4.1.09

• Sharp Park (417 acres) is an important property to NPS, as it is included in the legislative boundary of the park in recognition of its national park values.

• Sharp Park is adjacent to Mori Point and Sweeney Ridge, which are NPS properties managed by Golden Gate National Parks.

• NPS learned of the resolution after it was introduced by San Francisco Supervisor Mirkarimi on 3/21/09. The resolution states:

"Section 2. The San Francisco Park Code is hereby amended by adding Section 3.20, to read as follows:

SEC. 3.20 SHARP PARK. No later than September 30, 2009, the Recreation and Park Department shall develop a plan, schedule and budget for restoring the habitat for the California red-legged frog (rana draytonii) and the San Francisco garter snake (Thamnophis sirtalis tetrataenia) in conformance with the Endangered Species Act, 16 U.S.C.1531, et seq., and all other regulatory requirements; and for transferring Sharp Park to, or developing a joint management agreement with, the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, in accordance with the deed granting Sharp Park to the City and County of San Francisco and San Francisco Administrative Code Section 23.41. The Department shall base such restoration plans on the best scientific information available, and shall include alternatives that (1) retain or redesign the golf course and (2) eliminate the golf course."

• NPS supports completion of the study of the property by the City and County of San Francisco as proposed in Supervisor Mirkarimi's resolution. The study and other planning efforts of the City of San Francisco will evaluate the constraints and opportunities that will influence future management of the entire site, including protection of T&E species and cultural resource issues and will inform future use and management of the site, including the continuation of golf.  NPS will stay involved in the study and environmental analysis and evaluate its future role based on the outcomes of that process.

• Congress included this property within the boundaries of the park in 1980 due to its resource and recreation values. 

• These currently include habitat for threatened & endangered species; important trail links to adjacent properties both north/south and east/west; a golf course; and natural coastal landscape. This property contains an important segment of the California Coastal Trail and could provide an important link between Mori Point and Sweeney Ridge.

• The NPS and Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy have invested significant time and funds at Mori Point to restore habitat for the California red legged frog and the San Francisco garter snake, both federally listed species. Because these species move between adjacent lands and Mori Point, preservation of the species depends on the compatible management of adjacent lands.

• Federal legislation states that NPS could only accept the property as a donation from the City of San Francisco.

• Public Law 92-589, which is the legislation that established the park on October 27, 1972, states "Section 1. "...In the management of the recreation area, the Secretary of the Interior....shall utilize the resources in a manner which will provide for recreation and educational opportunities consistent with sound principles of land use planning and management. …In carrying out the provisions of this Act, the Secretary shall preserve the recreation area, as far as possible, in its natural setting and protect it from development and uses which would destroy the scenic beauty and natural character of the area."

• NPS has been following the progress of the Golf Course Task Force and is aware that this property is important to golfers, other recreational users, naturalists, and the City of Pacifica.