Residents press commission over tree removals and herbicide use in Natural Areas Program

Several residents used the commission's public comment period to press city officials on the Natural Areas Program, alleging large-scale tree removal, overuse of herbicides and threats to urban tree canopy and habitat.

Anastasia Glickstern opened public comment by reading from a critical article and said the Natural Areas Program "kills trees" and uses "highly toxic herbicides" classified as tier 1 and tier 2. She read claims that a proposed management plan could remove tens of thousands of trees and that herbicide use poses widespread environmental risks.

Robin Sherr and other speakers described local tree removals in McLaren Park, Glen Park and on Balmy Alley and urged program staff to prioritize areas where restoration is needed rather than cutting mature urban trees. One commenter highlighted an estimated program cost and cited a figure of roughly $5,000,000 per year for a maximum-restoration scenario as presented in public materials.

At least one speaker asked the commission to invite conservation groups such as the San Francisco Forest Alliance for a fuller briefing on tree management and herbicide impacts. Director Debbie Rafael acknowledged the concerns raised by commenters and thanked community partners; commissioners said the topic merits additional review and suggested adding Natural Areas Program and tree management to future committee agendas.

The meeting record shows robust public concern over tree removals and pesticide use; the commission did not adopt new policy on the subject during the session but scheduled follow-up consideration and invited additional community briefings.