The importance of maintaining functioning native habitat in this watershed for the protection and restoration of critically endangered Central California Coast coho salmon and threatened steelhead trout cannot be overstated.
* Coho Recovery Plan-- San Geronimo sub-watershed has been specifically recognized in the National Marine Fisheries Service Coho Recovery Plan for habitat protection, land acquisition, and restoration that support improved stream functions.
- Priority Conservation Area-- "San Geronimo Headwaters Of Lagunitas Creek And The Shore Of Tomales Bay" is officially listed by The Association of Bay Area Governments as a Priority Conservation Areas for land acquisition.
This particular acquisition would also allow the County to continue its efforts to improve the condition of the fire road that runs through it, to reduce harmful sedimentation into San Geronimo Creek, which damages coho salmon habitat.
In addition, the acquisition of functioning forest and chaparral habitat would protect a variety of species of special concern including the endangered northern spotted owl, and two rare plants - Mt. Tamalpais and Bolinas Manzanita.