This Q&A is provided in response to recent public inquiries & statements regarding the State of California Department of Parks and Recreation’s proposed vegetation management activities described in the Tomales Bay State Park Forest and Wildfire Resilience Project planned around the Inverness area.

Q1: What is the Tomales Bay State Park Forest and Wildfire Resilience Project?

The Tomales Bay State Park Forest and Wildfire Resilience Project is a vegetation management initiative led by California State Parks. The project is intended to reduce wildfire risk and improve forest health through activities such as removal of non-native plant species and management of existing vegetation. You can access the plan here: Tomales Bay State Park Forest Health and Wildfire Resilience Project

Q2: Will herbicides such as glyphosate be used near Inverness or within the District’s watershed?

The project is being implemented by State Parks on lands adjacent to District-owned watershed and source water areas but outside of IPUD’s direct jurisdiction. 

IPUD has been in communication with State Parks staff since 2022 during the planning process and has emphasized the importance of protecting the District’s watershed and source waters. State Parks has indicated an awareness of these sensitivities.

Q3: Does IPUD use herbicides or pesticides in its own operations?

No. IPUD does not use herbicides or pesticides on District-owned properties. Vegetation management performed by District staff consists of manual methods such as hand removal, cutting, and mowing.

Q4: How does IPUD protect drinking water quality?

IPUD conducts regular water quality monitoring at its source waters above Inverness in accordance with State drinking water requirements. Water quality results are reported annually in the District’s Consumer Confidence Report, which is distributed to customers each year in June and is available on the District’s website here: Consumer Confidence Report 2024 - Inverness Public Utility District

In addition, the District’s water system is periodically evaluated through a State-mandated Sanitary Survey here: Watershed Sanitation Survey 2022 - Inverness Public Utility District

Q5: What is IPUD doing in response to this project?

IPUD has engaged in discussions with State Parks staff, including project representatives, to communicate the importance of protecting the District’s watershed.

The District will continue to monitor project developments, maintain communication with State Parks, and ensure that water quality protections remain a priority with appropriate safeguards to protect water quality. Protecting the District’s water sources is a top priority.

Q6: Who can I contact for more information?

Inverness Public Utility District
Phone: (415) 669-1414
Email: info@invernesspud.org