Restoration work begins at Chicken Ranch Beach August 25, 2025
UPDATE: A wetland being created at Chicken Ranch Beach September 12, 2025
PRESS RELEASE: Chicken Ranch Beach Wetlands Enhancement
July 12, 2025
In partnership with Marin County Parks, Tomales Bay Foundation is spearheading an effort to improve water quality, wildlife habitat, and protect public health at Inverness’ Chicken Ranch Beach. The project aims to eliminate or reduce bacterial contamination by creating a recontoured channel. Construction is planned to start in August and conclude in October 2025, with plantings of native vegetation to follow. Normal beach access will be continuously available during construction but parking may be temporarily reduced. For a short period the upper (westerly) portion of the beach will have restricted access due to grading activities.
Background
West of Chicken Ranch Beach there is a ditch, designated as Channel B, which receives shallow contaminated groundwater that flows on the surface across the beach. DNA analyses in 2014 indicated a non-human source of the bacteria, yet fecal bacteria continue to routinely exceed State limits for recreational water contact. Contaminated water is accessed by beachgoers despite County signs warning of health risks. The Tomales Bay Foundation hopes to enhance the water quality of Tomales Bay by improving the wetland habitats adjacent to Chicken Ranch Beach.
This project began with preliminary studies in 2013 that engaged agencies, experts and citizens. These studies led to a plan and design which has now been approved by the California Coastal Commission, the US Army Corps of Engineers, Department of Fish and Wildlife, U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, tribal authorities, the State Lands Commission, Marin Board of Supervisors, neighboring landowners and others.
The project is primarily funded by the State Coastal Conservancy, US Fish and Wildlife Service and Marin County Measure A. Detailed plans are available for download at https://tomalesbayfoundation.org .