FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Thursday, June 4, 2026 
MEDIA CONTACT: 
will.reisman@progress-pa.com 

415-420-0905

 

Sausalito, CA— By planting two acres of new eelgrass beds as part of a collaborative effort from May 15 - 21, the Richardson Bay Regional Agency (RBRA) and its partners have now eclipsed the agency’s 15-acre goal—one full year ahead of schedule. A total of 16.5 acres has now been added to the bed of Richardson Bay, due to planting efforts carried out over the past three years. 

“This a huge moment for Richardson Bay,” said RBRA Board Chair Jack Ryan. “We all know how important eelgrass is to the health and vibrancy of Richardson Bay, and meeting our 15-acre goal was a major priority for the RBRA and our partners. Hitting that target a year early shows the focus and efficiency of our environmental restoration and protection efforts.” 

Last month’s eelgrass planting initiative was part of a joint effort led by the RBRA and in partnership with consultants Coastal Policy Solutions, Merkel and Associates, Richardson Bay Audubon, and the Estuary and Ocean Science Center at San Francisco State University. The planting was funded in part by a $2.8 million grant provided by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 2023.  
The EPA grant was aimed at restoring at least 15 acres of eelgrass over four years through an innovative public-private partnership, but that goal has been met now one year ahead of its 2027 target date. Despite the 15-acre goal being reached already, the RBRA and its partners will continue, as funds allow, to engage in eelgrass planting sessions for the next year. 

“This year has already been filled with major milestones for the RBRA, and this eelgrass planting target is another notable accomplishment for the agency and its partners,” said RBRA Executive Director Brad Gross. “But this not the end of our efforts here. With the direction of the RBRA Board, we set up a four-year program for eelgrass planting and we fully intend on using the full duration of that time. I’m excited to see just how many acres we end up planting—the more eelgrass, the better for Richardson Bay.”  

The eelgrass planting is a key part of the RBRA’s 10-year Restoration and Adaptive Management Plan. That plan includes the establishment of Eelgrass Protection Zone (EPZ), an area of the water off-limits to anchoring that will help restore and protect a critical ecological component of the Bay. The EPZ was officially established in October of 2024.  

“By not only meeting, but exceeding our eelgrass planting goal one year early, we have demonstrated our commitment to protecting Richardson Bay’s vital natural resources,” said Coastal Policy Solutions Director of Programs Jess Bode. “This was truly a team effort and it's been a pleasure collaborating with RBRA and their leadership. When given the opportunity, nature will always restore itself. This project is proof of that." 
In 2022, there were more than 100 vessels in the area that is now the EPZ. Through various efforts, there are no longer any vessels in the EPZ. Just two boats remain in the RBRA’s total anchorage area. 

Of the two vessels left in the designated anchorage of Richardson Bay, one belongs to an individual actively seeking housing in collaboration with the RBRA Temporary Housing Support Program. The other is enrolled in the agency’s Safe and Seaworthy Program, making them eligible to stay in the anchorage until October 26, 2026. Richardson Bay remains a valuable recreational asset to the boaters of California and anchoring is encouraged. Mariners may anchor for up to 72 hours without a permit.  

 

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The Richardson Bay Regional Agency (RBRA) is a local government agency serving Belvedere, Mill Valley, Tiburon, and unincorporated Southern Marin County. RBRA is dedicated to maintaining and improving the navigational waterways, open waters, and shoreline of Richardson Bay.