Planning commission certifies final EIR for San Francisco Natural Areas plan; Recreation & Park Commission adopts plan

The San Francisco Planning Commission on Dec. 15 certified the final environmental impact report (EIR) for the city’s Significant Natural Resources Area Management Plan, a 20‑year program to manage 32 remnant natural areas within and near the city. The commission voted 6–1 to certify the document; Commissioner Moore cast the lone no vote. The Recreation and Park Commission then voted to adopt the management plan unanimously.

The plan, developed by the Recreation and Park Department and evaluated by the Planning Department, lays out conservation, restoration and recreation guidance for about 1,100 acres of natural lands. Staff described the program as a long‑range framework that divides sites into three management categories to prioritize high‑value habitat, protect rare plants and animals, maintain trails and provide for environmental education. Lisa Wayne, the department’s natural resources manager, told commissioners the program “positions our parklands to be adaptive to climate change and advocates for environmental justice.”

Planning Department staff reported that the final EIR analyzes the program at a programmatic level, with project‑level review where more detailed restoration designs exist. Melinda Hu of the Environmental Planning Division said Sharp Park’s Laguna Salada restoration was analyzed at a project level because the department developed roughly 30% design drawings to seek necessary permits. The department concluded the modifications described in the errata and responses to comments did not require recirculation under CEQA.

Hundreds of members of the public testified during an extended public comment period. Supporters included nonprofit conservation groups, educators and park volunteers who urged certification so that restoration and stewardship projects could move forward. “These natural areas offer learning opportunities and habitat for sensitive species right in the city,” said Amber Hasselbring of Nature in the City.

Opponents focused on tree removals, herbicide use and public access. Speakers urged the commissions either to adopt the maintenance alternative (which staff described as more limited in scope) or to remove specific projects from the EIR and evaluate them separately. Concerns included whether herbicide applications could affect nearby residents and whether tree removals were appropriately phased and documented.

Planning staff said the EIR includes mitigation measures, monitoring requirements and a 1:1 replacement pledge for trees removed under the plan, and that subsequent, project‑level CEQA review would be required if new or different impacts appear. Chris Geiger of the Department of the Environment described the city’s Integrated Pest Management program and said Rec & Park had reduced its use of high‑hazard herbicides by more than 90 percent in recent years.

The actions on Dec. 15 set the programmatic and, where applicable, project‑level CEQA approvals in motion. Officials said additional community meetings, arborist assessments and project‑level permitting would precede any significant ground‑disturbing work at specific sites. The Recreation and Park Commission adjourned after the vote.