the disaster we might well be facing this Winter and Spring, both as homeowners and as professionals with exceptional knowledge of Marin's environment...
Here is the link to Daniel.Swain's presentation https://www.mccmc.org/meetings/ .You can access it as well from MCCMC on YouTube. We now also have the meeting transcript.
Daniel Swain’s latest prediction on Weather West doesn't let up: “I've never seen such high predictive confidence in a very wet California winter. This is a truly extraordinary forecast amid a record-strength El Niño event,”https://x.com/Weather_West/status/2107560801359774111
Here is the Agenda for Tuesday.
I. Welcome and Introductions- Belle
II. Overview of Super El Nino event
- Highlights of Daniel Swain's presentation: Vice Mayor Gabe Paulson (chair of MCCMC)
- Panel discussion on Marin Impacts: Emergency Management preparations, wildfire outlook (Mark Brown) environment/climate issues (Belle Cole)
- Proposal for local action of neighbors drawing on ESP and Firewise experience (Jim Kasper)
- Q&A
III.. Climate Town Hall event on October 21 with special guest, Congressman Jared Huffman. Starts at 4:30 pm. Register and find out the big picture and details.
HTTPS://ACTONCLIMATE.NOW/SANRAFAEL
Best wishes,
Belle and Core Team
Dr. Daniel Swain at the College of Marin
Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/5437631066?omn=85970032716
Dear Friends:
We are meeting Wednesday, September 30, 2026 at College of Marin’s Kentfield Campus in the new Center for Student Success at 6pm for a presentation and conversation about the 2026 El Nino. Dr. Daniel Swain, a distinguished weather and climate scientist, will be presenting the facts and the context. According to Dr. Swain:
“El Niño continues full steam ahead; most likely the outcome is now a very strong (i.e., “Super El Niño”) event peaking in autumn/winter, with growing CA impacts starting mid-late summer”.
Dr. Swain told us recently that there could be some significant near-term implications for Marin specifically (not just from inland/freshwater flood risk from heavy rainfall, but perhaps especially coastal/bayside flooding that could be of long-duration and potentially exceed historic water levels along key transportation corridors (101, 37, etc.) due to substantial elevation of local sea level atop long-term trends.
Hosting with ESP are:
Marin Wildfire Prevention Authority (Marin Wildfire)
Marin Conservation League (MCL)
Marin County Council of Mayors and Councilmembers (MCCMC).
MCCMC’s chair, Gabe Paulson, is forming a Panel, including Dr. Swain, and others from the hosting organizations and County Emergency Management to provide a conversation about what we in Marin County can expect and be prepared to do. As questions come to mind, please email them to us. The Panel will facilitate Q&A.
You are encouraged to come in person to this event hosted by MCCMC taking place during their monthly meeting in Kentfield on the campus of the College of Marin, starting at 6 pm. The meeting is hybrid and we will get back to you soon with more details and logistics. Please RSVP to this invitation. espwildfires@gmail.com
Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/5437631066?omn=85970032716
ESP July Forum
Next ESP Forum- July 14, 2026, 2-4 pm
Frontiers of Fire Training Program- 2026 Report
zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82848331995?pwd=abLDBEs0CbQNbHnpCLl82KhWjWlytS.1
Dear Friends:
Join us at the Frontiers of Fire Training Program event, celebrating completion of the Fire Foundry/ ESP program’s fourth year. Those presenting include current instructors, managers and a recruit who will convey the content and spirit of this ecologically sound inspired 2 month program. Learn and consider participating in future programs. Presenters: Natalie, Mimi, Belle, Tanya and Josh.
Amazing, this year more than 25 speakers taught over 14 sessions. We had classroom presentations and field trips ranging from UC Berkeley to Point Reyes with most classes at College of Marin, Indian Valley Campus. We covered 5 units of material (classroom and in the field) focusing on ecologically sound practices, technological innovation, and sustainable wage careers in fire and elsewhere. (See Frontiers of Fire invitation below) The slides and presenters tell all.
PLEASE RSVP, if you can: mail to: espwildfires@gmail.com
ESP June Steering Committee Meeting
Dear Friends:
We are meeting Tuesday, June 23 at noon.
Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82969042006?pwd=dJt7p5HXakaOYAgh8Ywe9Abx6RxJm2.1
Please let me know that you are attending.
Agenda
1. Welcome and Highlights
2. Overview of ESP Presentations, 2025-26- Summary of ESP Forums and Field Trips (See espmarin,org), most recent posted on-line next week)
3. Review of Activities in 2026, suggested changes
4. Administration and expense - website, materials and occasional expenses (request for renewal)
5. Interaction with Marin Wildfire Board of Directors
6. Thinking ahead: type of support needed
Consider organizing a survey of membership to update original spreadsheet (distribution and assessment)
Providing assistance to Marin Wildfire in their preparation for renewal (what ESP could beneficially contribute)
Spreading the word to others (counties) about forming their own ESP (see presentation of Crealock,Dandrum and Cole from Contra Costa RCD)
Consider ESP response to findings and recommendations of Marin Biomass Study
Applaud good relations among wildfire prevention organizations and people (tribute and roof party for Belle in May)
Please let me know of other issues you would like included.
Best wishes,
Belle
415-847-8479
June 2026 ESP Committee Meeting
PRESENTATION: Fire Safe Marin: Roots, Relationships and Resilience
BRIEF SUMMARY OF JUNE 9, 2026 PRESENTATION and link to slides
See video above for recording of event.
