5 The Alternatives for Park Lands in Marin, 

San Francisco, and San Mateo Counties 

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NO-ACTION ALTERNATIVE

PARK LANDS IN MARIN COUNTY 

Overview

In Marin County, Golden Gate National Recreation Area forms the southern core of a 

large network of regional, state, and federal protected lands and waters (many of which 

are recognized as part of the UNESCO Golden Gate Biosphere Reserve). Under the noaction alternative, the park would continue to manage this large expanse of preserved 

natural landscape, with scattered concentrations of developed facilities, to provide 

visitors with multiple opportunities for recreation; miles of trails, preserved historic 

military fortifications, and scenic and historic landscapes.

The county features some of the most varied landscapes in Golden Gate National 

Recreation Area, including lush woodlands, rugged coasts, sandy beaches, meadows, 

marshes, grasslands, and coastal shrubs. As a result, visitors can experience an array of 

wildlife and several different habitats in one brief hike.

Much of this area has been managed as part of Golden Gate National Recreation Area 

since the park was established in 1972. Management of this land would continue to be 

guided by the park’s 1980 general management plan and subsequent land use and 

implementation plans (as described in the “Relationship of This Plan to Other Plans” 

section and in appendix B).

A diverse set of park partners—many housed in historic structures—would continue to 

provide programs and facilities for visitors’ education and enjoyment. These facilities and 

programs currently include a hostel, environmental education and arts programming, 

equestrian facilities, and a marine mammal rehabilitation center. Park-managed visitor 

facilities would continue to include a visitor center, scenic overlooks, trails, campsites, 

and parking areas at recreational beaches.

National Park Service maintenance facilities, staff housing, administrative offices, and 

various partner offices would also continue to be located in the park. 

Stinson Beach North to Bolinas–Fairfax Road 

This developed area would continue to be managed to support intensive use as a scenic 

recreational beach receiving a high number of visitors. A variety of facilities would 

support activities that include picnicking, beach recreation, and water recreation (surfing, 

windsurfing, and boogie boarding). Two public bus routes currently serve this area. 

Easkoot Creek and the dunes would continue to be managed to preserve and enhance 

natural habitat. Areas of the park east of Bolinas Lagoon would be managed for their 

natural resource values and would have few trails or other visitor facilities.

This area would continue to be managed to protect and restore the coastal ecosystems, 

and contribute to the restoration of natural processes that affect Bolinas Lagoon. 

Partnerships with neighboring land managers would be strengthened to achieve these

goals across the broader landscape. 
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State Route 1 and Panoramic Highway 

Stretches of these roads pass through or alongside park lands. The roads are not under 

federal jurisdiction; however, as the underlying land manager, the National Park Service

would continue to cooperate with Caltrans and Marin County for management of the road 

infrastructure and rights-of-way to protect park resources and preserve the scenic rural 

character of the setting. 

State Route 1, a segment of the Pacific Coast Highway, is a designated national scenic 

byway. In general, the park land in this area would continue to be managed to preserve 

and enhance natural and cultural resources and offer access to park sites and recreational 

activities.

Slide Ranch 

This area would continue to be managed by a park partner to operate an environmental 

and farm education center in a natural landscape with public access to trails and the 

shoreline. Slide Ranch would provide day and overnight experiences for program 

participants and promote healthy eating, healthy living, and environmental awareness. 

The rocky shoreline and natural area surrounding the program site would continue to be 

managed by the park to protect natural and ecological values and provide access on 

existing trails.

Lower Redwood Creek (former Banducci flower farm and 

surrounding area) 

This area would continue to be managed to preserve and enhance natural processes in the 

creek, floodplain, and surrounding natural landscape. The National Park Service would 

work with other land managers in the restoration and preservation of the watershed and in 

the protection of threatened and endangered species like coho salmon and the red-legged 

frog. Land and water management would be consistent with the Lower Redwood Creek 

Floodplain and Salmonid Habitat Restoration Plan and the Redwood Creek Watershed: 

Vision for the Future plan. Existing residential structures could continue to provide 

housing for volunteers who contribute to site restoration and stewardship. 

Muir Beach

This small but popular beach lies at the mouth of Redwood Creek and at the confluence 

of several park trails. In the no-action alternative, the National Park Service would 

continue to support recreation, hiking, access to the beach. The park staff would continue 

extensive wetland and creek restoration of the area

Golden Gate Dairy and Vicinity

The developed area along State Route 1 would be managed to support a small equestrian 

facility and the Muir Beach Volunteer Fire Department, which would continue to be 

housed in historic ranch buildings. Park housing would continue to be provided in 

nonhistoric structures. A small buffer area protects a tributary to Redwood Creek. The 

surrounding uplands would be managed to provide trail connections through a natural 
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coastal landscape. Recent trail and trailhead improvements connect this area to the Dias

Ridge Trail. 

 

Tennessee Valley (from Oakwood Valley to the ocean)

A major trailhead, multiple trails, Haypress Meadow hike-in campground, and an 

equestrian center are in the upper end of the valley. A site in the lower valley contains a 

nursery operation, the park’s small horse patrol, an environmental education program, 

and the Youth Conservation Corps seasonal group campsite. This area would continue to 

be managed in a way that accommodates these intense and varied visitor uses. The 

management of equestrian facilities in this area would reflect the equestrian management

environmental assessment that is underway. 

The majority of the valley would be managed as a natural landscape with a trail system 

that provides access to a variety of destinations and landscapes. Remnants of former 

agricultural uses, including farm ponds, fence lines, and nonnative trees, would remain in 

the landscape. The creek corridor and shoreline would continue to be managed to protect 

sensitive natural resources. Tennessee Valley is not currently served by transit. In 

addition, the trail connections are poor between Tennessee Valley, Oakwood Valley, and 

the Tamalpais Valley community along Tennessee Valley Road.

Marin City Ridge and Gerbode Valley (the coastal ridges and 

valleys)

This extensive area would continue to be managed to preserve natural resources and 

processes, restore native habitats, and protect sensitive species, in addition to coastal 

fortifications, while providing for trail use, trail improvements, and primitive camping. 

The Marin City Ridge will continue to be managed as part of the adjacent Marin 

Headlands in order to protect and restore natural habitats and support public access on the 

trails that connect to the community.

Fort Barry and Fort Cronkhite

In this area, historic structures and their settings would be preserved or adaptively reused 

for recreation, education, and other uses, including park operations. Adaptive use of 

historic structures would continue to be the foundation of the robust program of park 

partners who preserve buildings and offer programs that further the mission of the park. 

Planned road, trail, and transit projects will improve access for visitors and partners (e.g., 

Marin Headlands and Fort Baker Transportation Infrastructure and Management Plan 

Final Environmental Impact Statement).

Park operations located in the area currently include a fire station, roads and maintenance 

facilities, staff offices, and a native plant nursery. 

Recreational experiences supported in the area would continue to include beach activities, 

hiking, bicycle riding, horseback riding, picnicking, and environmental education. 

The upland areas would be managed to preserve natural resources and processes, 

continue habitat restoration, protect sensitive species and habitats, and allow for 

continued trail use. 
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Capehart Housing Area

The National Park Service would continue to manage this area of housing on the north 

and south side of Rodeo Creek, located at the intersection of the two roads that access the 

Rodeo Valley, to provide workforce housing for park and partner staff. This area is 

named Capehart after the senator who sponsored the military housing act. 

Conzelman, Bunker, and McCullough Roads (including Battery 

Spencer and Hawk Hill) 

This area would continue to be managed to preserve historic and natural resources and 

scenic views of the Golden Gate and Pacific Ocean. The coastal defense fortifications 

would continue to be accessible and interpreted while protecting sensitive species and 

native habitats. Currently, scenic driving, bicycling, and walking the California Coastal 

Trail are popular activities. Planned road, trail, and transit projects will improve access 

for visitors and reduce congestion at scenic overlooks (e.g., Marin Headlands and Fort 

Baker Transportation Infrastructure and Management Plan Final Environmental Impact 

Statement).

Kirby Cove

This area would continue to provide a small campground and group picnic area. The 

beach would be accessible on foot or by nonmotorized boats. The historic coastal 

fortifications and forest would be preserved.

Point Bonita Lighthouse Complex

The lighthouse and several structures, including a small outbuilding, bridge, and access 

trail, would continue to be preserved. Visitors would be immersed in an authentic historic 

setting with interpretation about the site’s maritime and military history. Access would 

continue to be highly managed.

Offshore Ocean and Bay Environment

The National Park Service has jurisdiction through a management lease with the State of 

California over a 1,000-foot-wide band of coastal waters immediately offshore. The area 

includes a variety of marine habitat. The shoreline in Point Bonita Cove would continue 

to be closed to public access year-round to protect the harbor seal haul-out, except for 

approved research. Park management of these areas would continue to accommodate 

public uses such as boating. The park staff would continue to encourage and support 

research, inventory, monitoring, and consultation and cooperation with other resource 

managing agencies.
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PARK LANDS IN SAN FRANCISCO 

Overview

San Francisco park lands in the planning area include upper Fort Mason, China Beach, 

Lands End, East and West Fort Miley, Ocean Beach, and Fort Funston. 

The following areas that have recently completed land use plans, or are implementing 

recently completed plans, are not included in this plan: Lower Fort Mason (The Fort 

Mason Center), the Presidio (including Crissy Field), Fort Point National Historic Site, 

the Sutro Historic District (Sutro Heights Park, Sutro Baths, and the adjacent parking lot 

and trail), and the Cliff House. 

Park lands in San Francisco ring the northern and western shores of the City of San 

Francisco, preserving a greenbelt next to dense urban neighborhoods. These lands would 

continue to be major attractions to tourists and central to the quality of life for local 

citizens. They offer city dwellers places to recreate, rejuvenate, and learn about the 

fascinating natural and cultural history of the region. For visitors, the park lands help 

define San Francisco as one of the most beautiful cities in the world.

Management of these lands and marine/bay waters would continue to focus on preserving 

natural, cultural, and scenic resources, and providing for a variety of recreational uses in 

the varied settings along San Francisco Bay and the Pacific coast.

Upper Fort Mason

Fort Mason would continue to be managed to preserve the historic district and to 

adaptively use the many historic military structures for a variety of park and park partner 

uses, including staff offices, maintenance, community garden, and a program center for 

other park partners. A hostel would continue to be the primary public use in the historic 

structures. The National Park Service manages a leasing program that provides the 

opportunity for the San Francisco community to live in historic residences, much like 

army personnel before them, while providing a source of funds for preservation and 

maintenance. The Fort Mason Post Exchange would continue to be available to the public 

for events, such as weddings and conferences.

The “Great Meadow” would continue to provide a flexible space that accommodates a 

range of informal uses and occasional large special events. The San Francisco Bay Trail 

through Fort Mason would continue to provide a continuous waterfront multiuse 

promenade that links to San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park and many park 

destinations along the City and Presidio waterfront. Planning is underway to bring water 

shuttle access to a pier at Lower Fort Mason. The City of San Francisco is also evaluating 

Bus Rapid Transit Service along Van Ness Avenue to terminate at an improved transit 

hub at North Point Boulevard, immediately adjacent to Fort Mason. 

China Beach

This area would continue to be managed for the recreational enjoyment of the small 

secluded beach and to provide opportunities for bird watching. Park facilities such as 

picnicking, restrooms, and showers would continue to be provided. The area’s natural 

resources would be managed for native vegetation and slope stability.
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Lands End

Only the northern area of Lands End is covered in this plan. This area would continue to 

be managed to preserve and enhance the rugged coastal landscape and its natural 

appearance, and to provide trail access. Public safety staff would continue to be located at 

this site. The southern portion of Lands End, the Sutro Historic District including the 

Cliff House, is not part of this plan. This area was recently transformed by the addition of 

a new parking lot, promenade, scenic overlooks, and extensive renovation of the 

Monterey cypress forest. 

Fort Miley

Fort Miley is divided into East Fort Miley and West Fort Miley by the active Veterans 

Administration Medical Center hospital. Park managers would continue to preserve the 

historic structures and landscapes, providing for both public and park operation uses. East 

Fort Miley would continue to be managed as a small maintenance center housed in 

historic structures, with public access to an unimproved landscape setting primarily 

through the hospital campus.

West Fort Miley’s historic forest would continue to provide an outdoor skills and fitness 

course and a small picnic area set among historic fortifications with spectacular coastal 

views. The historic Marine Exchange Lookout Building (Octagon House) would remain 

unused. 

Ocean Beach

Ocean Beach would continue to be managed to provide a recreational beach that 

accommodates high levels of diverse use, while preserving its natural values, including 

habitat for shorebirds such as the threatened western snowy plover. It would continue to 

provide a long trail connection between Fort Funston and the Cliff House, as well as 

preserve the historic O'Shaughnessy seawall and promenade. The National Park Service 

would continue to collaborate with the City and County of San Francisco on Ocean 

Beach management issues.

Fort Funston

This park unit would continue to provide trail and beach access for a variety of 

recreational uses, including dog walking and hang gliding. It would also preserve 

important natural and cultural resources, including endangered species habitat and 

historic coastal defense fortifications. Former military structures support park operations 

and partner programs such as environmental education and a native plant nursery. 

Offshore Ocean and Bay Environment

The National Park Service has jurisdiction through a management lease with the State of 

California over a 1,000-foot-wide band of coastal waters immediately offshore. The area 

includes a variety of marine habitat. Park management of these areas would continue to 

accommodate public uses such as boating. The park staff would continue to encourage 
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and support research, inventory, monitoring, and consultation and cooperation with other 

resource managing agencies.

PARK LANDS IN SAN MATEO COUNTY

Overview

At the time the 1980 general management plan was developed, Golden Gate National 

Recreation Area did not manage any land in San Mateo County. Since that time, NPSmanaged land within the designated park boundary has grown to include almost 30,000 

acres in San Mateo County. 

Stretching along the San Mateo coast to Rancho Corral de Tierra and inland to the 

Phleger Estate, the southern park lands feature a remarkable wealth of natural and historic 

resources. From rugged coastal bluffs and windswept ridgelines to a redwood forest, 

wetlands, and streams, these lands support an abundance of plants and wildlife and tell 

the story of the people who have shaped this peninsula over generations.

Golden Gate National Recreation Area park lands in San Mateo County serve a large and 

diverse local population, offering many opportunities for recreation and enjoyment. 

Whether enjoying the trails, strolling the beaches, or taking in panoramic views up and 

down the Pacific coast, there are unlimited ways to explore and appreciate these park 

lands. 

Currently the National Park Service’s presence in San Mateo County is limited, sites are 

not well identified, and there are few basic facilities to support access. Management of 

park lands in San Mateo County is guided by the park’s authorizing legislation and the 

management policies common to units of the national park system. This management 

approach would continue under the no-action alternative, with the exception of Sweeney 

Ridge, for which a general management plan amendment was approved in 1985 to 

provide specific management guidance. 

Site planning for the enhancement of visitor facilities, such as the planning recently 

completed for Mori Point, would continue. The park management would also continue to 

consult with other agencies to achieve fundamental park goals regarding the San 

Francisco Public Utilities Commission Peninsula Watershed, where the park holds scenic 

and recreational easements.

Parcels South of Thornton State Beach and South of Mussel Rock

The National Park Service manages approximately 30 acres in two parcels in this 

geologically dynamic coastline: one parcel south of Thornton State Beach and one parcel 

south of Mussel Rock. No improvements for public access have been made by the 

National Park Service, and there is no active NPS presence in this area. In the absence of 

a general management plan, management is guided by the park’s authorizing legislation 

(its purpose) and the management policies common to units of the national park system. 

This would continue under the no-action alternative.
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Milagra Ridge

This area would continue to be managed to protect and restore natural habitat (including 

endangered species habitat), to protect historic coastal defense fortifications, and to 

provide public access through a system of trails so people can enjoy the site and its scenic 

beauty. Recent acquisition by the park of a conservation easement on the northwest slope 

allows potential development of a Bay Area Ridge Trail connection to the coast.

Shelldance Nursery Area

Portions of the Shelldance Nursery area were added to the park in 1988 and 1993. This 

small area would continue to be managed for trail access, including a trailhead and trails

to Sweeney Ridge; office and storage of park maintenance equipment; and to 

accommodate a commercial nursery. 

Sweeney Ridge (including Cattle Hill and Picardo Ranch) 

Sweeney Ridge was added to the park in 1984. The area would continue to be managed 

for natural values and protection of historic resources, such as the San Francisco Bay 

Discovery Site National Historic Landmark and the 20th century Nike facilities. Cattle 

Hill is expected to be transferred to the National Park Service by the City of Pacifica in 

the near future and recent collaboration has provided trail and habitat improvements on 

this site. Picardo Ranch and the western extension of Cattle Hill are both private lands not 

managed by the National Park Service at this time. Picardo Ranch includes the lower 

slopes of Cattle Hill, and its trails connect to Sweeney Ridge. Currently, an equestrian 

facility provides horse boarding. Land and conservation easement acquisition would be a 

priority for the park.

Mori Point

Mori Point was added to the park in 2002. This site would continue to be managed to 

preserve and enhance habitat for threatened and endangered species (San Francisco garter 

snake, California red-legged frog) and to restore natural functions to a highly degraded 

site. A network of hiking trails, including the California Coastal Trail, is under 

development to provide visitors access to the area’s scenic beauty. Management of this 

site would be guided by the Mori Point Restoration and Trail Plan Environmental 

Assessment. 

Pedro Point, Devil’s Slide, and San Pedro Mountain

These rugged coastal areas are not managed by the National Park Service. However, they 

will be greatly affected by the opening of the State Route 1 tunnel now under 

construction, and may be added to the park within the planning horizon of the general 

management plan. The City of Pacifica manages Pedro Point to preserve its natural 

features and open space. The Devil’s Slide segment is managed by Caltrans to support 

State Route 1; several agencies have been involved in planning trailheads for the future 

conversion of the road to a multiuse trail when the Devils Slide tunnel opens in 2011. 

Lands adjacent to State Route 1 in this area and on San Pedro Mountain are in public and 

private ownership. 
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Rancho Corral de Tierra

One of the largest areas of open space near San Francisco, this 4,200-acre site is managed 

by the Peninsula Open Space Trust and encompasses the majority of an 1839 Mexican 

Land Grant. The isolated and undisturbed condition of the land provides unique and 

productive habitat for a diverse array of plant and animal species, including several 

threatened and endangered species. The headwaters of four major coastal watersheds are 

contained within this property, providing important riparian habitat and a scenic backdrop 

that visually distinguishes the San Mateo mid-coast region. 

Limited public access would continue to be provided for recreation such as hiking and 

horseback riding. The area would be managed to provide for these current uses, such as 

equestrian facilities, and anticipated new public uses in a way that maintains and protects 

resources.

The acquisition process is underway to transfer some of this land to the National Park 

Service. Approximately 300 acres of the Rancho Corral de Tierra will not be included in 

the park. Those acres encompass farmland of “Local Significance” as designated by the 

State of California Department of Conservation, and will remain in agricultural use.

Montara Lighthouse

The site is presently managed by the U.S. Coast Guard. Under an agreement with 

California State Parks, a hostel is operated in several structures related to the lighthouse. 

Day use of the site is focused on scenic beauty and lighthouse history. Transfer of this 

site to the park is anticipated within the planning horizon of the general management 

plan. If this occurs, the site would be managed for its current uses.

Phleger Estate

This area was added to the park in 1994. It would continue to be managed to preserve the 

cultural and natural resources of this 1,000-acre, second-growth redwood forest and to 

provide access to the regional trail system.

San Francisco Public Utilities Commission Peninsula Watershed

Easements

These 23,000 acres are managed by San Francisco Public Utilities Commission to protect 

San Francisco’s water supply and the scenic, ecological, and cultural resources of the 

watershed. The management is guided by the commission’s Peninsula Watershed 

Management Plan. Golden Gate National Recreation Area manages two easements over 

the Peninsula watershed: a scenic easement and a scenic and recreation easement that 

provide for preservation of natural values and limited recreational use. Compatible 

recreational, educational, and scientific uses are highly controlled. Primary public access 

is on trails along the eastern edge of the watershed where the trails are easily accessible 

from adjacent communities. Access on the 10-mile Cahill Ridge alignment of the Bay 

Area Ridge Trail is provided by guided tours. The San Francisco Public Utilities 

Commission and National Park Service cooperate to ensure that ongoing water operations 

and other allowable uses are compatible with the preservation and access components of 
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the easements. The Peninsula watershed forms the core of the UNESCO Golden Gate 

Biosphere Reserve, an area rich in native plant and animal life.

Offshore Ocean Environments 

In areas where the park boundary coincides with the Fitzgerald Marine Reserve, the two 

organizations would continue to cooperate in the implementation of the provisions of the 

California State Marine Life Protection Act. The reserve area between Montara State 

Beach and Ross Cove has been designated as the Montara State Marine Reserve: no

fishing, harvesting, or collecting would be allowed in this area. The reserve area between 

Ross Cove and Pillar Point Harbor has been designated as the Pillar Point Marine 

Conservation Area; some fishing would be allowed in this area. 

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 

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

The operating budget for fiscal year 2009 was $28.0 million. This includes operations 

costs for Golden Gate National Recreation Area (including Alcatraz Island) and Muir 

Woods National Monument. 

Staffing

The no-action alternative assumes that current staffing levels would be maintained at 335 

FTE (one FTE or full time equivalent is one person working 40 hours per week for one 

year, or the equivalent). The FTE number does not include volunteer positions or 

positions funded by partners. FTE salaries and benefits are included in the annual 

operating cost. 

One-time 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 
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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. The costs include such projects as 

preservation of seacoast fortifications, trail realignment, and photovoltaic panel 

installation. Non-facility projects currently include conservation of museum collections, 

visitor use management and monitoring, and restoration of native plants. Total one-time 

costs of the no-action alternative are $5.3 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 11: Costs Associated with the Implementation of the No-action Alternative for Park 

Lands in Marin, San Francisco, and San Mateo Counties

SUMMARY OF COSTS FOR THE NO ACTION ALTERNATIVE

Annual Operational Costs

Existing Operations $28,030,000 

Staffing (additional FTE) 334 (+0)

One-time Capital Costs

Total $5,280,000 

All costs in 2009 dollars
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MANAGEMENT ZONES FOR THE NO-ACTION ALTERNATIVE 

(FROM THE 1980 GENERAL MANAGEMENT PLAN)

Natural Resource Zones

Intensive Landscape Management Zone

Lands within this zone occur entirely within southern reaches of the park and basically 

include all areas where exotic vegetation predominates. Although all of these areas have 

been substantially modified through human activities, many of them still contain isolated 

populations of natural wildlife and vegetation which will be carefully preserved. When 

choices are available in these zones they should favor native species wherever possible. 

Within this category the following two subzones have been recognized. 

Natural Appearance Subzone: (Ocean Beach, Fort Funston, Lands End, and Rodeo 

Lagoon picnic area). To many park users, lands in this subzone may appear to be as 

natural as wilderness areas at Point Reyes, but they are in fact man-created landscapes 

which in many cases will require the same degree of maintenance as an urban park 

setting. The primary management goal in these areas will be to continue to accommodate 

relatively high use levels with a commitment to intensive maintenance in order to retain 

the appearance of a natural landscape. Examples of intensive measures that will be 

required in this subzone include reforestation of Monterey cypress and stabilization and 

maintenance of planted sand dunes. 

Urban Landscape Subzone: (Crissy Field, West Fort Mason, Fort Barry parade 

ground, Stinson Beach developed areas).This subzone is characterized by familiar 

elements found in traditional city parks—well tended trees, shrubs and flowers, irrigated 

and mowed lawns, and hard-surfaced areas for walking and congregating. These areas are 

designed for intensive use and should look complete only when filled with people. 

Primary resource management activities will include mowing, irrigation, weeding, 

fertilization, replanting, and trash pickup.

Natural Landscape Management Zone (Marin Headlands and Stinson 

Beach area)

In this zone natural resources and processes will remain as undisturbed as possible given 

a relatively high level of natural park uses (hiking, primitive camping, etc.). Management 

activities will be directed primarily at protecting wildlife and vegetation from misuse and 

overuse and at maintaining a variety of landscape settings conducive to recreation (open 

grasslands as well as forests).

Special Protection Zone

This zone includes lands that have received legislative or special administrative 

recognition of exceptional natural qualities requiring strict protection measures. Further 

analysis of park resources in the future could result in additional lands being placed in 

this category.

National Monument Subzone: (Muir Woods). Although contained within the boundary 

of Golden Gate National Recreation Area, Muir Woods retains its special status as a 

national monument, the sole purpose of which is to protect a stand of virgin coast 

redwoods for public enjoyment of their scientific, scenic, and educational values. 
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Biotic Sensitivity Subzone: (shoreline and stream courses). This subzone, derived from 

high sensitivity ratings in the information base, generally identifies those natural 

resources in the park that are particularly sensitive to human use or are especially 

valuable from an ecological or scientific point of view. Use and development in these 

areas should be either discouraged or mitigated sufficiently to avoid significant levels of 

deterioration.

Most of the areas covered by this subzone are water courses or bodies of water 

recognized for their importance in sustaining wildlife and vegetation. Because the lands 

near these resources have been and will continue to be the most attractive locations for 

use and minor development, mitigation measures will be particularly important. Siting of 

minor facilities will be crucial. For example, locating a campground directly upon the 

bank of a stream could cause unacceptable impacts that could be avoided by shifting the 

facility only several hundred feet. 

Historic Resource Zones

Preservation Zone (Fort Point, ships, lighthouses, fortifications, historic 

buildings at Alcatraz Island) 

Spaces and objects placed in this category are managed and used primarily for the 

purpose of facilitating public enjoyment, understanding, and appreciation of their historic 

values. Management activities will include the protection of structures from influences 

and uses that could cause deterioration and the presentation of tours, exhibits, or other 

appropriate interpretive efforts. 

