State of Tomales Bay Conference

STATE OF TOMALES BAY – Science, Policy and Practice   September 23, 2016

A one day conference on the ”State of Tomales Bay” will analyze its ecology and  future challenges, including the effects of climate change and sea level rise.   Tomales Bay remains a relatively pristine body of water despite being so close to a major urban area.   Focusing on science, policy and practice, conference presenters will discuss a wide range of topics including raising oysters in the bay, defending beef, salmon recovery, river otters, bird life, managing rangelands and recreation in the Bay’s watershed.

Ellie Cohen of Point Blue, keynote speaker, will discuss protection on biodiversity in a changing climate.  Other featured speakers will include Cicely Muldoon, Superintendent of the Point Reyes National Seashore, who will speak on running the national park.  Outgoing supervisor and coastal commissioner, Steve Kinsey will describe the complexities of environmental protection amid regional governance.  Ranchers Sally Gale and Nicolette Niman will describe the practical challenges of living off the land.

The 7th State of Tomales Bay Conference will be held in Inverness on Friday, September 23rd.  In addition on Thursday afternoon September 22nd there will be field presentations and a watershed hike at Millerton Creek Ranch just north of Point Reyes Station, and on Saturday, September 24th Jules Evens, naturalist and local author, will lead a kayak tour of the recently restored Giacomini Wetlands.  Conference details and signup information can be found on the Tomales Bay Watershed Council website:  www.tomalesbaywatershed.org .   Lunch and happy hour are included with conference registration.