To successfully protect and enhance the natural resources of Lake Merced, the following goals and Action Items have been identified and developed.
The Natural Resources and Education Program Area Goals and Action Items are:
Goal 1: Enhance Biodiversity of Aquatic and Terrestrial Ecosystem
Action: NRE-1.1 Inventory Natural Resources
Action: NRE-1.2 Protect And Restore Native Plants And Animals
Action: NRE-1.3 Establish A Native Plant Nursery
Action: NRE-1.4 Control Invasive Non-Native Plant Species Using
Integrated Management
Action: NRE-1.5 Develop A Marsh Enhancement Plan
Goal 2: Minimize Human Impacts On Natural Resources
Action: NRE-2.1 Control Erosion
Action: NRE-2.2 Determine Appropriate Human Use In Sensitive
Natural Resource Areas
Action: NRE-2.3 Coordinate Operations Of The Harding Park Golf
Course With Lake Merced CMP
Action: NRE-2.4 Investigate Prevention Of Road Kills Around
The Lake
Action: NRE-2.5 Recommend Concessionaires To Be Responsible
For Litter Abatement In Their Immediate Area
Action: NRE-2.6 Provide A Receptacle For Fishing Line
Action: NRE 2.7 Study The Presence Of The Police Range And The
Pacific Rod And Gun Club In Regards To The Wildlife
Action: NRE-2.8 Maintain Areas Around Lake Merced As Open Space
Goal 3: Educate The Public About The Natural Resources And Restoration Efforts Of Lake Merced
Action: NRE-3.1 Include Interpretative Signage On Harding Bridge
And Impound Bridge And Other Possibly Sites
Action: NRE-3.2 Build Educational Kiosk At Sunset Circle
Action: NRE-3.3 Provide Natural History Educational Programs
Action: NRE-3.4 Develop Self-Guided Tour Pamphlet
Action: NRE-3.5 Encourage On-Going Research And Education On
The Ecology Of Lake Merced
Goal 1 Enhance Biodiversity Of Aquatic And Terrestrial Ecosystem
Action: NRE-1.1 Identify Natural Resources
Who: SFPUC, SFRPD, Public
Why: There has never been a comprehensive inventory of the natural
resources of Lake Merced. Some taxonomic groups are better known (e.g.
birds and plants) than others (aquatic organisms) but even those have not
been systematically inventoried. In order to manage the natural resources
it is necessary to know what natural resources exist and where threats
to those resources occur. An inventory will identify which native species
and habitats require immediate protection or restoration.
What: Use existing information and gather data to develop a
comprehensive natural resources inventory at Lake Merced. Data must be
collected during the appropriate season. Identify which native plant and
animal species and habitats require immediate protection or restoration.
Create maps which indicate existing wildlife habitat, vegetation communities
threatened areas, and restoration sites.
When: Beginning February 1998 - Ongoing
Funding: SNRAMP Implementation Fund (partially)
Cost: TBD
Action: NRE-1.2 Protect And Restore Native Plants And Animals
Who: SFRPD, Public
Why: Urbanization, human disturbance, and invasive plant and
animal species reduce biodiversity. Many native plant and animal species
have been eliminated from their historical distribution around Lake Merced
due to the spread of invasive exotic plant species and urbanization.
What: Based on the inventory and evaluation of threats above
(NRE-1.1), identify critical habitats and priority areas to focus restoration
activities. Restoration activities will include 1) removal of invasive
exotic plant species, (2) the identification of appropriate reference conditions,
(3) the collection and propagation of local plant materials, (4) the revegetation
of degraded areas, particularly in the Lake’s uplands, and (5) the reintroduction
of locally extirpated native plant and animal species when feasible and
appropriate. Monitor restoration activities and evaluate the success against
reference conditions. Reduce impacts of non-native animal species (i.e.
feral cats and brown-headed cowbirds) through education, signage and/or
trapping.
When: Volunteer’s initiated in 1993
Funding: SNRAMP Implementation Fund
Cost: TBD
Action: NRE-1.3 Establish A Native Plant Nursery
Who: SFRPD, SFPUC, Public
Why: To efficiently restore native plant communities at Lake
Merced, it is necessary to have a native plant nursery on-site for use
by volunteers and gardening staff. The nursery site needs to be protected
from potential vandalism, exposed to sunlight, and accessible to water
and park vehicles.
What: Construct and maintain a native plant nursery at Lake
Merced.
When: Summer 1999 (dependent on site availability)
Funding: SNRAMP Implementation/ Private Funding
Cost: TBD
Action: NRE-1.4 Control Invasive Non-Native Plant Species Using
Integrated Pest Management
Who: SFRPD, Public
Why: Invasive exotic pest plants constitute one of the most
serious threats to native plants and the wildlife habitat they provide.
Several exotic plant species are particularly invasive.
What: Use integrated pest management techniques to eliminate
designated exotic plant populations. Prioritize species and specific areas.
