Help Shape the Future of Ranching and Water Protection in the Tomales Bay Watershed
Join us on July 9 for the Public Hearing on the 2025 Grazing Waiver
Every five years, the San Francisco Bay Regional Water Quality Control Board reviews and updates the Conditional Waiver of Waste Discharge Requirements for Grazing Operations in the Tomales Bay Watershed (Grazing Waiver)—a critical policy that protects water quality while supporting sustainable ranching practices.
This year’s proposed update is especially significant. For the first time, the program would expand to include grazing operations in Point Reyes National Seashore, increasing coverage to over 88,000 acres of grazing lands across the Tomales Bay, Sonoma Creek, and Napa River watersheds.
What You Can Do
Attend the Public Hearing on Wednesday, July 9, 2025 at 9:00 a.m.
In-Person Location: Elihu M. Harris State Building 1515 Clay Street, First Floor Auditorium, Oakland, CA
Submit a Public Comment:
Oral comments can be provided both in person and online. When speaking or writing to the Board, keep your message focused and respectful. Helpful approaches include:
Encouraging adoption of the 2025 Conditional Waiver of Waste Discharge Requirements for Grazing Operations in the Tomales Bay Watershed.
Explaining why water quality and healthy landscapes matter to you.
Being concise and respectful.
Thanking the Water Board for their time and urging a "yes" vote for the 2025 Grazing Waiver Update.
Why This Matters
Establishes clear, science-based guidelines to reduce runoff, erosion, and harmful pollutants such as sediment and bacteria.
Supports responsible ranching and the long-term sustainability of agricultural livelihoods.
Protects local waterways, including Tomales Bay, a vital ecological and cultural resource.
Balances conservation and agriculture for the benefit of ecosystems and communities alike.
The proposed Grazing Waiver represents a decisive step toward advancing both environmental stewardship and agricultural resilience in our region. By extending protections to Point Reyes National Seashore and reinforcing science-based guidelines, this waiver supports clean water, sustainable ranching, and healthy ecosystems across more than 88,000 acres of grazing land. We urge you to attend the July 9 hearing and voice your support—your perspective is vital in shaping policy that benefits both working lands and natural waters. Thank you for taking action and helping to ensure a healthier watershed and a better future for our community.