Over 80 people joined, from a variety of locations.. The presentation, a huge success, by Chief Bill Tyler, covered the history and current role of Fire Safe Marin, as the education and outreach arm of Marin Wildfire. Stuart Tanenberg, the Firewise Community Liaison, discussed firewise communities informing us that there are 93 in Marin County! Kathleen Cutter (Ember Ready, Marin Wildfire) talked about how her work with Firesafe Marin, Marin Master Gardeners and ESP came together through projects such as Ember Stomp.
__________________________________________________________________
Join us for our upcoming Forum on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, from 2:00 to 4:00 PM.
zoom link ;https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87412463803?pwd=exnrmIf2QMTDvOkyNmGzn4DgHh5Os3.1
The presentation will cover the history and current role of Fire Safe Marinas the education and research arm of Marin Wildfire and will be delivered by ChiefBill Tyler, Executive Director of Fire Safe Marin. Stuart Tanenberg, the Firewise Community Liaison, will discuss the importance of individual homeowner responsibility and the philosophy of "neighbor helping neighbor".
We see this occasion as an excellent opportunity for ESP members and other participants to align their expertise with Fire Safe Marin’s initiatives. Some will be joining us to talk about their experience, including Kathleen Cutter (Ember Ready, Marin Wildfire) who has been active with Marin Master Gardeners, Firesafe Marin as well as ESP. Join us and chime in if you want. (See attached Agenda).
Fire Safe Marin (FSM) is the oldest Fire Council in CA and probably in the US! You will learn about the FSM goal of preparing yourself and home from wildfire sustainably and the latest on how to evacuate, harden your home, create a fire smart yard, home insurance, defensible space, becoming Ember ready. home inspections, and yes, resources available. Enter your questions in the Chat when you get on-line and bring them up during Q&A. Read the latest research on unprecedented costs from LA fires and then realize how fortunate we are to have Fire Safe Marin preparing us against such devastating urban conflagrations. (https://x.com/marinij/status/2062597188820107456),
Please RSVP.
Belle Cole
Chair, ESP Partnership
May ESP Committee Meeting
ESP Forum, May 12, 2026, 2-4 pm
Dear Friends:
CWPP presentation includes Mark Brown, Anne Crealock and Jacob Dadmun
We are reminding you of the ESP Partnership Forum, Tuesday, May 12, 2-4 pm.
Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81224168578?pwd=VSmBUTJSaLe3210UF3P6HSSLuZHjbS.1
Presentation: Summary of 2026 Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP) by MWPA staff- Mark Brown, Anne Crealock and Jacob Dadmun.
CWPP is Marin County’s roadmap for reducing wildfire risk. It identifies where risk is highest and which actions can do the most to protect people, homes, and critical infrastructure. It provides a shared strategy to help agencies and communities work together to build a safer, more wildfire-adapted Marin. Questions presenters ask: Why does CWPP matter? What does risk look like in Marin? What should environmental and climate communities know about the 2026 CWPP?
To learn more about CWPP, please visit the CWPP webpage. We remind you that MWPA has been seeking public comment and the end date is close. Email comments to cwpp@marinwildfire.org through May 17. We look forward to your questions at the meeting.
Let us take full advantage of all the activity and impressive work around CWPP to crystallize for us at ESP the environmental and climate consequences of these efforts. Join us and find out what the excitement is about. Please RSVP, and, friends, make an effort to participate.
Next meeting, June 9, 2026
June 9- 2-4 pm
link:https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87412463803?pwd=exnrmIf2QMTDvOkyNmGzn4DgHh5Os3.1
Firesafe Marin history and new directions - presented by Bill Tyler, Executive Director of Fire Safe Marin
See attached flyer from our colleague and longstanding core ESP member, Tanya Baxter, titled, "Decode Marin Native Grasses." Tanya is a local botanist and ecologist in Marin County and is offering a course described in the flyer. If any of you have projects you are working on that would be of interest to our ESP Partnership, please get back to us. We can consider including in future ESP mailings.
Belle and Core Team
415-847-8479
April ESP Committee Meeting
ESP forum April 14, 2026, 2-4 pm
zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83975786290?pwd=WAVSvg7zKgVaczmreh9ByPZBbyMJIr.1
Celebration of 100 Year Anniversary, College of Marin, Professor Paul da Silva
The Evolution of Soundness: Ecology in the College and the County, 1926-2026
Let us honor the achievements of the College of Marin from the perspective of a dedicated and distinguished professor and member of the College's Board of Trustees. A rare opportunity.
“Ecology” was not in the vocabulary of most people one hundred years ago. To a great extent, it became widely known in Marin due to the activities of faculty and students at the College of Marin. The first part of this presentation will summarize some of their contributions over the last century, while the second part will review current efforts to make COM’s two campuses models of ecologically sound practice.
Agenda-April 14, 2026
Ecologically Sound Practices Partnership, 2-4 pm
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83975786290?pwd=WAVSvg7zKgVaczmreh9ByPZBbyMJIr.1
I. Welcome and ESP News, Belle Cole, 2:00 to 2:10 pm
II. MWPA Update , Anne Crealock, 2:10- to 2:25 pm
III. Introduction of Professor, Paul da Silva, 2:25- 2:35
April 24 Field visit San Rafael Hill Fuel Reduction Project, 10 to noon.