Focus initial efforts on controlling the spread of pioneer populations
and the spread of large populations of invasive non-native plants. Mature
stands of blue-gum eucalyptus and Monterey cypress provide habitat for
wildlife and will not be removed. As the trees in these stands die, replace
with native trees Remove selected eucalyptus and Monterey cypress trees
where they are expanding into native plant communities. Coordinate these
activities with the inventory, mapping and planning activities described
in NRE-1.2. Monitor plant cover in areas where invasives have been removed.
When: Presently and on-going
Funding: SNRAMP Implementation Fund, Volunteers
Cost: TBD
Action NRE-1-5 Develop A Marsh Enhancement Plan
Who: SFPUC, SFRPD, Volunteer
Why: Low water levels have changed the composition of the marshes around
Lake Merced and diminished habitat heterogeneity, particularly at Impound
Lake. Development in the Lake’s watershed has radically altered freshwater
inputs into the Lake. As late as the 1950’s, an extensive freshwater marsh
extended up an arroyo to the southeast. Extensive upland marshes provided
a variety of micro habitats for wildlife, particularly nesting birds. These
marsh borders have been compressed to a band around the lake where tules
tend to dominate.
What: After a Lake level has been determined (see WRS-1.3 and
WRS-1.4), develop a marsh enhancement plan to improve heterogeneity of
wetlandswhich surround the Lake. Such actions may include digging potholes
and limited tule removal. Methods of tule removal and management should
be included in this plan.
When: Beginning Winter 1998
Funding: SNRAMP Implementation Fund (partially)
Cost: TBD
Goal 2: Minimize Human Impact on Natural Environment
Action: NRE-2.1 Control Erosion
Who: SFRPD, Public
Why: Erosion can threaten native plant communities, degrade
water quality, decrease bank stabilization, and potentially create hazardous
situations.
What: Identify and restore areas damaged and/or threatened by
erosion. Where appropriate, replant damaged areas with native plants.
When: Begin Fall 1998
Funding: SNRAMP Implementation Fund (partially)
Cost: TBD
Action: NRE-2.2 Determine Appropriate Human Use In Sensitive
Natural Resource Areas
Who: SFRPD, Public
Why: To ensure sensitive areas are managed in a way which supports
the plant and animal life and restoration activities. Humans have direct
and indirect impact on the natural environment. Direct human impacts include
human encampment, litter, off trail bicycles, and dogs of leash. Indirect
human impact may simply be human presence in an area occupied by breeding
birds. Sensitive areas such as the mesa, margins of Harding Park Golf course,
and potentially particular coves and Lake edges are important to protect
for plants and animals.
What: Identify sensitive areas. Determine appropriate human
use. Use control devises such as fencing, signage and policy changes to
minimize human impact.
When: Beginning Fall 1998
Funding: SFRPD
Cost: TBD
Action: NRE-2.3 Coordinate Operations Of The Harding Park Golf
Course With Lake Merced CMP
Who: SFRPD, SFPUC
Why: It is necessary for the operations at Harding Park Golf
Course to be coordinated with Lake Merced CMP to ensure that the management
of the Harding Park lands that abut North, East and South Lake does not
negatively affect the Lake’s beneficial uses.
What: Document current operations of the Harding Park Golf Course.
Determine if golf course management practices, in particular the use of
pesticides and fertilizer, are detrimental to the aquatic ecosystem. Coordinate
with WRS-3.4. If practices negatively impact the Lake ecosystem, coordinate
with Golf Course Manager to mollify appropriate course practices i.e. use
of pesticides, fertilizer, or watering regime.
When: Immediately, if monitoring program (WRS-3.4) identifies
high levels of chemicals in fertilizers in areas around the golf course.
Funding: SFRPD
Cost: TBD
Action: NRE-2.4 Investigate Prevention Of Road Kills Around The
Lake
Who: Public, SFDPT
Why: The entire perimeter of Lake Merced is a roadway. Due to
the high volume of cars which circulate around Lake Merced, there are many
road kills each year.
What: Conduct survey to determine impact of automobiles on animals.
The survey should identify the high volume road kill areas, the time of
year that most deaths occur, and the species most affected. If road kills
are determined to be a significant issue, formulate a plan to minimize
animal deaths. Solutions may include lower speed limits, fences and/or
improved lighting.
When: TBD
Funding: SFRPD
Cost: TBD
Action: NRE-2.5 Recommend Concessionaires To Be Responsible For
Litter Abatement In Their Immediate Area
Who: SFRPD, Concessionaires
Why: To help control the trash which accumulates around the
concessionaires facility.
What: Include in future concessionaires leases or lease renewals
with the SFRPD Property Management a statement which denotes the concessionaires
as responsible for implementing an aggressive litter abatement effort around
the facility. Secure Park Commission and Board of Supervisors approval.
When: When permits are renewed
Funding: SFRPD
Cost: TBD
Action: NRE-2.6 Provide A Receptacle For Fishing Line
Who: SFRPD
Why: The Audubon Society stated that entanglement of birds in
improperly discarded fishing line is a serious health threat.
