Padilla, Eshoo Introduce Legislation to Expand the Golden Gate National Recreation Area
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) and Representative Anna G. Eshoo (D-Calif.-16) introduced legislation to allow the National Park Service to acquire the 896-acre Scarper Ridge property in San Mateo County adjacent to Rancho Corral De Tierra, a 3,858-acre site which is already managed by the Park Service.
“The Golden Gate National Recreation Area is one of the most popular urban parks in the world, flush with rich biodiversity, extensive military artifacts, and stunning recreational opportunities,” said Senator Padilla. “Expanding the park’s boundary to incorporate the Scarper Ridge Property would allow the National Park Service to help protect critically threatened and endangered plants and wildlife, while connecting public lands and hiking trails for locals and visitors alike to enjoy.”
“Corridors and connecting trails in the park are important for wildlife and people who recreate in Rancho,” said Representative Eshoo. “President Biden’s 2025 Budget includes $7 million to purchase two nearby smaller parcels from Peninsula Open Space Trust, but the National Park Service determined it cannot purchase a third parcel, Scarper Ridge, without a legislative boundary adjustment which my legislation addresses. Adding this land to Rancho will close gaps and ensure that these scenic trails and coastal vistas are protected for future generations.”
“We are grateful to Congresswoman Eshoo and Senator Padilla for their continued efforts to expand and improve the Golden Gate National Recreation Area on the San Mateo Coast. With help from public and private funds, POST obtained this 896-acre property in 2014. As a vital property filled with a variety of irreplaceable natural habitats, and species, we have long hoped for its incorporation within the Rancho Corral de Tierra landscape. Throughout her career, Congresswoman Eshoo has championed GGNRA expansions in this unique coastal area. With her help and the support of the National Park Service, these lands will be preserved for future generations of Californians to enjoy forever,” said Walter T. Moore, President, Peninsula Open Space Trust (POST).
The Golden Gate National Recreation Area consists of more than 80,000 acres of diverse properties managed by the National Park Service across three Bay Area counties that includes historic sites, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, and open space for outdoor recreation. In addition to famous landmarks like Alcatraz Island and the Presidio of San Francisco, the park includes hundreds of acres of open space on the San Mateo County Coastside.
Senator Padilla previously secured language in the FY 2023 appropriations package to allow the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission to move forward on construction of a seawall and other permanent structures on federal land managed by the Golden Gate National Recreation Area to protect critical infrastructure and recreational space from climate change and sea level rise.
A map of the proposed expansion is available here.
Full text of the bill is available here.
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