Board Delays Vote on Resolution Opposing Golden Gate National Recreation Area Dog Plan

The San Francisco Board of Supervisors delayed a vote Tuesday that would have put them on record opposing a federal proposal to restrict parts of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area where dogs can go without a leash.

The proposal, put forth in January by the National Park Service, would reduce the size of off-leash areas for dogs at 21 different locations within the recreation area, including Fort Funston, Crissy Field and Ocean Beach.

Supervisor Scott Wiener introduced the resolution, and had held a hearing on the issue at the board's Land Use and Economic Development committee meeting on Monday. Following hours of public comment both for and against the plan,
the committee voted Monday to send the resolution to the full board the next day.

But Wiener said Tuesday that he is delaying the vote for two weeks so Mayor Ed Lee has a chance to look at and discuss the issue. Wiener and other city officials say they are concerned that city parks will be affected if the off-leash areas at the national park are reduced.

But Frank Dean, superintendent of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, said at Monday's hearing, "I don't believe the current situation is tenable," due to visitor conflicts with dogs and the degradation of park resources by the pets.

The public comment period for the park service's proposal ends May
30. People can comment at the website set up for the plan.

--- Bay City News