Because of the unusually large number of historic structures in the parks, many that are 

suitable for adaptive use have been placed in this category simply because a use has not 

yet been specifically identified for them. Undoubtedly some of these will be adapted for 

management or visitor uses in the future, but in the meantime they will be simply 

protected from damage and deterioration. 

Enhancement Zone (Sutro Baths, Sutro Heights, Cliff House, Aquatic 

Park)

All of the areas within this subzone were developed originally as recreation spaces and 

still derive their primary value from recreation use. Management practices will be 

directed at preserving the basic integrity of their settings and specific structures within 

them. Enhancement of the usability and attractiveness of these partially rundown and 

deteriorated areas will be accomplished through the addition of elements and the practice 

of maintenance activities similar to those described for the urban landscape subzone. 

Adaptive Use Zone (Alcatraz Island grounds, north and east Fort Mason, 

Haslett Warehouse, East Fort Miley, areas of Marin Headlands)

This subzone defines structures or spaces of historic value that have been or will be 

adapted for recreation, park management, and related activities. Although as much 

historic integrity as possible will be retained throughout all areas of the park, the interior 

spaces of structures included in this zone may be modified considerably to accommodate 

recreation, education, and other park-related uses. Exterior settings may also be modified 
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to include site improvements such as landscaping in cases where modification is deemed 

necessary to properly accommodate public use.

Special Use Zone (Vedanta Society, Audubon Canyon Ranch, Zen 

Center, Mount Tamalpais and Angel Island State Parks, Lincoln Park 

and Marina Green city parks, Presidio of San Francisco) 

Lands within this zone are located within the authorized boundaries of Golden Gate 

National Recreation Area or Point Reyes National Seashore but are not currently or 

expected in the foreseeable future to come under the jurisdiction of the National Park 

Service. Management policies and practices of the agencies and organizations 

administering these lands appear to adequately provide for the continued preservation of 

the natural, scenic, recreational, and historic values which motivated their inclusion 

within the boundaries. 
1980 General Management Plan

Park Lands in Marin and San Francisco CountiesNo-Action Alternative 

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ALTERNATIVE 1: 

CONNECTING PEOPLE WITH THE PARKS

THE PREFERRED ALTERNATIVE

PARK LANDS IN MARIN COUNTY

Overview

In this alternative, park managers would preserve the natural, cultural, scenic, and 

recreational qualities that are enjoyed today and would improve access to the park for all 

visitors. The park would enhance the facilities that support visitors’ experiences in what 

has been called “the wilderness next door.” Park managers would work to preserve and 

restore these interconnected coastal ecosystems through collaborative partnerships with 

other land management agencies in the region. A stronger national park identity and 

message would welcome people as they arrive, and improved orientation and information 

services would inform them of the variety of experiences available in the park. Important 

park operational uses would remain in the Marin Headlands, and the visitor facilities at

these sites would be improved. 

The park lands in Marin County are an outdoor recreationist’s paradise, with an extensive 

network of trails through valleys, atop windblown coastal bluffs, along rocky shores, and 

among redwoods and oaks. Sustainable approaches to rehabilitating facilities that are in 

place today would improve trailheads and trails as well as roads, parking lots, campsites, 

picnic areas, restrooms, and other structures at popular destinations, such as the coastal 

fortifications. Some new facilities would be developed to improve visitor services and 

support the growing stewardship programs. Park partners would continue to play 

important roles in preserving resources and offering programs and services to visitors in 

support of the park’s mission. Public transportation and multimodal access to all park 

sites would be improved. 

Stinson Beach North to Bolinas–Fairfax Road 

Diverse Opportunities Zone (beach, dunes, and developed area) 

At Stinson Beach, the setting and facilities would be improved to better support beach 

recreation, expand the creek buffer to protect endangered species habitat, and enhance the 

dunes. Sustainable new facilities would replace deteriorated restrooms, showers, picnic 

areas, and parking lots. A visitor contact facility could combine existing services (food 

service, equipment rental) and interpretive and educational programs. Visitor facilities 

would be removed if it becomes infeasible to maintain them because of climate change.

Maintenance and public safety offices with staff housing would be retained. 

The park would explore ways to improve visitor access to Stinson Beach, such as 

increasing transit on weekends during the peak season and enhancing regional trail 

connections. The park would also continue to work with the community and Marin 

County to manage parking and reduce traffic using congestion management tools. 

The park would continue to work with the Stinson Beach Community Services District, 

Marin County, and the local community to find sustainable solutions to flooding and 
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floodplain function, water use, water quality, and wastewater treatment, and sea level rise

related to climate change where these affect park resources. More detailed site planning 

for proposed improvements will involve working with the community to identify 

alternatives for vulnerable facilities, including offsite locations and increased transit 

service to offset reduced parking. 

Natural Zone (surrounding park land north to Bolinas-Fairfax Road, except Stinson 

Beach) 

This area would be managed to protect and restore the coastal ecosystems, and contribute 

to the restoration of natural processes that affect Bolinas Lagoon. Partnerships with 

neighboring land managers would be strengthened to achieve these goals across the 

broader landscape. The park would improve trails, trailheads, and directional signage to 

provide access to other nearby park lands. 

State Route 1 and Panoramic Highway 

Scenic Corridor Zone

Park lands in this area would be managed to enable visitors traveling by car, bicycle, and 

transit to enjoy spectacular views of the Pacific coast and natural habitats, and to provide 

trail access to park sites.

The park would collaborate with Caltrans, Marin County, California State Parks and 

other land management agencies to improve the roadways and trail crossings for the 

safety and enjoyment of park visitors while retaining the scenic rural character. New 

facilities could include overlooks and trailheads with parking, restrooms, interpretive 

exhibits, picnic areas, enhanced trail and transit connections, and a unified wayfinding 

system. A small trailhead parking area could be developed in the vicinity of the former 

White Gate Ranch. Improvements east of Panoramic Highway in the vicinity of 

Homestead Hill would enhance trail and transit access in this area. Improvements would 

fit with the rural character of the area. Park managers would seek to minimize impacts to 

natural resources caused by road use, maintenance, and drainage.

Slide Ranch 

Diverse Opportunities Zone (developed area)

This area would be managed to enhance the environmental and farm education center and 

provide improved facilities for public day use of the site, including a picnic area, trail

access, and a scenic overlook. Improvements would take into account the dynamic 

geologic conditions of the site.

Natural Zone (land surrounding the developed area) 

The landscape that surrounds the educational programs would be managed to enhance its 

natural and scenic values, retain flexibility to adapt to coastal geologic processes, and 

provide for public trail use and access to the coast.
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Lower Redwood Creek (former Banducci flower farm and 

surrounding area) 

Natural Zone (majority of Lower Redwood Creek)

Park managers would continue to restore the natural coastal ecosystem and the riparian 

habitat of Redwood Creek while providing improved trail connections to Mount 

Tamalpais State Park and other area trails, including the California Coastal Trail. All 

unnecessary structures would be removed. 

Evolved Cultural Landscape Zone (developed area and adjacent approximately 6-acre 

site)

Park managers would preserve the rural, pastoral character of the landscape. Stewardship 

facilities relocated from Muir Woods National Monument could be accommodated in this 

zone. The stewardship center, incorporating a native plant nursery and other native plant 

propagation areas, would reinvigorate the horticultural traditions of the site and engage 

the community. Existing buildings would be rehabilitated to support park programs and 

operations. 

The National Park Service would work with California State Parks to provide a small 

trailhead parking and picnic area near the Santos Meadow and the Frank Valley horse 

camp, and improve access to this zone. 

A sustainable approach to providing for water supply and wastewater treatment would be 

identified and implemented to confirm the viability of possible uses at this site. To further 

protect the creek’s endangered salmon, park managers could collaborate with the 

community to increase water storage capacity for use during the dry season. 

Park managers would continue to work with Marin County and California State Parks to 

explore realignment of Muir Woods Road to reduce impacts to Redwood Creek and 

repair and reopen damaged road segments. 

Muir Beach

Natural Zone 

The National Park Service would manage the area to restore and sustain the wetlands, 

creek, dunes, and lagoon with improvements for beach and trail access that preserve the 

community’s natural setting. The park would continue to collaborate with the 

community, Muir Beach Community Services District, and Marin County to understand 

and address water quality issues that impact park resources.

Golden Gate Dairy and Vicinity

Evolved Cultural Landscape Zone (developed area only)

The area would be managed to preserve the historic structures and pastoral character

while continuing to support park and community needs. Site improvements to 

accommodate a small trailhead and rural transit stop and enhance the creek corridor

would be included. Equestrian facilities would be retained, with site improvements made 

to incorporate best management practices and protect the adjacent riparian area. The 

National Park Service would continue to work with the operator of the equestrian 
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facilities to expand programs that benefit the public. Nonhistoric residences along State 

Route 1 could be removed if they do not contribute to essential community services or 

park operational needs. 

The National Park Service would continue to promote regularly scheduled transit service 

to reduce vehicle traffic and to work with Caltrans to improve the safety of State Route 1 

for park visitors including traffic calming and improved pedestrian crossing.

Natural Zone (surrounding uplands) 

The uplands surrounding the dairy would be managed to preserve and enhance the natural 

setting, protect the coastal prairie and scrub habitat, and provide connections to trails to 

the beach and the adjacent Mount Tamalpais State Park.

Tennessee Valley (from Oakwood Valley to Tennessee Valley 

Road) 

Diverse Visitor Opportunities (Tennessee Valley trailhead and the upper stables area)

Trailhead site improvements, including potable water, restrooms, and an improved picnic 

and parking area, would enhance this “portal” to the park that supports hiking, biking, 

and equestrian activities. A small food and information kiosk could be included in this 

area.

In collaboration with Marin County and the community, park managers would explore 

transit to the trailhead on peak season weekends, extend a multiuse trail to connect with 

Oakwood Valley and the Mill Valley Bike Path (San Francisco Bay Trail), and manage 

traffic congestion. 

Equestrian facilities would be retained and could be expanded while protecting the 

historic character of the former dairy ranch. Site improvements would be made to 

incorporate best management practices and protect the adjacent riparian area. The 

National Park Service would continue to work with equestrian operators to expand 

programs that benefit the public.

Modest facilities could be located within this zone that support stewardship, education, 

youth programs, and the park horse patrol relocated from lower Tennessee Valley. 

Diverse Opportunities Zone (Oakwood Valley) 

Visitor access improvements, including trailhead and parking, picnicking, and restrooms, 

would be provided in this zone to support access to the trail system. 

Natural Zone (from the trailhead to the ocean and the surrounding uplands including 

Oakwood Valley) 

The main multiuse trail would be enhanced to support family groups and improve 

accessibility.

All facilities and structures would be removed. Unnecessary management roads could be 

converted to trails and natural processes restored. Primitive group camping could be 

retained at Haypress and the Youth Conservation Corps seasonal group camp. All other 

existing functions could be accommodated closer to the trailhead.
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The Preferred Alternative

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The scenic hills that surround the main trail corridor and trailhead would be managed to 

preserve and enhance the expanse of undeveloped coastal habitat, outstanding natural 

features, and the scenic beauty of a large contiguous natural area extending to the north 

and south. An improved, more sustainable trail system would provide access to the 

variety of settings. The remaining dams and artificial ponds would be removed. Native 

wetland and riparian habitat would be restored in these areas.

Marin City Ridge and Gerbode Valley

Natural Zone (majority of the Marin Headlands extending south of Tennessee Valley) 

This area would be managed to preserve the expansive undeveloped wilderness-like 

character of the landscape, preserve natural resources and processes, continue habitat 

restoration, protect endangered and sensitive species, and improve the trail system with 

more sustainable trails and better connections to adjacent communities. Visitor amenities 

could include expanded primitive and accessible camping opportunities. The National 

Park Service would collaborate with other agencies and the community to develop a 

community trailhead in Marin City.

Fort Barry and Fort Cronkhite

Diverse Opportunities Zone (lower elevations of Rodeo Valley along Bunker Road and 

Fort Barry and Fort Cronkhite) 

This zone would be managed to provide visitors with a variety of recreational, 

educational, and stewardship activities consistent with the protection of the nationally 

significant cultural resources in the area. Visitor amenities could be expanded to include 

improved trailheads, accessible trails, camping, picnicking, and orientation. These 

facilities would welcome visitors and give access to the adjacent natural areas. Fort 

Cronkhite would become the visitor portal to the Headlands. 

This alternative would build upon the nucleus of existing programs offered by the park 

and its partners that contribute to the concept of a “Center for the Environment.” 

Rehabilitated structures and limited new construction would continue to be used by the 

park and its partners to provide visitors with an expanded menu of opportunities that are 

strongly linked to the park’s purpose. Programs would focus on environmental education, 

science, history and culture, recreation, healthy lifestyle activities, and special events. 

Housing for staff, interns, and volunteers of the park and its partners would be provided 

within this zone. A visitor contact facility combining information and food service would 

be developed in a location near both the beach and a transit stop, replacing the existing 

chapel visitor center at Fort Barry. 

In 1994, the Park Service removed a national landmark WWII cantonment to restore 

Crissy Field, with the explicit understanding that the cantonment at Fort Cronkhite would 

be preserved and interpreted. The Fort Cronkhite cantonment is not only highly 

representative of the once-ubiquitous 700-Series World War II mobilization cantonments; 

it is considered the best-preserved example of its type in the nation. Every effort will be 

made to enhance the historic scene while creating diverse visitor opportunities in this 

zone. 
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Fort Barry and other historic sites and structures within this zone would continue to 

support programs provided by the park and its partners consistent with the concept 

described for Fort Cronkhite. Equestrian facilities would be supported in this area of the 

Headlands. This zone would also continue to provide for park operational needs 

including maintenance, public safety, staff offices, and a plant nursery facility. The 

chapel at Fort Barry could be adapted as a multiuse meeting and program facility.

Natural Zone (uplands) 

This area of Marin Headlands would be managed as part of the extensive natural 

landscape, with emphasis on the protection and restoration of habitat for threatened and 

endangered species.

Evolved Cultural Landscape Zone (Rodeo Beach and seacoast fortifications) 

This zone would be managed for the enjoyment of the beach, trails, and other outdoor 

recreation and educational opportunities. The landscape would be managed to preserve 

and interpret the significant military features and structures, such as Wolf Ridge and 

Batteries Townsley and Mendell, in the natural coastal setting.

Sensitive Resources Zone (Rodeo Lagoon and Rodeo Lake) 

This area would be managed to preserve and restore coastal habitat for threatened and 

endangered species. Visitor access would be highly controlled and restricted to 

designated trails.

Historic Immersion Zone (Nike Missile Site SF88-L) 

The restored compound would continue to provide visitors with an experience that is 

evocative of its historic use.

Capehart Housing Area

Park Operations Zone

A new park operational facility would be constructed within this zone south of Bunker 

Road. Housing lost through the removal of housing units to construct this facility could 

be accommodated in another location, either in existing structures or through limited new 

construction. 

Natural Zone 

The residences on the north side of Bunker Road would be removed to provide for creek 

restoration and to create a more natural and scenic entrance to Rodeo Valley.

Conzelman, Bunker, and McCullough Roads (including Battery 

Spencer and Hawk Hill) 

Scenic Corridor Zone

Managers would highlight the fundamental coastal resources, endangered species habitat, 

military fortifications, and spectacular views of the Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco 

Bay, and the urban skyline of San Francisco from the roads. Safe pedestrian, bike, and 

motor vehicle access to overlooks and to interpretive and recreational opportunities 
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The Preferred Alternative

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would be provided. Some overlooks would be improved with amenities such as 

interpretive signs, restrooms, and benches. 

Kirby Cove

Evolved Cultural Landscape Zone

This area would be managed for beach access and camping, and would support additional 

uses by visitors on the new San Francisco Bay Water Trail. Rustic cabin accommodations 

could be developed, maintaining the setting and character of this park site. The coastal 

fortifications and the historic forest would be preserved and interpreted. 

Habitat restoration would continue outside of the historic forest with removal of invasive 

nonnative vegetation and expansion of habitat for the endangered mission blue butterfly.

Point Bonita Lighthouse Complex

Historic Immersion Zone

The park would continue to preserve the historic structures and interpret the site’s 

maritime and military history. The coastal environment and the sensitive marine habitat 

would be protected.

Offshore Ocean and Bay Environment

Scenic Corridor Zone (all offshore areas except Point Bonita Cove and Bird Rock) 

Park managers would work to preserve the integrity of the ocean and bay environment, 

while accommodating public uses including surfing, boating, and noncommercial fishing. 

Management actions would protect the marine habitat, rocks, sea caves, and other natural 

features of the area in coordination with the Monterey Bay and Gulf of the Farallones 

national marine sanctuaries. This zone would support the San Francisco Bay Water Trail 

where appropriate. 

Sensitive Resources Zone (Offshore areas at Point Bonita Cove and Bird Rock) 

The park would preserve sensitive marine resources—intertidal resources, seabirds, and 

marine mammals—in these two locations. Visitation would be highly restricted to protect 

resources that are easily disturbed. Park-approved research would be the primary activity 

in this zone, but would be conducted in a manner that is highly protective of sensitive 

resources.
A visitor center in the historic WWII barracks supports the wide range of visitor activities and preservation goals at Rodeo Beach.

Valuable habitat created by removing obsolete 

facilities and power lines improves the ecological 

function and natural beauty of Tennessee Valley.

A community trailhead connects to ridgetop trails and Marin Headlands.
Alternative 1: Connecting People with the Parks 

The Preferred Alternative

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PARK LANDS IN SAN FRANCISCO 

Overview

The park lands of San Francisco provide opportunities to experience nature; explore our 

heritage; and enjoy the company of families, friends, and fellow community members. 

Under this alternative, these areas would be managed to preserve and enhance a variety 

of settings, and improve and expand the facilities that welcome and support visitors to the 

“National Park Next Door.” 

The visibility and identity of national park system sites would be improved in settings 

from military to “wild,” and visitors would be introduced to Golden Gate National 

Recreation Area through facilities, information, and programming at popular arrival 

nodes and recreational destinations. As in other alternatives, the San Francisco-based 

Alcatraz embarkation facility would serve as a portal to the GGNRA and larger national 

park system.

This alternative would also emphasize the importance of education, civic engagement, 

and healthy outdoor recreation, including offering nature experiences to city children and 

their families. Existing and new facilities, including a museum collection facility, would 

support visitor enjoyment, learning, and community-based natural and cultural resource 

stewardship. Recreational and stewardship opportunities would promote healthy parks 

and healthy communities. Similar to Crissy Field, this alternative would engage the 

community to revitalize coastal park areas such as Ocean Beach, Fort Funston, and Lands 

End. 

The park would continue to improve trails and trailheads throughout the San Francisco 

park lands to make the park accessible to the broadest array of visitors. Sites would be 

connected to each other and to communities by the trail system and the city’s transit and 

multimodal access systems.

Upper Fort Mason

Evolved Cultural Landscape Zone (eastern portion of the site)

The historic district would become a portal to Golden Gate National Recreation Area, 

using historic structures to welcome visitors in a setting that would remain a peaceful 

contrast to the more bustling northern waterfront of Fisherman’s Wharf and Lower Fort 

Mason. The park would preserve and rehabilitate select historic structures for new uses 

that provide orientation, information, food service, special events, and other services for 

visitors. With improved visibility, signs, and additional activities, this site would provide 

visitors with better access and understanding of the opportunities available throughout the 

park. 

Historic residences would continue in residential use where compatible with preservation 

goals. Other nonresidential historic structures would be preserved for uses such as a 

hostel and other overnight accommodations, park headquarters, partner offices, and other 

programs that support the park mission. 

The two neighboring national park units, Golden Gate National Recreation Area and San 

Francisco Maritime National Historical Park, would collaborate on unified visitor 

welcoming and orientation, exploring the potential to share facilities. Consistent NPS site 
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identification and directional signs would be placed along the popular Golden Gate 

Promenade/San Francisco Bay Trail and at transit nodes.

An expanded stewardship program would connect the park with San Francisco through 

youth programs offered by the park and its partners.

The historic district’s batteries and landscape would be restored and rehabilitated, 

including the overgrown gardens on the east and northeast slopes. The community garden 

would be retained in its current location.

This alternative anticipates improved access to the park by the development of a water 

shuttle at Lower Fort Mason, improved walking paths, expansion of the F-Line, and 

development of the bus rapid transit on Van Ness Avenue. Visitor circulation and 

wayfinding improvements would be implemented in response to new adjacent bus transit 

and ferry connections. These concepts would require close collaboration with San 

Francisco Maritime National Historical Park and the City of San Francisco to improve 

the experience of arriving at Fort Mason through Aquatic Park and Gashouse Cove at 

Laguna Street and Marina Boulevard. 

Diverse Opportunities Zone (“Great Meadow”) 

The “Great Meadow” would continue to support the variety of current uses and special 

events with modest improvements to enhance the landscape, enhance the safety of 

pedestrians and bicyclists on the paths, and provide formal opportunities for picnicking. 

Park Operations Zone

Park operations could remain in their current locations. Adjacent structures would 

continue to house a conservation corps program. If the program relocates, the site and 

structures would serve park operational needs.

Sensitive Resource Zone (shoreline at Black Point, including a 100-foot offshore buffer 

to protect intertidal resources) 

This area would be managed to protect the rare remaining natural rocky shoreline in San 

Francisco inside the Golden Gate. An overlook would be developed in the adjacent zone 

to allow visitors to experience this small site.

China Beach

Diverse Opportunities Zone

Park managers would improve visitor facilities and access to support current uses.

Lands End

Evolved Cultural Landscape Zone 

Park managers would continue to enhance the landscape, integrating natural habitat 

restoration with cultural landscape preservation, and improving the trail system. This 

would include the California Coastal Trail and the secondary trails that access the 

shoreline, and would enhance scenic viewpoints and opportunities for bird watching. The 

area would continue to be managed for the preservation of dark night skies. Trail 
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The Preferred Alternative

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connections and directional signage to the community and adjacent park lands would also 

be improved. 

Fort Miley

Evolved Cultural Landscape Zone (West Fort Miley)

The historic structures and cultural landscape would be preserved and enhanced. The 

Marine Exchange Lookout Station (Octagon House) would be rehabilitated to interpret its 

history and provide for park operational or public uses. Site improvements would focus 

on enhancing the Fort’s appearance and providing better connections to the surrounding 

community, nearby Lands End site, and the Veterans Administration hospital campus. 

Improved picnicking and group camping facilities would be provided in an appropriate 

location, as would opportunities for outdoor learning and leadership programs. The area 

would continue to be managed for the preservation of dark night skies.

Park Operations (East Fort Miley) 

Park maintenance and public safety satellite operations would remain in the historic 

warehouse and batteries. Safe and more direct vehicle and trail access would be 

developed to better support its use and preservation. 

Ocean Beach

In Both the Diverse Opportunities Zone and the Natural Zone

In this alternative, the National Park Service would participate in multiagency efforts to 

knit the unique assets and experiences of the Ocean Beach corridor into a seamless and 

welcoming public landscape, planning for environmental conservation, sustainable 

infrastructure, and long-term stewardship.

The Park Service would continue to work with the City of San Francisco, California 

Coastal Commission, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to address coastal erosion: 

relocating facilities out of vulnerable locations and restoring natural processes to 

maximize protection of the beach for its natural and recreational values. 

Diverse Opportunities Zone (along the O’Shaughnessy seawall)

Park managers would continue to provide for a diversity of recreational beach use and 

preserve the natural setting and resource values, including shorebird habitat. The vital 

community stewardship activities that are part of the successful management of the beach 

would be promoted.

The park would preserve the historic O’Shaughnessy seawall and collaborate with the 

City of San Francisco to enhance the Ocean Beach corridor with improved amenities that 

support enjoyment of the beach, including the promenade, parking, and restrooms. 

The California Coastal Trail and other connections would be improved to link Ocean 

Beach to Lands End, Fort Funston, city neighborhoods, and other park lands including 

Golden Gate Park and Lake Merced.
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Natural Zone (south of the O’Shaughnessy seawall) 

The area would be managed to protect shorebirds and threatened species and allow 

natural coastal and marine processes to occur, while providing for a variety of compatible 

recreational activities. Public safety activities would be continued.

Fort Funston

Diverse Opportunities Zone (central area and southern beach) 

This site would continue to support current recreational activities, including dog walking 

and the unique opportunity for hang gliding in the park, while making landscape and trail 

improvements and protecting and restoring natural habitat. New visitor facilities would 

be provided near the parking lot. These could include restrooms, group picnicking 

facilities, a visitor contact facility combining food service with park information, and 

other support structures. Battery Davis, the historic seacoast fortification, would be 

preserved and interpreted and its earthworks fenced and protected. 

Natural Zone (corridors along the perimeter and northern beach) 

Fort Funston’s islands of native habitat would be extended to form a continuous habitat 

corridor that supports recovery of native dune habitat including endangered San 

Francisco Lessingia plants. The northern stretch of beach would be managed to protect 

shorebirds, coastal bluffs, and bank swallows and to allow natural coastal and marine 

processes to occur to the extent feasible, while providing for a variety of compatible 

recreational activities. 

Park Operations Zone (southeast corner)

Operational facilities could be expanded to meet park needs, including public safety 

offices, nursery, stewardship center, satellite maintenance facilities, and staff or volunteer 

housing. 

The existing environmental education center could remain in this zone or be relocated to 

another site better served by public transportation with appropriate facilities and outdoor 

settings.

Offshore Ocean and Bay Environment

Scenic Corridor Zone

The park would preserve the ocean and bay environment and accommodate public uses 

including surfing, boating, and noncommercial fishing. Park managers would protect the 

marine habitat, geologic resources and processes, and other natural features of the area.
The coastal setting of the historic Marine Exchange Lookout Station at West Fort Miley is restored.

