The Alternatives for Alcatraz Island 4

Volume I: 145

NO-ACTION ALTERNATIVE

OVERVIEW

Alcatraz Island is one of the most popular destinations in the park. The only former 

federal penitentiary open to the public, it attracts more than 1.4 million visitors each year. 

However, the prison era is only part of its long and fascinating history. Alcatraz Island 

was a fort during the Civil War, the home of the West Coast’s first lighthouse, and the 

birthplace of the American Indian “Red Power” movement. There is also a natural and 

scenic side to Alcatraz Island. Plant communities, tide pools, and birdlife are among its 

features, and a walk on the island promises panoramic views of the city skyline, ships, 

bridges, and bay waters. 

Under the no-action alternative, the island would continue to be managed to preserve 

historic and natural resources, and provide public access to the variety of settings and 

experiences where appropriate and safe. The primary visitor experience would be day 

use, beginning with a ferry ride from San Francisco. The island experience would 

continue to be centered on the federal penitentiary; however, other periods of the island 

history and bird life would also be interpreted. Scheduled evening tours of Alcatraz 

Island would continue to provide visitors with this unique opportunity. 

The deterioration of buildings and landscapes (exacerbated by the harsh island 

environment) and the protection of areas for bird nesting habitat (at least for part of the 

year) would continue to limit visitor access to much of the island, at least for part of the 

year. Rehabilitation of historic buildings and landscaped areas would be ongoing and 

subject to available funding. 

The island supports one of the largest concentrations of colonial nesting waterbirds along 

the Central Coast of California. Many areas of the island would continue to be closed 

during breeding season to protect the colonies from human disturbance. In areas open to 

the public, western gulls would be managed under an existing agreement with the U.S. 

Fish and Wildlife Service in accordance with the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, through the 

use of bird exclusion measures and other deterrents to protect visitor health and safety. 

Education and stewardship opportunities would inform visitors about the importance of 

the island to nesting birds, and what the public can do to help protect them. 

Management of Alcatraz Island is currently guided by the 1980 general management plan 

and the 1993 Alcatraz Island development concept plan, which established zones of yearround and seasonal access and established areas that are closed year-round to visitors. See 

“Figure 8: 1980 General Management Plan, Park Lands in Marin and San Francisco

Counties (No-action Alternative)” for additional information on the current management. 

FERRY EMBARKATION

Access to the island would remain at the docks on San Francisco’s northern waterfront. 

The park would continue to provide basic orientation and visitor services at the pier. 

Ticketing would continue to be through a reservation system, and ferries would operate 
PART 4: THE ALTERNATIVES FOR ALCATRAZ ISLAND

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daily on a year-round schedule. The length of the ferry trip between the mainland and 

Alcatraz Island would remain approximately 10–15 minutes. 

ARRIVAL AREA

(including the Dock, Building 64 (Historic Barracks), and the Sallyport)

The arrival area would continue to provide orientation, restrooms, and other support 

services for visitors arriving and departing Alcatraz Island. This area includes a mix of 

structures and landscapes that would continue to support the high volume of visitation. 

Portions of the first floor of Building 64, the historic barracks, would be adaptively used 

for administrative purposes and some visitor services, including a small gift shop, 

exhibits, and a theater. The upper floors have not been rehabilitated and would remain 

unused. All visitors would continue to pass through the Sallyport, one of the oldest 

structures on the island.

MAIN PRISON AREA

(including the Citadel, Main Cellblock, Hospital Wing, Administration Wing, 

Recreation Yard, New Industries Building, Post Exchange, and Parade

Ground)

The Main Prison Building and several adjacent areas, like the Recreation Yard, have been 

rehabilitated to represent the federal penitentiary era. They would continue to be 

managed as part of the central visitor experience. Visitors would have access to most of 

the building and yard. Several areas, like the Civil War era Citadel (located below the 

Main Cellblock) and part of the building’s hospital wing, would remain closed. Visiting 

the Main Prison Building would primarily be a self-guiding experience facilitated by an 

audio tour.

Many adjacent landscape areas would continue to be minimally preserved and inhabited 

by waterbirds both seasonally and year round, while other areas include the island’s 

restored historic gardens. Before the National Park Service assumed management of the 

island, the Government Services Administration demolished several residential structures 

on the Parade Ground. The piles of rubble from these demolished structures would 

remain and would be used seasonally by waterbirds. 

LIGHTHOUSE

The lighthouse would continue to be managed for its historic function as an early aid to 

navigation in San Francisco Bay. It is currently managed by the U.S. Coast Guard, but is 

expected to be transferred to the National Park Service. Visitor access would be highly 

controlled. 
No-action Alternative

Volume I: 147

NORTH END OF THE ISLAND 

These buildings and adjacent yards were once active parts of the prison. They would 

continue to house the island’s diesel generators that currently provide all power to the 

island’s facilities and be used for operations and maintenance functions. The state of 

preservation would be minimal, and visitors would generally not be permitted in this 

area.

ISLAND PERIMETER

The perimeter of the island, including the steep cliffs and immediate shore, would 

continue to be managed to preserve habitat for birds and marine wildlife. Visitor access 

would be on primary trails that are open year-round, and on seasonal trails such as the 

Agave Trail. Other areas would be closed year-round for visitor safety and seabird habitat 

protection. 

OFFSHORE BAY ENVIRONMENT

The National Park Service has jurisdiction over the bay environment extending 

approximately 1,000 feet from the island’s shore. This area would not be actively 

managed, although access to the island would be only through the park’s ferry 

concessionaire.

SUSTAINABILITY

The National Park Service would continue to develop and implement sustainable 

approaches to meet the island’s energy, water, and wastewater needs. Actions that are 

being considered include replacing diesel generators with renewable (e.g., photovoltaic 

panels) and grid-tied energy sources. These infrastructure technologies would be 

interpreted where possible.

COST ESTIMATES

Cost estimates for the no-action alternative are identified in the table below. The costs 

shown here are not for budgetary purposes; they are only intended to show a relative 

comparison of costs among the alternatives. 

The alternatives describe the maximum potential capital improvements; lesser 

improvements may be implemented, or built in phases if necessary. The implementation 

of the approved plan will depend on future funding. The approval of this plan does not 

guarantee that the funding and staffing needed to implement the plan will be forthcoming. 

Full implementation of the actions in the approved general management plan could be 
PART 4: THE ALTERNATIVES FOR ALCATRAZ ISLAND

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many years in the future. Additionally, some of the future long-term funding needed to 

implement the various actions called for in the alternatives is anticipated to come from 

nonfederal partners, consistent with the park’s current practices.

Annual Operating Costs

Operating costs and staff numbers for Alcatraz Island are included in Golden Gate 

National Recreation Area analysis.

One-time Capital Costs

The estimated costs of the no-action alternative reflect the continuation of current 

management. One-time costs for the no-action alternative are the costs for those projects 

that are currently approved and funded—any requested but unfunded projects are not 

considered in this analysis. Therefore, while the action alternatives contain estimates for 

20 years of proposed projects, the no-action alternative assumes no new projects would 

take place except those projects funded in 2009. Projects include electrical upgrades and 

repair of the Alcatraz Island morgue, and total $4.3 million. 

In the no-action alternative, the current level of facilities would be continued. 

Improvements to facilities would include deferred maintenance and rehabilitation 

projects. 

Table 4: One-time Costs for the No-action Alternative for Alcatraz Island 

SUMMARY OF COSTS FOR THE NO-ACTION ALTERNATIVE

One-time Capital Costs

Total $ 4,260,000

Operating costs and staff numbers for Alcatraz Island are included in Golden Gate

National Recreation Area analysis.
1980 General Management Plan

Alcatraz IslandNo-Action Alternative 

Volume I: 151

ALTERNATIVE 1: 

CONNECTING PEOPLE WITH THE PARKS

OVERVIEW

Many who visit Alcatraz Island are drawn by the island’s notorious prison reputation. 

