A West Marin initiative is pushing for state and local funding to study a wildlife crossing on Chileno Valley Road near Laguna Lake. The goal? Help migrating newts cross the road safely.
The Chileno Valley Newt Brigade and rancher Sally Gale are leading the effort. They’ve already secured a $120,000 feasibility grant from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.
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They’re now requesting about $1.2 million in full funding from the Transportation Authority of Marin (TAM). As TAM reviews the Measure AA funding plan, folks in Point Reyes Station, Olema, Tomales, and Nicasio are watching closely.
Everyone’s wondering if their road could set the standard for wildlife crossings across the state.
What’s at stake for West Marin’s wildlife and drivers
The core of the proposal is to protect thousands of newts migrating between woodland summer habitat and their breeding grounds near Laguna Lake. The feasibility study is exploring several crossing options, including tunnels, underpasses, road-raising, or trenching, to let these amphibians move safely without frequent roadkill.
Chileno Valley Road is a low-volume “recreational road” in West Marin, with about 108 vehicles a day. The project’s fate depends on how TAM allocates Measure AA dollars and what counts as “reimagined roadway” funding.
The proposal and the feasibility study
Gale formed the Chileno Valley Newt Brigade in 2019. The group has teamed up with local ranchers and environmental groups to figure out the best path forward.
The feasibility study is underway and should wrap up this spring. It’ll present concrete options for moving thousands of newts across or around the road, linking their summer and breeding habitats near Laguna Lake.
If a crossing design can keep newts off the road, it could serve as a model for other wildlife corridors—from San Geronimo to Bolinas and beyond in Marin County.
People in Fairfax, San Anselmo, San Rafael, and Novato are paying attention. They know wildlife crossings can blend with rural landscapes while protecting both ecological health and public safety.
The brigade’s vision? Shield amphibians and set a precedent for humane, science-based traffic management across the North Bay hills.
Funding, Measure AA, and the county’s planning
TAM is now focused on Measure AA, a six-year extension of a half-cent sales tax that brings in about $35 million annually for Marin transportation projects. In the draft Measure AA plan, Chileno Valley’s crossing proposal isn’t currently recommended for funding.
TAM’s planning director, Derek McGill, says discussions with the county and the Chileno Valley Newt Brigade could continue. Other grants might also be possible.
This timing lines up with a broader rethink of how funds get distributed across Marin’s towns—from Mill Valley and Larkspur to Novato and San Rafael. There’s a real challenge in prioritizing innovative projects without neglecting essential local roads.
What the draft plan would change
As TAM looks at the budget, the draft plan proposes shifting some Measure AA funds into a new pot for “reimagined roadways.” Here’s what’s on the table:
- Redirect 4.5% of Measure AA revenue into a new fund for advanced roadway concepts
- Shift money away from local roads to support the new fund
- Eliminate an “innovative technology” category
- Increase funding for school crossing guards by half a percent
TAM executive director Anne Richman says the board will consider these changes at the March 26 meeting. City councils, town councils, and the County Board of Supervisors will review them afterward.
The result could decide whether the Chileno Valley crossing gets a shot at real construction funding, or just stays in the planning phase for now.
Community voices and the next steps
Supporters like Gale are rallying for the crossing. They’re writing letters to TAM and planning to show up at the board meeting to make their case.
The brigade insists progress here could become a template for other wildlife corridors, from Petaluma Valley settlements to the hills around Point Reyes Station and Inverness.
“We’re not giving up,” Gale said. She’s committed to seeing a crossing built, no matter how long it takes.
The West Marin effort has already caught the attention of environmental groups and regional planners. Wildlife crossings just make sense—they’re practical, science-based, and they help maintain the rural character that defines places from Nicasio to Olema.
Why this matters for Marin and California
If funded, the Chileno Valley crossing could become a regional demonstration project. It might show how small, targeted investments—when paired with solid environmental study—can deliver big wins for habitat connectivity and road safety.
Residents of Marin Towns all over the county are watching. From the artsy lanes of Fairfax to the waterfronts of Rincon Hill-adjacent neighborhoods in Marin City, people are asking: can a low-traffic rural road near Laguna Lake spark a broader model for wildlife resilience?
The TAM board meets on March 26. The six-year Measure AA review is still rolling, and folks in Point Reyes Station, Tomales, and beyond are paying close attention.
This decision could shape how Marin protects its wildlife, while still keeping that scenic, accessible vibe that really defines Marin County.
Here is the source article for this story: Marin group seeks $1.2M for safe newt crossing
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