I wrote a letter to the Light a few weeks ago, sharing my intention to mount a court challenge to tickets I received at Millerton Point, the tiny park in Marshall that is part of Tomales Bay State Park, for having my dogs off-leash and on the beach. I received a supportive response, and now efforts have expanded. As we continue to collect letters of support, we are launcing an online petition in favor of allowing dogs off leash, along with a handout that explains the issues. I extend my gratitude to state parks officials and rangers who shared concerns about off-leash dogs and taught us how regulation changes like the one we seek are made.

Every state park in California has the authority to craft regulation exceptions to better serve local conditions. Many of California’s 285 state parks allow dogs on beaches and trails, so there is precedent for what we’re hoping for. Cyndy Shafer, the regional natural resource program manager for state parks, provided a report about damage dogs can cause to wildlife but acknowledged there is no documentation of damage done by dogs at Millerton Point.  

Those of us hoping dogs will be allowed off leash at Millerton Point love wildlife, too. As we studied the issues, we realized the two are not mutually exclusive. Here’s our thinking.

We propose that a very small area of Tomales Bay State Park be open to off-leash dogs so wildlife remain well protected across West Marin.

Dogs and wildlife are sentient beings. Both should be protected and given equal consideration in park decision-making. 

There is compelling science that dogs need to run, not just walk, to maintain many aspects of their health. 

Dogs are deeply loved by, and provide profound comfort to, their people, who want them to be able to run free. 

Birds at Millerton Point are found mostly offshore or in the wetland, far from the mesa. Beaches here are not seal pupping or resting spots, so seals won’t be hurt by off-leash dogs.

Seniors and people with disabilities have a tough time walking dogs on leash because, when a dog pulls, stops or changes direction, it increases the risk of falling. Further, it takes full attention to manage a dog on-leash, which makes it hard to pay attention to trail irregularities and robs people of freedom to focus on and enjoy nature. As Millerton Point is flat and has a decent trail, it is a good spot for seniors and those with disabilities to hike with off-leash dogs.

Millerton is flat and wide open so dogs can easily be seen, called and leashed to prevent contact with wildlife or other hikers if necessary.

People have been letting dogs off-leash at Millerton for decades, yet park officials acknowledge there is no documentation that dogs have harmed wildlife. It’s time to align regulations with reality and stop making lawbreakers of residents and tourists and punishing them with large fines.

Wildlife is likely disturbed by noise and garbage from human visitors, cars, trucks, motorcycles and trailers, but we do not limit their presence on nearby roads or at Millerton Point. Yet we limit dogs’ freedom for problems for which there is no documentation that they are the cause. 

Lest we forget, hunters are allowed to legally kill wildlife with guns in some parks, but dogs are forbidden from running free because of damage they may cause. 

The needs of hikers, wildlife and dogs will be better balanced and served by creating a place at Millerton Point where dogs can be off-leash. If you agree, please give handouts to friends, write a letter, and sign the petition, which will be presented to officials at Tomales Bay State Park and Marin County Superior Court. We will ask Supervisor Dennis Rodoni to work with community members to craft a regulation exception to allow dogs off-leash at Millerton Point under specified conditions. 

You may send letters to and request handouts and the link to the petition from me at [email protected]. Share your thoughts and concerns about the terms on which dogs might be allowed off-leash at Millerton Point. Please join us! 

Judy Spelman is a retired emergency and hospice nurse who wrote universal health reform legislation while serving as a principal health consultant to a California state senator. She lives in Inverness Park.