Others want to see the crumbling ruins set against the spectacular scenery of San 

Francisco and the Golden Gate or understand the island’s human dimension: the 

American Indian occupation or the gardens tended by guards and their families. 

In this alternative Alcatraz Island would be managed to provide an expanded variety of 

settings and experiences that will pleasantly surprise visitors attracted by the notoriety of 

the prison, and connect them to the greater breadth of the island’s resources and stories. 

The park would seek to enrich the scenic, recreational, and educational opportunities in 

the heart of San Francisco Bay.

Visitors would have access to the majority of the island’s historic structures and 

landscapes to experience the layers of island history and its natural resources and settings. 

Many of the indoor and outdoor spaces currently inaccessible to visitors would be 

reopened to expand the range of available activities.

All historic structures would be preserved; most would be rehabilitated and adaptively 

reused for visitor activities and park operations. Food service, meeting and program 

space, and overnight accommodations (possibly including a hostel or camp site) would be 

provided. 

Sensitive wildlife areas, like the shoreline, would be protected. Park managers would 

provide visitors with opportunities to see wildlife and nesting waterbirds and to 

participate in resource stewardship activities. Gulls would be managed to reduce conflicts 

in visitor use areas.

FERRY EMBARKATION

The visitor’s immersion in Alcatraz Island history would begin at one or more off-island 

ferry docks that could include the historic Alcatraz dock at Pier 4 in Fort Mason. The 

primary embarkation site would remain on San Francisco’s northern waterfront where

visitor services, including education about Alcatraz and orientation to the GGNRA, could 

be enhanced. Additional ferry connections could be provided to other park sites as part of 

the facility’s role as a portal to the park. Ticketing would continue to be through a 

reservation system, and ferries would operate daily on a year-round schedule. The length 

of the ferry trip between the mainland and Alcatraz Island would remain approximately 

10–15 minutes. 
PART 4: THE ALTERNATIVES FOR ALCATRAZ ISLAND

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ARRIVAL AREA

(including the Dock, Building 64 (Historic Barracks), and the Sallyport)

Diverse Opportunities Zone

This area would be managed to welcome visitors and provide orientation to the expansive 

opportunities on the island. Building 64 would be rehabilitated as a multipurpose facility 

to host an expanded variety of visitor services that could include hospitality (food service 

and overnight accommodations), interpretation and exhibit space, an audiovisual center, 

and administrative areas.

MAIN PRISON AREA

(including the Citadel, Main Cellblock, Hospital Wing, Administration Wing, 

Recreation Yard, New Industries Building, Post Exchange, and Parade 

Ground)

Historic Immersion Zone (Main Prison Building) 

The park would manage this area to immerse visitors in the federal penitentiary period. A 

variety of programming and exhibits would bring prison history alive. Rehabilitation or 

restoration, where appropriate, would enhance resource integrity. 

Evolved Cultural Landscape Zone (Guardhouse, Post Exchange, and gardens) 

In this alternative, the park would manage the structures and landscaped areas 

surrounding the Main Prison Building to protect and interpret the layers of history. The 

Post Exchange and Warden’s House ruins would be stabilized and the Guardhouse would 

be rehabilitated.

Diverse Opportunities Zone (Hospital Wing of Main Prison Building, Recreation Yard, 

New Industries Building, and Parade Ground) 

These buildings and outdoor spaces would be rehabilitated to provide a range of visitor 

activities that could include informal gatherings, interpretive programs, and special 

events. The New Industries Building would be rehabilitated as a multipurpose facility. It 

would include flexible space that could accommodate interpretation, special events, 

classrooms and meetings and would include service areas to support these uses. The 

perimeter trail would use the existing path on the west side of the structure with 

appropriate separation to protect nesting birds on the cliff below.

The building rubble on the Parade Ground could be removed and bird populations would 

be managed to accommodate enhanced visitor access in coordination with the 

management of the Western gulls. This rehabilitation of the parade ground could 

incorporate measures to support wildlife. 
Alternative 1: Connecting People With the Parks

Volume I: 153

LIGHTHOUSE

Historic Immersion Zone

The lighthouse and surrounding area would be preserved to give visitors opportunities to 

learn about the maritime history of Alcatraz Island and its strategic location in the bay. 

Access and interpretation would be enhanced.

NORTH END OF THE ISLAND 

Park Operations Zone

The historic structures in this zone, including part of the Model Industries Building, 

would be rehabilitated and adaptively reused for maintenance, storage, and public safety 

functions. They could house green, sustainable infrastructure technologies. Where 

appropriate, visitor access would be provided to showcase the technologies and interpret 

the island’s energy history.

ISLAND PERIMETER

Natural Zone (northeastern and southern perimeter of the island)

This area would be managed to protect natural habitat values while providing 

opportunities for visitors to walk on trails around more of the island’s perimeter, at all 

times of the year to the extent feasible. 

Sensitive Resources Zone (western coastal cliffs and Little Alcatraz Island) 

Visitor access along the western coastal cliffs, rocks, and tide pools would be highly 

managed to protect visitors and natural habitat values. Seasonal closures would protect

sensitive seabird habitat.

OFFSHORE BAY ENVIRONMENT

Sensitive Resources Zone (extending 100 feet from the island’s western shore) 

This area would be managed to protect marine resources. The National Park Service

would prohibit boat landing in this area and exclude boat tours from this area. 

Scenic Corridor Zone (extending beyond the Sensitive Resources Zone and along the 

island’s eastern shore)

This area on the east side of the island would be managed to accommodate ferry service 

to the island. Boat tours around the island and some types of water-based recreation could 

be permitted. The area adjacent to the entry dock would be managed to expand the 

capacity and range of uses that may occur. This would enable the island to be part of the 
PART 4: THE ALTERNATIVES FOR ALCATRAZ ISLAND

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San Francisco Bay Water Trail, welcoming nonmotorized boats via permits or 

reservations.

SUSTAINABILITY

The National Park Service would continue to develop and implement sustainable 

approaches to meet the island’s energy, water, and wastewater needs. Actions that are 

being considered include replacing diesel generators with renewable (e.g., photovoltaic 

panels) and grid-tied energy sources. These infrastructure technologies would be 

interpreted where possible.

COST ESTIMATES 

Cost estimates for alternative 1 are identified in the table below. The costs shown here are 

not for budgetary purposes; they are only intended to show a relative comparison of costs 

among the alternatives. 

The alternatives describe the maximum potential capital improvements; lesser 

improvements may be implemented, or built in phases if necessary. The implementation 

of the approved plan will depend on future funding. The approval of this plan does not 

guarantee that the funding and staffing needed to implement the plan will be forthcoming. 

Full implementation of the actions in the approved general management plan could be 

many years in the future. Additionally, some of the future long-term funding needed to 

implement the various actions called for in the alternatives is anticipated to come from 

nonfederal partners, consistent with the park’s current practices.

Alternative 1 for Alcatraz Island would provide an expanded variety of settings and 

experiences, thereby connecting visitors to the greater breadth of the island’s resources 

and stories. Visitors would have access to the majority of the island’s historic structures 

and landscapes, including areas currently closed to the public. 

Annual Operating Costs

Operating costs and staff numbers for Alcatraz Island are included in Golden Gate 

National Recreation Area analysis.

One-time Capital Costs

One-time facility costs of this alternative reflect the extensive rehabilitation required to 

more fully open buildings and landscapes to the public. All buildings would be preserved, 

with most rehabilitated and adaptively reused for visitor activities or park operations. 

