Graton tribe buys Dillon Beach Nearly 500 acres of lightly developed land in coastal Marin will be preserved for “permanent conservation and stewardship” after the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria acquired the Dillon Beach Ranch property through a so-called “land back” transfer from the Western Rivers Conservancy. The property, which includes the town of Dillon Beach as well as portions of coastline and the Estero de San Antonio, has changed hands multiple times in recent years. After decades as a private cattle ranch, the Western Rivers Conservancy—a nonprofit which works with tribal nations to acquire water-adjacent land for the conservation of fish and wildlife— purchased the property in 2023 through funding assistance from Bay Area conservation agency the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation. This year, with additional resources from the California Department of Fish & Wildlife, Western Rivers worked with Graton Rancheria for the land-back conveyance of a total of 466 acres in Dillon Beach to the tribe. The Land Back Movement is a growing effort to reestablish Indigenous sovereignty over ancestral lands. The Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria, whose tribe has indigenous roots throughout Marin and Sonoma, is also a partner with the National Park Service in management of the Point Reyes National Seashore. The 415
“This area and surrounding lands are within the ancestral homelands of the Coast Miwok, and our descendants are still present there today,” tribal Chairman Greg Sarris said in a press release announcing the acquisition. “We look forward to working closely with Western Rivers Conservancy and state partners to craft a durable management plan that forever preserves and protects Dillon Beach Ranch, the Estero de San Antonio and the irreplaceable cultural and natural resources they harbor.”— JW The coast of Dillon Beach is a popular getaway for locals.
Marin hot-tubbers find new way to party
If there are two things Marin County residents straddling the San Francisco Bay are known for—it’s boats and hot tubs. Enter: Bay Area Hot Tub Boat. Straight from the school of Two Great Things That Go Great Together—think PB&J, peanut butter cups, ranch dressing and pizza, etc.—is a new business that not only offers a hot tub on a boat, but a hot tub that IS the boat. “With their meticulously crafted vessels, Bay Area Hot Tub Boat invites the community to discover the water like never before,” reads a company press release. “These custom-built boats are engineered to provide the ultimate hot tub boat experience, by allowing customers to fully submerge and relax while they cruise in the water, on the water!” The hot-tub boat startup is partnered by Chris Ferren-Cirino and Matthew See, who say the floating tubs are the “perfect venue for celebrating birthdays, bachelorette/bachelor parties, date nights, and friend and family get-togethers.” Adds See: “The FOMO is real with our hot tub boats.” The tub boats include built-in coolers for beverages, as well as floating drink caddies. No boater’s license is required, they say. Ferren-Cirino and See are no strangers to promoting unique party vehicles. In 2014, they launched Sac Brew Bike, a “pioneering” party bike company that “introduced the thrill of pedal-powered parties” to the state capital. Bay Area Hot Tub Boat is inching into local waters slowly—it’s only available beginning Oct. 1, Fridays through Sundays at Marina Village Yacht Harbor at 1030 Marina Village Parkway, Alameda. Hour-and-a-half rentals for two to six people begin at $380. Visit bayareahottubboat.com — JW
Hot-tub-loving boaters, rejoice!
14 NorthBaybiz
October 2024
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