The Marin Wildfire Prevention Authority, the City of San Rafael Fire Department, and the Ecologically Sound Practices Partnership invite you to a field visit of the San Rafael Hill Fuel Reduction Project on April 24 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
This project focuses on the removal of invasive, unhealthy, and dead vegetation to reduce wildfire risk near homes. Participants will be able to talk to fire professionals and land managers about the impact of consistent risk reduction work over multiple years, ask questions about fire history on the hill and the role of fuel breaks, and learn about future expansions of the project, the strategies and tactics used to carry out the current work, and the plan for safe pile burning of debris.
To learn more about the field visit and receive the meeting location, please RSVP here.
Please let us know if you have any questions.
Belle and Core Team
415-847-8479
ESP Committee Meeting
The next ESP Forum will be March 10, 2026, 2-4 pm
Here is zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89569162607?pwd=n5NZqqtMrgRVYrYJYimuQJWNPgjZEi.1
We are pleased to send along information about our events in January, 2026.
January 13- Prescribed Burns
ESP hosted a panel discussion, facilitated by Marin Wildfire, focused on prescribed fire from the perspective of leading experts in Marin County.. They shared updates on active projects, outreach and community engagement strategies, monitoring and research efforts, and cross-agency collaboration. The discussion emphasized the need to expand prescribed fire capacity, improve public communication, and make project data and resources more accessible to the public.
Panelists brought expertise spanning planning, implementation, monitoring, and communication of prescribed fire projects in Marin County.
Jacob Dadman: Marin Wildfire, Vegetation Management Specialist. Extensive experience leading fuel-reduction and wildfire-monitoring projects across Marin County. Jacob facilitated the Panel's discussion starting out defining prescribed fire and community fire.
Preston Duncan: GIS and Monitoring Manager, Marin Resource Conservation District (RCD). Supports natural resource conservation work and assists private land managers with prescribed fire implementation.
Lee Farese: Range Ecologist, Marin RCD. Specializes in rangeland ecology, ecological restoration, and the use of fire as a land-management tool.
Carl Sander:, Natural Resources Program Manager, Marin Water. Specializes in planning, compliance, and management of vegetation treatment and prescribed fire projects across district lands.
Jordan Reeser: Battalion Chief, Marin County Fire Department. Leads countywide prescribed fire implementation and project development, with more than 30 years of experience across multiple agencies.
Kate Anderson: Wildfire Program Manager, San Rafael Fire Department. Focuses on public outreach, community notifications, and project management for prescribed burns in urban-adjacent areas.
Naftali Moed: Wildfire and Forest Resilience Lead, California State Parks (Bay Area). Specializes in fire effects, monitoring, and long-term land management using prescribed fire.
Here is the link to the Presentation: https://youtu.be/5sWtd5uM5V4. Covered too is the exchange between Mark Brown and Belle Cole on the longstanding partnership between MWPA and the ESP Partnership (7 years) forged at the time of Measure C and the joint drafting of the ESP Practices. Mark told of a group in the East Bay interested in replicating our ESP model, exciting news. You ill find Anne Crealock's marvelous 'all in one graphic' on "Implementing the current Annual Work Plan". Once again thank you, panelists. We will be drawing on your observations and the discussion for future sessions. Julie McMlllan suggested that this exchange be conveyed to the MWPA Board. See attached list of references from Danny Franco.
January 16, 2026 Inverness Sea Haven Project Field Trip
Walking tour, many local residents were present, it was a beautiful day and location.. Parking was tight. Hosts- MWPA, IPUP, ESP and Sequoia- led the tour providing commentary,and valuable educational materials. We learned too about contractor training, biological surveys, and observed what vegetation got left behind and what got removed. MWPA is planning several Field Trips this Spring. We will get this information to you as soon as it is firm as well as details on future forums. Looks like an exciting year ahead. Eager to share our news.
Best wishes,
Belle and Core Team
Marin County Prescribed Burning
Dear Friends:
We are meeting Tuesday, January 13, 2026 from 2-4 pm.
Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86745680662?pwd=V66ZSak1WQRKg1KQIYi8nlahxbafgY.1
Presentation- Ecologically Sound Practices Partnership Panel on Prescribed Fire in Marin (Meeting Agenda attached)
"Prescribed fire offers many ecological and wildfire risk reduction benefits", stated Dr. Daniel Swain (12.09.25). Others have observed that It can create diverse habitats for various plants and animals by removing dense vegetation and promoting new growth. Prescribed burning is beneficial for ecological restoration, habitat improvement, invasive species control, limiting wildfire damage and cost efficiency. But there are barriers to implementation. issues of safety, permitting, cost and smoke. The Panel will address these and other issues and answer questions including this one: how much progress have we made since our ESP discussion in 2021? The Panel organized itself in a way that is grounded in experience and on-going collaboration.
Panel Participants and Presentation
Jacob Dadmun: Prescribed fire definitions and burn objectives (MWPA)
Carl Sanders: Site selection/permitting (Marin Water)
Kate Anderson: Public education and outreach (San Rafael Fire Department)
Jordan Reeser: Burn operations and unit preparation (Marin County Fire Department)
Naftali Moed: Fire effects monitoring and retreatment (California State Parks)
January 16, 2026- Field Trip to Inverness, 10 am.
Thank you to everyone who registered. This field trip is FULL. Looking forward to seeing those coming on January 16!
The purpose of the trip is to see parts of the Coastal Fuel Reduction Network Project whose purpose is to reduce the wildfire rate of spread and intensity around and within coastal communities. To learn more about the Project here is Link to project webpage.
Dr. Daniel Swain: Weather whiplash in CA
DECEMBER 9
We are delighted to announce our final ESP Forum of the year.
Tuesday, December 9, from 2 to 4 pm, a zoom meeting.