Many of the structures on Alcatraz Island are in a deteriorated state and the stabilization 

costs to ensure the continuation of national landmark status alone is large. Total one-time 

costs for alternative 1 are estimated at $61.2 million. 
Alternative 1: Connecting People With the Parks

Volume I: 155

Table 5: One-time Costs for Alternative 1 for Alcatraz Island 

SUMMARY OF COSTS FOR ALTERNATIVE 1

One-time Capital Costs

HISTORIC PRESERVATION

Building 64 rehabilitation $10,080,000 

Guardhouse and gardens rehabilitation $4,320,000 

Main Prison Building stabilization and 

rehabilitation $19,030,000 

Model Industries Building rehabilitation $5,730,000 

New Industries Building rehabilitation $10,970,000 

Parade Ground rehabilitation $2,360,000 

Post Exchange stabilization $780,000 

Power Plant rehabilitation $1,890,000 

Quartermaster Warehouse stabilization and 

rehabilitation $5,120,000 

Recreation Yard rehabilitation $910,000 

Total $61,190,000 

All costs in 2009 dollars
PART 4: THE ALTERNATIVES FOR ALCATRAZ ISLAND

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22 64 77

77

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Apt B

Apt C

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76 7

8 9

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Connecting People with the Parks

Alternative 1

Golden Gate National Recreation Area

Alcatraz Island

United States Department of the Interior • National Park Service

DSC • February 2011 • 641/ 20620

Management Zones

Island Shoreline

NPS Managed 

Marine Resources

Diverse Opportunities

Scenic Corridor

Interpretive Corridor

Evolved Cultural Landscape

Historic Immersion

Natural

Sensitive Resources

Park Operations

Model Industries

Building

Little Alcatraz 

Island

Quartermaster

Warehouse

Main 

Prison

Building

Parade 

Ground

Warden’s 

House

Recreation Yard Lighthouse

Hospital

Admin

Building 64

Power 

Plant

New Industries 

Building

(Laundry)

900 FEET

Scenic Corridor zone extends 

900 feet from shore

Post

Exchange

Sallyport &

Guard House 

Dock

100 Feet

Volume I: 159

ALTERNATIVE 2: 

PRESERVING AND ENJOYING COASTAL 

ECOSYSTEMS

OVERVIEW

Isolation—whether for soldiers, prisoners, birds, or plants—is a recurrent theme in the 

story of Alcatraz Island. In this alternative, the island’s inhospitable and isolated—yet 

strategic—location at the entry to the Golden Gate and San Francisco Bay would be 

highlighted. The island’s past and present significance to colonial nesting birds and its 

layers of human history—the Civil War fortress, the lighthouse, the prison and 

penitentiary—all derive from its position in the bay. 

The island’s changing natural and built landscape would continue to evolve, further 

enhancing habitat for nesting birds. Only those buildings and features necessary to 

maintain the island’s national historic landmark status would be preserved; the natural 

elements would reclaim other features as part of the wilding of Alcatraz Island. 

Visitors would be immersed in opportunities that showcase the island’s isolation, its 

natural resources, and all the layers of history that can be found at the Main Prison 

Building. Visitor experiences would include outdoor learning, and natural and cultural 

resource stewardship programming delivered in partnership with Bay Area nonprofits.

While access would be managed to protect sensitive resources, visitors would be able to 

more freely explore, discover, and experience nature reclaiming Alcatraz Island, and 

understand the role the island plays in the broader marine ecosystem (reaching from San 

Francisco Bay to the Farallon Islands) as a result of its strategic location.

FERRY EMBARKATION

The visitor’s immersion in Alcatraz Island history would begin at one or more off-island 

ferry docks that could include the historic Alcatraz dock at Pier 4 in Fort Mason. The 

primary embarkation site would remain on San Francisco’s northern waterfront where

visitor services, including education about Alcatraz and orientation to the GGNRA, could 

be enhanced. Additional ferry connections could be provided to other park sites as part of 

the facility’s role as a portal to the park. Ticketing would continue to be through a 

reservation system, and ferries would operate daily on a year-round schedule. The length 

of the ferry trip between the mainland and Alcatraz Island would remain approximately 

10–15 minutes. 
PART 4: THE ALTERNATIVES FOR ALCATRAZ ISLAND

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ARRIVAL AREA

(including the Dock, Building 64 (Historic Barracks), and the Sallyport)

Evolved Cultural Landscape Zone 

This area would welcome visitors while protecting the multitude of cultural resources. 

Building 64 would be adaptively reused to support the science, education, and 

stewardship programs. It could include space for offices, classrooms, labs, minimal food 

service, and hostel-like overnight facilities for program participants. Co-locating these 

functions would promote interactive learning and association among the scientists, 

teachers, and student participants. Administrative functions would also be housed in this 

building. 

The park would also manage the structures and landscaped areas (such as the Guardhouse 

and gardens) between the entry dock and the Main Prison Building to protect and 

interpret the various periods of history.

MAIN PRISON AREA

(including the Citadel, Main Cellblock, Hospital Wing, Administration Wing, 

Recreation Yard, New Industries Building, Post Exchange, and Parade 

Ground)

Historic Immersion Zone (Main Prison Building, including the Hospital Wing and 

Recreation Yard) 

These historic structures would be managed to provide visitors with access to the wide 

range of resources in historically accurate conditions, from the military period through 

the Indian occupation. Rehabilitation or restoration of historic resources would enhance 

their historic integrity.

Natural Zone (Model Industries Building, New Industries Building, Parade Ground, and 

western side of island)

The park would manage these structures and adjacent areas to enhance bird habitat and 

protect sensitive resources. Visitor use would be managed and controlled to support 

natural resource management goals. The New Industries Building would be stabilized and 

no efforts would be made to avoid its loss to coastal erosion. Visitor access could be 

provided for wildlife viewing, research, and education but would be highly controlled. 

The rubble piles on the Parade Ground would be retained to maintain and enhance 

seabird habitat. The existing Agave Trail would protect natural habitat while providing 

seasonal access to the shoreline for visitors. The Model Industries Building would be 

stabilized to allow expanded habitat for nesting birds. No efforts would be made to avoid 

the loss of the building to coastal erosion. Visitor access could be provided for wildlife 

viewing, research, and education but would be highly controlled. 
Alternative 2: Preserving and Enjoying Coastal Ecosystems

Volume I: 161

LIGHTHOUSE

Historic Immersion Zone

The lighthouse and surrounding area would be preserved to give visitors opportunities to 

learn about the maritime history of Alcatraz Island and its strategic location in the bay. 

Access and interpretation would be enhanced.

NORTH END OF THE ISLAND 

Park Operations Zone (Post Exchange, Quartermaster Warehouse, and Power Plant)

The interior spaces of the Post Exchange, Quartermaster Warehouse, and Power Plant 

would be dedicated park operation activities. The Post Exchange would be stabilized to 

preserve the exterior of the structure. An interior shell could be constructed within the 

ruin to support park operational functions if needed. Maintenance activities and visitor 

access outside and close to these structures would be managed to prevent disruption of 

sensitive natural resources.

ISLAND PERIMETER

Sensitive Resources Zone (majority of the island perimeter)

The majority of the perimeter of Alcatraz Island would be preserved to protect natural 

habitat values. Visitor use and access would be highly managed. 

OFFSHORE BAY ENVIRONMENT

Sensitive Resources Zone (extending 300 feet from the island’s western shore) 

This zone extends out 300 feet and would be managed as a marine protected area to 

preserve coastal resources, including submerged resources, and seabird colonies using the 

island’s cliffs. The area would be closed to boats during seabird breeding season. 

Scenic Corridor Zone (extending beyond the Sensitive Resources Zone and along the 

island’s eastern shore)

This area would be managed to accommodate ferry access to the island. Some other types

of water-based access could also be permitted. Enforcement of resource protection 

measures and visitor access regulations would be strengthened. For example, tours near 

the island would be regulated. 
PART 4: THE ALTERNATIVES FOR ALCATRAZ ISLAND

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SUSTAINABILITY

The National Park Service would continue to develop and implement sustainable 

approaches to meet the island’s energy, water, and wastewater needs. Actions that are 

being considered include replacing diesel generators with renewable (e.g., photovoltaic 

panels) and grid-tied energy sources. These infrastructure technologies would be 

interpreted where possible.