New garden walkways and the historic streetcar connect visitors to Fort Mason and 

Aquatic Park.
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PARK LANDS IN SAN MATEO COUNTY

Overview

Under this alternative and others, park lands and ocean environments in San Mateo 

County would be managed as part of a vast network of protected lands and waters, some 

recognized as part of the UNESCO Golden Gate Biosphere Reserve. This network 

includes San Francisco Public Utilities Commission Peninsula Watershed lands, 

California state parks, the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, county parks, and 

other land held by regional land trusts. Park managers would emphasize connectivity, 

preservation, and restoration of the area’s vital ecosystems through collaborative 

partnerships with other land management agencies.

In the spirit of the “Parks to People” movement that created Golden Gate National 

Recreation Area four decades ago, this alternative would focus on the importance of 

improving access and engaging the community in these newest park lands. Given the 

significant addition of park land in the county in recent years, a series of actions would be 

needed to enhance visitor access, enjoyment, appreciation, and stewardship. 

Key efforts would include improving the visibility and identity of National Park Service

sites. Park trails would be improved to create a sustainable system that provides 

opportunities to enjoy park sites, connects with local communities, and contributes to an 

exceptional regional trail network. Equestrian facilities would continue to have an 

important role in recreation and stewardship. A comprehensive trail plan would be 

prepared to achieve these goals. Park managers would work with county transit providers 

to improve transit connections to local trailheads and east–west transit between bayside 

communities and State Route 1. Collaboration with the community and Caltrans would 

focus on providing safe access to park sites along State Route 1. 

The addition of signs and trailhead parking will help visitors find their way to various 

park sites and will help them gain an understanding of the park’s diverse natural and 

cultural resources. Equestrian needs would be incorporated in trail and trailhead design.

Equally important would be providing facilities to welcome visitors to the park. This 

alternative would promote visitor information and orientation centers in Pacifica and in 

the coastside community south of Devil’s Slide. Park improvements would be consistent 

with preservation of community character. These facilities could be shared with San 

Mateo County Department of Parks, California State Parks, Monterey Bay National 

Marine Sanctuary, local governments, and other organizations. 

Thornton State Beach to South of Mussel Rock

Natural Zone 

In all alternatives park managers would preserve and enhance the natural and scenic 

values of the area; allow for natural coastal geologic processes to continue; and provide 

modest visitor access facilities (trails, trailheads) to beaches, scenic overlooks, and along 

the California Coastal Trail, where feasible.

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 
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The Preferred Alternative

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trails for visitors to enjoy and view nature. Park staff would work with neighboring 

communities to mitigate concentrated urban runoff and landslide threat. 

Milagra Ridge

Natural Zone 

The area would be managed to preserve its wild character and protect habitat for 

endangered species. Disturbed areas would be restored. Coordinating with other land 

managers, the park would also make trail improvements that could include connections to 

Oceana Boulevard, the Pacific coast, Skyline Boulevard, and Sweeney Ridge. Historic 

structures would be preserved. 

Scenic Corridor Zone (center of ridge)

Additional amenities would be developed to support visitors and stewardship volunteers. 

These could include accessibility improvements, trailhead parking, restrooms, and picnic 

facilities.

Shelldance Nursery Area

Diverse Opportunities Zone and Park Operations Zone

The site would transition from a commercial nursery to an area that provides a variety of 

visitor services that could include enhanced trailhead parking serving Sweeney Ridge and 

Mori Point, restrooms, park orientation and information, and a community 

stewardship/education center. Access from State Route 1 and the trail connection to Mori 

Point would be improved.

In all alternatives, a portion of this park site would be dedicated to park operational needs 

possibly including a satellite facility for maintenance and public safety, native plant 

nursery, and ranger workforce or volunteer housing.

Sweeney Ridge (including Cattle Hill and Picardo Ranch) 

Natural Zone (majority of the area)

The area would be managed to protect endangered species and the large contiguous 

natural landscape extending into the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission 

Peninsula Watershed. Visitors could experience the area through stewardship activities, 

improved trails, and primitive camping. Connections to the regional trail network and the 

surrounding public lands (San Francisco Public Utilities Commission lands, San Pedro 

Valley County Park, McNee Ranch, and Rancho Corral de Tierra) would be developed in 

coordination with other land managers. 

Scenic Corridor Zone (Sneath Lane and part of Sweeney Ridge) 

Trail amenities would be developed, and connections would be enhanced to the Bay Area 

Ridge Trail and the Sawyer Camp Trail in San Francisco Public Utilities Commission

Peninsula Watershed. The San Francisco Bay Discovery Site National Historical 

Landmark would be preserved and interpreted. Limited vehicular access to the discovery 
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site would be permitted. A hikers’ hut could be developed as part of a system of huts 

proposed for the Bay Area Ridge Trail. 

Diverse Opportunities Zone (developed portion of Picardo Ranch) 

If acquired, the existing facilities could be adapted or replaced with new facilities to 

support visitor activities, potentially including continued equestrian use, environmental 

education, trailhead improvements, and park operations. Management would include 

strong protection for the creek corridor and other natural habitats. 

Mori Point

Natural Zone 

The land would be managed for ongoing restoration of natural habitats and to protect 

threatened and endangered species while improving the trail system for public enjoyment 

of the site and its exceptional views and landscapes. Access to Mori Point would be 

enhanced with modest trailhead and parking improvements. 

Trail connections to the community, Sweeney Ridge and the adjacent public lands, and 

the California Coastal Trail would be improved in partnership with other land managers. 

Collaboration with adjacent land managers would also contribute to expanded efforts to 

preserve listed species and their habitats, improving habitat connectivity across 

management boundaries 

Pedro Point, Devil’s Slide, and San Pedro Mountain

Natural Zone 

These lands, if acquired, would be managed to maintain natural features and scenic 

beauty and to continue with the habitat restoration and access improvements initiated by 

the community and other agencies. Trailheads and trails would be developed and 

enhanced to improve accessibility and connections to the California Coastal Trail and 

adjacent public lands. Public access to Devil’s Slide and the surrounding coastal bluffs 

west of existing State Route 1 would be managed to protect nesting seabirds and historic 

sites. Collaboration with adjacent land managers would be essential.

Rancho Corral de Tierra

Natural Zone (majority of the area)

The upland areas and land outside the existing equestrian centers would be managed to 

preserve the wild, open character of the landscape and offer trail-based recreation that is 

light on the land, including walking, hiking, bicycling, and horseback riding. Natural 

habitats and processes in the zone, which includes four creek corridors, would be restored 

to the greatest extent possible with the help of community stewards.

Visitors would enjoy the scenic coastal environment through an enhanced and sustainable 

system of trails. The trail network would connect local communities to the park and link 

the ridges of Montara Mountain to the Pacific Ocean. The National Park Service would 

work with the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission to complete a trail connection 

to Sweeney Ridge through the Peninsula Watershed’s northwest corner along Whiting 
Alternative 1: Connecting People with the Parks 

The Preferred Alternative

Volume I: 219

Ridge. Unnecessary roads could be converted to trails or removed. Exploration of the 

park could be facilitated by scenic overlooks, sites for picnicking, primitive camping 

sites, and possibly a hikers’ hut in a remote setting.

Diverse Opportunities Zone

Modest improvements would be created in this zone consisting of trailheads and other 

visitor facilities that provide for the enjoyment of this new area. This area would be 

considered as a southern “portal” to the Golden Gate National Recreation Area and other 

public open space. Detailed planning following general management plan approval would 

determine the mix of uses that would share this zone. Equestrian uses would be retained 

at Rancho Corral de Tierra, with the exact location, type, and scale of facility 

improvements determined in future planning efforts. Park managers would continue to 

work with equestrian operators to enhance the best management practices employed to 

protect the environment and expand programs that welcome and benefit the public. New 

facilities in this zone could include trails, trailheads, a community 

stewardship/educational center, a group picnic area, a rustic campsite, and a horse camp. 

Significant constraints on availability of water will influence development and operations 

of facilities at this site. Any new visitor facility would be sited to preserve natural and 

cultural resources and where compatible with adjacent uses such as agriculture.

In addition, safe trailheads would be developed near State Route 1 to support exploration 

of this large, diverse landscape and the extensive adjacent public lands. The multiuse

trails and trailheads would be compatible with adjacent residential uses.

Habitat restoration and community stewardship activities would have a strong presence in 

both zones. An area for native plant production would be established to support 

restoration projects in the park. The National Park Service would partner with 

surrounding land managers and the Fitzgerald Marine Reserve, one of the richest 

intertidal areas on the California coast, to improve habitat connectivity and protect 

sensitive habitats, to protect water quality, restore the creek corridors and reconnect them 

to the ocean, and to reestablish anadromous fish passage where possible.

The National Park Service would connect people to the agriculture history of Rancho 

Corral de Tierra through interpretation of its cultural landscape and adjacent working 

farms.

Montara Lighthouse

Evolved Cultural Landscape Zone 

In all alternatives, the historic lighthouse structures and other associated resources would 

be preserved and interpreted. Management would enhance the current hostel and day use 

programming. Trail connections from the hostel up and down the coast would better 

integrate this site with other park lands and open space. Access from State Route 1 would 

be improved. 

The park would look for an opportunity to locate a multiagency visitor information and 

orientation facility in this vicinity. 
PART 5: ALTERNATIVES FOR PARK LANDS

IN MARIN, SAN FRANCISCO, AND SAN MATEO COUNTIES

Volume I: 220

Phleger Estate

Natural Zone 

In all alternatives, the area would be managed to provide trail-based recreation in a 

natural and contemplative setting that complements the more developed recreation 

facilities at adjacent Huddart County Park. The redwood forest ecosystem, including 

West Union Creek and threatened and endangered species, would be protected and

restored. The history of logging on the estate and its role in the settlement of San Mateo 

County would be interpreted. Trail connections to adjacent lands and the regional trail 

system would be pursued in collaboration with San Mateo County and San Francisco 

Public Utilities Commission. These connections would include the Bay Area Ridge Trail, 

potential access from trailheads on Cañada Road and Skyline Boulevard, and a multiuse 

trail connection between Cañada Road and Skyline Boulevard north of Phleger Estate. 

Community stewardship of the site could contribute to trail and habitat improvements.

The National Park Service would explore community trailheads and partnerships with the 

Woodside Store historic site.

San Francisco Public Utilities Commission Peninsula Watershed

Easements

Natural Zone (majority of the area, corresponding with the scenic easement)

Park managers would continue to cooperate with the San Francisco Public Utilities 

Commission for the preservation of the natural, cultural, scenic, and recreational features 

of the watershed. Within this zone, the park would promote completion of the Bay Area 

Ridge Trail connection from the Phleger Estate to Highway 92 and a new trail connection 

between the Bay Area Ridge Trail and the California Coastal Trail on the existing 

alignment over Whiting Ridge; this would connect Sweeney Ridge with McNee Ranch 

and Rancho Corral de Tierra. 

Scenic Corridor Zone (eastern area closest to Highway 280, corresponding with the 

scenic and recreation easement) 

Park managers would promote preservation of natural, cultural, and scenic values with 

improved public access on trails. Proposed trail improvements include connecting the 

existing San Andreas multiuse trail to Sweeney Ridge via Sneath Lane, and improving 

trail access to the Phleger Estate from a new trailhead on Cañada Road. Park managers 

also would promote the implementation of other trails proposed in the 2002 San 

Francisco Watershed Management Plan, including completion of the north–south 

corridor through the watershed in areas of low sensitivity. The park would work with the 

San Francisco Public Utilities Commission to provide a multiuse trail connection through 

the Peninsula watershed lands between Cañada Road and Skyline Boulevard north of 

Phleger Estate. Preservation of scenic views along the trails, Cañada Road, Skyline 

Boulevard, Interstate 280, and its vista points would also be promoted in cooperation 

with the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission and Caltrans. The National Park 

Service would collaborate with the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission in creating 

a watershed visitor education center near the Pulgas Water Temple on Cañada Road, as 

described in the 2002 Watershed Management Plan. Additional coordination with the 

Juan Bautista De Anza National Historic Trail could also be provided. 
Alternative 1: Connecting People with the Parks 

The Preferred Alternative

Volume I: 221

Offshore Ocean Environment

Management of offshore areas could be extended to cover new segments of the San 

Mateo County coast as described in the “Boundary Adjustments” section. 

Sensitive Resources Zone (Fitzgerald Marine Reserve)

In areas where the park boundary coincides with the Fitzgerald Marine Reserve, the two 

organizations would continue to cooperate in the implementation of the provisions of the 

California State Marine Life Protection Act. The offshore area between Montara State 

Beach and Ross Cove, designated as the Montara State Marine Reserve, would not permit

fishing, harvesting, or collecting. The reserve area between Ross Cove and Pillar Point 

Harbor, designated as the Pillar Point Marine Conservation Area; some fishing would be 

allowed in this area. 
Visitors are welcomed to Rancho Corral de Tierra at a new trailhead portal.

The trailhead to Sweeney Ridge is enhanced at the site transitions from commercial to park purposes.
Alternative 1: Connecting People with the Parks 

The Preferred Alternative

Volume I: 223

COST ESTIMATES 

Cost estimates for alternative 1 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.

The costs to implement alternative 1 focus on a diversity of facilities to attract and 

welcome visitors, connect people with the resources, and promote understanding, 

enjoyment, preservation, and health. Costs reflect all proposals of alternative 1 that could 

be implemented over the 20-year life of the general management plan.

Annual Operating Costs

The annual operating costs for alternative 1 are made up of the current annual operating 

costs, with changes made to reflect additional staffing needs. The annual operating costs 

of alternative 1 are estimated at $32.0 million.

Staffing Requirements

Total additional staff needed to support alternative 1, including staff for Alcatraz Island 

and Muir Woods National Monument, is 46 FTE. A significant amount of staff would be 

required to support the newly acquired lands in San Mateo County. Staff would support 

orientation, safety, maintenance, and resource protection in these areas. 

Additional staff would be needed to carry out new functional use of the park lands. An 

increase in interpretive staff would support expanded interpretive programs throughout 

the park. A greater number of law enforcement officers would allow for needed patrol 

and response to increased visitor recreational activities. With the addition of new trails 

and facilities and rehabilitation of other facilities, maintenance responsibilities would 

increase, also requiring additional staff. 

The natural resources division would have a need for staff to perform additional 

inventory and monitoring duties, as well as enhanced management and restoration 

activities. The cultural resources division would need funds to conduct baseline studies to 

inventory and identify resources. In addition, staff would support a series of rehabilitation 

projects, and would require technical specialists in the fields of historic architecture, 

landscape architecture, archeology, curation, cataloging, and compliance. The 

responsibilities of the planning division for project coordination, compliance, and public 

involvement would also expand, requiring additional staff. The business management 

division would require additional staff to manage additional visitor facilities, Alcatraz 
PART 5: ALTERNATIVES FOR PARK LANDS

IN MARIN, SAN FRANCISCO, AND SAN MATEO COUNTIES

Volume I: 224

Island services, and equestrian operations. New staff would also manage the rigorous user 

capacity program at Alcatraz Island and Muir Woods National Monument. 

Other divisions, including administration, environmental and safety, and public affairs 

would each require a few additional staff members to manage new areas and uses of the 

park lands.

Proposed New Staff 

• 10 positions in visitor resources and protection

• 12 positions in maintenance 

• 6 positions in interpretation and education 

• 2 positions in planning and compliance 

• 4 positions in cultural resources and museum management 

• 6 positions in natural resources management and science 

• 1 position in public affairs 

• 2 positions in business management 

• 2 positions in administration 

• 1 position in environmental and safety programs 

One-time Costs

One-time costs of alternative 1 reflect extensive rehabilitation to provide a diverse range 

of visitor activities for the park’s many visitors. Total one-time costs are estimated at 

$46.7 million over the life of the general management plan. 
Alternative 1: Connecting People with the Parks 

The Preferred Alternative

Volume I: 225

Table 12: Costs Associated with the Implementation of Alternative 1 for Park Lands in 

Marin, San Francisco, and San Mateo Counties

SUMMARY OF COSTS FOR ALTERNATIVE 1

(NPS Preferred Alternative)

Annual Operational Costs

Annual Operational Costs $32,000,000 

Staffing (additional FTE) 380 (+46)

One-time Capital Costs

FACILITY REHABILITATION 

Fort Barry/Fort Cronkhite: visitor access 

improvements

$480,000

Fort Funston: visitor facilities improvements $770,000

Fort Miley: improve visitor access and facilities* $1,500,000

Lower Redwood Creek: improve trail 

connections*

$1,020,000

Lower Redwood Creek: stewardship center and 

landscape improvements

$1,220,000

Oakwood, Marin City Ridge, Gerbode: improve 

trail connections to local communities*

$1,090,000

Oakwood, Marin City Ridge, Gerbode: visitor 

access improvements

$560,000

Other Marin County projects $580,000

Other San Francisco projects* $1,050,000

Other San Mateo County projects* $1,190,000

Rancho Corral de Tierra: equestrian facilities 

improvements

$2,870,000

Rancho Corral De Tierra: trails system 

development

$810,000

Stinson Beach: replace restrooms, showers, 

parking

$1,480,000
PART 5: ALTERNATIVES FOR PARK LANDS

IN MARIN, SAN FRANCISCO, AND SAN MATEO COUNTIES

Volume I: 226

SUMMARY OF COSTS FOR ALTERNATIVE 1

(NPS Preferred Alternative)

Stinson Beach: replace visitor contact facility 

(warming hut)*

$1,240,000

Tennessee Valley: improve main multiuse trail* $1,360,000

Tennessee Valley: stewardship center and 

environmental education

$800,000

Tennessee Valley: trailhead improvements $1,930,000

Thornton Beach/Mussel Rock: improve trail and 

trailhead*

$530,000

HISTORIC PRESERVATION

Marin Headlands seacoast fortifications: 

stabilization and rehabilitation* 

$960,000

China Beach: rehabilitate structures and parking $2,430,000

Fort Barry/Fort Cronkhite: rehabilitate and 

relocate visitor contact facility (warming hut)*

$1,920,000

Fort Miley: rehabilitate historic structures* $3,330,000

Ocean Beach: rehabilitate O'Shaughnessy 

seawall

$6,000,000

Other San Mateo County historic preservation 

projects*

$740,000

Shelldance Nursery: rehabilitate for park 

operational uses*

$640,000

Shelldance Nursery: rehabilitate for stewardship 

center*

$1,140,000

NATURAL RESOURCE RESTORATION

Marin County sites, including Stinson Beach $1,960,000

San Francisco: Ocean Beach, Fort Funston, and 

Lands End

$1,000,000
Alternative 1: Connecting People with the Parks 

The Preferred Alternative

Volume I: 227

SUMMARY OF COSTS FOR ALTERNATIVE 1

(NPS Preferred Alternative)

San Mateo County sites $1,510,000

FACILITY REMOVAL

Capehart housing: remove units north of Bunker 

Road

$250,000

NEW CONSTRUCTION

Fort Funston: new visitor contact facility 

(warming hut)*

$1,240,000

Kirby Cove: new rustic overnight 

accommodations*

$390,000

Other Rancho Corral de Tierra Projects: 

trailhead and parking

$980,000

Rancho Corral de Tierra: new rustic overnight 

accommodations*

$780,000

Rancho Corral de Tierra: new stewardship and 

education center*

$960,000

Total $46,710,000

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. 
Alternative 1: Connecting People with the Parks 

(The Preferred Alternative) 

Volume I: 228
Kentfield

Tam

Va

Bolinas

Point Reyes National Seashore

Bolinas Lagoon 

(Managed by Point Reyes

National Seashore)

Audubon Canyon Ranch

Marin MunicipalWater District

Mount Tamalpais State Park

Mount Tamalpais State Park

Lower RedwoodCreek

Golden Gate Dairy

Muir WoodsNational Monument

Ten

Stinson Beach

Slide Ranch

Muir Beach

Fort Cronkhite

Trailhead

Rodeo Lagoon

Fort Ba

Nike Missile Si

Point Bonit

HW Y 1 

PANORAMIC HWY

1

GGNRA

BOLINAS/

FAIRFAX

RD

MUIR

WOODS RD

PANORAMIC

HIGHWAY

(Refer to Muir Woods  NM alternatives)

Alternative 1 – Preferred Alternative Golden Gate National Recreation AreaMarin County 

Management Zones

United States Department of the Interior • National Park ServiceDSC • June 2010 • 641 / 20615

Existing PlanRoadTunnelOther Open SpaceNPS Managed Marine ResourcesTrail

Evolved Cultural LandscapeInterpretive CorridorDiverse Opportunities Scenic CorridorHistoric ImmersionNaturalSensitive ResourcesPark Operations

Connecting People with the Parks 

The planning area includes an 

off shore distance of 

approximately 1/4 mile.

Marin Headlands

Marin County

Baker Beach

Pier 4

Black

Point

Great Meadow

Park Headquarters

Bldg 201

BAY ST R EET

LOMBA R D ST R EET

VA N N

ESS AV E.

19T H AV EN UE

SLOAT BLV D

PA R K PR ESIDIO BLV D.

VA N N

ESS AV E.

East Fort Miley

West Fort Miley Upper 

Fort Mason

Lower 

Fort Mason

Fort Point National 

Historic Site

Presidio Cavalry Stable

Crissy Field Fort Mason

Alcatraz Island

(Refer to Alcatraz 

Island alternatives)

Fort 

Funston

Sutro Heights

Golden Gate Park

GOLDEN GAT E BR IDGE

Presidio of 

San Francisco

Ocean Beach

San Francisco 

Zoo

San Francisco 

Maritime NHP

San Francisco 

Maritime National 

Historical Park

China Beach

Lands End

Lincoln Park

Harding Park

Lake Merced

280

280

101

101

1

1

G

R E AT H

W Y

100 feet

Connecting People with the Parks 

Alternative 1 – Preferred Alternative 

Golden Gate National Recreation Area

San Francisco City and County 

United States Department of the Interior • National Park Service

DSC • February 2011 • 641 / 20621

Management Zones

Existing Plan

Road

Other Open Space

NPS Managed Marine Resources

Evolved Cultural Landscape

Interpretive Corridor

Diverse Opportunities 

Scenic Corridor

Historic Immersion

Natural

Sensitive Resources

Park Operations

0 1,000 3,000 6,000 Feet

Fort 

Funston

Thornton 

State Beach

Brisbane

South San Francisco

San Bruno

San Francisco

International

Airport

Cit y and Count y of San Francisco

San Bruno Mountain

State Park

Daly City

Colma

San Mateo Count y

Mussel 

Rock

Sharp Park

Beach 

Mori Point

Shelldance

Nursery

Pacifica 

State Park

Pacifica

Cattle

Hill Sweeney

Ridge

Picardo 

San Pedro Ranch

Point

San Pedro 

Valley Park

Sneath Lane 

Road

McNee Ranch

Ross Cove

Devil’s 

Slide

Rancho Corral

de Tierra

Montara 

State Beach

Pillar Point 

Bluff

Half Moon Bay

State Beach

Half 

Moon 

Bay

Peninsula Watershed

(San Francisco Public 

Utilities Commission)

NPS Easement

JOHN DA LY BLV D

SK Y LIN E BLV D

CA ÑA DA ROA D

SK Y LIN E BLV D

SH A R P PA R K BLV D

Phleger Estate

Filoli Center

Edgewood 

Park

Huddart 

County Park

Montara

Moss 

Beach

Montara

Lighthouse

San Mateo

Hillsborough

Burlingame

Millbrae

Belmont

Sharp Park

Milagra 

Ridge

Fitzgerald 

Marine 

Reserve

101

101

101

1

1

35

35

280

380

280

1

1

92

92

Connecting People with the Parks

United States Department of the Interior • National Park Service

DSC • June 2010 • 641 / 20624

Alternative 1 – Preferred Alternative

Golden Gate National Recreation Area

San Mateo County 

Management Zones

Diverse Opportunities 

Scenic Corridor

Interpretive Corridor

Evolved Cultural Landscape

Historic Immersion

Natural

Sensitive Resources

Park Operations

Other Open Space

Golden Gate National Recreation Area Easement

Future Park Addition

NPS Managed Marine Resources

0 Miles 2

Volume I: 235

ALTERNATIVE 2: 

PRESERVING AND ENJOYING COASTAL 

ECOSYSTEMS

PARK LANDS IN MARIN COUNTY

Overview

In this alternative, management would strive to further preserve and restore the dynamic, 

interconnected coastal ecosystems at the core of protected lands through collaborative 

regional partnerships. These lands provide significant swaths of protected habitat for 

many of the park’s sensitive, rare, threatened, and endangered species. Partners would 

work on common goals to sustain the area’s native biodiversity, reconnect fragmented 

habitats and migration corridors, minimize the impact of invasive species, manage for 

changing fire regimes, protect threatened and endangered species, and restore naturally 

functioning ecosystems. Proactive management would work to build resiliency to climate 

change into the natural environment. 

This alternative would highlight Marin County’s park lands and waters as living 

laboratories, engaging visitors in participatory science, education, and stewardship that 

nurture personal connections with nature and inspire advocacy. 

Exploration of trails and beaches would further highlight the park’s coastal natural and 

cultural resources. Cultural resource sites and stories would emphasize human occupation 

of the coastal environment, as reflected in lighthouses, coastal defense structures, 

archeological sites, and agricultural land uses.

Stinson Beach North to Bolinas–Fairfax Road

Diverse Opportunities Zone (beach and developed area)

The current level of visitor services such as restrooms, seasonal lifeguards, and food 

service, would continue to support beach recreation; however, park facilities such as the 

central restroom and its septic system would be relocated farther from the dunes and 

beach to better protect natural resources. As in alternative 1, sustainable new facilities 

would replace deteriorated restrooms, showers, picnic areas, and parking lots. The 

Easkoot Creek riparian corridor would be further enhanced by redesigning the parking 

lot.