Register: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZwoduysrDMsGt16JMYC3r6_mA1R0EYqLgKn.
Dr. Daniel Swain "Hydroclimate Whiplash in California"
Daniel L. Swain, PhD, Climate Scientist, California Institute for Water Resources, University of California Agriculture & Natural Resources and Weather Extremes Across Scales, NSF National Center for Atmospheric Research.
This is a joint meeting with the Climate Action Working Group of the Marin Conservation League (MCL) and the ESP Partnership, together with Marin Wildfire.
Dr. Swain, our distinguished guest and friend, focuses in his presentation on hydrocarbon whiplash in CA and rapid swings between weather extremes, meeting decarbonization goals and learning what is involved in communicating, as he does so masterfully, about science and climate change to the broader public. He will answer our questions and discuss with Mark Brown, the latest challenges to Marin County.
Next ESP Forum, Tuesday, January 13, 2026, 2-4 pm. Prescribed Burning in Marin County. More on this event later. Invite Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86745680662?pwd=V66ZSak1WQRKg1KQIYiSlide Deck
The November 19 presentation on the Marin Biomass Project- Better Biomass Pathways, presented by Chad White (Project Manager) is available. If you are interested, please let us know and we will share a copy with you. Count on more information on the meeting and the Project soon.
Here is copy of the slidedeck .
Briefing on the Marin Biomass Project
NOVEMBER 11
Presentation: Briefing on the Marin Biomass Project. Chad White, Project Manager and Belle Cole, assisted by other members of the Marin Biomass Steering Committee.
Mill Valley Field Trip
FIELD TRIP October 29
GMVFP (Greater Mill Valley Field Trip) TUESDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2025, 2:00-4:00 pm
Dear Friends;
Thanks to speakers and all of you who joined us on October 14 for the ESP Partnership Forum. Tanya Baxter and Richard Arnold's presentation on the Silverspot butterfly and host plants provided a thorough and deeply interesting account of an endangered species over time and at present. Mark Brown and Jacob Dadmun described and analyzed the History of Fire Suppression in Marin and how it's changhed local ecosystems. .A lnk is provided below to the recording which is rich in detail and complexity raising interesting policy issues and yes,suggestions of citizen science data projects.
Here is the information about the October 29 Field Trip from Anne Crealock. .:
Greater Mill Valley Fuel Break Project Field Trip RSVP - Oct 29th, 2-4pm
"The Marin Wildfire Prevention Authority, the Southern Marin Fire District, Marin County Parks, and Ecologically Sound Practices Partnership invite you to a field visit of the Greater Mill Valley Fuel Break Project. This project prioritizes removal of invasive, unhealthy, and dead vegetation to reduce wildfire risk near homes. More info about this project can be found HERE.
Date: Wednesday, October 29
Time: 2-4pm
Location: Corte Madera (meeting location will be emailed to those who RSVP)
RSVP Required: To RSVP, please fill out the information at the link below by 5pm Monday, October 27.
Additional Details:
This field trip will take place in Corte Madera (meeting location provided upon RSVP).
Participants will take a short ride in a van from the meeting location to the field trip site so please arrive on time!
Please note that this event will involve walking approximately 1/2 mile on a flat to gently sloped dirt fire road.
If you have any accessibility needs, please contact prevention@smfd.org at least 48 hours in advance.
Rain cancels this event.
Questions? Contact acrealock@marinwildfire.org or jdadmun@marinwildfire.org
Reminder of November and December ESP Events
Wednesday, November 19, 10 am to noon. Presentation:on
the Marin Biomass Project led by Chad White, Project Manager, with
Belle Cole and other members of the Marin Biomass Steering Committee.
This is a joint meeting of ESP and the Climate Action Working Group
(CAWG) of the Marin Conservation League (MCL). More later on this event.
Tuesday, December 9, 2-4 pm Presentation by Dr. Daniel Swain on
weather whiplash, meeting decarbonization goals and communicating
about climate to the public.
Daniel L. Swain, PhD, Climate Scientist, California Institute for Water Resources, University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources (ANR),
Research Partner and Weather Extremes Across Scales NSF National Center for Atmospheric Research.
See you on October 29.
Belle and Core Team
415-847-8479
Myrtle Silverspot butterfly and host plants & History of Fire Suppression in Marin
Dear Friends:
ESP MEETING, OCTOBER 14, 2025, 2-4 PM
We are pleased to remind you of our meeting Tuesday, October 14 from 2:00 -4:00 pm
zoom link: .https://us02webhttps://us02web.zoom.us/j/87220247348?pwd=j4mPPpmaNnOZbJvaVR3mzqzKqzsUve.1 dd
We have rescheduled our Panel on prescribed burning to January 13, 2026 , 2-4 pm. Mark your calendars.
Instead we welcome these presentations:
Myrtle Silverspot butterfly and host plants, presented by Tanya Baxter and Richard Arnold
Marin is geographically and biologically diverse and hosts over 33 federally and endangered wildlife. Richard Arnold phD and Tanya Baxter (see baxterbotanical) will talk about the biology of the Myrtle Silverspot butterfly, Speyeria zerene myrtleae. A rarely seen federally listed blue butterfly that lives in West Marin with a life-cyle tied to one plant species, the Western dog violet. Learn of the beautiful intricacies and how to detect its host plant in coastal scrub and prairie within the wildland urban interface.
History of Fire Suppression in Marin and how it's changed local ecosystems, presented by Mark Brown. Look for a detailed meeting agenda shortly.
