Senate Committee Approves Bill to Add Critical Land to Golden Gate National Recreation Area
July 13, 2000

Washington, DC – The U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee today approved legislation sponsored by Senators Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) and Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.) to expand the boundaries of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area (GGNRA).

The legislation adds almost 1,300 acres of undeveloped land to the GGNRA, including more than 1,000 acres in Pacifica, 2 acres in San Francisco, and 155 acres in the north bay that will ensure access to the park from Marin.

“I am pleased that the Energy and Natural Resources Committee approved this legislation, “Senator Feinstein said. “The Golden Gate National Recreation Area is the single biggest visitor attraction in the State of California, with more than 14 million visitors each year–more even than Disneyland. This legislation will further protect the region’s exquisite coastal lands for the enjoyment of residents and visitors to the Bay Area.”

Senator Boxer said, “The Golden Gate National Recreational Area is one of California’s most popular parks and is one of few precious remaining open spaces in an increasingly crowded urban setting. I am thrilled we are one step closer to acquiring these lands for all people of California to enjoy and to ensure their permanent protection.”

A companion measure was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives last February by Representatives Tom Lantos (D-San Mateo), Lynn Woolsey (D-Petaluma), and Nancy Pelosi (D-San Francisco).

At the direction of Congress, National Park Service officials in the Bay Area prepared a Boundary Study to evaluate the desirability of adding lands in Pacifica to the GGNRA. The study recommended adding the lands in San Mateo County that are included in this legislation.

The Pacifica City Council, the GGNRA and Point Reyes National Seashore Advisory Commission, the Loma Prieta Chapter of the Sierra Club, the Marin County Board of Supervisors and the Marin County Open Space District support the addition of these lands.