The Town of Nicasio
LOCAL DOCUMENTARY“It Didn’t Just Happen”
A 35-minute documentary film about the community members who led the land planning and design guideline efforts for the Nicasio Valley.
Directed by Bill Harrison
Produced & Edited by Frankie Bourne
Shot by Teal Mandzik
The Heart of Marin
Nicasio Valley is known as one of the most beautiful places in Marin county, and the fact that it has not been transformed into sprawling suburbs is extraordinary. After 150 years, its rolling grassy hills fringed with oaks and buckeye, its dense redwood and fir forests, its secluded feel and its historic buildings attracts visitors still, and Nicasio is a favorite for weekend drivers and cyclists.
Beyond its aesthetic attributes, the valley is an important part of the greater Tomales Bay watershed. The waters of Halleck Creek, Nicasio Creek and Lucas Valley Creek join the watershed of Lagunitas Creek at the very bottom of the valley in the narrow cleft at Black Canyon. These streams were once important salmon and steelhead grounds before Nicasio Dam blocked the way and formed the reservoir.
The valley’s rolling hills and hidden side canyons provided a rich habitat and safe havens for the Coast Miwok for many generations before being colonized by first Mexican and then American settlers. Today most of the land is still used for agricultural purposes including horses, cattle, small-scale vineyards & organic farming.
Nicasio Facts
Land Area: Nicasio comprises approximately 25,000 acres or over 30 square miles.
Number of Landowners: There are approximately 350 parcels in Nicasio and approximately 250 homes.
Population: Depending on how one inquires, the US Census reported the Nicasio area to have between about 570 and 900 people in 2000.
Nicasio, Hidden Valley in Transition
This in-depth study of the Nicasio Valley was prepared by:
Robert Twiss, David Streatfield
Eugene Kojan: Geology and geologic hazards
Arthur W. Magill: Vegetation
The Pacific Southwest Forest and Range Experiment Station, Forest Service, United States Department of Agriculture
The Department of Landscape Architecture College of Environmental Design, University of California, Berkeley
The Marin County Planning Department, Civic Center, San Rafael, California
Town Square Use Policy
The Town Square is owned by the Nicasio Land Preserve (NLP), and the Nicasio Land Owners Association (NLOA) is responsible for maintaining and managing the Square’s use. To help cover the cost of maintaining the Town Square, manage requests for commercial film shoots, and the use of the Square for other purposes, NLOA has a procedure that should be followed by those seeking to use the Square and/or its adjacent surrounding area.
If you are interested in using the Town Square and/or its adjacent parking area — for example, usage for commercial purposes or for any organized event — please complete and submit the following inquiry form, and an NLOA representative will contact you with additional information regarding costs, guidelines, and requirements. Thank you.
