PUC staff extends evaluation of Pacific Rod and Gun Club lease; cleanup and safety questions raised

Members of the public and SFPUC staff exchanged concerns about the Pacific Rod and Gun Club's long-standing occupancy at Lake Merced and potential environmental and safety issues associated with shooting over water.

A public commenter who identified himself as a long-time rower said the club has occupied roughly 14 acres despite a lease calling for four and alleged that the club ropes off lake areas for shooting practice. Rowers and others said storage for rowing clubs is already inadequate and warned that a renewed long-term lease could limit access and facility improvements.

Steve Ritchie, Assistant General Manager for Water, told the commission the club’s existing lease dates from 1935 and lacks modern protections; the PUC issued an eviction notice with an effective date of August 15 but, after recent communications from the club, extended the evaluation period to September 5 and proposed a month-to-month interim lease so the city can assess cleanup responsibilities and options. Staff said that while the club has indicated a willingness to participate in cleanup, staff would need to evaluate the adequacy of any resources the club might contribute.

Commissioners and the public also discussed the presence of lead shot in the lake and potential contamination; staff noted older shot remains in the lake while newer shot is not lead. Staff provided an order-of-magnitude estimate for land cleanup at about $10,700,000 and said further analysis and negotiations will determine who bears cleanup costs.

Next steps: staff will continue negotiations, evaluate cleanup options on the parcel, and return to the commission with recommendations.