ESP Upcoming August Event
Dear Friends:
REMINDER- ESP Meeting, Tuesday, August 12, 2025, 2-4 pm
Presentation: The San Rafael - San Anselmo Fuel Reduction Zone Project
zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89000738183?pwd=kV4QibRzvnMvOhbJjna45NLG4iaaBV.
Presenter: Kate Anderson, Wildfire Prevention Program Manager, San Rafael Fire Department, assisted by Jacob Dadmun, Vegetation Management Specialist, MWPA. We will learn about current plans, progress, what went especially well over the years, obstacles, remaining challenges including thoughts about biomass disposition.
The project removes plants that can easily catch and spread fire, such as Broom and smaller Eucalyptus. This will help protect homes and lives from wildfires. The project will also help restore the forest so that native plants and animals can thrive and support a natural woodland area that is less prone to fires.
This project has been a multi-year collaborative planning effort between the San Rafael Fire Department, Marin Wildfire Prevention Authority, Marin County Parks, Town of San Anselmo, Cedars of Marin, and Tamalpais Cemetery. Agenda is attached.
MWPA- Anne Crealock
The Marin Wildfire Prevention Authority (Marin Wildfire) is pleased to announce the 6-week period of public availability for the Draft Marin County Forest Health and Fire Resilience Public Works Plan (PWP), which began July 18, 2025 and ends August 29, 2025.
Please refer to the Draft PWP website for a digital copy of the Draft PWP, hardcopy locations of the Draft PWP, as well as additional details.
Coastal Zone Public Meeting: August 5, 2025
Marin Wildfire also invites you to attend an in-person public hearing in the Coastal zone on the Draft PWP from 5:00pm to 7:00pm at:Dance Palace Community & Cultural Center Carol J. Friedman, Main Hall , 503 B Street Point Reyes Station, CA 94956
Agenda for the Public Hearing: 5:00 pm to 5:30 pm: Welcome and open house
5:30 pm to 6:00 pm: Presentation on the PW
6:00 pm to 7:00 pm: Public comment period
Questions or Comments
Questions and comments regarding the Draft Marin County Forest Health and Fire Resilience PWP can be directed to:
MarinWildfire-PWP@panoramaenv.com
SEPTEMBER
ESP Meeting, September 8, CANCELLED
September 6- Ember Stomp- Encourage attendance and assistance at ESP booth
INFO ON FIRE FOUNDRY- ESP PRESENTATION
Here is the zoom recording of Tuesday's ESP meeting (6.24.25), Frontiers of Fire Presentation.
Here too is link to the Presentation slide deck:
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1IcXBe5MpxgWMksnS7Wt_fM2pLGLRsFNvlq5OC3umBwA/edit?usp=sharing
*To be Rescheduled* The San Rafael - San Anselmo Fuel Reduction Zone Project Update
Sorry, due to a scheduling issue for Kate, this event will be rescheduled for another time.
June 10, 2025 2-4 pm
Ecologically Sound Practices Partnership
Presentation: The San Rafael - San Anselmo Fuel Reduction Zone Project. Presenter: Kate Anderson, Wildfire Prevention Program Manager, San Rafael Fire Department. We will learn about current plans. progress, what went especially well over the years, obstacles, remaining challenges including thoughts about biomass disposition.
Background
The San Rafael - San Anselmo Fuel Reduction Zone Project (formerly called the Ridgewood Shaded Fuel Break Project) is a joint project of the San Rafael and Central Marin Member Agencies and includes collaboration among several partners, including San Rafael Fire, Ross Valley Fire, Town of San Anselmo, Marin County Parks, the Tamalpais Cemetery, and others.
The proposed project includes environmental compliance, planning, outreach, and the first phase of implementation of a fuel reduction zone between San Rafael and multiple Central Marin communities. Project activities of this multi-year project were phased and included thinning of nonnative invasive eucalyptus trees and restoration with native species with the purpose of reducing wildfire risk and intensity in a strategically important location.
We appreciate it if you could please RSVP.
espwildfires@gmail.com
MWPA: Updates, Biodiversity, & Golden Gate Biosphere Climate Adaptation Work
Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84590308543?pwd=UagFT8JirYgQOfjXsxO9KEqy0FNaCQ.1
This meeting is in two parts:
2:00 -3:00 pm
ESP news: Belle Cole
MWPA: Updates Mark Brown and Anne Crealock
Presentation: Paul Da Silva- Reducing Threats to Biodiversity followed by Q&A
3:00-4:00 pm
Presentation: Daniel Franco
Sharing information on the Golden Gate Biosphere Climate ABdaptation work, followed by Q&A
Here is link to the Report: Climate Change — Golden Gate Biosphere Network (GGBN)
We want to thank our speakers, Mark Brown and Adam Cole, for their excellent presentations at our April 8 event-Wildfire Preparedness and Insurance: Navigating Risks – Mitigation, the Legal Backdrop, Challenges and Possible Ways Forward. Notes will be available shortly. Please get back if you would like a copy of the speakers' slide decks.
Crisis in California: Wildfires, Insurance and the Role of Mitigation (Home Protection)
We want to thank our speakers, Mark Brown and Adam Cole, for their excellent presentations at our April 8 event-Wildfire Preparedness and Insurance: Navigating Risks – Mitigation, the Legal Backdrop, Challenges and Possible Ways Forward. Notes will be available shortly. Please get back if you would like a copy of the speakers' slide decks.
