DRAFT ALTERNATIVES for the GGNRA in SAN MATEO COUNTY Current Conditions and Management PREFERRED: Preserving and Enjoying Coastal Ecosystems Focusing on National Treasures Connecting People with the Parks Alternative 2 Alternative 3 Alternative 1 Overview At the time the previous general management plan In all three alternatives, park lands and marine As in the other alternatives, park lands and marine As in the other alternatives, park lands and marine (GMP) was developed, the GGNRA did not manage any environments in San Mateo County would be managed environments in San Mateo County would be managed environments in San Mateo County would be managed land in San Mateo County. Since that time, the park as part of a vast network of protected lands and as part of a vast network of protected lands and as part of a vast network of protected lands and has grown to include almost 30,000 acres within its waters, some recognized as part of the UNESCO waters. In this alternative, however, park managers waters. This alternative, however, would highlight how boundaries in San Mateo County. Golden Gate Biosphere Reserve. This network includes would place greater emphasis on preservation and this “quilt” of undeveloped land has been protected by SFPUC watershed lands, California state parks, the restoration of these dynamic, interconnected coastal numerous organizations. Over the past 20 years, the Stretching along the San Mateo coast to Corral de Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, county parks, ecosystems through collaborative partnerships with National Park Service, local governments, private land Tierra and inland to the Phleger Estate, the southern and other land held by regional land trusts. other land management agencies in the region. trusts, and dedicated individuals have worked hand in park lands feature a remarkable wealth of natural and Together these groups would work to sustain the hand to acquire and preserve this “Wilderness Next historic resources. From rugged coastal bluffs and In the spirit of the “Parks to People” movement that area’s native biodiversity, reconnect fragmented Door.” windswept ridgelines to a redwood forest, wetlands, created the Golden Gate National Recreation Area habitats and migration corridors, minimize the impact and streams, these lands support an abundance of more than three decades ago, this alternative would of invasive species, manage for changing fire regimes, Today, these lands are a national treasure of plants and wildlife and tell the story of the people who focus on the importance of improving access and and restore naturally functioning ecosystems. Pro-active recreational, natural, and cultural resources. Several have shaped this peninsula over generations. community engagement in GGNRA’s park lands. Given management would build into the environment greater nationally significant historic sites are in San Mateo the significant addition of park land in the county in resiliency to climate change. County, along with habitat for numerous endangered GGNRA’s park lands in San Mateo County serve a large recent years, a series of actions would be needed to species. Many of these important resources are and diverse local population, offering unsurpassed enhance visitor access, enjoyment, appreciation, and The GGNRA’s park lands in San Mateo County provide managed by other agencies on nearby sites. This opportunities for recreation and enjoyment. Whether stewardship. Park managers would emphasize an extensive wildlife corridor that includes habitat for alternative would focus on protecting resources in the enjoying the trails, strolling the beaches, or taking in preservation and restoration of the area’s vital threatened and endangered species. Under this park while developing recreational and thematic panoramic views up and down the Pacific coast, there ecosystems through collaborative partnerships with alternative, these lands would serve as living connections between sites managed by other land are unlimited ways to explore and appreciate these other land management agencies. laboratories, engaging visitors in participatory science, managers. park lands education, and stewardship — activities that nurture Key efforts would include increasing the visibility and personal connections with nature and inspire advocacy. This alternative also looks beyond the immediate park Currently the National Park Service’s presence in San identity of NPS sites. Park trails would be improved to lands to explore the potential to stimulate regional Mateo is limited, sites are not well identified, and there create a sustainable system that provides opportunities Exploration along the vast network of trails would landscape management and enhance heritage tourism. are few basic facilities to support access. Management to enjoy park sites, connects with local communities, further highlight the park’s diverse ecosystems and rich To do so, park managers would work with of park land in San Mateo County is guided by the and contributes to an exceptional regional trail cultural resources. Cultural resource sites and stories — communities between Pacifica and Santa Cruz to park’s authorizing legislation (its purpose) and the network. A comprehensive trail plan would be archeological sites, European exploration, agricultural support the National Scenic Byway designation of the management policies common to units of the national prepared to achieve these goals. Park managers would land uses, coastal defense sites, and the lighthouse — Pacific Coast Highway (Hwy 1). The highway is one of park system. Although a general management plan work with county transit providers to improve transit would emphasize human occupation of the coastal the unifying features of the rural coast, and is amendment was approved for Sweeney Ridge in 1985, connections to local trailheads and cross-county transit environment. Most cultural resources would be characterized by forested hills, small-scale agriculture, this current general management plan will provide connections along Highway 1. stabilized as discovery sites if not in conflict with and seaside communities. management guidance for the first time to the other natural resource restoration. GGNRA park sites in San Mateo County. The addition of signs and trailhead parking will help visitors find their way to various park sites and will help Land protection strategies would seek to reconnect Site planning for other places like Mori Point has also them gain an understanding of the park’s diverse fragmented endangered species habitat and strive to been completed. The park has consulted with other natural and cultural resources. Equestrian needs would remove features that impede movement or migration agencies to achieve fundamental park goals, as be incorporated in trail and trailhead design. of species, or disrupt ecological function. regarding the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission Equally important would be providing facilities to (SFPUC) watershed, where the park holds scenic and welcome visitors to the park. This alternative would recreational easements. promote visitor information and orientation centers in Pacifica and in the Coastside community south of Devil’s Slide. These facilities could be shared with San Mateo County Department of Parks, California State Parks, NOAA/Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, and other organizations. [Is Hwy 1 Scenic Byway common?] GGNRA in San Mateo County – Draft Alternatives – March 2009, Page 1 DRAFT ALTERNATIVES for the GGNRA in SAN MATEO COUNTY Current Conditions and Management PREFERRED: Preserving and Enjoying Coastal Ecosystems Focusing on National Treasures Connecting People with the Parks Alternative 2 Alternative 3 Alternative 1 Thornton GGNRA manages approximately 30 acres in 2 parcels in Natural Zone Natural Zone Natural Zone State Beach to this geologically dynamic coastline: one parcel south of South of Thornton State beach and one parcel south of Mussel In all alternatives park managers would preserve and Same as Alternative 1. Same as Alternative 1. Mussel Rock Rock. No improvements have been made by the park enhance the natural and scenic values of the area; for public access and there is no active park presence in allow for natural coastal geologic processes to this area. In the absence of a general management continue; and provide modest visitor access facilities plan, current management is guided by the park’s (trails, trailheads) to beaches, scenic overlooks, and authorizing legislation (its purpose) and the along the California Coastal Trail, where feasible. management policies common to units of the national park system. The beach, dunes, and cliffs extending from San Francisco’s Ocean Beach south to Mussel Rock (a stretch of almost 5 miles) would be managed to protect shorebird habitat, allow natural shoreline processes to continue unimpeded, and provide improved or new trails for visitors to enjoy and view nature. Milagra Ridge Added to the park in 1987, the area is managed to Natural Zone Natural Zone Natural Zone protect and restore natural habitat, (especially endangered species habitat), to protect historic coastal The area would be managed to preserve its wild The land would be managed to preserve the wild Same as Alternative 2. defense fortifications, and to provide public access character and protect habitat for endangered species. character of the area and protect endangered species through a system of trails so people can enjoy the site Heavily disturbed areas would be restored. habitat. Heavily disturbed