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Natural Areas in San Francisco

The Natural Areas Program (NAP) & the Significant Natural Resource Areas Management Plan (SNRAMP)


Did you know that the Natural Areas Program manages 27% of the City's parklands - 31 Natural Areas - with 2% of the staff and 1% of the budget, compared to the remainder of the Recreation and Park Department (SFRPD)?  Learn more...


SFRPD
 produced a FINAL DRAFT Significant Natural Resource Areas Management Plan (SNRAMP) for the protection, restoration and stewardship of the department's 31 natural areasLearn more..  


On August 21st, 2006 (continuation of July 26th, 2006 hearing), the Final Draft SNRAMP was the subject of a special meeting of the Recreation and Park Commission. The Commission unanimously approved the Plan as the proposed project to be considered under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). On Thursday, October 4th, 2007, the Recreation and Park Commission unanimously awarded the contract to do the Environmental Review work which, very likely, will result in an Environmental Impact Report (EIR). 

Now we have the long road ahead, during the EIR process, when we must continue to support and defend the Plan, the Program, and our City's natural heritage


Stay tuned for ACTION ALERTS to support natural areas!



San Francisco Recreation and Park Commission

501 Stanyan Street

San Francisco CA 94117

Telephone:  415-831-2750

FAX:  415-221-8034

email:  recpark.commission@sfgov.org


For the Plan itself, go to the online table of contents or download the plan, executive summary, FAQ or scientific review. Incidentally, the State of California has a very helpful website for land use planning known as LUPIN.


Helpful and Important Documents

Office of the Legislative Analyst Report on the SNRAMP & the NAP

Natural Areas Program Myth and FACT Sheet

Natural Areas Program Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

SNRAMP Executive Summary

Franciscan Biodiversity FACT sheet and FAQ

Earth Island Journal article about Natural Areas Plan & Program

Save Natural Areas Flyer

Additional information on the SNRAMP & the Natural Areas Program



SFRPD manages 31 natural areas that provide habitat for myriad species of native wildlife and plants. These enduring jewels of San Francisco's wild past are nature reserves that support our unique Franciscan geology, harbor rare and endangered plants and animals, including the mission blue butterfly, and are part of the Pacific flyway, the transcontinental migration path for 100s of bird species. 


Volunteer information is on the Rec and Park Website

or check out the Nature in the City Calendar.

Our photo gallery has images of the City's spectacular natural areas.

Links has information about applicable policies and laws in San Francisco.

Other important meetings include those of the Park, Recreation and Open Space Advisory Committee (PROSAC), the Board of Supervisors and other Recreation and Park Department meetings.



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