Lawson's Landing workshops and hearings scheduled

The Marin County Planning Commission is holding an informational workshop to review the proposed Lawson's Landing Master Plan. The workshop will be held on Tue., May 27, at 1 pm in Room 328 of the Marin County Civic Center.

Lawson's Landing, at the mouth of the Tomales Dunes, is the largest recreational-vehicle campground on the California coast. The dunes, the largest unprotected dune system in central California, are an extraordinary site, supporting at least 14 listed species and containing the richest collection of seasonal dune wetlands in central California. It is also one of the few dune systems in the state that still has a vital population of native dune grasses and some true mobile dunes - completely bare and constantly shifting.

Lawson's Landing has operated for decades without the required County and Coastal Commission permits. Camping, ranching, and until recently, quarrying, have taken a toll on the dunes and wetlands. Damaged wetlands, substandard septic systems, and the spread of invasive European beachgrass, are just three of the threats facing Tomales Dunes.

To bring the property into compliance with state and county laws, the owners are applying for permits from Marin County and the Coastal Commission. The permit process gives the public the opportunity to press for this extraordinary site to be given the environmental protections the law calls for.

In addition to the May 27 workshop, the Commission will hold several hearings (currently scheduled for Mon., June 23, and Mon., August 11) before making a recommendation to the county Board of Supervisors, which will make the final decision on the Master Plan. Lawson's Landing also needs a coastal development permit from the Coastal Commission. For more information and to confirm meeting dates and times, go to: www.eacmarin.org/involved/hot_action_issues.php

Catherine Caufield