As in alternative 1, park managers would explore improved weekend transit service at 

peak times in order to reduce congestion, minimize impacts on natural resources, and 

provide a way to get to the beach without a car. 

Natural Zone (dunes, south parking lot, and surrounding park land north to Bolinas–

Fairfax Road) 

The sand dunes would be restored and the south parking lot would be removed to support 

wetland restoration. The rest of the lands and waters in the vicinity of Stinson Beach, 

including the uplands, would be managed to protect and restore the coastal ecosystems, 

and contribute to the restoration of natural processes that affect Bolinas Lagoon. 
PART 5: ALTERNATIVES FOR PARK LANDS

IN MARIN, SAN FRANCISCO, AND SAN MATEO COUNTIES

Volume I: 236

Partnerships with neighboring land managers would be strengthened to achieve these 

goals across the broader landscape.

State Route 1 and Panoramic Highway

Natural Zone 

As in alternative 1, these park lands would be managed to enable visitors traveling by car, 

bicycle, and transit to enjoy spectacular views of the Pacific Coast, and to provide access 

to park sites.

Under this alternative, greater emphasis would be placed on collaboration with Caltrans 

and other agencies to further protect and restore the coastal ecosystem. In the event of a 

catastrophic landslide, park managers would encourage abandonment of State Route 1 

between Muir Beach and Stinson Beach in the affected segment. Interpretive exhibits 

could illustrate the dramatic impacts on coastal ecosystems caused by constructing and 

maintaining the highway.

Slide Ranch

Natural Zone 

The existing environmental education center and farm education program would be 

relocated to a more sustainable and geologically stable site in a less remote location. The 

area would be managed to promote restoration of coastal resources and to allow for 

natural geologic processes to continue unimpeded. A modest trailhead near State Route 1 

would be provided to support visitor access to the rugged coast, but all other structures 

and farm areas would be removed to allow for restoration of natural conditions. 

Lower Redwood Creek (former Banducci flower farm and 

surrounding area) 

Natural Zone 

Park managers would continue to restore the native coastal ecosystem, including 

Redwood Creek and endangered salmon habitat, the riparian corridor and adjacent 

wetlands, and the uplands that were planted with heather and eucalyptus. Visitors would 

have opportunities to participate in stewardship activities in the restoration of the natural 

systems. All facilities and structures would be removed unless needed to support 

stewardship, restoration activities, and trail use. The California Coastal Trail could also 

connect at this park site. 

Park managers would work with Marin County and California State Parks to explore 

realignment of Muir Woods Road to reduce impacts to Redwood Creek. To further 

protect the creek’s endangered salmon, park managers could collaborate with the 

community to increase water storage capacity for use during the dry season.
Alternative 2: Preserving and Enjoying Coastal Ecosystems

Volume I: 237

Muir Beach

Natural Zone 

Management of this zone would be the same as that described under alternative 1.

Golden Gate Dairy and Vicinity

Evolved Cultural Landscape Zone (developed area and surrounding uplands) 

The area would be managed to preserve the historic structures and pastoral landscape and 

protect the coastal prairie and scrub habitat. 

The historic structures could be adaptively reused for a science and stewardship center or 

for local community services that are consistent with park goals. Nearby nonhistoric 

residences could be removed if they do not contribute to essential community services or 

park operational needs. The rest of this park site could be restored to its natural condition. 

Equestrian use would be provided on designated trails in the area. 

Tennessee Valley (from Oakwood Valley to the ocean)

Evolved Cultural Landscape Zone (Tennessee Valley trailhead and the Miwok Stables 

area)

This area would be managed to retain its traditional equestrian uses and provide for a 

minimal level of visitor facilities and an improved trailhead to support visitor access to 

the extensive network of trails. Modest facilities could be located within this zone that 

support the stewardship and restoration activities and the park horse patrol that are 

currently located in lower Tennessee Valley. 

Natural Zone (from the trailhead to the ocean and the surrounding uplands including 

Oakwood Valley) 

Park managers would preserve and enhance the native coastal ecosystem and allow 

visitors to experience the wild character of the valley. Nonhistoric facilities and structures 

would be removed. Unnecessary management roads, including Marincello Road, could 

be converted to trails, or removed if not historic, and natural processes restored.

The main Tennessee Valley Trail would be converted to a multiuse trail, and the 

remaining dams and artificial ponds would be removed. Native wetland and riparian 

habitat would be restored in these areas. 

Marin City Ridge and Gerbode Valley

Natural Zone (Marin City Ridge and Gerbode Valley) 

This area would be managed to restore and preserve the undeveloped coastal corridor of 

contiguous habitat and natural resources, and the outstanding open space and wild 

character of these lands. The nonhistoric facilities and infrastructure would be removed 

and the land restored to a natural condition. Unnecessary management roads could be 

converted to trails, or removed if not historic, and natural processes restored. 

Opportunities would be explored to provide trail connections from these park lands to 

local communities.
PART 5: ALTERNATIVES FOR PARK LANDS

IN MARIN, SAN FRANCISCO, AND SAN MATEO COUNTIES

Volume I: 238

Fort Barry and Fort Cronkhite

Sensitive Resources Zone (Rodeo Lagoon and most of the Rodeo Valley uplands south 

of Bunker Road) 

This area would be managed to preserve and restore coastal habitat for threatened and 

endangered species. Visitor access would be highly controlled and restricted to 

designated trails in this zone.

Evolved Cultural Landscape Zone (Rodeo Beach, Fort Cronkhite, and Fort Barry) 

These areas would be managed to maintain the military identity of the area, provide for 

higher levels of visitor use than in surrounding areas, and provide educational programs, 

surfing, fishing, and other outdoor recreation opportunities. The adjacent forts would be 

managed to protect and interpret the national register historic district while allowing for 

reuse of the buildings for park programming and operations, possibly including a new 

visitor center. Habitat restoration within this zone would be consistent with the 

preservation of the military landscape. Equestrian facilities would be accommodated in 

this area.

Historic Immersion Zone (Nike Missile Site SF88-L) 

Management of this zone would be the same as that described under alternative 1.

Capehart Housing Area

Park Operations Zone

A new park operations facility would be constructed within this zone south of Bunker 

Road. Residential structures and unnecessary infrastructure would be removed; riparian 

and upland habitats would be restored, and fragmented habitat would be reconnected 

where possible.

Conzelman, Bunker, and McCullough Roads (including Battery 

Spencer and Hawk Hill) 

Scenic Corridor Zone

Same as alternative 1, except that outside of the immediate road corridor, the area would 

be managed to protect and restore coastal habitat that supports the threatened mission 

blue butterfly. Visitor access would be highly controlled and restricted to designated 

trails in this zone.

Kirby Cove

Evolved Cultural Landscape Zone 

The park resources and stories associated with coastal fortifications would be highlighted 

and camping would promote appreciation of views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the 

wild-urban interface between the park and the City of San Francisco. Facilities would 

provide visitors with access to the beach and new San Francisco Bay Water Trail.
Alternative 2: Preserving and Enjoying Coastal Ecosystems

Volume I: 239

Habitat restoration would continue outside of the historic forest with removal of invasive 

nonnative vegetation and expansion of mission blue butterfly habitat. 

Point Bonita Lighthouse Complex

Historic Immersion Zone

Management of this zone would be the same as that described under alternative 1.

Offshore Ocean and Bay Environment

Scenic Corridor Zone (offshore areas except Muir Beach and Point Bonita) 

Management of this zone would be the same as that described under alternative 1.

Sensitive Resources Zone (offshore areas around Muir Beach and Point Bonita) 

The park would preserve sensitive marine resources—intertidal resources, Redwood 

Creek salmonids, seabirds, and marine mammals—in these two locations. Visitation 

would be highly restricted to protect resources that are easily disturbed. Park-approved 

research would be the primary activity in this zone, but would be conducted in a manner 

that is highly protective of sensitive resources.

PARK LANDS IN SAN FRANCISCO 

Overview

San Francisco’s national park system lands are a vital natural refuge, rich in biodiversity 

and native habitat. As in alternative 1, San Francisco park lands would welcome visitors 

to the “National Park Next Door”; however, this alternative would focus on engaging 

visitors, communities, and partners in participatory science, education, and stewardship 

focused on the coastal environment.

The local impacts of global climate change, including rising sea level provide a focal 

point for individual and collective action and advocacy. The park, in collaboration with 

community partners, would demonstrate leadership in proactive adaptation and 

management in the face of accelerated sea level rise. These interpretive messages would 

reach visitors enjoying the coastal environment along the San Francisco Bay Trail and the 

California Coastal Trail. Cultural resource sites and stories would also highlight the 

human connection to the coastal environment; sites and stories would include 

archeological sites, European exploration, maritime history, and coastal defense. As in 

other alternatives, the San Francisco-based Alcatraz embarkation facility would serve as a 

portal to Golden Gate National Recreation Area and larger national park system. 

Upper Fort Mason

Evolved Cultural Landscape Zone (Majority of the site)

This zone would be managed similar to alternative 1, but adaptive use of historic 

structures, including Pier 4, would bring new park partners who would engage visitors, 
PART 5: ALTERNATIVES FOR PARK LANDS

IN MARIN, SAN FRANCISCO, AND SAN MATEO COUNTIES

Volume I: 240

communities, and others in participatory science, education, and stewardship focused on 

the coastal environment. A stewardship “hub” would be based at Fort Mason to transport 

volunteers arriving by public transit to volunteer and stewardship activities in other park 

locations. Visitor circulation and wayfinding improvements would be implemented in 

response to new adjacent bus transit and ferry connections.

Diverse Opportunities Zone (“Great Meadow”) 

Management of this zone would be the same as that described under alternative 1.

Sensitive Resources Zone (shoreline at Black Point)

Management of this zone would be the same as that described under alternative 1.

China Beach

Diverse Opportunities Zone

Management of this zone would be the same as that described under alternative 1.

Lands End

Natural Zone 

Native habitat and natural processes would be restored within the coastal corridor 

extending from Eagle’s Point (Sea Cliff neighborhood) south to the area of recent 

restoration and trail improvements near the new Lands End parking lot. 

The trail system would be improved to provide access to the shoreline and vistas, as well 

as connections to the community and adjacent park areas.

Fort Miley

Evolved Cultural Landscape Zone 

Same as alternative 1, except that more natural landscape enhancements would be 

integrated and the Marine Exchange Lookout Building (Octagon House) would be 

adaptively reused to engage the public in the natural and human history of the ocean

environment. 

Ocean Beach

In Both the Diverse Opportunities Zone and the Natural Zone

In this alternative, the National Park Service would participate in multiagency efforts to 

knit the unique assets and experiences of the Ocean Beach corridor into a seamless and 

welcoming public landscape, planning for environmental conservation, sustainable 

infrastructure, and long-term stewardship.

The park would continue to work with the City of San Francisco and the U.S. Army 

Corps of Engineers to address coastal erosion by relocating facilities out of vulnerable 

locations and restoring natural processes.
Alternative 2: Preserving and Enjoying Coastal Ecosystems

Volume I: 241

Diverse Opportunities Zone (along the O’Shaughnessey seawall)

The northern end of Ocean Beach would be managed to provide opportunities for visitors 

to engage in a variety of beach-related recreational activities.

As in alternative 1, the park would collaborate with the City of San Francisco to provide 

an enhanced oceanfront landscape in the Ocean Beach corridor with improved amenities 

to support enjoyment of the beach, including the coastal promenade, parking, and 

restrooms. 

Natural Zone (south of the O’Shaughnessey seawall)

The area would be managed to protect shorebirds and allow natural coastal and marine 

processes to occur while providing for a variety of compatible recreational activities that 

allow visitors to enjoy and view nature. This zone would extend to create approximately 

5 miles of beach, dunes, and cliffs from central Ocean Beach south to Mussel Rock in 

San Mateo County. Park managers would protect shorebird habitat, allow natural 

shoreline processes to continue unimpeded, and provide visitors opportunities for selfdiscovery while enjoying and viewing nature. 

In Both Zones

This alternative supports the City of San Francisco’s interest in a broad approach to 

redesigning the Ocean Beach corridor and exploring sustainable approaches to sea level 

rise.

The park would continue to work with the City of San Francisco and the U.S. Army 

Corps of Engineers to address coastal erosion by relocating facilities out of vulnerable 

locations and restoring natural processes. 

Fort Funston

Natural Zone (majority of the site)

Fort Funston’s islands of native habitat would be expanded to form a continuous habitat 

corridor that supports recovery of native dune habitat including endangered San 

Francisco Lessingia plants.

The beach, dunes, and cliffs extending from central Ocean Beach south to Mussel Rock

(a nearly continuous 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.

Diverse Opportunities Zone (central core of existing facilities)

This area would be managed to provide continued high levels of varied visitor use, 

including hang gliding and dog walking, near the main parking lot, supported by parking, 

restrooms, and trails. Park managers would preserve Battery Davis as a structure 

contributing to the history of seacoast fortifications. 

Park Operations Zone (southeastern corner)

Park operations, stewardship, and education support facilities would remain. 
PART 5: ALTERNATIVES FOR PARK LANDS

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Offshore Ocean and Bay Environment

Sensitive Resources Zone (Eagle’s Point near China Beach to Seal Rocks, and area at 

West Crissy Field) 

These areas would be designated marine reserves to protect seabirds and marine 

mammals.

Scenic Corridor Zone (all other offshore areas in San Francisco)

Management of this zone would be the same as that described under alternative 1.

PARK LANDS IN SAN MATEO COUNTY

Overview

As in the other alternatives, park lands and ocean environments in San Mateo County 

would be managed as part of a vast network of protected lands and waters. In this 

alternative, however, park managers would work to preserve and restore these 

interconnected coastal ecosystems through collaborative partnerships with other land 

management agencies in the region. Together these groups would work to sustain the 

area’s native biodiversity, reconnect fragmented habitats and migration corridors, 

minimize the impact of invasive species, manage for changing fire regimes, and restore 

naturally functioning ecosystems. Proactive management would build into the 

environment greater resiliency to climate change.

Park lands in San Mateo County provide an extensive wildlife corridor that includes 

habitat for threatened and endangered species. Under this alternative, these lands would 

serve as living laboratories, engaging visitors in participatory science, education, and 

stewardship—activities that nurture personal connections with nature and inspire 

advocacy.

Exploration along the vast network of trails would further highlight the park’s diverse 

ecosystems and rich cultural resources. Cultural resource sites and stories—archeological 

sites, European exploration, agricultural land uses, coastal defense sites, and the 

lighthouse—would emphasize human occupation of the coastal environment. Most 

cultural resources would be stabilized if not in conflict with natural resource restoration.

Land protection strategies would seek to reconnect fragmented endangered species 

habitat and strive to remove features that impede movement or migration of species, or 

disrupt ecological function.

Thornton State Beach to South of Mussel Rock

Natural Zone 

Management of this zone would be the same as that described under alternative 1.
Alternative 2: Preserving and Enjoying Coastal Ecosystems

Volume I: 243

Milagra Ridge

Natural Zone 

The land would be managed to preserve the wild character of the area and protect 

endangered species habitat. Disturbed areas would be restored. Coordinating with other 

land managers, the National Park Service would also make trail improvements that could 

include connections to Oceana Boulevard, the Pacific coast, Skyline Boulevard, and 

Sweeney Ridge. 

Shelldance Nursery Area

Diverse Opportunities Zone and Park Operations Zone

Management of this zone would be the same as that described under alternative 1. 

Sweeney Ridge (including Cattle Hill and Picardo Ranch) 

Natural Zone 

This area would be managed to protect endangered species and restore the large 

contiguous natural landscape extending into the San Francisco Public Utilities

Commission Peninsula Watershed. Visitors would experience the wild character of these 

lands through stewardship activities, trail use, and primitive camping. Sneath Lane could 

be converted to a trail and connect to the Bay Area Ridge Trail in the San Francisco 

Public Utilities Commission Peninsula Watershed. Unnecessary fire roads could also be 

converted to trails or removed if not historic, and natural resources restored. If acquired, a 

trailhead would be located at Picardo Ranch with modest visitor support facilities 

(restroom, picnic tables, parking). 

The San Francisco Bay Discovery Site National Historical Landmark would be preserved 

and interpreted.

Mori Point

Sensitive Resources Zone

Visitor use would be highly controlled to protect threatened and endangered species that 

inhabit the site. The public would continue to engage in community stewardship to 

preserve and restore the native coastal ecosystem.

Pedro Point, Devil’s Slide, and San Pedro Mountain

Sensitive Resources Zone (Devil’s Slide area)

If acquired, the rugged coastal areas west of existing State Route 1 would be managed to 

protect seabirds that are sensitive to human disturbance. Visitor access would be highly 

managed or closed during breeding seasons. 

Natural Zones (other areas)

Management of this zone would be the same as that described under alternative 1.
PART 5: ALTERNATIVES FOR PARK LANDS

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Volume I: 244

Rancho Corral de Tierra

Natural Zone (majority of the area)

Management would be the same as alternative 1, but with fewer and more primitive 

visitor amenities. Unnecessary fire roads could be converted to trails or removed if not 

historic, and natural processes restored.

Sensitive Resources Zone (creek corridors)

In this alternative, the four equestrian facilities would be removed or relocated away from 

creek corridors over time. The park would partner with surrounding land managers to 

restore the creek corridors, reconnect them to the ocean, and restore anadromous fish 

passage.

Scenic Corridor Zone (existing equestrian lease area)

These areas would accommodate visitor and equestrian facilities, in sustainable locations 

and configurations, compatible with natural resource management goals for the 

surrounding area. 

Montara Lighthouse

Evolved Cultural Landscape Zone 

Similar to alternative 1, the historic resources would be preserved and adaptively used, 

but the site would be dedicated to stewardship and environmental education. The site 

would become a campus focused on enhancing understanding and stewardship of coastal 

resources, with hostel and overnight accommodations for program participants and staff. 

Phleger Estate

Natural Zone 

Management of this zone would be the same as that described under alternative 1. 

San Francisco Public Utilities Commission Watershed Easements

Sensitive Resources Zone (majority of the area)

In this alternative, the park managers would continue to cooperate with the San Francisco 

Public Utilities Commission for the preservation of the natural, cultural, scenic, and 

recreational features of the watershed. Park managers would promote natural resource 

preservation and highly managed public access in most of the watershed to support the 

values that resulted in designating this area as the core of the UNESCO Golden Gate 

Biosphere Reserve.

Scenic Corridor Zone (Crystal Springs Regional Trail / Juan Bautista de Anza National 

Historic Trail corridor)

Park managers would promote access and visitor services along the existing multiuse trail 

and the implementation of trail improvements proposed in the San Francisco Watershed 

Management Plan (2002), including completion of the north–south corridor through the 
Alternative 2: Preserving and Enjoying Coastal Ecosystems

Volume I: 245

watershed in areas of low sensitivity. Additional coordination with the Juan Bautista De 

Anza National Historic Trail could also be provided. 

Offshore Ocean Environment

Management of offshore areas could be extended to cover new segments of the San 

Mateo County coast as described in the “Boundary Adjustments” section. 

Sensitive Resources Zone (Fitzgerald Marine Reserve) 

In areas where the park boundary coincides with the Fitzgerald Marine Reserve, the two 

organizations would continue to cooperate in the implementation of the provisions of the 

California State Marine Life Protection Act. The reserve area between Montara State 

Beach and Ross Cove has been designated as the Montara State Marine Reserve; no 

fishing, harvesting, or collecting would be allowed in this area. The reserve area between 

Ross Cove and Pillar Point Harbor has been designated as the Pillar Point Marine 

Conservation Area; some fishing would be allowed in this area. 

COST ESTIMATES 

Cost estimates for alternative 2 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 2 proposes to reconnect the coastal ecosystems as well as provide visitors 

with recreational and educational opportunities that would allow them to learn about and 

enjoy the coastal and marine environments. Costs to implement this alternative include 

funding needed for a wide range of landscape restoration activities and stewardship and 

science programming.

Annual Operating Costs

The annual operating costs for alternative 2 are made up of the current annual operating 

costs, with changes made to reflect additional staffing needs. The annual operating costs 

of alternative 2 are estimated at $31.1 million. 
PART 5: ALTERNATIVES FOR PARK LANDS

IN MARIN, SAN FRANCISCO, AND SAN MATEO COUNTIES

Volume I: 246

Staffing Requirements 

Additional staffing needs were estimated to support alternative 2. While some divisions 

would not require changes in staff, total additional staff needed to support alternative 2 is 

estimated at 35 FTE. Most divisions would require additional staff to support the newly 

acquired lands in San Mateo County. 

Other additional staff would be needed to carry out new uses of the park lands. An 

increase in interpretive staff would support expanded interpretive programs throughout 

the park. A greater number of law enforcement officers would allow for needed evening 

coverage, marine patrol, and response to increased visitor recreational activities. With the 

addition of new trails and facilities and the rehabilitation of other facilities, maintenance 

responsibilities would increase, also requiring additional staff.

The natural resources division would have additional responsibilities related to the 

inventory, monitoring, and restoration of natural areas and habitats.

As a result of the expanded natural areas, cultural resources would require extensive 

documentation and survey, as well as adaptive management. Significant cultural 

resources would require rehabilitation for park and partner use. Additional archeological 

surveys would be needed before areas were allowed to revert to their natural 

environment. Compliance would be needed in cultural areas and also to document wild 

areas where buildings may be removed and archeological resources covered by 

vegetation. The responsibilities of the planning division for project coordination, 

compliance, and public involvement would also expand, requiring additional staff. 

Other divisions, including business and administration, environmental and safety, and 

public affairs would each require a few additional staff members to manage new areas 

and uses of the park lands. New staff would also manage the rigorous user capacity 

program at Alcatraz Island and Muir Woods National Monument.

Proposed New Staff

• 8 positions in visitor resources and protection 

• 7 positions in maintenance 

• 4 positions in interpretation and education 

• 2 positions in planning and compliance 

• 3 positions in cultural resources and museum management 

• 7 positions in natural resources management and science 

• 1 position in public affairs 

• 1 position in business management 

• 1 position in administration 

• 1 position in environmental and safety programs 
Alternative 2: Preserving and Enjoying Coastal Ecosystems

Volume I: 247

One-time Costs

One-time costs of alternative 2 reflect extensive restoration of the landscape, as well as 

rehabilitation of facilities in concert with the goals of the alternative. Proposed facility 

needs in this alternative reflect the overarching goal of creating a park that preserves and 

promotes enjoyment of the coastal ecosystems. Total one-time costs (including facility 

and landscape restoration costs) are estimated at $47.3 million. 

Table 13: Costs Associated with the Implementation of Alternative 2 for Park Lands in 

Marin, San Francisco, and San Mateo Counties

SUMMARY OF COSTS FOR ALTERNATIVE 2

Annual Operational Costs

Annual Operational Costs $31,090,000 

Staffing (additional FTE) 369 (+35)

One-time Capital Costs

REHABILITATION PROJECTS

Lower Redwood Creek: improve trail 

connections $1,020,000

Oakwood, Marin City Ridge, Gerbode: 

improve trail connections to local 

communities $1,090,000

Other Marin County projects $40,000

Other San Francisco projects $1,330,000

Other San Mateo County projects $1,570,000

Rancho Corral de Tierra: relocate equestrian 

facilities $2,500,000

Stinson Beach: replace restrooms, septic and 

other facilities with sustainable systems $1,930,000

Tennessee Valley: improve equestrian 

facilities $1,120,000

Other rehabilitation projects $3,210,000
PART 5: ALTERNATIVES FOR PARK LANDS

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Volume I: 248

SUMMARY OF COSTS FOR ALTERNATIVE 2

HISTORIC PRESERVATION

China Beach: rehabilitate structures and 

parking $2,430,000

Fort Miley: rehabilitate historic structures $3,330,000

Ocean Beach: rehabilitate O'Shaughnessy 

seawall $6,000,000

Shelldance Nursery: rehabilitate for 

stewardship center $1,140,000

NATURAL RESOURCE RESTORATION

Marin County sites $13,630,000

San Francisco sites $3,060,000

San Mateo County sites $1,500,000

FACILITY REMOVAL

Facilities at various park sites $2,350,000

NEW CONSTRUCTION

None $0

Total $47,250,000

All costs in 2009 dollars
Kentfield

Tamal

Vale

Bolinas

Point Reyes National Seashore

Bolinas Lagoon 

(Managed by Point Reyes

National Seashore)

Audubon Canyon Ranch

Marin MunicipalWater District

Mount Tamalpais State Park

Mount Tamalpais State Park

Lower RedwoodCreek Golden Gate 

Dairy

Muir WoodsNational Monument

Tenne

Stinson Beach

Slide Ranch

Muir Beach

Fort Cronkhite

Trailhead

Rodeo Lagoon

Fort Barr

Nike Missile Site 

Point Bonita

HW Y 1 

PANORAMIC HWY

1

GGNRA

BOLINAS/

FAIRFAX

RD

MUIR

WOODS RD

PANORAMIC

HIGHWAY

(Refer to Muir Woods  NM alternatives)

Alternative 2 Golden Gate National Recreation AreaMarin County 

Management Zones

United States Department of the Interior • National Park ServiceDSC • June 2010 • 641 / 20616

Existing PlanRoadTunnelOther Open SpaceNPS Managed Marine ResourcesTrail

Evolved Cultural LandscapeInterpretive CorridorDiverse Opportunities Scenic CorridorHistoric ImmersionNaturalSensitive ResourcesPark Operations

Preserving and Enjoying Coastal Ecosystems

The planning area includes an 

off shore distance of 

approximately 1/4 mile.

Marin Headlands

Marin County

Baker Beach

Pier 4

Black

Point

Great Meadow

Park Headquarters

Bldg 201

BAY ST R EET

LOMBA R D ST R EET

VA N N

ESS AV E.

