On December 19, 2011 San Francisco Mayor Edwin Lee vetoed proposed legislation to restore Sharp Park.
This legislation which was sponsored by Supervisor Avalos was supported by 36 community and environmental groups and approved by the Board of Supervisors.
Read Bay Citizen coverage of this veto : Lee Sides with Golfers
Golden Gate Bird Alliance supports legislation to restore the wetlands and Sharp Park and to transfer the long term management of the Park to the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. This is the best solution in terms of the endangered species protection while meeting the current recreational needs of San Franciscans.
1) Today send an email or call each of the supervisors on the City Operations and Neighborhood Services Committee:
Supervisor John Avalos email John.Avalos@sfgov (415) 554-6975
Supervisor Eric Mar email Eric.L.Mar@sfgov.org (415) 554-7410
Supervisor Sean Elsbernd email Sean.Elsbernd@sfgov.org (415) 554-6516
2) Attend the hearing on Monday, December 5, 2011 starts at 10:00 a.m.
SF City Hall, City Operations & Neighborhood Services Committee – Legislative Chamber Room 250
Why restore the Sharp Park wetlands and create a new public park in San Francisco?
· To protect, recover, and ensure the long term survival of two federally-listed endangered species, the San Francisco garter and the California red-legged frog in the area.
· Since 2004 Sharp Park has lost an average of $162,000 each year on a park that continues to inflict harm on wildlife.
· Closing the course will save additional millions of dollars by eliminating the obligation for costly infrastructure projects needed to protect the park against sea level rise, costs from failing to comply with federal environmental laws.
· The money saved would allow San Francisco to improve currently underfunded neighborhood parks, community centers, education programs, local jobs, and/or social services within the community.
· Resources for more popular recreational activities, such as hiking and biking, would benefit more people, rather than investing additional money to improve this golf course. Sharp Park Golf Course has received failing reviews in nearly every category the National Golf Foundation measures.
What will the Sharp Park legislation do?
· The legislation directs the Recreation & Park Department to partner and create a long-term management agreement with the National Park Service including a financial roadmap, and address urgent environmental and infrastructure needs. · Sharp Park would be transformed from golf to a new public park emphasizing trail-based recreation and would be managed by the National Park Service.
· Protection of the endangered wildlife would be ensured by the National Park Service. The Recreation and Park Department does not have the expertise or the financial resources to provide the required protections.
For more information contact Mike Lynes, Conservation Director mlynes@goldengatebirdalliance.org