Octopus Junction

Work on this project is complete. The trails are open to visitors.

A network of unsanctioned trails in Camino Alto Preserve was steep, redundant, and causing unnecessary environmental impact. This project restored habitat along 2,500 linear feet of trail and provided a sustainable multiuse connector trail between Octopus Access Fire Road and Camino Alto Fire Road.

This multiuse connector trail project was identified as a priority in the 2015 road and trail designation process. It was approved by the Board of Supervisors during the Fiscal Year 2016-17 budget process.

• Restore more than 12,000 square feet of oak and bay woodland habitat.
• Eliminate sedimentation caused by unsanctioned trails.
• Build a sustainable connector for visitors exploring this gateway to Mount Tamalpais.

• 2015: Project Identified
• June 2015–May 2016: Project Planning
• Summer 2016: Construction
• Fall 2016: Work Complete

The Marin County Open Space District (MCOSD) engaged in discussions with community leaders and other stakeholders before finalizing construction plans on the Octopus Junction project.

• Octopus Junction Fact Sheet pdf

The Region 1 Designation Workshop was held on March 22, 2015. Following the workshop, the public had an opportunity to submit proposals for road and trail projects in Region 1, which includes Camino Alto Preserve. Read more about the Region 1 Designation.

The Marin County Open Space District (MCOSD) prepared an evaluation which determined that pursuant to California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Section 15301, this project would not result in any potentially significant environmental impacts. The MCOSD filed a Categorical Exemption on May 4, 2016, in compliance with CEQA.

• Categorical Exemption pdf