19T H AV EN UE

SLOAT BLV D

PA R K PR ESIDIO BLV D.

VA N N

ESS AV E.

East Fort Miley

West Fort Miley

Upper 

Fort Mason

Lower 

Fort Mason

Fort Point National 

Historic Site

Presidio Cavalry Stable

Crissy Field Fort Mason

Alcatraz Island

(Refer to Alcatraz 

Island alternatives)

Fort 

Funston

Sutro Heights

Golden Gate Park

GOLDEN GAT E BR IDGE

Presidio of 

San Francisco

Ocean Beach

San Francisco 

Zoo

San Francisco 

Maritime NHP

San Francisco 

Maritime National 

Historical Park

China Beach

Lands End

Lincoln Park

Harding Park

Lake Merced

280

280

101

101

1

1

G

R E AT H

W Y

100 feet

Preserving and Enjoying Coastal Ecosystems 

Alternative 2 

Golden Gate National Recreation Area

San Francisco City and County 

United States Department of the Interior • National Park Service

DSC • February 2011 • 641 / 20622

Management Zones

Existing Plan

Road

Other Open Space

NPS Managed Marine Resources

Evolved Cultural Landscape

Interpretive Corridor

Diverse Opportunities 

Scenic Corridor

Historic Immersion

Natural

Sensitive Resources

Park Operations

0 1,000 3,000 6,000 Feet

Fort 

Funston

Thornton 

State Beach

Brisbane

South San Francisco

San Bruno

San Francisco

International

Airport

Cit y and Count y of San Francisco

San Bruno Mountain

State Park

Daly City

Colma

San Mateo Count y

Mussel 

Rock

Sharp Park

Beach

Mori Point

Shelldance

Nursery

Pacifica 

State Park

Pacifica

Cattle

Hill Sweeney

Ridge

Picardo 

Ranch San Pedro 

Point

San Pedro 

Valley Park

Sneath Lane 

Road

McNee Ranch

Devil’s 

Slide

Rancho Corral

de Tierra

Montara 

State Beach

Half Moon Bay

State Beach

Half 

Moon 

Bay

Peninsula Watershed

(San Francisco Public 

Utilities Commission)

NPS Easement

JOHN DA LY BLV D

SK Y LIN E BLV D

Phleger Estate

Filoli Center

Edgewood 

Park

Huddart 

County Park

Montara

Moss 

Beach

Montara

Lighthouse

San Mateo

Hillsborough

Burlingame

Millbrae

Belmont

Sharp Park

Milagra 

Ridge

CA ÑA DA ROA D

SK Y LIN E BLV D

35

35

SH A R P PA R K BLV D

Ross Cove

Pillar Point 

Bluff

Fitzgerald 

Marine 

Reserve

101

101

101

1

1

280

380

280

1

1

92

92

Preserving and Enjoying 

Coastal Ecosystems

Management Zones

United States Department of the Interior • National Park Service

DSC • June 2010 • 641 / 20625

Alternative 2

Golden Gate National Recreation Area

San Mateo County 

Diverse Opportunities 

Scenic Corridor

Interpretive Corridor

Evolved Cultural Landscape

Historic Immersion

Natural

Sensitive Resources

Park Operations

Other Open Space

Golden Gate National Recreation Area Easement

Future Park Addition

NPS Managed Marine Resources

0 Miles 2

Volume I: 255

ALTERNATIVE 3: 

FOCUSING ON NATIONAL TREASURES

PARK LANDS IN MARIN COUNTY

Overview

This alternative would welcome visitors to a vast network of open space that protects 

natural and cultural resources and offers many forms of recreation in a setting of national 

importance. Much of the area’s undeveloped land is a legacy of the U.S. Army, whose 

coastal defense systems remain anchored in the landscape.

The park would highlight several nationally important sites, including Muir Woods, the 

Golden Gate, the coastal setting of the State Route 1 National Scenic Byway, and the 

historic Army posts on the Marin Headlands. 

Although this alternative shares many characteristics of alternatives 1 and 2, the 

management of the Marin Headlands’ historic core would be very different. Sheltering 

the best-preserved collection of seacoast fortifications in the country, the Marin 

Headlands tell the story of two centuries of evolving weapons technology and the 

nation’s unwavering efforts to protect the Golden Gate. As a result, this alternative would 

focus on immersing visitors in its compelling sites and history, using and interpreting 

preserved structures and landscapes ranging from Battery Spencer to the Nike Missile 

Launch Site. 

Other important landmarks, such as the Point Bonita Lighthouse, established in 1855, 

also would be preserved and interpreted for visitors.

Stinson Beach north to Bolinas–Fairfax Road 

Diverse Opportunities Zone (beach, dunes, and developed area) 

Management of this zone would be the same as that described under alternative 1.

Natural Zone (Easkoot Creek corridor and surrounding park lands north to Bolinas–

Fairfax Road)

The natural ecosystem of Easkoot Creek riparian corridor and the uplands east of State 

Route 1 would be restored. The coastal defense structures in the vicinity of State Route 1 

near Red Rock Beach would be preserved and interpreted.

As in alternative 1, other park lands and waters in the vicinity of Stinson Beach, 

including the uplands, would be managed to protect and restore the coastal ecosystems, 

and contribute to the restoration of natural processes that affect Bolinas Lagoon. 

Partnerships with neighboring land managers would be strengthened to achieve these 

goals across the broader landscape.
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Volume I: 256

State Route 1 and Panoramic Highway 

Scenic Corridor Zone

Management of this zone would be the same as that described under alternative 1.

Slide Ranch 

Natural Zone 

Management of this zone would be the same as that described under alternative 2.

Lower Redwood Creek (former Banducci flower farm and 

surrounding area) 

Natural Zone 

Management of this zone would be the same as that described under alternative 2.

Muir Beach

Natural Zone 

Management of this zone would be the same as that described under alternative 1.

Golden Gate Dairy and Vicinity

Evolved Cultural Landscape Zone (developed area only)

The area would be managed to preserve the pastoral landscape and historic structures and 

stories associated with past dairy ranching.

The historic structures could be adapted for use to support equestrian and other 

recreational uses, park operations, and local community services that are consistent with 

park goals. The rest of this park site could be restored to its natural coastal conditions. 

Natural Zone (surrounding uplands) 

Management of this zone would be the same as that described under alternative 1.

Tennessee Valley (from Oakwood Valley to the ocean)

Scenic Corridor Zone (Tennessee Valley trailhead and the Miwok Stables area, 

including the trail to the beach) 

The area would be managed to establish a visitor facility that provides orientation and 

services to support the recreational and educational opportunities available in this region 

of large undeveloped open spaces. Equestrian, environmental education, and stewardship 

uses would be retained in improved, sustainable facilities.

The trail and ocean beaches would also be managed to promote hiking, biking, and 

equestrian touring on a “trail to the sea.” Modest and rustic facilities could be provided 

that support these recreational activities including overnight accommodations that 

complement the scenic touring experience.
Alternative 3: Focusing on National Treasures

Volume I: 257

Natural Zone (surrounding uplands including Oakwood Valley) 

Outside the trail corridor, the area would be managed to protect undeveloped coastal 

habitat and outstanding natural features that are backdrops to the scenic corridor 

experience.

Marin City Ridge and Gerbode Valley

Natural Zone 

Management of this zone would be the same as that described under alternative 1.

Fort Barry and Fort Cronkhite

Historic Immersion Zone (Rodeo Valley, Fort Barry and Fort Cronkhite) 

These areas would be managed to showcase the stories and structures of military history 

and the transition from Army post to national park. Infrastructure and landscapes within 

this area would be restored (at varying levels of historic preservation treatment) to be 

evocative of the military era, while protecting threatened and endangered species habitat. 

Structures could continue to be used for a diversity of purposes, including use by park 

partners, but partners would be encouraged to incorporate into their programming an 

association with military history and conservation of open space. Equestrian facilities

would be accommodated in this zone. 

Much of the visitor immersion would be interpretive, incorporating the latest 

technological and multimedia advances to bring history alive in new and nontraditional 

ways. Interpretive themes would address the various military periods. Preservation of the 

historic military resources would be consistent with natural resource protection. 

Historic Immersion Zone (Nike Missile Site SF88-L) 

Management of this zone would be the same as that described under alternative 1.

Capehart Housing Area

Diverse Opportunities Zone

Some Capehart residences would be replaced with new facilities on the south side of the 

Bunker Road to serve park uses and operational needs.

Conzelman, Bunker, and McCullough Roads (including Battery 

Spencer and Hawk Hill) 

Historic Immersion Zone

The roads and adjacent park lands would be managed to focus visitors on the coastal 

geology and the military fortifications, and to engage them in the exploration of these 

stories. Deteriorated military sites and features would be restored. New or improved trails 

throughout the area, including the California Coastal Trail, would help connect the visitor 

to the geologic and military resources and to follow a historic route while protecting 

habitat for threatened and endangered species.
PART 5: ALTERNATIVES FOR PARK LANDS

IN MARIN, SAN FRANCISCO, AND SAN MATEO COUNTIES 

Volume I: 258

Kirby Cove

Historic Immersion Zone

The park resources and stories associated with coastal fortifications would be highlighted 

and overnight accommodations would promote appreciation of views of the Golden Gate 

Bridge and the wildland-urban interface between the park and city of San Francisco. 

Facilities would provide visitors with access to the beach and new San Francisco Bay 

Water Trail.

Habitat restoration would continue outside of the historic forest with removal of invasive 

nonnative vegetation and expansion of mission blue butterfly habitat.

Point Bonita Lighthouse Complex

Historic Immersion Zone

Management of this zone would be the same as that described under alternative 1.

Offshore Ocean and Bay Environment

Scenic Corridor Zone (all offshore areas)

Park managers would work to preserve the ocean and bay environment and accommodate 

public uses including water recreation, boating, and noncommercial fishing. 

PARK LANDS IN SAN FRANCISCO

Overview

This alternative would focus on the collection of historic sites and the dynamic coastal 

landscape that defines San Francisco’s edge, from Fort Mason to Fort Funston. Visitors 

would be welcomed to the “National Park Next Door” as in alternative 1, with a focus on 

the nationally important sites that are connected by the San Francisco Bay Trail and 

California Coastal Trail, thus creating a scenic and historic corridor.

Park lands in San Francisco encompass a significant collection of historic sites, ranging 

from the Civil War era Black Point at Fort Mason to the military coastal fortifications at 

Fort Funston. These sites are located amid a windswept coastal environment, featuring 

rocky bluffs, acres of dunes, sandy beaches, and fragile native habitat. 

Today, these offerings are an array of popular destinations for park lovers. Under this 

alternative, the National Park Service would expand interpretive programs and visitor 

services to enable residents and visitors to further appreciate the significant landmarks 

and landscapes at the Golden Gate. As in other alternatives, the San Francisco-based 

Alcatraz embarkation facility would serve as a portal to Golden Gate National Recreation 

Area and the larger national park system. 
Alternative 3: Focusing on National Treasures

Volume I: 259

Upper Fort Mason

Diverse Opportunities Zone (majority of the site)

More of the structures at Fort Mason would be dedicated to visitor services to expand the 

range of opportunities. Fort Mason would serve as the primary visitor entrance to Golden 

Gate National Recreation Area with an orientation and information center that would 

introduce visitors to all Bay Area national parks, as well as to the programs offered by the 

park’s many partners, thus enabling visitors to better plan their national park visit. Visitor 

circulation and wayfinding improvements would be implemented in response to new 

adjacent transit and ferry connections.

Park managers would preserve historic structures and landscapes that tell the story of 

continuous military and civilian use of the fort. Expanded overnight accommodations 

would provide a base for day trips to explore other areas of the park. The “Great 

Meadow” could have sustainable infrastructure to support special events. 

Historic Immersion Zone (Building 201—Park Headquarters and Pier 4)

Golden Gate National Recreation Area headquarters would share space with a museum 

that would showcase the military history of Fort Mason and the 20th-century port of 

embarkation that is the centerpiece of the historic district.

In this alternative, historic program tours to Alcatraz Island would leave from a restored 

Pier 4 at the foot of Van Ness Avenue. The facility would include interpretive and 

educational exhibits. 

McDowell Road would continue to facilitate pedestrian and bicycle travel through Fort 

Mason and highlight scenic views of the Golden Gate and San Francisco Bay. 

As in alternative 1, these proposals would require close collaboration with San Francisco 

Maritime National Historical Park and the City of San Francisco. 

Sensitive Resources Zone (shoreline at Black Point)

Same as in alternative 1. 

China Beach

Diverse Opportunities Zone

Management of this zone would be the same as that described under alternative 1.

Lands End

Evolved Cultural Landscape Zone 

Management of this zone would be the same as that described under alternative 1.
PART 5: ALTERNATIVES FOR PARK LANDS

IN MARIN, SAN FRANCISCO, AND SAN MATEO COUNTIES 

Volume I: 260

Fort Miley

Historic Immersion Zone (West Fort Miley, the USS San Francisco Memorial, and 

Marine Exchange Lookout Building) 

The park would preserve these structures and sites and showcase military and maritime 

history. 

Park Operations Zone (East Fort Miley) 

Park managers would focus on providing park maintenance and public safety operations 

needed to support the surrounding park lands. Safer and more direct vehicle and trail 

access to East Fort Miley would be developed to better support this use.

Ocean Beach

In Both the Diverse Opportunities Zone and the Natural Zone

In this alternative, the National Park Service would participate in multiagency efforts to 

knit the unique assets and experiences of the Ocean Beach corridor into a seamless and 

welcoming public landscape, planning for environmental conservation, sustainable 

infrastructure, and long-term stewardship.

The park would continue to work with the City of San Francisco and the U.S. Army 

Corps of Engineers to address coastal erosion by relocating facilities out of vulnerable 

locations and restoring natural processes.

Diverse Opportunities Zone (along the O’Shaughnessey seawall)

Management of this zone would be the same as that described under alternative 2.

Natural Zone (south of the O’Shaughnessey seawall)

Management of this zone would be the same as that described under alternative 2.

Fort Funston

Natural Zone (majority of the site)

This area would be managed to provide recreational activities in a more natural setting 

with limited support facilities. Access and parking would be at the edge of the site, 

allowing restoration of the natural dune ecosystem and providing for trail access. 

Nonhistoric structures would be removed; existing park operation functions and the 

environmental education program would be relocated to suitable locations elsewhere in 

the park.

The historic Battery Davis would be preserved within the context of the natural setting. 

The coastal bluffs would be preserved for their unique geology and to allow natural 

processes to continue unimpeded. 

Diverse Opportunities Zone (uplands, away from the edge of the Dune) 

This zone would be managed to provide for continued high levels of visitor use and 

current opportunities such as hang gliding and dog walking, to the extent the area remains 

safe from bluff erosion. 
Alternative 3: Focusing on National Treasures

Volume I: 261

Offshore Ocean and Bay Environment

Natural Zone (all offshore areas in San Francisco)

Management of this zone would be the same as that described under alternative 1.

PARK LANDS IN SAN MATEO COUNTY

Overview

As in the other alternatives, park lands and ocean environments in San Mateo County 

would be managed as part of a vast network of protected lands and waters. This 

alternative, however, would highlight how this “quilt” of undeveloped land has been 

protected by numerous organizations. Over the past 20 years, the National Park Service, 

local governments, private land trusts, and dedicated individuals have worked together to 

acquire and preserve this “wilderness” next door. 

Today, these lands are a national treasure of recreational, natural, and cultural resources. 

Several nationally significant historic sites are in San Mateo County, along with habitat 

for numerous endangered species. Many of these important resources are managed by 

other agencies on nearby sites. This alternative would focus on protecting resources in the 

park while developing recreational and thematic connections between sites managed by 

other land managers. 

This alternative also looks beyond the immediate park lands to explore the potential to 

stimulate regional landscape management and enhance heritage tourism. To do so, park 

managers would work with communities between Pacifica and Santa Cruz to support the 

National Scenic Byway designation of Pacific Coast Highway (State Route 1). The 

highway is one of the unifying features of the rural coast, and is characterized by forested 

hills, small-scale agriculture, and seaside communities.

Thornton State Beach to South of Mussel Rock

Natural Zone 

Management of this zone would be the same as that described under alternative 1.

Milagra Ridge

Natural Zone 

Management of this zone would be the same as that described under alternative 2.

Shelldance Nursery Area

Diverse Opportunities Zone and Park Operations Zone

Management of these zones would be the same as that described under alternative 1.
PART 5: ALTERNATIVES FOR PARK LANDS

IN MARIN, SAN FRANCISCO, AND SAN MATEO COUNTIES 

Volume I: 262

Sweeney Ridge (including Cattle Hill and Picardo Ranch) 

Natural Zone (majority of the area)

The area would be managed to protect endangered species and the large contiguous 

natural landscape extending into the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission

Peninsula Watershed. Visitors could experience the area through stewardship activities, 

improved trails, and primitive camping. The area would connect visitors to the Bay Area 

Ridge Trail. The San Francisco Bay Discovery Site National Historical Landmark would 

be preserved, enhanced, and interpreted. 

Diverse Opportunities Zone (developed portion of Picardo Ranch) 

Management of this zone would be the same as that described under alternative 1. 

Mori Point

Natural Zone 

Management of this zone would be the same as that described under alternative 1.

Pedro Point, Devil’s Slide, and San Pedro Mountain

Natural Zone 

Management of this zone would be the same as that described under alternative 1.

Rancho Corral de Tierra

Natural Zone (majority of the area)

Management of this zone would be the same as that described under alternative 1.

Diverse Opportunities Zone (existing equestrian lease area) 

Management of this zone would be the same as that described under alternative 1.

Montara Lighthouse

Historic Immersion Zone

As the most intact lighthouse complex in the park, the site offers an opportunity for 

immersion in the life of lighthouse keepers. This alternative would restore historic 

structures and landscape features, remove contemporary structures, and develop new 

visitor programs. Overnight stays would be part of the immersion experience. 

Phleger Estate

Natural Zone 

Management of this zone would be the same as that described under alternative 1.

Interpretation would explore the estate’s similarities with and differences from Muir 

Woods National Monument. 
Alternative 3: Focusing on National Treasures

Volume I: 263

San Francisco Public Utilities Commission Watershed Easements

Natural Zone (majority of the area corresponding with the Scenic Easement)

Management of this zone would be the same as that described under alternative 1. 

Scenic Corridor Zone (eastern edge, adjacent to Highway 280) 

Same as alternative 1, but with an emphasis on promoting enhanced interpretation to 

highlight the scope of the water system with its origins in Yosemite National Park and 

enhanced interpretation of Spanish exploration and colonization efforts including the Bay 

Area Discovery Site and Anza and Portola routes. 

Offshore Ocean Environment

Management of offshore areas could be extended to cover new segments of the San 

Mateo County coast as described in the “Boundary Adjustments” section. 

Sensitive Resources Zone (Fitzgerald Marine Reserve) 

In areas where the park boundary coincides with the Fitzgerald Marine Reserve, the two 

organizations would continue to cooperate in the implementation of the provisions of the 

California State Marine Life Protection Act. The reserve area between Montara State 

Beach and Ross Cove has been designated as the Montara State Marine Reserve; no 

fishing, harvesting, or collecting would be allowed in this area. The reserve area between 

Ross Cove and Pillar Point Harbor has been designated as the Pillar Point Marine 

Conservation Area; some fishing would be allowed in this area. 

COST ESTIMATES 

Cost estimates for alternative 3 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.

The costs of this alternative reflect the effort to focus the management of the park’s 

resources, visitor experiences, and partnerships on the park’s most significant sites. 
PART 5: ALTERNATIVES FOR PARK LANDS

IN MARIN, SAN FRANCISCO, AND SAN MATEO COUNTIES 

Volume I: 264

Annual Operating Costs

The annual operating costs for alternative 3 are made up of the current annual operating 

costs, with changes made to reflect additional staffing needs. The annual operating costs 

of alternative 3 are estimated at $31.6 million.

Staffing Requirements

Additional staffing needs were estimated to support alternative 3. While some divisions 

would not require changes in staff, total additional staff needed to support alternative 3 is 

estimated at 43 FTE. Most divisions would require additional staff to support the newly 

acquired lands in San Mateo County. 

Other additional staff would be needed to carry out new uses of the park lands. An 

increase in interpretive staff would support expanded interpretive programs throughout 

the park. A greater number of law enforcement officers would allow for evening 

coverage, marine patrol, and response to increased visitor recreational activities. With the 

addition of new trails and facilities and rehabilitation of other facilities, maintenance 

responsibilities would increase, also requiring additional staff.

The natural resources division would have additional responsibilities related to the 

inventory, monitoring, and restoration of natural areas and habitats.

The cultural resources division would have additional work associated with expanded 

stewardship centers throughout the park, museum collection program and outreach, and 

restoration of historic structures and landscapes. The responsibilities of the planning 

division for project coordination, compliance, and public involvement would also 

expand, requiring additional staff. 

Other divisions, including business and administration, environmental and safety, and 

public affairs would each require a few additional staff members to manage new areas 

and uses of the park lands. New staff would also manage the rigorous user capacity 

program at Alcatraz Island and Muir Woods National Monument.

Proposed New Staff

• 10 positions in visitor resources and protection

• 9 positions in maintenance 

• 6 positions in interpretation and education 

• 2 positions in planning and compliance 

• 4 positions in cultural resources and museum management 

• 7 positions in natural resources management and science 

• 1 positions in public affairs 

• 1 positions in business management 

• 2 positions in administration 

• 1 positions in environmental and safety programs 
Alternative 3: Focusing on National Treasures

Volume I: 265

One-time Costs

Alternative 3 proposes a high level of restoration and rehabilitation of historic resources. 

Total one-time costs are estimated at $78.2 million.

Table 14: Costs Associated with the Implementation of Alternative 3 for Park Lands in 

Marin, San Francisco, and San Mateo Counties

SUMMARY OF COSTS FOR ALTERNATIVE 3

Annual Operational Costs

Annual Operational Costs $31,630,000 

Staffing (additional FTE) 377 (+43)

One-time Capital Costs

FACILITY REHABILITATION 

Lower Redwood Creek: improve trail 

connections $1,020,000

Oakwood, Marin City Ridge, Gerbode: improve 

trail connections to local communities $1,090,000

Other Marin County projects $1,460,000

Other San Francisco projects $1,000,000

Other San Mateo County projects $4,190,000

Rancho Corral de Tierra: relocate equestrian 

facilities and make other improvements $2,870,000

Stinson Beach: replace restrooms, showers, 

parking $1,480,000

Stinson Beach: replace visitor contact facility 

(warming hut) $1,240,000

Tennessee Valley: trailhead improvements $1,930,000

HISTORIC PRESERVATION

China Beach: rehabilitate structures and parking $2,430,000

Fort Barry and Fort Cronkhite: rehabilitate 

military structures $4,360,000
PART 5: ALTERNATIVES FOR PARK LANDS

IN MARIN, SAN FRANCISCO, AND SAN MATEO COUNTIES 

Volume I: 266

SUMMARY OF COSTS FOR ALTERNATIVE 3

Fort Mason: rehabilitate Pier 4 $18,850,000

Fort Miley: rehabilitate historic structures $3,330,000

Marin Headlands: rehabilitate military sites and 

features along Conzelman, Bunker, and 

McCullough Roads $4,890,000

Montara Lighthouse: rehabilitate historic 

structures and remove contemporary structures $2,250,000

Ocean Beach: rehabilitate O'Shaughnessy 

seawall $6,000,000

Other historic preservation projects $2,330,000

Shelldance Nursery: rehabilitate for stewardship 

center $1,140,000

NATURAL RESOURCE RESTORATION

Marin County sites $2,300,000

San Francisco sites $1,010,000

San Mateo County sites $190,000

FACILITY REMOVAL

Facilities at various park sites $1,430,000

NEW CONSTRUCTION

Capehart visitor facility $6,700,000

Upper Fort Mason: construct special events 

facilities in the Great Meadow $1,540,000

Rancho Corral de Tierra: visitor contact facility $2,240,000

Rustic overnight accommodations at Kirby Cove 

and Rancho Corral de Tierra $940,000

Total $78,210,000

All costs in 2009 dollars
Kentfield

Tam

Va

Bolinas

Point Reyes National Seashore

Bolinas Lagoon 

(Managed by Point Reyes

National Seashore)

Audubon Canyon Ranch

Marin MunicipalWater District

Mount Tamalpais State Park

Mount Tamalpais State Park

Lower RedwoodCreek Golden Gate 

Dairy

Muir WoodsNational Monument

Tenn

Stinson Beach

Slide Ranch

Muir Beach

Fort Cronkhite

Trailhead

Rodeo Lagoon

Fort Bar

Nike Missile Sit

Point Bonita

HW Y 1 

PANORAMIC HWY

1

GGNRA

BOLINAS/

FAIRFAX

RD

MUIR

WOODS RD

PANORAMIC

HIGHWAY

(Refer to Muir Woods  NM alternatives)

Alternative 3 Golden Gate National Recreation AreaMarin County 

Management Zones

United States Department of the Interior • National Park ServiceDSC • June 2010 • 641 / 20617

Existing PlanRoadTunnelOther Open SpaceNPS Managed Marine ResourcesTrail

Evolved Cultural LandscapeInterpretive CorridorDiverse Opportunities Scenic CorridorHistoric ImmersionNaturalSensitive ResourcesPark Operations

Focusing on National Treasures

The planning area includes an 

off shore distance of 

approximately 1/4 mile.

Marin Headlands

Marin County

Baker Beach

Pier 4

100 feet

Black

Point

Great Meadow

Park Headquarters

Bldg 201

BAY ST R EET

LOMBA R D ST R EET

VA N N

ESS AV E.

19T H AV EN UE

SLOAT BLV D

PA R K PR ESIDIO BLV D.

VA N N

ESS AV E.

