GGNRA Dog Management Plan

Most people who walk dogs in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area (GGNRA) are aware that the National Park Service (NPS) has prepared a Dog Management Plan / Draft Environmental Impact Statement (Plan/DEIS) that outlines proposed rules for dog-walking on GGNRA lands.

The Plan focuses on 21 most heavily-visited sites within GGNRA. In brief, the Plan recommends a “default rule” that dogs are allowed in GGNRA only as expressly permitted at the 21 sites, and only under the limitations established for each site. Seven of the sites are in Marin County.

After reviewing 4,731 ideas and suggestions from the public on the Golden Gate National Recreation Area (GGNRA) Draft Dog Management Plan/Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS), the Park Service is considering a number of changes to the draft plan that may open some areas to greater access for dog walking, both on leash and under voice control. The Service is examining the effects of control methods, such as fencing, and will conduct a user survey of county, city and other parklands that might be affected if dog-walking opportunities on GGNRA lands were reduced. The Service is also revising its proposed compliance-based management strategy, which raised many concerns over criteria and enforceability, and the need for education.

These changes to the Plan, along with new information, will be analyzed in a supplement to the DEIS, which will be released for public comment in late Summer 2012, and a Proposed Rule is scheduled to be released in Fall of 2013. The sites of interest in Marin County have not changed: Stinson Beach, Muir Beach, Rodeo Beach, Marin Headlands, Fort Baker, Oakwood Valley and Alto Trail, and Homestead Valley.

You can read a summary of comments received on the draft plan and receive regular updates by visiting the GGNRA Dog Plan Site, or at (415) 561-4728.

2011 Documents and Correspondence

May 26, 2011 Letter to GGNRA Superintendent Dean regarding Dog Management Plan

 
 

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New developments in Marin are closely monitored by the Land Use and Transportation Committee

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Committee members of the North Marin Unit review a map at their monthly meeting

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Pelicans in Point Reyes National Seashore - a park followed by the Parks and Open Space Committee
photo by Bob Grace