COST ESTIMATES

Cost estimates for alternative 2 are identified below in the table below. The costs shown 

here are not for budgetary purposes; they are only intended to show a relative comparison 

of costs among the alternatives. 

The alternatives describe the maximum potential capital improvements; lesser 

improvements may be implemented, or built in phases if necessary. The implementation 

of the approved plan will depend on future funding. The approval of this plan does not 

guarantee that the funding and staffing needed to implement the plan will be forthcoming. 

Full implementation of the actions in the approved general management plan could be 

many years in the future. Additionally, some of the future long-term funding needed to 

implement the various actions called for in the alternatives is anticipated to come from 

nonfederal partners, consistent with the park’s current practices.

Alternative 2 for Alcatraz Island would highlight the island’s isolated location, harsh 

environment, and strategic location in telling the story of the island. The weather, plants, 

and wildlife would reclaim much of the island, leaving only the historic landmark 

structures preserved.

Annual Operating Costs

Operating costs and staff numbers for Alcatraz Island are included in Golden Gate 

National Recreation Area analysis.

One-time Capital Costs

One-time costs reflect the rehabilitation of select buildings for contemporary uses and 

limited restoration to historic conditions, allowing other buildings and areas to be 

managed for natural resource objectives or as ruins. Many of the structures on Alcatraz 

Island are in a deteriorated state and the stabilization costs to ensure the continuation of 

national landmark status alone is quite large. Total one-time costs for alternative 2 are 

estimated at $37.4 million. 
Alternative 2: Preserving and Enjoying Coastal Ecosystems

Volume I: 163

Table 6: One-time Costs for Alternative 2 for Alcatraz Island 

SUMMARY OF COSTS FOR ALTERNATIVE 2

One-time Capital Costs

HISTORIC PRESERVATION

Building 64 rehabilitation $10,080,000 

Guardhouse and gardens stabilization $120,000 

Main Prison Building stabilization and 

rehabilitation $19,030,000 

Model Industries Building Habitat 

Enhancement $10,000 

Post Exchange stabilization $780,000 

Power Plant rehabilitation $1,890,000 

Quartermaster Warehouse Rehabilitation $5,120,000 

Recreation Yard stabilization $410,000 

Total $37,440,000 

All costs in 2009 dollars
PART 4: THE ALTERNATIVES FOR ALCATRAZ ISLAND

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22 64 77

77

65 89

79

67

82

84

68

Apt A

Apt B

Apt C

33

72 73 74 75

83

76 7

8 9

P

Sandbox

N E 

W S 

Ref 

North 

0 120 240 Feet

Preserving and Enjoying Coastal Ecosystems

Alternative 2 

Golden Gate National Recreation Area

Alcatraz Island

United States Department of the Interior • National Park Service

DSC • February 2011 • 641/ 20620

Management Zones

Island Shoreline

NPS Managed 

Marine Resources

Diverse Opportunities

Scenic Corridor

Interpretive Corridor

Evolved Cultural Landscape

Historic Immersion

Natural

Sensitive Resources

Park Operations

Model Industries

Building

Little Alcatraz 

Island

Quartermaster

Warehouse

Main 

Prison

Building

Parade 

Ground

Warden’s 

House

Recreation Yard Lighthouse

Hospital

Admin

Building 64

Power 

Plant

New Industries 

Building

(Laundry)

300 FEET

900 FEET

Scenic Corridor zone extends 900 

feet from shore

Post

Exchange

Sallyport &

Guard House 

Dock

Volume I: 167

ALTERNATIVE 3: 

FOCUSING ON NATIONAL TREASURES

THE PREFERRED ALTERNATIVE

OVERVIEW

For more than 150 years, Alcatraz Island has been reworked and altered by human 

activity. This alternative would immerse visitors extensively in all of Alcatraz Island’s 

historic periods, including the Civil War military fortifications and prison, federal 

penitentiary, and American Indian occupation. Alcatraz Island’s history would be 

interpreted, first and foremost with tangible and accessible historic resources, including 

the structures, landscape, archeology, and museum collection. These resources contribute 

to the island’s national historic landmark status and its recognition as an international 

icon. 

Most visits would begin at an enhanced ferry embarkation facility in San Francisco. ON 

the way to the island, the ferry would pass a line of historic warning buoys. The 

immersive experience would continue at the island’s arrival dock, with greater access to 

restored portions of Building 64, the historic barracks. Visitors would ascend to the main 

prison in the summit through a landscape of preserved historic structures and features. 

While the primary visitor experience would focus on the federal penitentiary, visitors also 

would be exposed to the other periods of history, literally and programmatically. 

This alternative would require extensive stabilization, rehabilitation, and restoration of 

historic buildings and small-scale landscape features, as well as creative interpretative 

and educational programs and visitor services. It would create additional opportunities for 

cultural resource stewardship programs.

Visitors would have opportunities to learn about the natural history of San Francisco Bay. 

The colonial waterbird habitat that has grown in regional importance would be protected, 

enhanced, and interpreted. Visitors could also explore the island perimeter, managed to 

protect sensitive bird populations while providing opportunities to observe them or 

participate in stewardship activities. The large population of gulls would be managed to 

reduce conflicts in primary visitor use areas like the Parade Ground. 

FERRY EMBARKATION

The visitor’s immersion in Alcatraz Island history would begin at one or more off-island 

ferry docks that could include the historic Alcatraz dock at Pier 4 in Fort Mason. The 

primary embarkation site would remain on San Francisco’s northern waterfront where

visitor services, including education about Alcatraz and orientation to the GGNRA, could 

be enhanced. Additional ferry connections could be provided to other park sites as part of 

the facility’s role as a portal to the park. Ticketing would continue to be through a 

reservation system, and ferries would operate daily on a year-round schedule. The length 

of the ferry trip between the mainland and Alcatraz Island would remain approximately 

10–15 minutes.
PART 4: ALTERNATIVES FOR ALCATRAZ ISLAND

Volume I: 168

ARRIVAL AREA

(including the Dock, Building 64 (Historic Barracks), and the Sallyport)

Historic Immersion Zone

Here, as in alternative 1, the park would welcome, orient, and begin to immerse visitors 

in the island’s prison landscape, creating an atmosphere evocative of its history. Selected 

areas of Building 64 would be restored to tell the story of its history and use. Period 

restoration in the building would include the post office, canteen, and a prison-era guard 

apartment to extend the immersive experience. To better reveal the early military prison 

period, the guardhouse could be restored by removing the later boathouse addition. Other 

areas would be rehabilitated for visitor services and administrative functions and could 

include modest dorm-like overnight accommodations for participants in education, 

conservation, and stewardship programs. The upper floors would be stabilized to preserve 

the structure’s integrity.

MAIN PRISON AREA

(including the Citadel, Main Cellblock, Hospital Wing, Administration Wing, 

Recreation Yard, New Industries Building, Post Exchange, and Parade 

Ground)

Historic Immersion Zone

The many historic resources of the Main Prison Building would provide visitors with the 

opportunity to explore the federal penitentiary’s history. Visitors would also have access 

to the wide range of historic structures and features, in historically accurate conditions 

that tell stories about the different layers of island history. Park managers would look for 

opportunities to expose visitors to the tangible resources (including artifacts in the park’s 

museum collection) of the federal penitentiary and military eras.

Treatments ranging from upgrades to exhibits and furnishings to more complete 

restoration would continue with the goal of increasing access and interpretation of the 

structure’s history.

In this alternative, the park would also manage the adjacent areas, such as the main road, 

Warden’s House, and the Parade Ground, to reinforce the sense of history as visitors 

move around the island. The Parade Ground would be rehabilitated to support year-round 

visitor exploration of this area in coordination with adaptive management of Western 

gulls. The rehabilitation could incorporate measures to support natural systems with 

preservation of cultural resources. 