East Fort Miley

West Fort Miley Upper 

Fort Mason

Lower 

Fort Mason

Fort Point National 

Historic Site

Presidio Cavalry Stable

Crissy Field Fort Mason

Alcatraz Island

(Refer to Alcatraz 

Island alternatives)

Fort 

Funston

Sutro Heights

Golden Gate Park

GOLDEN GAT E BR IDGE

Presidio of 

San Francisco

Ocean Beach

San Francisco 

Zoo

San Francisco 

Maritime NHP

San Francisco 

Maritime National 

Historical Park

China Beach

Lands End

Lincoln Park

Harding Park

Lake Merced

280

280

101

101

1

1

G

R E AT H

W Y

Focusing on National Treasures 

Alternative 3 

Golden Gate National Recreation Area

San Francisco City and County 

United States Department of the Interior • National Park Service

DSC • February 2011 • 641 / 20623

Management Zones

Existing Plan

Road

Other Open Space

NPS Managed Marine Resources

Evolved Cultural Landscape

Interpretive Corridor

Diverse Opportunities 

Scenic Corridor

Historic Immersion

Natural

Sensitive Resources

Park Operations

0 1,000 3,000 6,000 Feet

Fort 

Funston

Thornton 

State Beach

Brisbane

South San Francisco

San Bruno

San Francisco

International

Airport

Cit y and Count y of San Francisco

San Bruno Mountain

State Park

Daly City

Colma

San Mateo Count y

Mussel 

Rock

Sharp Park

Beach

Shelldance

Nursery

Pacifica 

State Park

Pacifica

Cattle

Hill Sweeney

Ridge

Picardo 

Ranch San Pedro 

Point

San Pedro 

Valley Park

Sneath Lane 

Road

McNee Ranch

Ross Cove

Pillar Point 

Bluff

Fitzgerald 

Marine 

Reserve

Devil’s 

Slide

Rancho Corral

de Tierra

Montara 

State Beach

Half Moon Bay

State Beach

Half 

Moon 

Bay

Peninsula Watershed

(San Francisco Public 

Utilities Commission)

NPS Easement

JOHN DA LY BLV D

SK Y LIN E BLV D

Phleger Estate

Filoli Center

Edgewood 

Park

Huddart 

County Park

Montara

Moss 

Beach

San Mateo

Hillsborough

Burlingame

Millbrae

Belmont

Sharp Park

CA ÑA DA ROA D

SK Y LIN E BLV D

35

35

SH A R P PA R K BLV D

Mori Point

Montara

Lighthouse

Milagra 

Ridge

101

101

101

1

1

280

380

280

1

1

92

92

Focusing on National Treasures

United States Department of the Interior • National Park Service

DSC • June 2010 • 641 / 20626

Alternative 3

Golden Gate National Recreation Area

San Mateo County 

Management Zones

Diverse Opportunities 

Scenic Corridor

Interpretive Corridor

Evolved Cultural Landscape

Historic Immersion

Natural

Sensitive Resources

Park Operations

Other Open Space

Golden Gate National Recreation Area Easement

Future Park Addition

NPS Managed Marine Resources

0 Miles 2

Volume I: 273

SUMMARY COSTS ESTIMATES FOR PARK LANDS IN 

MARIN, SAN FRANCISCO, AND SAN MATEO 

COUNTIES

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

conceptual costs for general comparison of alternatives. National Park Service and 

industry cost estimating guidelines were used to develop the costs (in 2009 dollars) to the 

extent possible, but the estimates should not be used for budgeting purposes. Specific 

costs will be determined in subsequent, more detailed planning and design exercises, after 

considering the design of facilities, identification of 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 15: Summary of Costs Associated with the Implementation of the Alternatives for 

Park Lands in Marin, San Francisco, and San Mateo Counties

No-action 

Alternative

Alternative 1 

(NPS 

Preferred) Alternative 2 Alternative 3

Annual

Operational Costs1 $28,030,000 $32,000,000 $31,090,000 $31,630,000 

Staffing (additional 

FTE) 334 (+0) 380 (+46) 369 (+35) 377 (+43)

One-time Capital 

Costs3 $5,280,000 $46,710,000 $47,250,000 $78,210,000 

NOTES: 

1 Annual operating costs are the total costs per year for maintenance and operations associated 

with each alternative, including utilities, supplies, staff salaries and benefits, and leasing. Costs 

and staffing estimates assume that the alternative is fully implemented as described in the 

narrative. All annual operating costs for Muir Woods National Monument and Alcatraz Island were 

included in the above table, as those costs are administered by Golden Gate National Recreation 

Area. 

2 The total number of FTEs is the number of person-years of staff required to maintain the assets 

of the park at a good level, provide acceptable visitor services, protect resources, and generally 

support the park’s operations. The FTE number indicates ONPS-funded NPS staff only, not 

volunteer positions or positions funded by partners. (ONPS funds are funds designated for the 
PART 5: ALTERNATIVES FOR PARK LANDS

IN MARIN, SAN FRANCISCO, AND SAN MATEO COUNTIES 

Volume I: 274

“Operation of the National Park Service.”) FTEs area from the 201- Green Book, adjusted to 

reflect the loss of 32 structural fire positions.

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

approved and fully funded. Costs for Alcatraz Island are not included in this table. (See “Part 4: 

Alternatives Applied to Alcatraz Island” for these costs.) 

4 Costs are in 2009 dollars.
Volume I: 275

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 16: Reductions in Deferred Maintenance Associated with the Implementation of the 

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

No-action 

Alternative

Alternative 1 

(NPS 

Preferred) Alternative 2 Alternative 3

Parklands in Marin, 

San Francisco, and 

San Mateo Counties $0 $5,210,000 $6,370,000 $4,450,000 
Volume I: 276

ENVIRONMENTALLY PREFERABLE ALTERNATIVE 

FOR PARK LANDS IN MARIN, SAN FRANCISCO, AND 

SAN MATEO COUNTIES

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. All the alternatives equally meet the 

attainment for these four criteria, therefore the evaluation focuses on criteria 3 and 4. 

The no-action alternative is included to provide a comparison against the action 

alternatives. The legal foundation for managing these park lands requires the National 

Park Service to provide for outdoor recreation opportunities while protecting the natural, 

historic, and scenic values of the park. The no-action alternative does not fully provide 

for the widest range of beneficial uses. Some of the park lands are not easily identifiable 

as public lands and are not very welcoming to the park visitor. Most of the recent land 

additions and some existing park lands are in need of natural and cultural resource 

restoration or stabilization. These lands lack appropriate land use planning; therefore, the 

desired conditions for future recreation activities and levels of resource preservation are 

not defined. Through this planning process, the future desired conditions have been 

described for each of the action alternatives.

Alternative 2 emphasizes management of these park lands for natural resource restoration 

and preservation, while providing for an increase in hiking and primitive recreational 

opportunities. This alternative identifies actions that will provide a slightly wider range of 

beneficial uses than the no-action alternative. But visitor opportunities would not be as 

diverse as those identified in alternatives 1 and 3. 
Environmentally Preferable Alternative

for Park Lands in Marin, San Francisco, and San Mateo Counties 

Volume I: 277

In alternative 3, the focus is on preserving and strengthening those park resources and 

values that have national significance. This would result in a more diverse range of 

visitor opportunities and greater resource restoration, protection, interpretation, and 

stewardship for both natural and cultural resources than is provided in the no-action 

alternative and alternative 2. 

In alternative 1, the emphasis is to be welcoming to park visitors (improved information, 

facilities, and signing) while providing diverse opportunities and restoring the park’s 

natural and cultural resources. The emphasis on visitor opportunities, education, and 

stewardship provides additional actions that better attain the widest range of beneficial 

uses of the environment without degradation, risk of health or safety, or other undesirable 

and unintended consequences. This is accomplished by incorporating actions for natural 

and cultural resources preservation and restoration from the other alternatives where there 

is a well-defined advantage. Implementation of alternative 1 will provide the best means 

to 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.

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 1 for park lands in Marin, San Francisco, and San 

Mateo counties, is also the environmentally preferable 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 I: 278
Volume I: 279

SUMMARY TABLES OF THE ALTERNATIVES FOR PARK LANDS IN MARIN, SAN FRANCISCO, AND SAN MATEO COUNTIES

Table 17: Comparison of Alternatives for Park Lands in Marin County 

COMPARISON OF ALTERNATIVES FOR PARK LANDS IN MARIN COUNTY

NO ACTION ALTERNATIVE 1 - PREFERRED ALTERNATIVE 2 ALTERNATIVE 3

Concept

• Reflects current conditions and activities: NPS 

would continue to manage these areas under 

the 1980 general management plan and 

subsequent land use and implementation 

plans.

• Consistent with the concept “Connecting People With the 

Parks,” this alternative would further the founding idea of 

“parks to the people,” and engage the community and other 

potential visitors in the enjoyment, understanding, and 

stewardship of the park’s resources and values. Focus park 

management on ways to attract and welcome people, connect 

people with the resources, and promote understanding, 

enjoyment, preservation, and health. 

• Consistent with the concept of “preserving and Enjoying 

Coastal Ecosystems,” this alternative would place an 

emphasis on preserving, enhancing, and promoting the 

dynamic and interconnected coastal ecosystems. 

Through recreational and educational opportunities, 

allow visitors to learn about and enjoy the ocean and 

bay environments, and gain a better understanding of 

the region’s international significance and history.

• Consistent with the concept of “Focusing on National 

Treasures,” this alternative would place an emphasis 

on the park’s nationally important natural and cultural 

resources. Manage the nationally significant 

fundamental resources at the highest level of 

preservation to promote appreciation, understanding, 

and enjoyment of those resources. 

Stinson Beach North to Bolinas-Fairfax Road

• Manage the developed areas to support 

intensive use as a scenic recreational beach. 

• Preserve habitat at Easkoot Creek and dunes.

• Manage area east of Bolinas Lagoon to 

protect natural resources. 

• Improve facilities to support beach recreation, expand creek 

buffer and enhance dunes. Build sustainable new facilities to 

replace deteriorated restrooms, showers, picnic areas, and 

parking lots. 

• Work with the community to improve access to Stinson Beach

through transit and congestion management. 

• Continue to work on flooding and water issues with local 

community and authorities. 

• Manage natural areas to protect and restore coastal 

ecosystems.

• Replace central facilities with sustainable new facilities 

and transit support. 

• Remove south parking lot and restore wetlands and 

sand dunes. 

• Manage natural areas to protect and restore coastal 

ecosystems. Restore the sand dunes and wetlands and 

contribute to restoration of natural processes at Bolinas 

Lagoon.

• Manage beach, dunes and developed areas same as 

Alternative 1. 

• In Easkoot Creek corridor and lands north to BolinasFairfax Road, restore natural ecosystem and riparian 

corridor. 

• Preserve and interpret coastal defense structures 

along State Route 1 near Red Rock Beach. 

• As in Alternative 1, manage other lands and waters 

outside Stinson Beach to protect and restore coastal 

ecosystems, and contribute to restoration of natural 

processes at Bolinas Lagoon.

State Route 1 and Panoramic Highway

• Manage park lands in this area to enhance 

resources and offer access to park sites and 

recreational activities and to preserve the 

scenic rural character. 

• Manage this area to enable visitors to enjoy spectacular views 

of the Pacific coast. 

• Work with other governmental and nongovernmental groups to 

improve rural roadways and trail crossings.

• Manage this area in a way similar to that in 

Alternative 1, but with greater emphasis on 

collaboration with Caltrans and other agencies to 

protect the ecosystem.

• Encourage the abandonment of State Route 1 if a 

catastrophic landslide occurs.

• Same as Alternative 1.

Slide Ranch

• Manage the area through a park partner to 

operate an environmental farm and education 

center in a natural landscape with public 

access to trails and the shoreline. 

• Manage the area to enhance the environmental and farm 

education center and provide improved facilities for public day 

use including picnic area, trail access, and scenic overlook. 

• Manage surrounding natural zone to enhance natural and 

scenic values and provide public access to trails and the coast. 

• Manage the area to promote restoration of coastal 

resources. Provide modest trailhead at State Route 1

for coastal access. Remove structures from farm and 

relocate environmental education center and farm 

education program to a less remote and more 

geologically stable location.

• Same as Alternative 2.
PART 5: ALTERNATIVES FOR PARK LANDS

IN MARIN, SAN FRANCISCO, AND SAN MATEO COUNTIES 

Volume I: 280

COMPARISON OF ALTERNATIVES FOR PARK LANDS IN MARIN COUNTY

NO ACTION ALTERNATIVE 1 - PREFERRED ALTERNATIVE 2 ALTERNATIVE 3

Lower Redwood Creek (former Banducci flower farm and surrounding area)

• Manage this area to preserve and enhance 

natural processes in the creek, floodplain, and 

surrounding landscape, and to protect 

threatened and endangered species.

• Retain the rural character, existing buildings to 

support park programs and operations.

• Manage the majority of the area to restore natural coastal 

ecosystem and riparian habitat and provide trail connections. 

• Manage developed area to preserve rural pastoral character; 

existing buildings would support park programs and 

stewardship opportunities. 

• To protect salmon, collaborate with community to increase 

water storage capacity for use in dry season.

• Manage area, including Redwood Creek, to restore 

coastal ecosystem and endangered salmon habitat. 

Visitors would have opportunities to participate in these 

stewardship activities. 

• Remove all facilities not needed for stewardship, 

restoration, or trail use. With partners, explore 

realignment of Muir Woods Road to reduce impacts to 

Redwood Creek. 

• To protect salmon, collaborate with community to 

increase water storage capacity for use in dry season.

• Same as Alternative 2.

Muir Beach

• Manage the beach, creek, parking lot and 

picnic area as planned in the wetland and 

creek restoration plan.

• Manage the area to restore and sustain wetlands and creek.

• Improve beach and trail access and preserve natural setting.

• Collaborate with community to address water quality issues 

impacting park resources.

• Same as Alternative 1. • Same as Alternative 1.

Golden Gate Dairy

• Manage area to support equestrian facility and 

Muir Beach Volunteer Fire Department within 

historic ranch buildings.

• Manage the developed area to preserve historic structures and 

pastoral landscape and to protect coastal prairie and scrub 

habitat. 

• Manage surrounding uplands to preserve and enhance the 

natural setting and provide trail connections.

• Create site improvements including trailhead. 

• Continue to work with Caltrans to improve the safety of 

Highway 1.

• Retain equestrian facilities with improvement to protect 

adjacent riparian area. 

• Manage develop area and surrounding uplands to 

preserve historic structures and pastoral landscape and 

to protect coastal prairie and scrub habitat. 

• Reuse historic structures for science and stewardship 

center or local community services consistent with park 

goals. Remove nearby nonhistoric residences if not 

contributing to community services. 

• Provide equestrian use on designated trails.

• Manage developed area to preserve pastoral 

landscape and historic structures and stories 

associated with past dairy ranching. 

• Manage surrounding uplands same as Alternative 1.

• Adaptively reuse historic structures to support 

equestrian and other recreational uses, park 

operations, and local community services consistent 

with park goals. 

Tennessee Valley (from Oakwood Valley to the ocean)

• Manage the area to accommodate a variety of 

uses including trailhead, multiple trails, hike-in 

campground, equestrian center, nursery, 

horse patrol, environmental education, and 

campground. 

• Provide improvements at trailhead, such as potable water, 

restrooms, and possibly a food kiosk. 

• Retain equestrian facilities and possibly expand them.

• Retain walk-in group camping.

• Remove structures and restore wetland and riparian habitat in 

lower valley. 

• Manage Tennessee Valley trailhead and Miwok stable 

area to retain equestrian use and provide minimal visitor 

facilities; improve trailhead to support visitor access to 

trails. Provide modest facilities to support stewardship 

and restoration activities.

• Remove nonhistoric structures and convert unneeded 

roads to trails. 

• Remove dams and artificial ponds and restore wetland 

and riparian habitat.

• Manage Tennessee Valley trailhead and Miwok 

stable area to establish a visitor facility providing 

orientation and services to support area recreational 

and educational opportunities. 

• Retain equestrian, environmental and stewardship 

uses with improved sustainable facilities.

• Modest facilities could be provided to support 

recreational activities and could include rustic 

overnight accommodations.
Summary Tables for Park Lands in Marin, San Francisco, and San Mateo Counties

Volume I: 281

COMPARISON OF ALTERNATIVES FOR PARK LANDS IN MARIN COUNTY

NO ACTION ALTERNATIVE 1 - PREFERRED ALTERNATIVE 2 ALTERNATIVE 3

Marin Headlands: Marin City Ridge, and Gerbode Valley

• Manage area to preserve natural resources 

and processes, restore habitats, protect 

sensitive species and habitats and allow trail 

use. 

• Provide primitive camping and a trail network 

with access to local communities.

• Manage area to preserve undeveloped wilderness-like 

character.

• Could expand primitive camping opportunities that are 

accessible.

• Continue habitat restoration, protect sensitive species.

• Improve sustainability of trail system and explore an 

opportunity to provide a community trailhead in Marin City.

• Manage area to restore and preserve coastal corridor of 

contiguous habitat and natural resources. 

• Remove nonhistoric buildings and infrastructure and 

restore lands. 

• Convert unnecessary roads to trails. Explore 

opportunities to provide trail connections to local 

communities.

• Same as Alternative 1. 

Marin Headlands: Fort Barry and Fort Cronkhite

• Continue to utilize historic structures for a 

variety of education, recreation, conservation, 

and park operations for the park and our 

partners.

• Some visitor facilities, such as waysides, 

parking, and a small visitor center are 

provided. 

• Equestrian programs exist but provide limited 

opportunities for the park visitor.

• Manage for a variety of recreational, educational and 

stewardship activities. Expand visitor amenities at Fort Baker

and Fort Cronkhite. Rehabilitate structures and limited new 

construction for programs. 

• Visitor amenities could be expanded to include trailheads,

accessible trails, camping, picnicking, and park orientation.

• Build on existing programs with focus on environmental 

education, science, history, culture, recreation, healthy lifestyle 

activities, and special events.

• Some housing for staff, interns, and volunteers of the park and 

its partners would be provided.

• Add a warming hut at Rodeo Beach to replace the chapel 

visitor center at Fort Barry. 

• Equestrian programs would be supported in this area.

• Manage upland areas to protect and restore habitat for 

endangered species; preserve coastal fortifications. 

• Continue to maintain restored Nike Missile Site to provide 

experience evocative of its historic use.

• Manage Rodeo Beach, Fort Cronkhite and Fort Barry to 

maintain military identity; provide higher levels of visitor 

use, educational programs, and recreation. Manage 

forts to interpret national register historic district; allow 

reuse of buildings for park programming. 

• Manage Rodeo Lagoon and uplands south of Bunker 

Road to preserve and restore coastal habitat for 

threatened/endangered species. Limit visitor access to 

designated trails. 

• Accommodate equestrian use and restore habitat 

consistent with military landscape. 

• Manage Nike Missile Site as in Alternative 1.

• Manage Rodeo Valley, Fort Barry, and Fort Cronkhite

to showcase stories and structures of military history 

and transition to a national park. Restore 

infrastructure and landscapes to military era; protect 

threatened/endangered species habitat. Continue to 

use structures for a variety of purposes, and 

encourage park partners to incorporate programming 

with military history and conservation of open space. 

• Incorporate technology and multimedia to enhance 

interpretation and visitor immersion. 

• Accommodate equestrian facilities. 

• Manage Nike Missile Site as in Alternative 1.

Capehart Housing Area

• Manage area to provide workforce housing for 

park and partner staff 

• Construct sustainable housing and park operations facility 

south side of Bunker Road. 

• Remove residences on north side of Bunker Road to provide 

for creek restoration.

• Consider a new park operations facility south of Bunker 

Road.

• Remove residential structures and unnecessary 

infrastructure; restore riparian and upland habitats and 

reconnect fragmented habitat where possible.

• Replace some residences with new visitor center and 

facilities on south side of Bunker Road.

Conzelman, Bunker, and McCullough Roads (including Battery Spencer and Hawk Hill)

• Manage to preserve historic and natural 

resources and scenic views as well as 

protecting sensitive species and habitats. 

Implement planned road, trail, and transit 

projects to improve access and reduce 

congestion at scenic overlooks.

• Highlight fundamental coastal resources, military fortifications, 

and scenic views.

• Provide safe pedestrian, bike, and motor vehicle access to 

overlooks and to interpretive and recreational opportunities.

• Same as Alternative 1, except that area outside 

immediate road corridor would be managed to protect 

and restore coastal habitat to support mission blue 

butterfly. 

• Limit visitor access to designated trails in area outside 

immediate road corridor.

• Manage roads and adjacent park lands to focus 

visitors on coastal geology and military fortifications. 

Restore military structures and fortifications. 

• Provide new and improved trails following historic 

routes and connecting visitors to geologic and military 

resources.
PART 5: ALTERNATIVES FOR PARK LANDS

IN MARIN, SAN FRANCISCO, AND SAN MATEO COUNTIES 

Volume I: 282

COMPARISON OF ALTERNATIVES FOR PARK LANDS IN MARIN COUNTY

NO ACTION ALTERNATIVE 1 - PREFERRED ALTERNATIVE 2 ALTERNATIVE 3

• Add interpretive signs, restrooms, and benches to some 

overlooks.

• Protect habitat for threatened/endangered species.

Offshore Ocean and Bay Environment

• Maintain 1,000-foot-wide buffer in coastal 

waters. 

• Manage area to accommodate public uses 

including water recreation and noncommercial 

fishing. 

• Support research and cooperation with other 

resource managing agencies.

• Preserve integrity of ocean and bay environment. 

• Accommodate appropriate public uses including water 

recreation, boating, and noncommercial fishing. 

• Protect marine habitat in coordination with Monterey Bay and 

Gulf of the Farallones national marine sanctuaries. At Point 

Bonita Cove and Bird Rock, limit access in order to preserve 

sensitive resources; primary use would be research.

• Offshore areas except Muir Beach and Point Bonita 

would be managed the same as in Alternative 1. 

• At offshore areas around Muir Beach and Point Bonita, 

preserve sensitive marine resources including intertidal 

resources, Redwood Creek salmonids, seabirds, and 

marine animals.

• Restrict visitation to protect resources, primary use 

would be research.

• Work to preserve the integrity of ocean and bay 

environment and accommodate public uses including 

water recreation, boating, and noncommercial fishing.
Summary Tables for Park Lands in Marin, San Francisco, and San Mateo Counties

Volume I: 283

Table 18: Comparison of Alternatives for Park Lands in San Francisco

COMPARISON OF ALTERNATIVES FOR PARK LANDS IN SAN FRANCISCO

NO ACTION ALTERNATIVE 1 - PREFERRED ALTERNATIVE 2 ALTERNATIVE 3

Upper Fort Mason

• Manage the area to preserve historic district and 

to adaptively reuse historic structures for park 

and park partner uses.

• Provide public use through hostel and leasing of 

historic residences. 

• Provide a range of uses in the Great Meadow. 

• Manage this district as a portal to the park; use selected 

historic structures for orientation and visitor services. 

Restore historic landscape and Pier 4; enhance 

connections to the Aquatic Park. 

• Maintain residential uses where compatible with 

preservation goals. 

• Develop an expanded stewardship program.

• Maintain park operations in current location. 

• Provide modest improvements at the Great Meadow.

• Manage Black Point to protect natural rocky shoreline and 

provide a scenic overlook.

• Manage this area similar to Alternative 1, but selected 

historic structures would be used for new park partners to 

engage visitors, communities, and others in participatory 

science, education, and stewardship focused on coastal 

environment. 

• Develop a stewardship “hub” at Fort Mason to transport 

volunteers arriving by transit to other work sites in the park. 

• Improve visitor circulation and wayfinding, especially from 

transit arrival areas.

• Manage Great Meadow and shoreline at Black Point as in 

Alternative 1.

• Manage Fort Mason as primary visitor entrance to 

the park, with an orientation and information center. 

• Preserve historic structures and landscapes. 

• Expand overnight accommodations. 

• Develop historic Pier 4 as an additional 

embarkation point to Alcatraz Island.

• Manage Great Meadow and shoreline at Black 

Point same as in Alternative 1.

China Beach

• Manage the area to provide for enjoyment of a 

secluded beach and bird watching.

• Improve visitor facilities and access to support current 

uses.

• Same as Alternative 1. • Same as Alternative 1. 

Lands End (Northern area)

• Manage the area to preserve and enhance the 

rugged coastal landscape.

• Enhance the landscape, integrating natural habitat 

restoration and cultural landscape preservation. 

• Enhance scenic viewpoints and opportunities for bird 

watching.

• Improve trail system, including connections to community 

and adjacent park lands.

• Restore native habitat and natural processes within the 

coastal corridor from Eagle’s Point south to area of recent 

restoration. 

• Improve trail system to provide access to shoreline and 

vistas and to connect to communities.

• Same as Alternative 1. 

Fort Miley

• Manage the area to preserve the historic 

structures and landscapes and provide public 

and park operations uses. 

• Preserve and enhance historic structures and cultural 

landscapes. Rehabilitate Marine Exchange Lookout 

Station (Octagon House).

• Focus site improvements on appearance and connection 

to community and VA hospital campus.

• Provide improved picnicking and group camping facilities 

and improved opportunities for outdoor learning and 

leadership programs. 

• Park operations would remain at East Fort Miley. 

• Same as Alternative 1, with more restoration of natural 

landscape. Adaptively reuse Marine Exchange Lookout 

Building (Octagon House) to engage the public in natural 

and human history of the ocean environment. 

• Park operations would remain at East Fort Miley.

• Preserve and enhance USS San Francisco 

Memorial, Marine Exchange Lookout Building, and 

structures and sites showcasing military and 

maritime history at West Fort Miley. 

