A constructive alliance has been forged, bringing the San Geronimo Golf Course and the Salmon Protection and Watershed Network together to improve natural habitat in the creeks that cross through the course.

Although SPAWN’s recent clash with the county and area property owners is well-documented, its partnership with the golf course to improve creek habitat for coho salmon, an endangered species, reflects a more positive approach.

The plan has won a $1 million grant from the state Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Fisheries Restoration Grant Program.

Restoring San Geronimo Creek’s role as a coho spawning ground is an appropriate fit for this grant program.

SPAWN’S Executive Director Todd Steiner said, “We are making the most fish-friendly golf course on the planet.”

SPAWN also has received a grant to restore the creek and creekside property along Lagunitas Creek, near the confluence with Nicasio Creek.

The site is the former home of a concrete plant.

Both projects and the partnership with the golf course reflect Marin’s strong interest and intent to preserve and protect our creeks.

 This strong interest is shared by all sides involved in SPAWN’s longstanding legal battle over creekside land-use restrictions.

These plans provide important models that put that intent to work.