We look forward to our timely meeting on Tuesday, April 8, 2025. We are pleased to announce that this meeting will be a joint one between us (ESP) and the Climate Action Working Group (CAWG) of the Marin Conservation League (MCL). It is virtual and will be hosted by CAWG. They require registration so please follow their instructions. Your registration approval will include zoom link. Register for Meeting
Wildfire Preparedness and Insurance: Navigating Risks – Mitigation, the Legal Backdrop, Challenges and Possible Ways Forward
Speakers:
Mark Brown, Executive Officer of the Marin Wildfire Protection Agency, will talk about the primary risks to our homes, how we and fire professionals can assess that risk at the parcel risk and community level risk and the mitigation efforts that we need to undertake. Much of Marin Wildfire’s mitigation efforts are not new, but the pace and scale of their efforts exceed most other communities. Mark believes that by guiding and measuring MWPA mitigation efforts through science and data at a new level they are helping to create a sustainable insurance environment. Mark will answer questions about impending new legal requirements relating to Zero to Five feet.
Adam Cole, attorney and former General Counsel of the California Department of Insurance, will speak about the current legal backdrop in California related to homeowner’s insurance. What is the current availability and pricing of insurance in the face of wildfires? What does the “Sustainable Insurance Strategy” being rolled out by Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara and how does it seek to improve insurance availability and affordability? Are insurers doing enough to acknowledge mitigation? Can they be forced to do more?
AGENDA- ESP Partnership and Climate Action Working Group
April 8, 2025, 2-4 P.M.
I. Welcome and Introductions- Belle and Robert Miller, 5 minutes each
II. ESP Partnership Report- Belle, 5 minutes
III. CAWG Report- Ken Strong, 5 minutes
IV. MWPA Developments- Mark Brown and Anne Crealock-10 minutes
V. Presentation and Q&A- 1 hour plus
Combating wildfire in urban areas: Lessons learned from LA fires- enforcing House Out "Zone Zero Strategy"
Zoom Link https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88147277117?pwd=bceXJOYnMItb4ij8YxZHPmPb01YKDG.1
Speaker: Todd Lando, Hazard Mitigation Specialist, Central Marin Fire Department, President Executive Committee of Fire Safe Marin
Todd will explain what is involved in building and advocating for a “Zone Zero” Strategy that creates a completely clear and ember-resistant area within the first 5 feet around a structure to prevent wildfire spread by eliminating combustible materials directly adjacent to a home. The intent is to mitigate the risk of conflagration in urban areas like what occurred during the Palisades and Eaton firestorms in LA.
- Why is building a Zone Zero plan in Marin vital for wildfire protection?
- What will it take to implement?
- What can we expect from state rule- making under Governor Newsom's Executive Order?
- What will it mean for firefighters? Homeowners? The public?
- How have Marin's home inspection program and its Defensible Space/Home hardening investments laid the groundwork for a Zone Zero local ordinance?
Agenda will be posted prior to meeting.
ESP Partnership Meeting
Report and analysis from Paul da Silva about the proceedings and outcomes of the COP 16 International Biodiversity Conference in Cali, Colombia where he was an invited participant.
Zoom
link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84835926995?pwd=DC6g6K5mRKCa5hFbXHbYKV6g6HzlIt.1
Ring Mountain Field Trip
Please join the
Marin Wildfire Prevention Authority, the Southern Marin Fire District, Marin County Parks, and the Ecologically Sound Practices Partnership on January 17, 10am-noon for a field trip to view the Ring Mountain Fuel Break. This site visit will include a short walk to see more of the great work funded by Measure C!
Details
Project: Ring Mountain Fuel Break
Date/Time: January 17, 10am-noon
Meeting Location: 6-16 Indian Rock Ct, Tiburon (Please carpool as parking is limited)
Google Map Link: Click Here
Project Webpage: Click Here
Measure C Project Webmap: Click Here
Other info: Please wear layers and footwear appropriate for walking on uneven terrain. This event will either be live streamed or recorded for future viewing. Rain cancels.
RSVPs to: acrealock@marinwildfire.org
ESP Partnership meeting: Marin Wildfire Project Data Collection and Monitoring
Anne Crealock, Marin Wildfire Planning and Program Manager, and Jacob Dadmun, Marin Wildfire Vegetation Management Specialist will present on Marin Wildfire's new data collection and monitoring program, which tracks all core Measure C-funded vegetation management projects throughout the county. There will be an overview of how the system works, what data are collected, and how the tool will improve the effectiveness and efficiency of treatments, and create new opportunities for adaptive management
zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85075275270?pwd=Zzjx8RnaGa64sGScrnIJPcUhWSh
ESP Partnership meeting: Marin Master Gardeners- Adapting your garden to climate change and wildfire risk
Join us for presentations from UC Marin Master Gardeners- Kathy Hunting & Kathleen Cutter, a Senior Wildfire Mitigation Specialist with MWPA. UC Marin Master Gardeners are UC trained and certified volunteers providing research-based knowledge on sustainable landscape practices, pest management, and home horticulture to gardeners in Marin county.
zoomlink: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82986393401?pwd=TWKA0FhQNmqGCJa1Wmrgen5K3TKbKD.1
ESP Partnership meeting: Addressing the wildfire crisis.
Please join us at the ESP Partnership meeting: Wednesday, November 13, 2-4 pm
Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/829863934I.
Our presenters, Mark Brown, Bruce Goines and Todd Lando will have attended The Red Sky Summit in San Francisco the day before our meeting and will be reporting on what they learned about developing and scaling innovative technology-based solutions to the wildfire crisis. A unique opportunity for us.
