Plan Status Updates:
Water Resources
Program
Recreational
Use Program
Natural
Areas Program
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Completion |
Status |
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Note: Reports marked with an * are available at the San Francisco Public Library, Government Information Center, 100 Larkin Street, San Francisco |
| . | Goal 1: Maximize water level for appropriate, identified beneficial uses |
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| WRS-1.1 | Review the lake's emergency water supply status |
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Work to be completed as part of the Local Water CIP Plan “Lake Merced Pump Station Essential Upgrade” and the assessment of environmental impacts of raising water levels, see also WRS-1.4 and WRS-1.6. |
| WRS-1.2 | Review identified beneficial uses |
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Work to be completed as part of the assessment of environmental impacts of raising water levels, see also WRS-1.4. |
| WRS-1.3 | Conduct a natural resources survey and assessment report |
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Lake Merced 1998 Baseline Natural Resources Inventory, April, 1999*. Objectives of inventory included: identify and describe plant communities & dominant species; assess potential habitat conditions for amphibians, aquatic reptiles, and other upland species; qualitatively assess existing aquatic habitat conditions; assess habitat availability & conditions for sensitive reptiles, including California red-legged frog. Inventory results being used in assessment of environment impacts of raising water levels, see WRS-1.4. |
| WRS-1.4 | Develop and evaluate alternatives for increasing lake level |
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Feasibility Evaluation of
Alternatives to Raise Lake Merced, October, 1998*, evaluated 10 potential
water supply resources to be used to raise water level at Lake Merced,
SFPUC authorized further study of feasibility of discharging treated stormwater
while discharging limited quantities of imported surface water.
Vista Grande Diversion Feasibility Evaluation, October 2001*, identified, evaluated and screened alternative approaches to treating and discharging stormwater; the evaluation concluded that no single alternative can address all project objectives, the top ranked alternatives were Structural Control Measures and Constructed Wetlands. Vista Grande Stormwater Diversion Pilot Project Phase I, January, 2002 – on-going, in-field pilot facilities were constructed to test the effectiveness of a Continuous Deflection & Separation Unit (CDS Unit) to treat Vista Grande stormwater, CDS effluent discharged back to the canal, sampling & analysis of CDS influent, effluent and lake water scheduled for December 2002 – February 2003; conducting an assessment of environmental impacts of raising water level, EDAW/Talavera (JV) currently under contract to perform assessment, work to be completed by Summer, 2003. |
| WRS-1.5 | Discharge surplus imported surface water to South Lake |
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Water discharges in 1999, 2000 and 2002; water discharge planned for February/March 2003. |
| WRS-1.6 | Develop a condition assessment of the import/export water infrastructure for Lake Merced |
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Work to be completed as part of the Local Water CIP Plan “Lake Merced Pump Station Essential Upgrade” |
| WRS-1.7 | Develop a Lake Merced emergency operations plan |
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| . | Goal 2: Preserve the Lake's Integrity and Its Relationship With the Underlying Aquifer | . | . |
| WRS-2.1 | Manage the Westside Groundwater Basin |
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Revising the Groundwater Master Plan, draft 1996*; the hiring of a certified hydrogeologist currently underway. |
| WRS-2.2 | Install lake level gauges on North and Impound Lakes |
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Gauges installed on all three lakes as part of the development of the Conceptualization of the Lake-Aquifer System, Westside Groundwater Basin, Luhdorff & Scalmanini, March 2002* |
| WRS-2.3 | Supply groundwater users with surface water during normal and wet years |
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SFPUC signed Memoranda of Understanding with the City of Daly City, City of San Bruno and California Water Service to deliver supplemental surface water at a reduce rate in lieu of the parties extracting groundwater from the Westside Groundwater Basin; studies will be conducted to determine the effect of reduced groundwater pumping on water levels in the Westside Groundwater Basin. |
| WRS-2.4 | Encourage groundwater conservation efforts |
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Contributed $1.0 million for construction costs of the North San Mateo Sanitation District’s new Tertiary Treated Recycled Water Facilities; facilities will produce water for irrigation at local area golf courses thus permitting golf courses to reduce significantly groundwater pumping; additional works to be completed as part of the Local Water CIP Plan “Groundwater Projects” |
| WRS-2.5 | Encourage natural recharge of the aquifer |
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Working with SF Recreation & Park to ensure that the renovation of Lake Merced parklands includes measures to retain stormwater on-site for percolation into the ground, ie. Harding Park Golf Course, Impound Lake Triangle Project. |