The Post Exchange would be stabilized while providing visitors with opportunities to 

explore this historic structure. Additional preservation would be possible with the 

involvement of partners to make a more complete visitor experience and interpret the 

building’s history. 
Alternative 3: Focusing on National Treasures

The Preferred Alternative

Volume I: 169

LIGHTHOUSE

Historic Immersion Zone

The lighthouse and surrounding area would be preserved to give visitors opportunities to 

learn about the maritime history of Alcatraz Island and its strategic location in the bay. 

Access and interpretation would be enhanced.

NORTH END OF THE ISLAND 

Park Operations Zone

The Quartermaster Warehouse would be rehabilitated and used as an operational center 

for maintenance, public safety, and a preservation stewardship workshop. 

The Power Plant would be stabilized to house green, sustainable infrastructure 

technologies. Where appropriate, visitor access would be provided to showcase the 

technologies and interpret the story of energy use on the island. The adjacent yard would 

support island operational needs. Access to the yard would employ measures to protect 

nearby seabird habitat. 

Although this area is currently identified as the primary park operations area, the National 

Park Service would continue to evaluate other portions of the island that may be 

advantageous for operational uses such as administrative space, maintenance, and 

auxiliary functions. 

Evolved Cultural Landscape Zone (including Model Industries Building and New 

Industries Building ) 

The Model Industries Building would be stabilized. The building and adjacent cliffs 

would be closed to general visitation and park operational uses to protect nearby sensitive 

habitat of nesting waterbirds. Vehicular access through the courtyard to the adjacent 

Power Plant yard would employ measures to protect habitat, possibly including seasonal 

closures.

The New Industries Building would be rehabilitated as a multipurpose facility. It would 

include flexible space that could accommodate interpretation, special events, classrooms, 

and meetings, and would include restrooms and a service kitchen to support these uses.

The perimeter trail would connect through the building and provide bird-viewing 

opportunities from its interior.

ISLAND PERIMETER

Evolved Cultural Landscape Zone (majority of the island perimeter)

The perimeter of the island, including the coastal cliffs, would be managed to stabilize 

significant historic resources, protect colonial nesting birds and intertidal habitat, and 

interpret the island’s evolving cultural and natural history. Opening a perimeter trail, 
PART 4: ALTERNATIVES FOR ALCATRAZ ISLAND

Volume I: 170

including segments of the historic sentry walk, would provide visitors with enhanced 

access to much of the island. Sensitive design and seasonal closure of the trail, which 

could include the Agave Trail, would protect nesting bird habitat. 

OFFSHORE BAY ENVIRONMENT

Sensitive Resources Zone (extending 300 feet around most of Alcatraz Island) 

This zone extends out 300 feet and would be managed as a marine protected area to 

preserve coastal resources, including Little Alcatraz island, submerged resources, and 

seabird colonies using the island’s cliffs. The area would be demarcated by warning 

buoys and closed to boats year-round. 

Historic Immersion Zone (extending from the Sensitive Resources Zone out to 900 feet 

from the island’s shore) 

The National Park Service would manage this area to accommodate ferry service to the 

island. Park managers would mark and interpret the historic no-trespass zone that was in 

place during previous periods. Only approved vessels, like the visitor ferry, would be 

allowed to approach and use the island’s dock.

SUSTAINABILITY

The National Park Service would continue to develop and implement sustainable 

approaches to meet the island’s energy, water, and wastewater needs. Actions that are 

being considered include replacing diesel generators with renewable (e.g., photovoltaic 

panels) and grid-tied energy sources. These infrastructure technologies would be 

interpreted where possible.

COST ESTIMATES 

Cost estimates for alternative 3 are identified in table 5. The costs shown here are not for 

budgetary purposes; they are only intended to show a relative comparison of costs among 

the alternatives. 

The alternatives describe the maximum potential capital improvements; lesser 

improvements may be implemented, or built in phases if necessary. The implementation 

of the approved plan will depend on future funding. The approval of this plan does not 

guarantee that the funding and staffing needed to implement the plan will be forthcoming. 

Full implementation of the actions in the approved general management plan could be 

many years in the future. Additionally, some of the future long-term funding needed to 

implement the various actions called for in the alternatives is anticipated to come from 

nonfederal partners, consistent with the park’s current practices.
Alternative 3: Focusing on National Treasures

The Preferred Alternative

Volume I: 171

Alternative 3 for Alcatraz Island would require extensive but focused stabilization, 

rehabilitation, and restoration to effectively immerse the visitor in the history of Alcatraz

Island as previously described in the alternative. 

Annual Operating Costs

Operating costs and staff numbers for Alcatraz Island are included in the analysis for 

Golden Gate National Recreation Area.

One-time Capital Costs

Many historic resources are in poor condition and would be stabilized to maintain the 

integrity of the National Historic Landmark district. Decisions to go beyond stabilization, 

including rehabilitation of a building or landscape, were based on the benefit to the 

visitor experience, capital and operating costs, impact on the sustainability of the island, 

and other factors such as the availability of new interpretive technologies. The estimated 

one-time capital costs are approximately $54.4 million. 

Table 7: One-time Costs for Alternative 3 for Alcatraz Island

SUMMARY OF COSTS FOR ALTERNATIVE 3

(NPS Preferred Alternative)

One-time Capital Costs

HISTORIC PRESERVATION

Building 64 stabilization $4,000,000 

Building 64 rehabilitation: offices, 

overnight accommodations, exhibits* $6,080,000

Guardhouse stabilization $1,970,000 

Guardhouse rehabilitation* $2,350,000

Main Prison Building stabilization and 

rehabilitation $19,030,000 

Model Industries Building stabilization $1,100,000 

New Industries Building stabilization $4,000,000 

New Industries Building rehabilitation* $5,290,000

Parade Ground rehabilitation* $2,360,000 

Post Exchange stabilization $780,000 

Power Plant stabilization $1,890,000 
PART 4: ALTERNATIVES FOR ALCATRAZ ISLAND

Volume I: 172

SUMMARY OF COSTS FOR ALTERNATIVE 3

(NPS Preferred Alternative)

One-time Capital Costs

HISTORIC PRESERVATION

Quartermaster Warehouse stabilization 

and rehabilitation $5,120,000 

Recreation Yard stabilization $410,000 

Total $54,380,000

All costs in 2009 dollars

*These projects are desirable/lower priority, and while important to full implementation of the 

alternative, may be accomplished with nonfederal funds or in later phases. 
22 64 77

77

65 89

79

67

82

84

68

Apt A

Apt B

Apt C

33

72 73 74 75

83

76 7

8 9

P

Sandbox

N E 

W S 

Ref 

North 

0 120 240 Feet

Focusing on National Treasures

Alternative 3 – Preferred Alternative 

Golden Gate National Recreation Area

Alcatraz Island

United States Department of the Interior • National Park Service

DSC • February 2011 • 641/ 20620

Management Zones

Island Shoreline

NPS Managed 

Marine Resources

Diverse Opportunities

Scenic Corridor

Interpretive Corridor

Evolved Cultural Landscape

Historic Immersion

Natural

Sensitive Resources

Park Operations

Model Industries

Building

Little Alcatraz 

Island

Quartermaster

Warehouse

Main 

Prison

Building

Parade 

Ground

Warden’s 

House

Recreation Yard Lighthouse

Hospital

Admin

Building 64

Power 

Plant

New Industries 

Building

(Laundry)

300 FEET

900 FEET

Historic Immersion zone extends 

900 feet from shore

Post

Exchange

Sallyport &

Guard House 

Dock

Controlling gulls and repairing the foundations of buildings razed after the American Indian occupation could 

enrich visitor’s understanding of Alcatraz’s parade ground.

Selectively removing later building additions could help visitor’s understand the character 

and central role of the Guardhouse-Sallyport when Alcatraz was a military prison.