Upcoming field trip and meetings:
· December 6, 10 to noon, Southern Marin Ring Mountain Field trip (not confirmed)
· December 10, 2-4 pm. Marin Master Gardeners- Adapting your garden to climate change and wildfire risk- presentations from Kathy Hunting & Kathleen Cutter. UC Marin Master Gardeners are UC trained and certified volunteers who provide research-based knowledge on sustainable landscape practices, pest management, and home horticulture to gardeners in Marin county.
· January 14, 2025, 2-4 pm. Marin Wildfire Project Data Collection and Monitoring, Anne Crealock, Marin Wildfire Planning and Program Manager, and Jacob Dadmun, Marin Wildfire Vegetation Management Specialist will present on Marin Wildfire's new data collection and monitoring program, which tracks all core Measure C-funded vegetation management projects throughout the county. There will be an overview of how the system works, what data are collected, and how the tool will improve the effectiveness and efficiency of treatments, and create new opportunities for adaptive management
Please RSVP if you can.
Belle and Core Team
415-847-8479
415-482-6627
ESP: Marin Biomass Project: Our Progress So Far
We are meeting Tuesday, October 8 from 2-4 p.m. on zoom. Here is link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84729756894?pwd=4iZ6eK4tKuteWlURDBRSOM7uazwFYG.1
If you have any difficulty accessing the link, please call the phone number below.
There will be a presentation on the “Marin Biomass Project: Our Progress So Far” by Chad White, Project Manager and Belle Cole, Chair, Biomass Steering Committee. Other ESP members who also are members of the Biomass Steering Committee, will be present and contributing.
The Marin Biomass Project was developed to identify positive ways for Marin to use biomass flows from wildfire prevention. Two years ago this project secured a grant from the Governor’s Office of Planning and Research to carry out a Biomass Utilization Study (Study). The goal of this Study is to make recommendations that can catalyze Marin’s sustainable development of a new circular bio-economy that not only drives down greenhouse gas emissions, but also supports regenerative agricultural practices and a more regenerative economy.
AGENDA
ESP partnership Meeting, October 8, 2024. 2-4 pm
I. Welcome and Introductions, Belle, 5 minutes
II. Latest with ESP, Belle, 5 minutes
III. MWPA Updates and Announcements, Anne Crealock, 10 minutes
IV. Firesafe Marin- Results from Ember Stomp, 5-10 minutes
V. Presentation and Q&A: Marin Biomass Project: Our Progress So Far
1 hour and 20 minutes
Chad White and Belle Cole will present slides and invite discussion covering the Marin Biomass Project’s purpose, approach (principles) and observations so far about biomass flows and promising utilization pathways, followed by consideration of next steps. They invite questions to the chat and direct participation. For information on the
Marin Biomass Project see:
https://www.marinrcd.org/programs/home2/marinbiomassproject
VI. Next meetings and Field Trips
Tuesday, October 22,10 am. Site visit to the Greater Novato Shaded Fuel Break Project (GNSFB). This will be a brief (1 hr) site visit to see how this project is progressing and learn about the use of pile burning. For more information, visit the project webpage.
Wednesday, November 13, 2- 4 pm, Innovative High Tech and fire prevention- reflections from Marin fire professionals on the Red Sky Summit, 2024 presentations and high tech demos, Mark Brown, Bruce Goines and other Marin attendees.
December 10, 2-4 pm. Marin Master Gardeners- Adapting Your Garden to
Climate Change and Wildfire Risk- presentations from Kathy Hunting and Kathleen Cutter. UC Marin Master Gardeners are UC trained and certified volunteers who provide research-based knowledge on sustainable landscape practices, pest management, and home horticulture to gardeners in Marin county.
January 14, 2025, 2-4 pm. Marin Wildfire Project Data Collection and
Monitoring, Anne Crealock, Marin Wildfire Planning and Program Manager, and Jacob Dadmun, Marin Wildfire Vegetation Management Specialist will present on Marin Wildfire’s new data collection and monitoring program, which tracks all core Measure C-funded vegetation management projects throughout the county. There will be an overview of how the system works, what data are collected, and how the tool will improve the effectiveness and efficiency of treatments, and create new opportunities for adaptive management.
ESP July 23 Meeting
Tuesday, July 23, 2-4 pm
Invite link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83466050033?pwd=w3YtahFFaw9qXPYJYriKLl7AnPN8m0.1
ESP, Fire Foundry "Frontiers of Fire" course: report on completion of second year of training.
Those presenting: Josh Dimon and Fire Foundry staff, recruits and ESP presenters. This year we had a total of 35 different speakers from various fields, around ~20 recruits in each session, and 14 individual sessions.
Following the meeting, we are hosting a celebration in appreciation of all who have made this possible at Belle Cole's home, 38 Oakdale Ave.,San Rafael, 94901 starting at 4:30 pm. We especially want to thank Louis Chow who staffed the complex 2024 effort and will be leaving us. You are all invited.
Best wishes,
Belle and Core Team
415-847-8479
415-482-6627 (cell)
Special ESP/MWPA July 2024 Event
Wednesday, July 10, from noon to 1:30 pm
Professor Daniel Swain, UCLA, presenting, along with Mark Brown, on Wildfires and Climate Change
Dear Friends:
We are delighted to remind you of this exciting and timely event. A few tips: doors open at noon, event begins at 12:15 pm. Parking is available in parking lot at 1600 Los Gamos Drive. Please register asap.
