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Committee urges SFPUC study of expanded, managed public access to Peninsula Watershed; forwards amended resolution to full board
Summary
After lengthy testimony from environmental groups, recreation advocates and agencies, the committee accepted amendments and forwarded an amended resolution urging the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission to study and develop managed public access and permitting options for existing roads and trails in the Peninsula Watershed, setting the full-board consideration for Sept. 27, 2016.
A San Francisco Board of Supervisors committee voted to forward an amended resolution urging the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC) to evaluate opportunities for managed public access to existing roads and trails in the Peninsula Watershed while protecting water quality and ecological resources.
Supervisor David Avalos introduced the resolution and an “amendment of the whole” to emphasize a feasibility study, an exploration of permitting or quota approaches and the need to protect endangered species and water quality. "The overall goal of this resolution is to create greater responsible public access on the Peninsula Watershed," Avalos said, while noting the need to protect flora, fauna and water quality.
Tim Ramirez, division manager for natural resources and lands management at the SFPUC, said the PUC owns about "22,000 acres" on the Peninsula acquired under conditions of the Raker Act and manages 31 miles of trail currently open; he said the PUC is studying permit-based approaches, but cautioned staff and budget constraints. "We have not outlined those [operational] costs yet and so I can't put a number on them," Ramirez said, adding that PUC has 12 'watershed keeper' positions (not all filled) and that wildfire and sudden oak death are management concerns.
The committee heard more than two hours of public comment from dozens of speakers representing conservation groups, recreation advocates, trail councils, educators and private citizens. Supporters urged equity and better access, noting permit systems elsewhere (East Bay MUD, Marin) and the Bay Area Ridge Trail continuity; opponents warned that unsupervised access could increase fire risk, invasive species and contamination of drinking water and urged reliance on CEQA and careful environmental review.
After debate the committee adopted the sponsor's amendments and voted to forward the amended resolution to the full Board of Supervisors with a positive recommendation for the Sept. 27, 2016 meeting. Supervisors Wiener and Cohen voted in favor; Supervisor Peskin voted no. The resolution is nonbinding and urges the SFPUC to pursue the study and collaborative planning rather than immediately changing access rules.