Partial restoration of guard towers and fences, along with maintaining vegetative buffers, could balance 

historic preservation and waterbird habitat goals on Alcatraz. 
Volume I: 176

SUMMARY COST ESTIMATES FOR ALCATRAZ ISLAND

The cost figures shown here and throughout the plan are intended only to provide 

conceptual costs for a general comparison of alternatives. NPS and industry cost 

estimating guidelines were used to develop the costs (in 2009 dollars), but the estimates 

should not be used for budgeting purposes. Specific costs will be determined in 

subsequent, more detailed planning and design exercises, identifying detailed resource 

protection needs and changing visitor expectations. Actual costs to the National Park 

Service will vary depending on when actions are implemented, and on contributions by 

partners and volunteers. 

The alternatives describe the maximum potential capital improvements; lesser 

improvements may be implemented, or built in phases if necessary. The implementation 

of the approved plan will depend on future funding. The approval of this plan does not 

guarantee that the funding and staffing needed to implement the plan will be forthcoming. 

Full implementation of the actions in the approved general management plan could be 

many years in the future. Additionally, some of the future long-term funding needed to 

implement the various actions called for in the alternatives is anticipated to come from 

nonfederal partners, consistent with the park’s current practices.

Table 8: Summary of Costs Associated with the Implementation of the Alternatives for 

Alcatraz Island

No-action 

Alternative Alternative 1 Alternative 2

Alternative 3

(NPS 

Preferred)

One-time Capital 

Costs1 $4,260,000 $61,190,000 $37,440,000 $54,380,000

NOTES: 

1 One-time costs for the no-action alternative only include costs associated with projects already 

approved and fully funded in 2009. 
Volume I: 177

DEFERRED MAINTENANCE 

The “Actions Common to All Alternatives” section, earlier in this document, contained a 

discussion of facilities that could be removed to reduce maintenance funding needs. 

However, in addition to removing facilities, expending one-time costs on park facilities 

would reduce the deferred maintenance by bringing the facilities up to a sustainable 

condition. Deferred maintenance—or work needed to bring park assets into good 

condition—exceeds $198.1 million at Golden Gate National Recreation Area, according 

to the 2009 Park Asset Management Plan. 

Each alternative contains proposals that would reduce total deferred maintenance. 

Although the reductions in deferred maintenance are similar in amount for each 

alternative, the alternatives do not all contain the same proposals for reducing deferred 

maintenance; each alternative proposes different treatments for structures, including 

rehabilitation or removal.

Park staff continue to seek out additional measures to reduce deferred maintenance at the 

park. The Park Asset Management Plan, in particular, addresses strategies for reducing 

deferred maintenance. 

Table 9: Reductions in Deferred Maintenance Associated with the Implementation of the 

Alternatives for Alcatraz Island

No-action 

Alternative Alternative 1 Alternative 2

Alternative 3 

(NPS 

Preferred)

Alcatraz Island $0 $16,130,000 $16,130,000 $15,920,000 
Volume I: 178

ENVIRONMENTALLY PREFERABLE ALTERNATIVE 

FOR ALCATRAZ ISLAND

The environmentally preferable alternative is the alternative that promotes the national 

environmental policy expressed in the National Environmental Policy Act (Sec. 101(b)). 

This includes alternatives that 

1) fulfill the responsibilities of each generation as trustee of the environment for 

succeeding generations; 

2) ensure for all Americans safe, healthful, productive, and esthetically and 

culturally pleasing surroundings; 

3) attain the widest range of beneficial uses of the environment without degradation, 

risk of health or safety, or other undesirable and unintended consequences; 

4) preserve important historic, cultural, and natural aspects of our national heritage 

and maintain, wherever possible, an environment that supports diversity and 

variety of individual choice; 

5) achieve a balance between population and resource use that will permit high 

standards of living and a wide sharing of life’s amenities; and 

6) enhance the quality of renewable resources and approach the maximum 

attainable recycling of depletable resources” (NPS DO-12 Handbook, 

Section 2.7D). 

The alternatives are very similar with respect to criteria 1, 2, 5, and 6. The park staff 

continues to work in achieving these factors as a basic course of implementing the legal 

mandates for Golden Gate National Recreation Area and Muir Woods National 

Monument. All the alternatives equally meet the attainment for these four criteria; 

therefore, the evaluation focuses on criteria 3 and 4. 

The no-action alternative represents a continuation of current management and was 

included to provide a baseline against which to compare the effects of the other (action) 

alternatives. The no-action is the weakest alternative in relationship to criteria 3 and 4. In 

this alternative, much of Alcatraz Island is not accessible to the public and therefore 

limits the range of beneficial uses. The primary purpose of preserving Alcatraz Island is 

to preserve and protect its historic resources. In the no-action alternative, minimal 

preservation efforts are applied to the island’s historic resources. The limited visitor 

access and programs minimizes the range of beneficial uses. 

Alternatives 1 and 2 include actions to significantly improve the current conditions of the 

historic resources while strengthening the island’s natural resources. A variety of natural 

and cultural resource restoration activities, improved public access to more areas on the 

island, and enhanced stewardship programs would greatly enhance criteria 3 and 4. 

Alternative 3 has an even higher standard of historic preservation and visitor programs 

that improves upon the other alternatives. In addition, alternative 3 is strengthened by 

incorporating many of the natural resource restoration actions that were identified in 

alternative 2. 

After considering the environmental consequences of the alternatives, including consequences 

to the human environment, the National Park Service has concluded that the NPS preferred 

alternative, Alternative 3 for Alcatraz Island, is also the environmentally preferable 
Environmentally Preferable Alternative for Alcatraz Island 

Volume I: 179

alternative. This alternative best realizes the full range of national environmental policy goals 

as stated in section 101 of the National Environmental Policy Act. 
Volume 1: 180

SUMMARY TABLES OF THE ALTERNATIVES

FOR ALCATRAZ ISLAND

NOTE: The following table summarizes the alternatives as applied to Alcatraz Island. 

The potential key impacts of implementing the alternatives for Alcatraz Island are 

included in Table 15: Summary of Potential Key Impacts of Implementing the 

Alternatives for Park Lands in Marin, San Francisco, and San Mateo Counties (including 

Alcatraz Island). The impacts to Alcatraz Island are not separated out from the rest of 

Golden Gate National Recreation Area.

Table 10: Comparison of the Alternatives for Alcatraz Island

NO ACTION ALTERNATIVE 1 ALTERNATIVE 2 ALTERNATIVE 3 

(PREFERRED) 

OVERVIEW

• Management 

would continue 

to focus on the 

federal 

penitentiary. 

• Visitors would 

have limited 

access to the 

island’s outdoor 

settings and 

other historic 

structures.

• Many areas 

would continue 

to be protected 

for nesting birds.

• Expand visitor 

experience 

beyond prison 

focus to include 

human, natural 

and historic 

aspects of 

Alcatraz Island.

• Preserve and 

rehabilitate more 

structures to 

share layers of 

history.

• Protect sensitive 

natural areas and 

provide more 

visitor 

opportunities to 

see wildlife.

• Focus on how 

geographic 

isolation has 

impacted the 

natural and human 

experience at 

Alcatraz Island.

• Minimally preserve 

the built 

environment to 

maintain national 

historic landmark 

status.

• Visitor experience 

would be similar to 

alternative 1 in the 

prison, but based 

on self-discovery 

throughout the rest 

of the island.

• Emphasize natural 

habitat for nesting 

birds.

• Immerse visitors in 

all historic periods; 

interpretation would 

be focused on 

tangible historic 

resources.

• Stabilize, 

rehabilitate, and 

restore historic 

resources, including 

the cultural 

landscape. 

• Protect colonial 

waterbird 

populations.

FERRY EMBARKATION

• Embarkation 

from San 

Francisco’s 

northern 

waterfront would 

remain as the 

• Primary 

embarkation 

would remain on 

San Francisco’s 

northern 

waterfront; 

• Same as 

alternative 1.

• Same as 

alternative 1 
Park Lands in Marin, San Francisco, and San Mateo Counties: No-action Alternative

Volume I: 181

NO ACTION ALTERNATIVE 1 ALTERNATIVE 2 ALTERNATIVE 3 

(PREFERRED) 

only access 

point.

additional ferry 

connections 

could be 

provided.