Dr. Daniel Swain, UCLA, is presenting, along with Mark Brown, on Wildfires and Climate Change in Northern California. Dr. Swain will be here in person. The meeting is taking place in MWPA chambers, 1600 Los Gamos Dr., suite 335, San Rafael. CA 94903. The meeting will also be broadcast via Zoom.
Daniel (popularly known as "Weather West") currently holds joint appointments as a climate scientist within UCLA’s Institute of the Environment and Sustainability and a research fellow in the Capacity Center for Climate and Weather Extremes at the National Center for Atmospheric Research. You can find him on Twitter/X, YouTube, and the Weather West blog.
Registration required (for both in-person and virtual attendance):
RECAP OF MAY 14 MEETING
Forest Health Restoration Best Practices Workshop
The Workshop addressed current conditions of Marin Forest lands and discussed best management practices available to restore health and resilience of our forest systems. We include here video of meeting, attachments including new document on the ESP Partnership).
The Panel was moderated by Bruce Goines..
Panel members were::
Danny Franco, Sr. Project Manager, One Tam/Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy “ Key findings from the Marin Regional Forest Health Strategy: summarizing the impact of fire exclusion, pathogens, and climate change on forest resilience across Marin County”.
Anne Crealock, MWPA Planning And Program Manager “Wildfire Prevention practices currently being employed by Marin's Joint Powers Authority to protect the built environment and reduce risks of catastrophic wildfire in Marin's Wildland Urban Interface.
Dr. Malcolm North, PSW Research, UC Davis “Best available science-based practices to reduce the risk of catastrophic fires and restore forest health”
Tori Norville, UC Cooperative Extension (UCCE) Fire Science Advisor servingSonoma, Napa and Marin Counties. “Going beyond the WUI – How Forest Management Practices and Disturbance Ecology Interact”
Best wishes,
Belle and Core Team
415-847-8479
415-482-6627 (cell)
ESP May 2024 Meeting
Tuesday, May 14, 1-3 pm
Forest Health Restoration Best Practices Workshop
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83307674511?pwd=T1gzM2l3b3pyWFlHZ2U2MUJkbUFIZz09
Workshop addresses current conditions of Marin Forest lands and discussion on best management practices available to restore health and resilience of our forest systems.
Panel: Danny Franco, Bruce Goines, Dr. Malcolm North, Tori Norvelle.
Danny Franco, Sr. Project Manager, One Tam/Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy “ Key findings from the Marin Regional Forest Health Strategy: summarizing the impact of fire exclusion, pathogens, and climate change on forest resilience across Marin County”. 1:10-1:30 pm.
Bruce Goines, MWPA Representative MWPA Dir “Wildfire Prevention practices currently being employed by Marin's Joint Powers Authority to protect the built environment and reduce risks of catastrophic wildfire in Marin's Wildland Urban Interface. 1:30- 1:45 p:m.
Dr. Malcolm North, PSW Research, UC Davis “Best available science-based practices to reduce the risk of catastrophic fires and restore forest health”, 1:45- 2:15 pm
Tori Norvelle, UC Cooperative Extension (UCCE) Fire Science Advisor serving Sonoma, Napa and Marin Counties. “Going beyond the WUI – How Forest Management Practices and Disturbance Ecology Interact”, 2:15- 2:45 pm.
Panel Discussion: 2:45 to 3 pm.
ESP April 2024 Meeting
ESP Partnership,meeting Tuesday, April 9 from 2-4 pm.
Zoom invite: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81319088841?pwd=RW9LWk5rZmhlamV1dHZyMWRxb1ZVUT09
We are pleased to announce two presentations.
Jacob Dadmun, Vegetation Management Specialist, MWPA will highlight major takeaways for land managers from the MWPA's recently published white paper on shaded fuel breaks..The white paper examines existing scientific literature on the efficacy and ecological benefits of shaded fuel breaks
Andrew Ludwig, Vegetation Program Manager•PG&Ewill talk about PG&E vegetation management practices.
ESP March 2024 Meeting
AGENDA
ESP Partnership Meeting, March 12, 2024
Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85474421063?pwd=aC84cEpPMjlQbFJUT0pUblVwMWVndz09
Welcome and Introductions, 10 minutes
ESP Overview , including future events, 5-10 minutes
Report from Anne Crealock on MWPA developments, 5-10 minutes
Presentation including Q&A, beginning at 2:30 pm for an hour plus
Mark Brown will present on "What made Maui fire so destructive and burning of Canada's northwest boreal forests”.
Mark will discuss:
how climate change has impacted fires globally
how climate change has changed the wildfire environment within boreal forests throughout the world
impacts climate change may have had during the Lahaina and other factors that had more of an influence in Lahaina
how this helps to inform our work towards becoming fire adapted in Marin County.
Brief Background on speaker, Mark Brown
Mark is the Executive Officer, Marin Wildfire Prevention Authority.
He started his career as a volunteer firefighter in 1986 in Sonoma County. He was hired by the Marin County Fire Department as a Firefighter/Paramedic in 1991 and retired as the Deputy Fire Chief after serving for nearly 30 years. Mark retired in order to assume the position as Executive Officer of MWPA, a joint powers agency charged with increasing the safety of Marin’s residents. through vegetation management projects, evacuation route clearing, evacuation system improvements, public education and defensible space evaluations.
Mark served on a CAL FIRE Incident Management Team for 15 years as a Type I Operations Section Chief and was qualified as a Type II Incident Commander. Chief Brown was a founding member of the North Bay Incident Management Team, a Type III All-Hazards IMT in the San Francisco Bay Area and was the Program Manager and one of the Incident Commanders.