What: Install a receptacle at each of the fishing piers to discard
line. Distribute pamphlet describing appropriate fishing behavior at boat
house. Increase Lake Merced maintenance staff to manage receptacles (see
REC-4.1 and REC-4.3). Post signs on trash receptacles informing Lake visitors
to properly dispose of fishing lines and other plastics which might ensnare
birds and other wildlife.
When: TBD
Funding: Unknown
Cost: $40,000 per gardener / $200 per receptacle
Action: NRE-2.7 Study The Presence Of The Police Range And The
Pacific Rod And Gun Club In Regards To The Wildlife
Who: TBD
Why: The noise created by the Rod and Gun Club may negatively
affect the wildlife at Lake Merced.
What: Assess whether the noise produced by the SF Police Range
and the Pacific Rod and Gun Club affects wildlife. If the noise generated
by the firing activity has a negative impact on wildlife, implement a noise
abatement plan.
When: TBD
Funding: TBD
Cost: TBD
Action: NRE-2.8 Maintain Areas Around Lake Merced As Open Space
Who: SFRPD, SF Planning Department
Why: To foster the health of the natural environment in and
around Lake Merced by creating buffers between natural and human landscapes.
What: Support the Western Shoreline Plan, as described in the
Recreation and Open Space Element of the San Francisco General Plan. (The
Western Shoreline Plan, part of the San Francisco Master Plan, is the City’s
plan for the Local Coastal Zone established by the California Coastal Commission.
This plan included objectives and policies pertaining to open space in
the areas covered by the plan.) Encourage the establishment of conservation
easements(s) on lands adjacent to Lake Merced.
When: Presently - On-going
Funding: SFRPD
Cost: N/A
Goal 3: Educate The Public About The Natural Resources And Restoration Efforts Of Lake Merced
Action: NRE-3.1 Include Interpretative Signage On Harding Bridge,
Impound Bridge And Possibly Other Sites
Who: SFRPD, Public
Why: Harding Bridge and Impound Bridge are both exceptional
places for viewing the diverse wildlife which inhabit the Lake.
What: Install graffiti proof natural history interpretative
signage at Harding and Impound Bridges.
When: When funds are procured (See REC-4.3)
Funding: SFRPD
Cost: See REC-4.3
Action: NRE-3.2 Build Educational Kiosk At Sunset Circle
Who: SFRPD, Public
Why: Incorporate educational material on the kiosk at the Sunset
Boulevard parking lot as identified in REC-1.4B.
What: Install a education kiosk at Sunset Circle (see REC-1.4)
When: See REC-1.4
Funding: SFRPD
Cost: See REC-1.4
Action: NRE-3.3 Provide Natural History Educational Programs
Who: SFRPD, Public
Why: Lake Merced is a unique natural resource in San Francisco.
With the tremendous diversity of plant and animal life that exists at the
Lake, it is prime location to educate people about the wonders of the natural
world. Also to encourage long-term involvement in the protection and preservation
of this ecosystem, it is paramount to instill an understanding and appreciation
of the many functions the Lake provides to both humans and the plants and
animals which depend on the Lake. Currently, Audubon Society, Native Plant
Society, Adopt-A-Watershed, Friends of Lake Merced, Planet Drum, and the
SFRPD lead interpretive tours, and ecological restoration activities at
the Lake.
What: Increase education and recreational programs at the Lake.
Continue to develop, coordinate, and lead age-appropriate natural history
programs. Develop a curriculum to be used by neighboring elementary and
high schools. Offer programs on a regular basis.
When: On-going
Funding: SFRPD and private funding
Cost: Variable
Action: NRE-3.4 Develop Self-Guided Tour Pamphlet
Who: SFRPD, Public
Why: As an on-going opportunity for people to learn about the
natural features of the Lake, develop a self-guide tour pamphlet to educate
residents and visitors to the Lake about the natural features and restoration
activities. The pamphlet will be used instead of an array of signs that
will clutter the landscape and to reduce vandalism to signs.
What: Create a self-guided tour pamphlet.
When: May 1997-May 1998
Funding: TBD
Cost: $200.00 currently raised for this project. Charge an optional
and nominal fee for the brochure. An illustration for the cover has been
designed for this project by Lakeshore Elementary School students.
Action: NRE-3.5 Encourage On-Going Research And Education On
The Ecology Of Lake Merced
Who: SFRPD, SFPUC, SFSU, Public
Why: As a significant natural resource area it is necessary
to continue to study the effects of urbanization and management practices
at the Lake in order to protect and enhance the natural resources.
What: Formalize, increase, and coordinate research and education
activities. The Significant Natural Resource Areas Management Plan involves
developing on-going partnerships between government agencies, scientists,
and the community to conduct research projects and education programs.
Some partnerships have already been established. The Friends of Lake Merced
and San Francisco State University (SFSU) are jointly conducting a water
monitoring program. SFSU and the California Native Plant Society currently
conduct plant inventories. The Audubon Society records information on birds
at the Lake. SFRPD and Friends of Lake Merced offer ecological restoration
and park clean-ups. Continue and expand the role of college students, interns
and local high school students in these and other required studies.
When: Present and on-going
Funding: SFRPD
Cost: TBD
|
|