ARRIVAL AREA

• Adaptively use 

Building 64 for 

administrative 

purposes and 

some visitor 

services; majority 

of the structure 

would remain 

unused.

• Building 64 would 

be rehabilitated 

and used as a 

multi-purpose 

facility with 

expanded visitor 

services.

• Building 64 would 

be adaptively used 

to support science 

education and 

stewardship 

programs, as well 

as administrative 

functions.

• This area would be 

used to welcome 

and immerse 

visitors into the 

island’s prison 

landscape.

• Selected areas of 

Building 64, 

including the prison 

post office, canteen, 

and guard 

apartment would be 

restored to reflect 

historic uses.

• Addition to 

guardhouses would 

be removed.

MAIN PRISON AREA

• The Main Prison 

Building and 

several adjacent 

areas, like the 

Recreation Yard, 

represent the 

federal 

penitentiary era. 

They would 

continue to be 

managed as part 

of the central 

visitor 

experience.

• Visitors would 

have access to 

most of the 

building and 

yard. Several 

areas, like the 

Civil War–era 

Citadel (located 

• The Main Prison 

Building and 

several adjacent 

areas would be 

managed to 

immerse visitors 

in the federal 

penitentiary 

period. A variety 

of programming 

and exhibits 

would bring 

prison history 

alive. 

Rehabilitation or 

restoration, 

where 

appropriate, 

would enhance 

resource integrity 

of the historic 

structures.

• In this alternative, 

• Visitors would have 

access to Main 

Prison Building and 

features in 

historically 

accurate conditions 

that tell the stories 

of the different 

layers of island 

history.

• The Main Prison 

Building and 

several adjacent 

areas would be 

managed to 

provide visitors 

with access to the 

wide range of 

resources in 

historically 

accurate 

conditions, from 

the military period 

• The Main Prison 

Building and 

several adjacent 

areas would provide 

visitors with the 

opportunity to 

explore the federal 

penitentiary’s 

history. Visitors 

would also have 

access to the wide 

range of historic 

structures and 

features, in 

historically accurate 

conditions that tell 

stories about the 

different layers of 

island history. Park 

managers would 

look for 

opportunities to 

expose visitors to 

the tangible 
PART 5: THE ALTERNATIVES FOR PARK LANDS IN MARIN, SAN FRANCISCO, AND SAN 

MATEO COUNTIES

Volume 1: 182

NO ACTION ALTERNATIVE 1 ALTERNATIVE 2 ALTERNATIVE 3 

(PREFERRED) 

below the Main 

Cellblock) and 

part of the 

building’s 

hospital wing, 

would remain 

closed. 

• Visiting the Main 

Prison Building 

would primarily 

be a self-guiding 

experience 

facilitated by an 

audio tour.

• The piles of 

rubble on the 

Parade Ground 

would remain 

and would be 

used seasonally 

by waterbirds.

the park would 

manage the 

structures and 

landscaped areas 

surrounding the 

Main Prison 

Building to 

protect and 

interpret the 

layers of history. 

• The building 

rubble on the 

Parade Ground 

could be 

removed and bird 

populations 

would be 

managed to 

accommodate 

enhanced visitor 

access in 

coordination with 

management of 

the Western 

gulls. Building 

rubble on the 

parade ground 

could be 

removed; 

rehabilitation 

could incorporate 

measures to 

support wildlife.

through the Indian 

occupation. 

Rehabilitation or 

restoration of 

historic resources 

would enhance 

their historic 

integrity.

• The park would 

manage these 

structures and 

adjacent areas to 

enhance bird 

habitat and protect 

sensitive 

resources. Visitor 

use would be 

managed and 

controlled to 

support natural 

resource 

management 

goals. 

• The building rubble 

on the Parade 

Ground would be 

retained to 

maintain and 

enhance seabird 

habitat.

resources (including 

artifacts in the 

park’s museum 

collection) of the 

federal penitentiary 

and military eras.

• Treatments ranging 

from upgrades to 

exhibits and 

furnishings to more 

complete 

restoration would 

continue with the 

goal of increasing 

access and 

interpretation of the 

prison’s history.

• The Parade Ground 

would be 

rehabilitated to 

portray its historic 

period and support 

year-round visitor 

exploration in 

coordination with 

adaptive management of Western 

gulls. Rehabilitation 

could incorporate 

measures to 

support wildlife.

Lighthouse

• The lighthouse 

would be 

managed for 

historic function 

with highly 

controlled visitor 

access.

• The lighthouse 

would be 

preserved. 

Access and 

interpretation

would be 

enhanced. 

• Same as 

alternative 1.

• Same as 

alternative 1.

North End of Island

• Area and 

buildings would 

continue to be 

used for 

operations and 

• Historic 

structures 

including the

Model Industries 

Building would be 

• The interior of the 

Post Exchange, 

Quartermaster 

Warehouse, and 

Power Plant would 

• The Quartermaster 

Warehouse would 

be rehabilitated for 

park operations and 

a preservation 
Park Lands in Marin, San Francisco, and San Mateo Counties: No-action Alternative

Volume I: 183

NO ACTION ALTERNATIVE 1 ALTERNATIVE 2 ALTERNATIVE 3 

(PREFERRED) 

maintenance.

• Visitors are not 

permitted.

rehabilitated and 

adaptively reused 

for maintenance, 

storage, and 

public safety.

• Some visitor 

access would be 

provided to 

showcase 

infrastructure 

technologies.

• The New 

Industries 

Building would be 

rehabilitated as a 

multipurpose 

facility (both 

floors)

be used for park 

operations. 

• The Model 

Industries Building 

would be stabilized 

to provide 

additional nesting 

bird habitat.

• Visitor access 

would be highly 

controlled.

• No effort would be 

made to avoid loss 

of buildings in this 

area due to coastal 

erosion.

stewardship

workshop; the 

Power Plant would 

be stabilized to 

house green, 

sustainable 

infrastructure with 

possible visitor 

access and 

interpretation.

• The Model 

Industries Building 

would be stabilized 

to protect sensitive 

natural resources.

• The New Industries 

Building would be 

rehabilitated as a 

multipurpose facility 

(on the second 

floor).

Island Perimeter

• This area would 

continue to be 

managed for bird 

and wildlife 

habitat.

• Year-round and 

seasonal trails 

would remain; 

other areas 

would be closed 

for visitor safety 

and sea bird 

protection.

• This area would 

be managed for 

natural habitat. 

Trails would 

provide yearround visitor 

access.

• Visitor access to 

western coastal 

cliffs and tide 

pools would be 

highly managed. 

Seasonal 

closures would 

protect sea bird 

habitat.

• The perimeter 

would be 

preserved to 

protect natural 

resources.

• Visitor use and 

access would be 

highly managed.

• The perimeter and 

coastal cliffs would 

be managed to 

stabilize historic 

resources and 

protect natural 

resources. 

• Visitor access 

would be provided 

to much of the 

island perimeter; 

there could be 

seasonal closures. 

Offshore Bay Environment

• NPS jurisdiction 

extends 900 feet 

from shore; no 

active management of this area; 

access would 

• The western 

shore and the 

area extending 

100 feet beyond 

it would be 

managed to 

• The western shore 

and the area 

extending 300 feet 

beyond it would be 

managed to protect 

coastal resources 

• The western shore 

and the area 

extending 300 feet 

beyond it would be 

managed to protect 

coastal resources 
PART 5: THE ALTERNATIVES FOR PARK LANDS IN MARIN, SAN FRANCISCO, AND SAN 

MATEO COUNTIES

Volume 1: 184

NO ACTION ALTERNATIVE 1 ALTERNATIVE 2 ALTERNATIVE 3 

(PREFERRED) 

continue to be 

limited to the 

ferry.

protect marine 

resources. Boat 

landings and boat 

tours would be 

prohibited. 