• Continue to use East Fort Miley for park 

operations, and provide safer and more direct 

vehicle and trail access.
PART 5: ALTERNATIVES FOR PARK LANDS

IN MARIN, SAN FRANCISCO, AND SAN MATEO COUNTIES 

Volume I: 284

COMPARISON OF ALTERNATIVES FOR PARK LANDS IN SAN FRANCISCO

NO ACTION ALTERNATIVE 1 - PREFERRED ALTERNATIVE 2 ALTERNATIVE 3

Ocean Beach

• Manage to provide a recreational beach 

accommodating high levels of use while 

preserving natural values, including habitat for 

shorebirds such as the threatened western 

snowy plover. 

• Collaborate with City of San Francisco and other agencies 

to address coastal erosion, seal level rise, and redesign of 

the corridor.

• Manage area north of seawall to provide diverse 

recreational uses and preserve natural resources. 

• Manage area south of seawall to protect shorebirds and 

allow natural coastal processes, along with compatible 

recreational uses. 

• Relocate facilities out of areas vulnerable to coastal 

erosion.

• As in Alternative 1, support City’s efforts to redesign Ocean 

Beach corridor and relocate facilities out of areas vulnerable 

to coastal erosion. 

• Manage northern end of beach to provide a variety of 

recreational opportunities. Manage area south of seawall to 

protect shorebirds and allow natural coastal processes 

while allowing compatible recreational uses. 

• Same as Alternative 2. 

Fort Funston

• Provide trail and beach access for recreational 

uses including dog walking and hang gliding. 

• Preserve natural and cultural resources including 

historic fortifications. Maintain park operations 

and environmental education center. 

• Continue existing recreational activities. Provide new 

visitor facilities. Preserve and interpret Battery Davis. 

• Expand islands of native habitat to form continuous native 

dune habitat corridor.

• Along northern stretch, protect shorebirds, including 

threatened western snowy plover.

• Retain and possibly expand park operational facilities.

• Expand islands of native habitat to form continuous native 

dune habitat corridor. 

• Manage southern area to protect shorebird habitat and 

provide new trails.

• In developed area, manage to provide continued levels of 

high use and variety of recreational activities and support 

facilities. 

• Preserve Battery Davis.

• For the majority of the site, manage to provide 

recreational activities with limited support facilities. 

• Restore natural dune ecosystem and trail access, 

locate parking at edge of site. 

• Remove nonhistoric buildings; relocate park 

operation functions and environmental education 

programs to suitable locations. 

• Preserve historic Battery Davis within natural 

setting. 

• Manage uplands for continued high levels of 

recreational use.

Offshore Ocean and Bay Environment

• Maintain 1,000-foot-wide buffer in coastal 

waters. 

• Manage this area to accommodate public uses 

including water recreation and noncommercial 

fishing. 

• Support research and cooperation with other 

resource managing agencies.

• Preserve integrity of ocean and bay environment. 

• Accommodate appropriate public uses including water 

recreation, boating, and noncommercial fishing. 

• Designate Eagle’s Point near China Beach to Seal Rocks 

and West Crissy Field as marine reserves to protect 

seabirds and marine mammals.

• Remainder of area would be managed as in the no-action 

alternative.

• Work to preserve the integrity of ocean and bay 

environment and accommodate public uses 

including water recreation, boating, and 

noncommercial fishing. 
Summary Tables for Park Lands in Marin, San Francisco, and San Mateo Counties

Volume I: 285

Table 19: Comparison of Alternatives for Park Lands in San Mateo County

COMPARISON OF ALTERNATIVES FOR PARK LANDS IN SAN MATEO COUNTY

NO ACTION ALTERNATIVE 1 - PREFERRED ALTERNATIVE 2 ALTERNATIVE 3

Thornton State Beach to South of Mussel Rock

• Limited management would continue. • Preserve and enhance natural and scenic values; allow 

for coastal geologic processes. 

• Provide modest visitor access facilities; protect shorebird 

habitat.

• Same as Alternative 1. • Same as Alternative 1. 

Milagra Ridge

• Manage to protect and restore natural habitat, to 

protect historic coastline defenses.

• Maintain limited trail access. 

• Manage area to preserve wild character and protect 

habitat for endangered species. Restore heavily disturbed 

areas. 

• Improve trails and trail connections in coordination with 

other land managers. At center of ridge, improve access 

and add additional visitor amenities.

• Same as Alternative 1 without additional amenities 

and improved access at center of ridge.

• Same as Alternative 2. 

Shelldance Nursery Area

• Manage area for multiple uses including commercial 

nursery, trailhead, and park maintenance storage. 

• Transition area to provide visitor services including 

trailhead parking, restrooms, orientation, and community 

stewardship/education center. 

• Designate some portion for park operations.

• Same as Alternative 1. • Same as Alternative 1. 

Sweeney Ridge (including Cattle Hill and Picardo Ranch)

• Manage for natural values and protection of historic 

resources. 

• Cattle Hill to be transferred to NPS in the near future, 

with trail improvements underway. 

• Picardo Ranch is a priority for land and conservation 

easements for the park. 

• Manage to protect endangered species and large 

contiguous natural landscape. 

• Visitor experience would include stewardship activities, 

trail use, and primitive camping. Coordinate 

improvements in regional trail system connections, 

develop trail amenities. 

• Preserve and enhance interpretation of the San 

Francisco Bay Discovery Site National Historic Landmark. 

• If acquired, locate trailhead at Picardo Ranch with visitor 

use improvements. 

• Majority of area managed similar to Alternative 1. 

• Convert Sneath Lane to a trail to connect Bay Area 

Ridge Trail. Remove unnecessary fire roads or 

convert to trails.

• If acquired, locate trailhead at Picardo Ranch with 

modest improvements. 

• Preserve and interpret San Francisco Bay Discovery 

Site National Historic Landmark.

• Manage majority of area to protect endangered species 

and the large contiguous landscape extending to San 

Francisco Public Utilities Commission Peninsula 

Watershed. 

• Visitor experience could include stewardship activities, 

improved trails, and primitive camping. 

• Connect to Bay Area Ridge Trail. Preserve and enhance 

interpretation of the San Francisco Bay Discovery Site

National Historic Landmark. 

• If acquired, manage developed portions of Picardo Ranch

the same as Alternative 1.

Mori Point

• Manage to preserve and enhance habitat for 

threatened and endangered species and to restore 

natural functions. 

• Develop hiking trails network.

• Manage land for ongoing restoration of natural habitats 

and to protect endangered species. 

• Improve trail system and its connections and improve 

access.

• Control visitor use to protect threatened and 

endangered species on site.

• Continue community stewardship to restore 

ecosystem.

• Same as Alternative 1. 
PART 5: ALTERNATIVES FOR PARK LANDS

IN MARIN, SAN FRANCISCO, AND SAN MATEO COUNTIES 

Volume I: 286

COMPARISON OF ALTERNATIVES FOR PARK LANDS IN SAN MATEO COUNTY

NO ACTION ALTERNATIVE 1 - PREFERRED ALTERNATIVE 2 ALTERNATIVE 3

Pedro Point, Devil’s Slide, and San Pedro Mountain

• Not currently managed by NPS, but could be added 

to the park after construction of the State Route 1

tunnel. 

• If acquired, manage to maintain natural features and 

scenic views, and restore habitat. 

• Improve trails and trailheads; control access to protect 

nesting seabirds. 

• Same as Alternative 1. • Same as Alternative 1. 

Rancho Corral de Tierra

• Non-agricultural portions of this open space 

managed by Peninsula Open Space Trust are in the 

process of being transferred to NPS. 

• Manage for limited public access for recreation such 

as hiking and horseback riding. 

• Create trailheads and other visitor facilities that provide 

for the enjoyment of this area.

• Manage areas outside equestrian centers to preserve 

wild, open character and offer trail-based recreation. 

• Equestrian facilities and uses would be retained although 

the exact location, type, and scale will be subject to future 

planning efforts.

• Restore natural habitats with community stewards. 

• Same as Alternative 1, with fewer amenities. 

• Remove unnecessary roads or convert to trails. 

• Remove or relocate equestrian facilities away from 

creek corridors. 

• Partner with surrounding land owners to restore 

creek corridors supporting fish passage. 

• Same as Alternative 1. 

Montara Lighthouse

• Currently managed by the U.S. Coast Guard; current 

uses include a hostel. Potential to be transferred to 

NPS. 

• Preserve and interpret historic structures and associated 

resources. 

• Enhance hostel and day use programming.

• Encourage multiagency visitor center in vicinity. 

• Improve trail connections.

• Similar to Alternative 1, but dedicate the site to 

stewardship and environmental education including 

education related to coastal resources. 

• Maintain hostel and overnight accommodations for 

use by program participants and staff.

• Restore and interpret historic structures and landscape 

features to support immersion in life of lighthouse keepers, 

remove contemporary structures, and develop new visitor 

programs. 

• Continue overnight stays as part of immersion experience.

Phleger Estate

• Manage this area to preserve cultural and natural 

resources of second-growth redwood forest and to 

provide access to regional trail system. 

• Manage this area to provide trail-based recreation in 

natural setting. 

• Restore redwood forest ecosystem and pursue trail 

connections. 

• Interpret logging history.

• Same as Alternative 1. • Same as Alternative 1. 

San Francisco Public Utilities Commission Peninsula Watershed Easements

• Managed by San Francisco Public Utilities 

Commission to protect water supply and ecological 

and cultural resources. The NPS manages a scenic 

easement and a recreation easement to protect 

natural values and limited recreational uses 

compatible with ongoing water operations. 

• Continue to cooperate with San Francisco Public Utilities 

Commission on land management for preservation of 

natural, cultural, scenic, and recreational features of the 

watershed, including new trail connections.

• In scenic and recreation easement, promote preservation 

while providing improved public trail access. 

• Collaborate with San Francisco Public Utilities 

Commission on a watershed visitor education center.

• Similar to Alternative 1, with emphasis on promoting 

natural resources preservation and supporting 

biodiversity values. 

• Promote access and visitor services along existing 

multiuse trail and implement trail improvements 

proposed in San Francisco Watershed Management 

Plan (2002) including north-south corridor in areas of 

low sensitivity. 

• Manage majority of area, corresponding to scenic and 

recreational easement, as in Alternative 1.

• Manage eastern edge, adjacent to Highway 280 as in 

Alternative 1, but with emphasis on promoting enhanced 

interpretation to highlight the scope of the water system 

with its origins in Yosemite National Park.
Summary Tables for Park Lands in Marin, San Francisco, and San Mateo Counties

Volume I: 287

COMPARISON OF ALTERNATIVES FOR PARK LANDS IN SAN MATEO COUNTY

NO ACTION ALTERNATIVE 1 - PREFERRED ALTERNATIVE 2 ALTERNATIVE 3

Offshore Ocean Environments

• Where park boundary coincides with Fitzgerald 

Marine Reserve, continue to cooperate on 

management. The Fitzgerald Marine Reserve area 

between Montara State Beach and Ross Cove has 

been designated as the Montara State Marine 

Reserve; no fishing, harvesting, or collecting would 

be allowed in this area. The Fitzgerald Marine 

Reserve area between Ross Cove and Pillar Point 

Harbor has been designated as the Pillar Point 

Marine Conservation Area; some fishing would be 

allowed in this area.

• Management could be extended to cover new offshore 

areas added to the park.

• Same as Alternative 1. • Same as Alternative 1. 
Summary Tables for Park Lands in Marin, San Francisco, And San Mateo Counties 

Volume I: 288

Table 20: Summary of Potential Key Impacts of Implementing the Alternatives for Park Lands in Marin, San Francisco, and San Mateo Counties (including Alcatraz Island)

POTENTIAL KEY IMPACTS ON PARK LANDS

NO ACTION ALTERNATIVE ALTERNATIVE 1 – NPS PREFERRED ALTERNATIVE 2 ALTERNATIVE 3

NATURAL RESOURCES

Carbon 

Footprint and 

Air Quality

Total gross emissions would be 6,924 MTCE, resulting 

in long-term, minor to moderate, adverse impacts to the 

park’s carbon footprint. Overall, when compared to 

background levels of air pollution and GHG emissions in 

the region or the nation, impacts to air quality from the 

no-action alternative would be long term, adverse, and 

negligible. 

No impairment of air resources would result from this 

alternative. 

The combined effect of the actions included in alternative 

1 would increase the gross emissions of the entire park 

by 2% to 7,040 MTCE. This would result in long-term, 

minor, adverse impacts on the NPS’ carbon footprint. As 

in the no-action alternative, impacts to air quality would 

be negligible when compared to background levels of 

regional and national air pollution.

No impairment of air resources would result from this 

alternative.

The combined effect of the actions included in 

alternative 2 would reduce the gross emissions of the 

entire park by 6% to 6,506 MTCE, the lowest of all of the 

alternatives. This would result in long-term, minor, 

beneficial impacts on the park’s carbon footprint. As in 

the no-action alternative, impacts to air quality would be 

negligible when compared to background levels of 

regional and national air pollution. 

No impairment of air resources would result from this 

alternative.

The combined effect of the actions included in alternative 3 

would reduce the gross emissions of the entire park by 5%, 

to 6,609 MTCE. This would result in long-term, minor, 

beneficial impacts on the park’s carbon footprint. As in the 

no-action alternative, impacts to air quality would be 

negligible when compared to background levels of regional 

and national air pollution. 

No impairment of air resources would result from this 

alternative.

Soils and 

Geologic 

Resources 

and Processes

Overall, the impact to geologic resources and soils from 

the no-action alternative would be long-term, range from 

minor adverse to moderate beneficial, and be localized 

and parkwide. Adverse impacts would occur from the 

presence and maintenance of existing facilities and 

visitor use. Beneficial impacts would occur from 

restoration and education and stewardship activities. 

No impairment of geologic resources would result from 

this alternative.

The elimination of unsustainable roads and trails would 

reduce soil erosion, resulting in long-term, minor, 

beneficial, localized impacts to soils. The removal of 

facilities and structures would result in long term, minor 

to moderate, beneficial, localized impacts, although new 

recreational development would have long-term, 

adverse, localized impacts on soils and geologic 

resources. During the removal or construction period, 

short-term, minor, adverse impacts (such as increased 

erosion or compaction in adjacent areas) would occur. 

No impairment of geologic resources would result from 

this alternative.

The elimination of unsustainable trails and roads and 

the removal and restoration of unneeded management 

roads, would reduce soil erosion, resulting in long-term, 

minor to moderate, beneficial, localized impacts. The 

removal of facilities/structures and restoration of a large 

number of natural areas would result in long-term, 

moderate, beneficial, and localized impacts. 

No impairment of geologic resources would result from 

this alternative.

The reduction in soil erosion and the reclamation of 

disturbed building sites would result in long-term, minor to 

moderate, beneficial, localized impacts. Impacts from new 

recreational development would be long term, minor to 

moderate, adverse, and localized. 

No impairment of geologic resources would result from this 

alternative.

Water 

Resources 

and 

Hydrologic 

Processes

The continued existence of structures and facilities in 

some areas of the park would have long-term, minor to 

moderate, adverse, and localized impacts. Projects to 

improve natural habitat values and ecosystem function 

would have long-term, minor to moderate, beneficial, 

and localized impacts on water resources and 

hydrologic processes. 

No impairment of water resources would result from this 

alternative.

The removal and reclamation of facilities and structures, 

the re-creation of natural hydrologic regimes, and 

restoration of watershed processes would result in longterm minor to moderate, beneficial impacts to water 

quality, while the construction, maintenance or removal 

of trails and facilities would have short-term, minor to 

moderate, adverse impacts to water quality. There would 

be long-term minor to moderate, adverse, localized 

impacts to water quality resulting from cleaning of 

primary visitor use areas on Alcatraz Island and 

increased vessel traffic in San Francisco Bay. 

No impairment of water resources would result from this 

alternative.

The removal of unsustainable trails and unneeded 

management roads, removal of facilities and structures, 

creek restorations, realignment of small sections of 

roadway, and the relocation of horse stables from 

adjacent creeks would result in long-term, minor to 

moderate, beneficial impacts to water resources, 

wetlands, floodplains, and overall hydrologic processes. 

However, the construction, maintenance, or removal 

activities associated with these changes would have 

short-term, minor to moderate, adverse impacts to water 

quality. Leaving greater portions of the island to natural 

reclamation and reducing the visitor use area would 

result in long-term, minor, beneficial, localized impacts 

to water quality 

No impairment of water resources would result from this 

alternative.

The removal and natural restoration of unsustainable trails 

and unneeded management roads, the removal of facilities 

and structures, and creek restoration efforts would result in 

long-term, minor to moderate, beneficial impacts to water 

resources and hydrologic process, However, the 

construction, maintenance, or removal of trails and facilities 

would have short-term, minor to moderate, adverse 

impacts to water quality. The scale of historic structure 

rehabilitation and facility improvements on Alcatraz Island 

could result in impacts to water quality. The cleaning of the 

primary visitor use areas on Alcatraz Island and the 

increased vessel traffic in San Francisco Bay would result 

in long-term minor to moderate, adverse, localized impacts 

to water quality. 

No impairment of water resources would result from this 

alternative.

Habitat 

(Vegetation 

and Wildlife)

The conditions related to existing facilities would 

continue to cause fragmentation of habitat and the 

potential for exotic plant species to displace native 

species. The continuation of current recreational use 

also would reduce habitat integrity. The impacts would 

The development of a sustainable trail system and 

elimination of unneeded and unsustainable roads and 

trails, the removal of facilities/structures with reclamation 

of disturbed building sites, and habitat restoration efforts 

would result in long-term, minor to moderate, beneficial, 

The development of a sustainable trail system, the 

elimination of unneeded roads, and the removal of a 

large number of structures with the restoration of natural 

vegetation in these areas would result in long-term, 

minor, beneficial, localized impacts on vegetation and 

The development of a sustainable trail system and the 

elimination of unneeded roads and the restoration of 

natural vegetation in these areas would result in long-term, 

minor, beneficial, localized impacts on vegetation and 
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be long-term, minor to moderate, adverse, and localized 

but would occur throughout the park.

Habitat restoration efforts and educational and 

participatory stewardship programs would result in longterm, minor to moderate, beneficial impacts that would 

occur both at the local level (habitat restoration) and 

parkwide (stewardship programs). 

Impacts to waterbirds would be long-term, minor to 

moderate, adverse, and localized.

No impairment of vegetation or wildlife resources would 

result from this alternative.

localized impacts on vegetation and wildlife.

The expansion of visitor access and use and the 

development of new or improved recreational facilities 

would result in long-term, minor, adverse, and localized 

impacts. The construction activities related to these 

developments would result in short-term, minor, and 

adverse impacts.

Impacts from NPS educational and stewardship 

programs would generally be the same as those 

described in the no-action alternative. Similarly, impacts 

from vegetation and wildlife management and monitoring 

activities under alternative 1 would be the same as those 

described in the no-action alternative. However, the 

establishment of a native plant nursery would provide 

additional capacity to improve native vegetation and 

wildlife habitat and expand stewardship efforts—resulting 

in a beneficial impact.

Habitat restoration efforts and educational and 

participatory stewardship programs would result in longterm, minor to moderate, beneficial impacts that would 

occur both at the local level (habitat restoration) and 

parkwide(stewardship programs). An additional 

beneficial impact would result from the establishment of 

a native plant nursery. 

Impacts to waterbirds would be long-term, moderate, 

adverse, and localized.

No impairment of vegetation or wildlife resources would 

result from this alternative.

wildlife.

The expansion of visitor access and use and the 

development of new or improved recreational facilities 

would result in long-term, minor, adverse, and localized 

impacts. The construction activities related to these 

developments would result in short-term, minor, and 

adverse impacts.

Habitat restoration efforts and educational and 

participatory stewardship programs would result in longterm, minor to moderate, beneficial impacts that would 

occur both at the local level (habitat restoration) and 

parkwide (stewardship programs). Additional beneficial 

impacts would result from the establishment of a native 

plant nursery and partnering with other agencies to 

manage visitor access and promote restoration and 

habitat management as part of the UNESCO Biosphere 

Reserve.

Impacts to waterbirds on the island would be long-term, 

moderate, beneficial, and localized.

No impairment of vegetation or wildlife resources would 

result from this alternative.

wildlife.

The expansion of visitor access and use and the 

development of new or improved recreational facilities 

would result in long-term, minor, adverse, and localized 

impacts. The construction activities related to these 

developments would result in short-term, minor, and 

adverse impacts.

Natural resource restoration would result in long-term, 

moderate, beneficial, and localized impacts.

Habitat restoration efforts and educational and participatory 

stewardship programs would result in long-term, minor to 

moderate, beneficial impacts that would occur both at the 

local level (habitat restoration) and parkwide (stewardship 

programs). 

Impacts to waterbirds on the island would be long-term, 

moderate, adverse, and localized. 

No impairment of vegetation or wildlife resources would 

result from this alternative.

Special Status 

Species 

(Federal and 

State 

Threatened 

and 

Endangered 

Species)

• California red-legged frog–(Federal threatened)

“may affect, likely to adversely affect” for project 

specific actions in the short-term, and “may affect, 

not likely to adversely affect” for land use and 

park management over the long-term.

• Mission blue butterfly (Federal endangered): 

“may affect, likely to adversely affect” for project 

specific actions in the short-term, and “may affect, 

not likely to adversely affect” for land use and 

park management over the long-term.

• Tidewater goby (Federal endangered: “may 

affect, likely to adversely affect” for project 

specific actions in the short-term, and “may affect, 

not likely to adversely affect” for land use and 

park management over the long-term.

• San Francisco garter snake (Federal 

endangered): “may affect, likely to adversely 

affect” for project specific actions in the short-

• California red-legged frog (Federal threatened): 

“may affect, not likely to adversely affect”

• Mission blue butterfly (Federal endangered): 

“may affect, not likely to adversely affect” 

• Tidewater goby (Federal endangered): “may 

affect, not likely to adversely affect”

• San Francisco garter snake (Federal 

endangered): “may affect, not likely to adversely 

affect”

• San Bruno elfin butterfly (Federal endangered): 

“may affect, not likely to adversely affect”

• Coho salmon and Steelhead trout, Central 

California Coast (Federal threatened): “may 

affect, not likely to adversely affect”

• Western snowy plover (Federal threatened): 

“may affect, not likely to adversely affect.”

• Northern spotted owl (Federal threatened): “may 

• California red-legged frog (Federal threatened): 

“may affect, not likely to adversely affect”

• Mission blue butterfly (Federal endangered): 

“may affect, not likely to adversely affect” 

• Tidewater goby (Federal endangered): “may 

affect, not likely to adversely affect”

• San Francisco garter snake (Federal 

endangered)” “may affect, not likely to adversely 

affect”

• San Bruno elfin butterfly (Federal endangered): 

“may affect, not likely to adversely affect”

• Coho salmon and Steelhead trout, Central 

California Coast (Federal threatened): “may 

affect, not likely to adversely affect”

• Western snowy plover (Federal threatened): 

“may affect, not likely to adversely affect.”

• Northern spotted owl (Federal threatened): 

• California red-legged frog (Federal threatened): 

“may affect, not likely to adversely affect”

• Mission blue butterfly (Federal endangered):“may 

affect, not likely to adversely affect” 

• Tidewater goby (Federal endangered): “may affect, 

not likely to adversely affect”

• San Francisco garter snake (Federal endangered): 

“may affect, not likely to adversely affect”

• San Bruno elfin butterfly (Federal endangered): 

“may affect, not likely to adversely affect”

• Coho salmon and Steelhead trout, Central 

California Coast (Federal threatened): “may affect, 

not likely to adversely affect”

• Western snowy plover (Federal threatened): “may 

affect, not likely to adversely affect.”

• Northern spotted owl (Federal threatened): “may 
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Special Status 

Species 

(Federal and 

State 

Threatened 

and 

Endangered 

Species)

(continued)

term, and “may affect, not likely to adversely 

affect” for land use and park management over 

the long-term.

• San Bruno elfin butterfly (Federal endangered): 

“may affect, not likely to adversely affect

• Coho salmon and Steelhead trout, Central 

California Coast (Federal threatened): “may 

affect, likely to adversely affect” for project 

specific actions in the short-term, and “may affect, 

not likely to adversely affect” for land use and 

park management over the long-term.

• Western snowy plover (Federal threatened): 

“may affect, likely to adversely affect”

• Northern spotted owl (Federal threatened): 

“may affect, not likely to adversely affect”

• San Francisco lessingia (Federal endangered): 

“may affect, not likely to adversely affect”

• Bank swallow (Federal candidate; State 

threatened): Long-term, beneficial impact that is 

minor and localized.

• Montara Manzanita (State threatened): No 

impact

affect, not likely to adversely affect”

• San Francisco lessingia (Federal endangered): 

“may affect, not likely to adversely affect”

• Bank swallow (Federal candidate; State 

threatened): long-term, beneficial impact that is 

minor and localized

• Montara Manzanita (State threatened): long-term, 

adverse impact that is minor and localized

“may affect, not likely to adversely affect”

• San Francisco lessingia (Federal endangered): 

“may affect, not likely to adversely affect”

• Bank swallow (Federal candidate; State 

threatened): long-term, beneficial impact that is 

minor and localized

• Montara Manzanita (State threatened): longterm, adverse impact that is minor and localized

affect, not likely to adversely affect”

• San Francisco lessingia (Federal endangered): 

“may affect, not likely to adversely affect”

• Bank swallow (Federal candidate; State 

threatened): long-term, beneficial impact that is 

minor and localized

• Montara Manzanita (State threatened): long-term, 

adverse impact that is minor and localized

CULTURAL RESOURCES

Archeological 

Resources

Because 90% of the park has not been surveyed for 

archeological resources, there is potential for the park to 

contain buried prehistoric and historic resources. Such 

resources could potentially be subject to loss of integrity 

from natural processes, ongoing agricultural and 

ranching operations, and inadvertent visitor activity or 

vandalism. 

