Marin Islands Ecological Reserve

Description

The 329-acre Marin Islands Ecological Reserve was designated as an ecological reserve by the Fish and Game Commission in 1993. It includes West Marin Island and tidelands adjacent to this and the nearby East Marin Island. West Marin Island supports one of the largest egret and heron colonies on the west coast. Species observed include snowy egret, black-crowned night heron, great egret, and great blue heron. The adjacent tidelands provide critical foraging and resting habitat for many species of birds including diving ducks and other water birds. Shore birds also utilize the surrounding mud flats.

For more information, call the Bay Delta Region Fairfield office at (707) 428-2002.

Recreational Opportunities

Wildlife Viewing

This ecological reserve is adjacent to or shares marine habitat with a Marine Protected Area (MPA). For the public use regulations for MPAs, see Section 632, Title 14, CCR.

Activities: wildlife viewing

NOTE: Visitors are responsible for knowing and complying with all regulations pertaining to the use of Department lands.

Refer to the Public Uses on State and Federal Lands section of the Waterfowl, Upland Game, and Public Use Regulations (PDF) booklet for both statewide and property-specific regulations.

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You may not operate a drone on CDFW Lands without a Special Use Permit.

Map of Marin Island ER
Click to enlarge

Location

Bay Delta Region (Region 3)

Marin County

San Rafael Bay offshore from City of San Rafael yacht harbor, between San Pedro and Point San Quentin

Access: by boat

CDFW Lands Viewer

Wildlife Branch - Lands Program
Mailing: P.O. Box 944209, Sacramento, CA 94244-2090