• The eastern 

shore and the 

area beyond 300 

feet from the 

western shore 

would be 

managed to 

accommodate 

ferry service and 

permit nonmotorized boat 

tours.

and nesting 

seabird colonies on 

the cliffs. The area 

would be closed to 

boats during 

breeding season.

• The eastern shore 

and the area 

beyond 300 feet 

from the western 

shore would be 

managed to 

accommodate ferry 

access.

• Enforcement of 

resource protection 

measures would 

be strengthened.

and nesting seabird 

colonies on cliffs. 

The area would be 

closed to boats 

during breeding 

season.

• The area extending 

out to 900 feet from 

the island’s shore 

would be managed

as a historic zone 

and would accommodate ferry 

service. The historic

no-trespass zone

would be marked 

and interpreted. 
Index to Volume 1

Volume 1: 343

INDEX TO VOLUME l 

Battery Spencer, 190, 208, 238, 255, 257, 281 

Bay Area Ridge Trail, 105, 107, 110, 137, 194, 195, 217, 220, 243, 262, 285 

Bolinas Lagoon, 109, 130, 187, 204, 235, 255, 279 

Bolinas-Fairfax Road, 9, 10, 204, 279 

California Coastal Trail, 41, 110, 137, 138, 190, 194, 205, 212, 213, 216, 218, 220, 236, 239, 257, 258 

Camino del Canyon, 126, 298, 305, 313, 319, 335 

Cañada Road, 220 

Capehart Housing Area, 121, 126, 190, 208, 238, 257, 281, 293 

carbon footprint, 288, 335 

Cattle Hill, 9, 107, 194, 217, 243, 262, 285 

China Beach, 9, 191, 212, 240, 242, 259, 283, 284 

climate change, 31, 40, 101, 117 

Conzelman, 190, 208, 238, 257, 281 

Dipsea Trail, 297, 312, 319 

Druid Heights, 298, 305, 313, 319, 332, 335 

Fitzgerald Marine Reserve, 42, 103, 130, 196, 219, 221, 245, 263, 286 

former Banducci flower farm, 188, 205, 236, 256, 280, 305, 313, 320 

Fort Baker, 3, 10, 36, 39, 121, 122, 140, 141, 142, 189, 190, 281 

Fort Barry, 189, 198, 207, 208, 238, 257, 281 

Fort Cronkhite, 121, 122, 189, 207, 208, 238, 257, 281 

Fort Funston, 9, 123, 141, 191, 192, 198, 211, 213, 214, 241, 258, 260, 284, 293, 294

Fort Mason or Upper Fort Mason, 3, 9, 10, 36, 122, 140, 141, 151, 159, 167, 179, 191, 198, 199, 211, 

212, 239, 240, 258, 259, 283 

Fort Miley, 9, 123, 191, 192, 199, 213, 240, 260, 283 

Fort Point National Historic Site, 9, 37, 191 

Gerbode Valley, 189, 207, 237, 257, 281 

Golden Gate Dairy, 9, 188, 205, 237, 256, 280 

Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy, 3, 39 
INDEX

Volume I: 344

Gulf of the Farallones, 41, 109, 129, 130, 132, 209, 282 

Hawk Hill, 190, 208, 238, 257, 281 

Highway 101, 111, 303, 317, 331, 338 

Huddart County Park, 220 

Kent Canyon, 122, 305, 313, 320 

Kirby Cove, 190, 209, 238, 258 

Lower Redwood Creek, 9, 40, 111, 126, 188, 205, 236, 256, 280, 304, 305, 313, 318, 320 

Marin City Ridge, 110, 189, 207, 237, 257, 281 

Martini Creek, 108

Milagra Ridge, 9, 111, 138, 194, 217, 243, 261, 285 

Montara Lighthouse, 9, 27, 195, 219, 244, 262, 286 

Montara Mountain, 108, 110, 218 

Mori Point, 9, 40, 138, 193, 194, 217, 218, 243, 262, 285 

Mount Tamalpais State Park, 30, 41, 111, 205, 206, 297, 304, 305, 313, 317, 319, 320

Muir Beach, 9, 10, 30, 40, 111, 188, 205, 236, 237, 239, 256, 280, 282, 290, 293 

Muir Woods Addition, 298, 305, 313, 319, 337 

Mussel Rock, 9, 110, 193, 216, 241, 242, 261, 285 

Native Americans, 3, 19, 43, 101, 127, 128, 133 

Nike Missile Site, 133, 208, 238, 257, 281 

Oakwood Valley, 189, 206, 237, 256, 257, 280 

Ocean Beach, 9, 191, 192, 198, 211, 213, 216, 240, 241, 260, 284 

Panoramic Highway, 111, 188, 204, 236, 256, 279 

park collections, 59, 65, 70, 75, 80, 90, 95, 101, 133, 134, 292, 337 

Pedro Point, 9, 42, 139, 194, 218, 243, 262, 285 

Phleger Estate, 9, 139, 193, 195, 220, 244, 262, 286 

Picardo Ranch, 9, 194, 217, 218, 243, 262, 285 

Point Bonita Lighthouse, 27, 190, 209, 239, 255, 258 

Presidio of San Francisco, 3, 9, 37, 38, 39, 122, 200 
Index to Volume I

Volume I: 345

Rancho Corral de Tierra, 9, 104, 105, 108, 110, 112, 137, 139, 193, 195, 217, 218, 219, 220, 243, 262, 

286, 293 

Redwood Creek, 3, 30, 111, 188, 205, 236, 239, 280, 282, 297, 298, 304, 311, 312, 317, 318, 320, 328, 

330, 331, 335, 337 

San Andreas, 21, 26, 220 

San Francisco Bay Discovery Site, 194, 217, 243, 262, 285 

San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park, 37, 41, 191, 211, 212, 259 

San Francisco Peninsula Watershed or San Francisco Public Utilities Commission Peninsula Watershed 

Easement, 9, 26, 42, 193, 195, 216, 217, 220, 243, 262, 285, 286 

San Pedro Mountain, 108, 112, 194, 218, 243, 262, 285 

Sawyer Camp, 217 

Shelldance Nursery, 9, 123, 194, 217, 243, 261, 285 

Skyline Boulevard, 217, 220, 243 

Slide Ranch, 9, 40, 188, 204, 236, 256, 279, 293 

Sneath Lane, 217, 220, 243, 285 

State Route 1, 105, 106, 107, 108, 111, 188, 194, 204, 206, 216, 217, 218, 219, 236, 243, 255, 256, 261, 

279, 285, 293, 299, 303, 306, 313, 317, 320, 326, 331, 338 

Stinson Beach, 9, 40, 111, 122, 141, 187, 198, 203, 204, 235, 236, 255, 279, 293 

Sutro Historic District, 9, 38, 191, 192 

Sweeney Ridge, 9, 107, 112, 138, 193, 194, 217, 218, 220, 243, 262, 285 

Tennessee Valley, 9, 111, 126, 141, 189, 206, 207, 237, 256, 280 

Thornton State Beach, 193, 216, 242, 261, 285 
As the nation’s principal conservation agency, the Department of the Interior has responsibility for most of our 

nationally owned public lands and natural resources. This includes fostering sound use of our land and water 

resources; protecting our fish, wildlife, and biological diversity; preserving the environmental and cultural values 

of our national parks and historic places; and providing for the enjoyment of life through outdoor recreation. 

The department assesses our energy and mineral resources and works to ensure that their development is 

in the best interests of all our people by encouraging stewardship and citizen participation in their care. The 

department also has a major responsibility for American Indian reservation communities and for people who 

live in island territories under U.S. administration.

NPS 641/108779; NPS 112/108782; August 2011/Printed on recycled paper.
Golden Gate National Recreation Area • Muir Woods National Monument 

Draft General Management Plan / Environmental Impact Statement

U.S. Department of the Interior • National Park Service • Denver Service Center