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Supervisors, PUC and federal partners outline multi‑year plan to open Peninsula Watershed trails
Summary
The committee heard SFPUC planning updates for trails and an annual permit system to expand public access to 23,000 acres of Peninsula Watershed land while protecting endangered species; agencies outlined construction timelines, CEQA coordination and a possible transition from docent‑led tours to an annual permit model.
Supervisor John Avalos called a hearing on expanding public access to the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC) Peninsula Watershed, describing the public desire for responsible recreational access while protecting sensitive habitats.
Steve Ritchie, assistant general manager for water at the SFPUC, and Tim Ramirez of the SFPUC’s natural resources and lands division said the watershed (approximately 23,000 acres) supplies about 7–8% of the city’s water and is protected by a watershed management plan and environmental stewardship policy. Ramirez listed three priority projects: a southern Ridge Trail extension south of Highway 92 (environmental review and design in 2015, construction targeted in 2016), a North San Andreas Trail connector, and improved Crystal Springs Regional Trail links.
PUC staff emphasized environmental constraints: listed species including the California red‑legged frog, San Francisco garter snake and marble murrelet create permitting issues that will require coordinated CEQA/NEPA work and interagency cooperation. The PUC presented a proposed management shift from docent‑led, limited trips to an annual permit system (dawn‑to‑dusk access, educational permit process, nominal fee) intended to broaden access for non‑drivers and people with disabilities while providing stewardship and monitoring data.
San Mateo County Supervisor Dave Pine, Golden Gate National Recreation Area representatives and a long list of public commenters — from mountain bikers and hiking groups to the Sierra Club and conservation organizations — largely supported opening access but urged careful stewardship. Committee members and agencies emphasized cross‑jurisdiction coordination with San Mateo County, the GGNRA and other local authorities; the committee moved to file the hearing record without objection for follow‑up coordination and continued work on environmental review and design.