Known archeological resources (Muir Beach

Archeological District, Point Lobos Archeological Sites, 

as well as the King Philip and SS Tennessee) could also 

be adversely affected by natural processes and 

inadvertent visitor activity or vandalism. Adverse 

impacts would be permanent and of minor to moderate 

intensity.

Archeological surveys and/or monitoring would precede 

any ground disturbing activity. If significant archeological 

resources could not be avoided, an appropriate 

mitigation strategy would be developed in consultation 

with the state historic preservation officer. Any adverse 

impacts to archeological resources would be permanent 

and minor to moderate in intensity. 

No impairment of park resources or values would result 

Because 90% of the park has not been surveyed for 

archeological resources, there is potential for the park to 

contain buried prehistoric and historic resources. Such 

resources could potentially be subject to loss of integrity 

from natural processes, ongoing agricultural and 

ranching operations, and inadvertent visitor activity or 

vandalism. 

Known archeological resources (Muir Beach

Archeological District, Point Lobos Archeological Sites, 

as well as the King Philip and SS Tennessee) could also 

be adversely affected by natural processes and 

inadvertent visitor activity or vandalism. Adverse impacts 

would be permanent and of minor to moderate intensity.

On Alcatraz Island, archeological resources would be 

identified, evaluated, and provided stabilization, security, 

or other protection commensurate with their significance 

and sensitivity – a beneficial impact. Such resources 

could also be incorporated into visitor interpretive 

opportunities. 

Archeological surveys and/or monitoring would precede 

any ground disturbing activity. If significant archeological 

resources could not be avoided, an appropriate 

Because 90% of the park has not been surveyed for 

archeological resources, there is potential for the park to 

contain buried prehistoric and historic resources. Such 

resources could potentially be subject to loss of integrity 

from natural processes, ongoing agricultural and 

ranching operations, and inadvertent visitor activity or 

vandalism. 

Known archeological resources could also be adversely 

affected by natural processes and inadvertent visitor 

activity or vandalism. Adverse impacts would be 

permanent and of minor to moderate intensity.

On Alcatraz Island, archeological resources would be 

identified, evaluated, and provided stabilization, security, 

or other protection commensurate with their significance 

and sensitivity – a beneficial impact. Such resources 

could also be incorporated into visitor interpretive 

opportunities. 

Archeological surveys and/or monitoring would precede 

any ground disturbing activity. If significant archeological 

resources could not be avoided, an appropriate 

mitigation strategy would be developed in consultation 

with the state historic preservation officer. Any adverse 

Because 90% of the park has not been surveyed for 

archeological resources, there is potential for the park to 

contain buried prehistoric and historic resources. Such 

resources could potentially be subject to loss of integrity 

from natural processes, ongoing agricultural and ranching 

operations, and inadvertent visitor activity or vandalism. 

Known archeological resources could also be adversely 

affected by natural processes and inadvertent visitor 

activity or vandalism. Adverse impacts would be 

permanent and of minor to moderate intensity.

On Alcatraz Island, archeological resources would be 

identified, evaluated, and provided stabilization, security, or 

other protection commensurate with their significance and 

sensitivity – a beneficial impact. Such resources could also 

be incorporated into visitor interpretive opportunities. 

Archeological surveys and/or monitoring would precede 

any ground disturbing activity. If significant archeological 

resources could not be avoided, an appropriate mitigation 

strategy would be developed in consultation with the state 

historic preservation officer. Any adverse impacts to 

archeological resources would be permanent and minor to 
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from this alternative. mitigation strategy would be developed in consultation 

with the state historic preservation officer. Any adverse 

impacts to archeological resources would be permanent 

and minor to moderate in intensity.

No impairment of park resources or values would result 

from this alternative.

impacts to archeological resources would be permanent 

and minor to moderate in intensity.

No impairment of park resources or values would result 

from this alternative.

moderate in intensity.

No impairment of park resources or values would result 

from this alternative.

Ethnographic 

Resources/ 

Traditional 

Cultural 

Properties

Surveys and research necessary to determine Alcatraz 

Island’s eligibility for listing in the National Register of 

Historic Places as a traditional cultural property are a 

prerequisite for understanding the resource’s 

significance, as well as the basis of informed decisionmaking in the future regarding how the resource should 

be managed. Such surveys and research would result in 

a negligible to minor, beneficial, long-term impact.

No impairment of park resources or values would result 

from this alternative.

Surveys and research necessary to determine Alcatraz 

Island’s eligibility for listing in the National Register of 

Historic Places as a traditional cultural property are a 

prerequisite for understanding the resource’s 

significance, as well as the basis of informed decisionmaking in the future regarding how the resource should 

be managed. Such surveys and research, including 

those planned for Alcatraz Island, would be a negligible 

to minor, beneficial long-term impact.

No impairment of park resources or values would result 

from this alternative.

Surveys and research necessary to determine Alcatraz 

Island’s eligibility for listing in the National Register of 

Historic Places as a traditional cultural property are a 

prerequisite for understanding the resource’s 

significance, as well as the basis of informed decisionmaking in the future regarding how the resource should 

be managed. Such surveys and research would be a 

negligible to minor, beneficial long-term impact.

No impairment of park resources or values would result 

from this alternative.

Surveys and research necessary to determine Alcatraz 

Island’s eligibility for listing in the National Register of 

Historic Places as a traditional cultural property are a 

prerequisite for understanding the resource’s significance, 

as well as the basis of informed decision-making in the 

future regarding how the resource should be managed. 

Such surveys and research would be a negligible to minor, 

long-term, beneficial impact.

No impairment of park resources or values would result 

from this alternative.

Historic 

Structures 

The park would continue to stabilize and preserve 

historic structures as financial resources and 

opportunities become available. The park’s historic 

structures have generally retained their integrity but the 

incremental and piecemeal approach to preservation 

and maintenance, as well as their various adaptive 

uses, has resulted in long-term, minor to moderate, 

adverse impacts because historic buildings, fabric, and 

integrity have been lost.

No impairment of park resources or values would result 

from this alternative.

Implementing the actions under alternative 1 would 

generally provide better opportunities for strengthening 

the integrity and adaptive use of historic structures that 

are listed in or determined eligible for listing in the 

National Register of Historic Places or are designated as 

National Historic Landmarks. Actions under this 

alternative, such as adaptive reuse of historic structures, 

could result in localized loss of historic fabric on some 

historic buildings (resulting in permanent adverse 

impacts of minor intensity) but would generally improve 

the integrity, enhance the preservation and stabilization, 

and halt further deterioration of the park’s historic 

buildings, resulting in general overall long-term, 

beneficial impacts.

Monitoring human impacts to historic structures, 

increased ranger patrol, and increased historical 

interpretation associated with this alternative could 

indirectly discourage vandalism and inadvertent impacts 

and minimize adverse impacts. Adverse impacts would 

be long term and negligible to minor in intensity.

No impairment of park resources or values would result 

from this alternative.

Alternative 2 would generally provide opportunities for 

strengthening the integrity and adaptive use of historic 

structures that contribute to historic properties listed in 

or determined eligible for listing in the national register

or designated as national historic landmarks. Although 

actions involving stabilization and recovery could result 

in localized loss of some historic fabric, the actions 

would enhance the preservation and stabilization of 

historic structures in the park. The primary goals for 

coastal ecosystem restoration and rehabilitation of rural 

and pastoral landscapes could impact the integrity of 

some historic structures. Collectively, actions under 

alternative 2 would result in impacts that range from 

long-term and beneficial (because of improved 

treatment to historic buildings) to permanent and 

adverse of minor to moderate intensity (resulting from 

adaptive use and the potential for future coastal 

erosion).

Under alternative 2, more historic structures on Alcatraz 

Island would become managed ruins. However, a 

benchmark/threshold evaluation stabilization plan is 

needed to determine the minimum level of historic 

building/fabric integrity needed in order to retain the 

island’s National Historic Landmark designation. 

Monitoring human impacts to historic structures, 

increased ranger patrol, and increased historical 

interpretation could indirectly discourage vandalism and 

inadvertent impacts and minimize adverse impacts. 

Adverse impacts would be long term and negligible to 

minor in intensity.

Under alternative 3, nationally significant buildings would 

be rehabilitated and adaptively used to showcase the 

park’s military, maritime, commercial, and agricultural and 

ranching history themes and to support visitor 

programming and services. The condition of all primary 

buildings would be improved. This alternative would 

provide for the greatest number of historic buildings 

preserved in “good” condition. It would also provide for 

public access to the greatest number of historic buildings. 

Although public access and adaptive reuse could result in 

localized adverse impacts to historic properties or fabric, 

overall, alternative 3 would have major comprehensive 

long-term beneficial impacts on the park’s historic 

structures, including those on Alcatraz Island. 

Monitoring human impacts to historic structures, increased 

ranger patrol, and increased historical interpretation could 

indirectly discourage vandalism and inadvertent impacts 

and minimize adverse impacts. Adverse impacts would be 

long term and negligible to minor in intensity.

No impairment of park resources or values would result 

from this alternative. 
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No impairment of park resources or values would result 

from this alternative.

Cultural 

Landscape 

Resources

The park would continue to stabilize and preserve 

cultural landscapes as financial resources and 

opportunities become available. The incremental 

approach to preservation of cultural landscape 

resources has resulted in varying degrees of 

preservation and possible localized loss of resource 

integrity, but overall the park’s cultural landscape 

resources have retained their historic integrity.

The park would continue to make incremental 

improvements upon existing facilities, including 

consolidation and participation in the Bay Area Museum 

Resource Center Plan for oversized objects. Conditions 

would be improved to meet NPS standards; impacts 

would be short term, minor, and beneficial 

No impairment of park resources or values would result 

from this alternative.

Alternative 1 would provide improved opportunities for 

strengthening and enhancing the integrity of cultural 

landscape resources. Although actions could result in 

localized loss of some cultural landscape features due to 

increasing visitor opportunities, overall, alternative 1 

would improve the integrity of the cultural landscape 

features in the park (including Alcatraz Island). Features 

near all primary historic buildings would be rehabilitated. 

Although some localized cultural landscape features 

would likely deteriorate or be lost in the park (resulting in 

permanent adverse impacts of minor intensity), the 

overall effect would have a long-term, minor, and 

beneficial impact on cultural landscape resources. 

No impairment of park resources or values would result 

from this alternative.

Alternative 2 would provide opportunities for 

strengthening the integrity and adaptive use or 

interpretation of cultural landscape resources. However, 

some actions involving the coastal ecosystem 

restoration and rehabilitation of existing pastoral and 

rural landscapes could negatively impact the integrity of 

some cultural landscape resources and would likely 

result in long-term, adverse impacts of moderate 

intensity. Overall, the majority of actions in alternative 2 

would have a long-term, beneficial impact on the cultural 

landscape resources in the park.

Under alternative 2, more cultural landscape resources 

on Alcatraz Island would become ruins and many of the 

island’s cultural landscape features would only be 

stabilized. Thus, many could be lost over time. Recent 

findings indicate that cultural landscape resources on 

the island are deteriorating at a rapid rate, and 

alternative 2 would do little to reverse that trend. The 

impacts on Alcatraz Island would range from long term, 

moderate, and beneficial to long term, moderate, and 

adverse.

No impairment of park resources or values would result 

from this alternative. 

Under alternative 3, the historically significant cultural 

landscape resources that have integrity would be 

rehabilitated and adaptively used to showcase the park’s 

military, maritime commercial, and agricultural/ranching 

history themes, and support visitor programming and 

services. Throughout the park (including Alcatraz Island) 

this alternative would generally result in a comprehensive 

effort to improve, preserve, and rehabilitate the cultural 

landscape resources in “good” condition and provide public 

access to the greatest number of cultural landscape 

features. These actions would result in long-term beneficial 

impacts to cultural landscape resources. However, the loss 

of some cultural landscape resources would result in 

permanent adverse impacts of minor intensity.

No impairment of park resources or values would result 

from this alternative.

Park 

Collections

Park collections are currently stored in 15 different 

facilities throughout the park. This places the collections 

in a vulnerable position because of potential eviction 

and deteriorating structural and curatorial conditions. 

The current conditions for collections at the park do not 

meet NPS standards for long-term preservation, 

protection, and use, resulting in long-term, moderate, 

and adverse impacts.

No impairment of park resources or values would result 

from this alternative.

Establishing a curatorial and research facility that meets 

NPS standards and can accommodate the majority of 

the park collection will have a long-term beneficial impact 

to the preservation of the collections. Incorporating the 

park collections in ways that enhance the visitor 

experience and helps expose the values of the collection 

while still meeting NPS preservation standards would 

have a long-term, beneficial impact on the value of the 

collection. 

No impairment of park resources or values would result 

from this alternative.

Establishing a curatorial and research facility that meets 

NPS standards and can accommodate the majority of 

the park collection will have a long-term beneficial 

impact to the preservation of the collections. The 

increased emphasis of collecting and preserving natural 

resource specimen would have a long-term, negligible, 

and beneficial impact to the park collections. 

No impairment of park resources or values would result 

from this alternative.

Establishing a curatorial and research facility that meets 

NPS standards and can accommodate the majority of the 

park collection will have a long-term beneficial impact to 

the preservation of the collections. Incorporating the park 

collections in ways that enhance the visitor experience and 

helps expose the values of the collection while still meeting 

NPS preservation standards would have a long-term, 

beneficial impact on the value of the collection. 

No impairment of park resources or values would result 

from this alternative.

VISITOR USE AND EXPERIENCE

The no-action alternative for Golden Gate National 

Recreation Area would result in long-term, minor to 

moderate, beneficial impacts from continued 

opportunities to access high-quality resource-dependent 

visitor opportunities and experience the natural, historic, 

and scenic qualities of the park. However, minor to 

moderate adverse impacts on the visitor experience 

from traffic congestion, use conflicts, limited facilities in 

San Mateo County, and restricted to access to a few 

The actions proposed in alternative 1 for Golden Gate 

National Recreation Area would result in long-term, 

moderate, beneficial impacts to the visitor experience. 

The diversity of recreational opportunities provided, the 

new and enhanced visitor support facilities, and the 

purposeful effort to engage a more diverse audience 

would have a positive impact on the visitor experience to 

the park. Further, the emphasis on improved access, 

particularly transportation connections, would be a 

The actions proposed in alternative 2 for Golden Gate 

National Recreation Area would result in long-term, 

minor to moderate, beneficial impacts to the visitor 

experience. The visitor experience would be improved 

regarding the depth and content of educational 

programming, interpretation, and resource stewardship; 

along with the preservation and promotion of visitor 

activities focused on immersion in the park’s natural and 

cultural settings. However, the regulation and 

The actions proposed in alternative 3 for Golden Gate 

National Recreation Area would result in long-term, 

moderate, beneficial impacts to the visitor experience. The 

most significant beneficial effect of this alternative would be 

the increased opportunities for visitors to understand, 

appreciate, and take part in the preservation of the park’s 

most fundamental resources and values. In addition, this 

alternative would improve access and connectivity to and 

between key sites in the park, and reduce use conflicts and 
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desired locations would continue.

The no-action alternative for Alcatraz Island would result 

in long-term, minor to moderate, beneficial impacts from 

continued opportunities to access the cellhouse and the 

immediate surrounding landscape. In addition, high 

quality interpretive and educational programs and 

materials would continue to be provided. However, 

minor to moderate adverse impacts on the visitor 

experience from conflicts with birds, limited access to 

areas and structures on the island, and some visitor 

crowding would continue.

beneficial impact on the visitor experience by reducing 

traffic congestion and use conflicts.

Alternative 1 would result in long-term, moderate, 

beneficial impacts to the visitor experience on Alcatraz 

Island. The enhancements to the park setting through 

increased preservation of the structures; the increased 

access to the island’s various layers of historic resources 

and natural settings; and the purposeful effort to increase 

programming options and connect with a more diverse 

audience would help create this beneficial impact. 

restrictions on some visitor activities and access to 

some areas might have a long-term, moderate, adverse 

impact on repeat visitors. 

On Alcatraz Island, alternative 2 would result in longterm, minor to moderate, beneficial impacts to the visitor 

experience given the actions that would increase 

understanding and appreciation of the island’s important 

role in the marine ecosystem. However, there would be 

long-term, moderate, adverse impacts due to the 

increased interaction and related conflicts between 

visitors and birds during the nesting season, and the 

restricted access to desired locations and structures on 

the island. 

visitor frustration. However, this alternative would change 

visitor opportunities at a few areas, leading to long-term, 

minor to moderate, adverse impacts on visitors who 

currently frequent these locations.

Alternative 3 would result in long-term, moderate to major, 

beneficial impacts to the visitor experience on Alcatraz 

Island. This is primarily due to the opportunities to immerse 

oneself in the historic periods of Alcatraz Island, have 

access to more of the island’s settings and buildings in 

improved condition, and to participate in stewardship and 

education activities supported by expanded overnight 

programs and facilities. 

SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT

The overall impact to the social and economic 

environment from the no-action alternative could be 

long-term, minor to moderate, and beneficial for the 

local gateway communities and the three adjacent 

counties. The beneficial impacts would result from 

maintaining the park’s contribution to the local economy 

and quality of life, existing education and stewardship 

programs, as well as maintaining existing relationships 

with other local governments and land managers.

The short-term and long-term beneficial impacts of 

alternative 1 on the social and economic environment of 

the gateway communities and three adjacent counties 

could range from minor to moderate. These beneficial 

impacts to quality of life and economy could result from 

(1) a substantial increase in public outreach programs, 

orientation, and educational or stewardship 

opportunities, (2) considerable improvements in public 

accessibility, transportation options, and community trail 

connections, (3) enhancement of existing equestrian 

facilities, (4) several community-building components, (5) 

economic growth via many new engineering and 

construction contract work, (6) several new opportunities 

for park partners to use park facilities and expand their 

operations, and (7) a substantial amount of job creation 

from increased visitor services throughout the park. 

The short-term and long-term beneficial impacts of on 

the social and economic environment of the gateway 

communities and three adjacent counties would range 

from minor to moderate. The beneficial impacts to 

quality of life and economy could result from (1) sitespecific increases in public outreach programs and 

orientation, (2) a substantial increase in educational and 

stewardship opportunities, (3) some additional 

community trail connections, (4) NPS collaborations with 

several other local governments and land management 

agencies, (5) limited new engineering and construction 

contract work for restoration projects, (6) a limited 

number of new park partners opportunities, and (7) 

limited job creation from increased visitor services. 

The long-term adverse impacts on the social and 

economic conditions of the gateway communities and 

three adjacent counties could range from minor to 

moderate, resulting from: (1) a possible reduction in 

NPS and concession jobs at certain park sites due to 

closures or facility removal, (2) a possible reduction in 

opportunities for some park partners, (3) the 

recommended closure of a State Route 1 segment 

(Caltrans has decision authority), and (4) removal or 

relocation of equestrian and educational facilities (at 

Rancho Corral de Tierra and Slide Ranch). 

The short-term and long-term beneficial impacts of 

alternative 3 on the social and economic environment of 

the gateway communities and three adjacent counties 

could range from minor to moderate. The beneficial 

impacts to qualify of life and economy could result from: (1) 

an increase in public outreach programs, visitor orientation, 

educational/stewardship opportunities and additional park 

programs, (2) improvements in public accessibility and 

community trail connections, (3) enhancement of existing 

equestrian facilities, (4) several community-building 

components, (5) a moderate amount of new engineering 

and construction contract work for facility and restoration 

projects, (6) limited new opportunities for park partners to 

use park facilities and expand their operations, and (7) a 

small amount of job creation from increases in visitor 

services at various sites.

The adverse impacts could result from removal of work 

force housing units at Capehart Housing Area and possible 

restrictions on tour boat operations (from enforcement of 

historic no trespass zone around Alcatraz Island). These 

impacts would be long-term, minor, and adverse to the 

gateway communities.

TRANSPORTATION

In Marin County, auto access to the most popular 

destinations is likely to continue to be difficult during 

peak periods, while bicycle and pedestrian access 

would improve, particularly in the Marin Headlands, 

because of projects outside of this planning process. 

Existing transit service would continue to enable access 

to park lands in Marin County for visitors without cars. 

In alternative 1, access by land to park sites in Marin 

County—including improved trails, increased transit 

services, and wayfinding—would result in a long-term, 

moderate, beneficial effect, particularly during peak and 

shoulder seasons, and on holiday weekends. Increased 

transit service and stops would have a moderately 

beneficial impact by relieving congestion of the landFor park lands in Marin County, impacts on access and 

connectivity for alternative 2 are negligible, with two 

exceptions. A 50% reduction in parking at Stinson 

Beach could have either a long-term, major, adverse 

impact on accessibility and user experience in Stinson 

Beach during peak periods and holiday weekends by 

exacerbating an already difficult traffic congestion 

In alternative 3, the relocation of parking and access to 

Fort Funston would have a long-term, minor effect that is 

both slightly beneficial for preservation of the natural 

environment and slightly adverse for its impact on visitor 

access.

For Alcatraz Island, this alternative could result in a long-
PART 5: ALTERNATIVES FOR PARK LANDS

IN MARIN, SAN FRANCISCO, AND SAN MATEO COUNTIES 

Volume I: 294

POTENTIAL KEY IMPACTS ON PARK LANDS

NO ACTION ALTERNATIVE ALTERNATIVE 1 – NPS PREFERRED ALTERNATIVE 2 ALTERNATIVE 3

The no-action alternative would have a long-term, minor 

to major, adverse impact on the access to most popular 

sites, and a long-term, minor, adverse effect on 

transportation in other areas, such as the Marin 

Headlands. 

Park sites in San Francisco in the north part of the city 

would see long-term, moderate, beneficial impact to 

access by land via improved transit implemented by the 

San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency. Park 

lands in San Mateo County would see a long-term minor 

improvement in access by land because of the Devil’s 

Slide project and accompanying transit stops. Taking no 

other transportation improvement actions in San Mateo 

would have a long-term, minor to moderate, adverse 

effect on access to these park sites.

The no-action alternative would have negligible impacts 

on transportation to or within Alcatraz Island. 

based transportation system and by providing more ways 

for the public to get to park sites. 

In San Francisco, alternative 1 would have a long-term, 

moderate, beneficial impact on both visitor connections 

and the functioning of the transportation system through 

increased land and water transit and improved trails. In 

San Mateo County, enhanced trail systems would 

provide a long-term, moderate to major, beneficial effect 

on connections by land; there would be a long-term, 

moderate, beneficial effect on transportation functionality 

through more transit availability and a minor beneficial 

impact on parking.

At Alcatraz Island, the slight increase in boat and ferry 

traffic in the Scenic Corridor zone as well as the entry 

dock area could result in a long-term, minor, beneficial 

impact by increasing access by water to the island. Reopening improved areas of the park and increasing yearround trail access would have a long-term, minor, 

beneficial impact on pedestrian access to park features 

and circulation on the island.

situation, or a long-term, moderate, beneficial effect if 

combined effectively with other efforts such as provision 

of transit, marketing of transit, and enforcement of 

parking restrictions. 

Closing a segment of State Route 1 between Muir 

Beach and Stinson Beach may have a moderate to 

major, adverse impact on connectivity between these 

two communities. 

There are no transportation actions for San Francisco 

for alternative 2. In San Mateo, the transportation 

actions in alternative 2 may result in a minor to 

moderate, beneficial effect on connections by land 

through enhanced trail systems. 

The improved access on Alcatraz Island to previously 

closed areas could result in a long-term, minor, 

beneficial impact to connectivity by water transit, and 

access to sites on Alcatraz Island via enhanced trails.

term, moderate, beneficial increase in connectivity through 

additional ferry embarkation points; and a long-term, 

moderate, beneficial increase in access to additional 

historic features over an expanded area of the island 

because of trail expansion and improvement.

PARK MANAGEMENT, OPERATIONS, AND FACILITIES

Inadequate staffing levels would result in continued 

long-term, moderate, and adverse impacts to 

operations. Continued partner and volunteer efforts 

would result in long-term, moderate, beneficial impacts 

to park operations, although these efforts would be

limited by current staffing levels. Inadequate project and 

operational funding would result in long-term, major, 

adverse impacts to park facilities throughout the park 

including Alcatraz Island. The inadequate maintenance 

and public safety facilities along with their inconvenient 

locations would result in continued long-term, moderate, 

and adverse impacts to operations.

Increased number of park staff would result in long-term, 

moderate, beneficial impacts to operations if appropriate, 

annual base funding is available. Construction, 

rehabilitation, restoration, and demolition projects 

proposed in the alternative would result in long-term, 

moderate, beneficial impacts to park operations by 

addressing deferred maintenance. Construction activities 

would result in short term, minor, adverse impacts on 

park operations, because of closures during the work. An 

expanded maintenance facility at Fort Funston and the 

addition of three “portals” would result in long-term, 

moderate, beneficial impacts to park operations. 

Increased staff would result in long-term, moderate, 

beneficial impacts to operations if appropriate, annual 

base funding is available. Construction, stabilization, 

rehabilitation, restoration, and demolition projects 

proposed in the alternative would result in long-term, 

moderate, beneficial impacts to park operations and 

address deferred maintenance issues. Construction and 

landscape restoration activities would result in minor, 

adverse impact in the short term, as some inefficiency 

would be caused by closure of buildings and lands 

during construction or restoration. Increased difficulty for 

public safety personnel to reach the more primitive 

areas would result in long-term, minor, adverse impacts 

to operations.

Increased staff would result in long-term, moderate, 

beneficial impacts to operations if appropriate, annual base 

funding is available. Construction, stabilization, 

rehabilitation, restoration, and demolition projects proposed 

in the alternative would result in long-term, moderate, 

beneficial impacts to park operations, but would also result 

in short-term, minor, adverse impacts while the activities 

are underway, due to road and building closures. Facility 

use and location changes would result in long-term, 

moderate, and beneficial impacts to park operations.