| WRS-2.6 | Implement groundwater monitoring in the vicinity of Lake Merced |
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Monthly groundwater monitoring conducted at sites around Lake Merced, Pine Lake and Golden Gate Park; continuous monitoring conducted in newly developed shallow monitoring wells in northern Westside Groundwater Basin. |
| WRS-2.7 | Encourage the use of recycled water |
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SFPUC revising its Recycled Water Master Plan, draft July 1996* as part of the Local Water CIP Plan “Recycled Water”. See also status of WRS-2.4 |
| . | Goal 3: Protect and enhance water quality for the appropriate, identified beneficial uses |
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| WRS-3.1 | Conduct a Lake Merced watershed sanitary survey |
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Lake Merced Watershed Sanitary Survey, November 1999*; implementing recommendations: participating with Westside Groundwater partners in bi-annual basin-wide water quality testing, lake water quality sampling conducted during renovation activities at Harding Park Golf Course, developing seawater intrusion monitoring wells at SF Zoo, applying for California Department of Water Resources grant monies to fund development of additional seawater monitoring wells in northern Westside Basin. |
| WRS-3.2 | Implement storm water best management practices on peripheral roads |
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Working with DPW on BMPs implementation. |
| WRS-3.3 | Conduct a pollution prevention demonstration project |
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Installed structural control devises along John Muir Drive and Harding Park Road to test effectiveness of units to treat stormwater. |
| WRS-3.4 | Develop and conduct a quarterly limnological monitoring program |
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Water quality data being collected bi-monthly and posted to FoLM web site. |
| WRS-3.5 | Investigate fish conditions |
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Fish conditions known to be poor. Working with the Lake Merced Task Force to secure a California Coastal Conservancy grant to conduct a fish community study; as part of the assessment of environmental impacts of rising water levels, existing aquatic habitat conditions will be identified (see also WRS-1.4). |
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Goal 1: Maintain and improve diverse recreational opportunities (including athletic sports) for both local and regional visitors to Lake Merced |
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| REC-1.1 | Maintain a healthy Lake Merced fishery and fishing opportunities |
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1.1A
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Develop the most appropriate fish stocking program |
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LMTF submitted a Coastal Conservancy grant for a fisheries study in Nov. '02 |
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1.1B
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Improve water quality for fish habitat |
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LMTF submitted a Coastal Conservancy grant for a fisheries study in Nov. '02 |
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1.1C
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Renovate/rebuild existing piers (12 total) |
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Contract awarded to Ghilotti Bros./ Pan-Marine JV in October 2002 to renovate the John Muir Way fishing pier. Contractor preparing shop drawings and submittals. |
| REC-1.2 | Provide an attractive and safe trail system for joggers and walkers |
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Development of a public access trail proposed as part of the LMTF Coastal Conservancy grant proposal. This trail would lead to the eastern end of east lake and connect to the perimeter path along Lake Merced Boulevard. |
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1.2A
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Develop a safe walking/jogging path on Harding Road between the North Lake footbridge and the Boathouse Restaurant |
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Pathway done as part of the Harding Golf Course renovation. |
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1.2B
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Maintain the perimeter pathway (e.g., remove broken glass, repair damage by tree roots, etc.) as a high maintenance priority |
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1.2C
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Consider the appropriate lighting on the perimeter, multi-use pathway |
(NDS) |
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1.2D
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Close the informal jogging/walking trail along the northern boundary of the golf course overlooking East Lake |
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The pathway has been closed off with chainlink fencing. However, the trail persists as people are cutting through the fence. LMTF would like to study the placement of a permanent pathway. Therefore, LMTF submitted a Coastal Conservancy grant application for a feasibility study in Nov. '02. |
| REC-1.3 | Provide Appropriate and Safe Bicycle Routes |
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1.3A
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Consult with the Dept. of Parking and Traffic to provide a transitional bicycle pathway from John Muir drive onto the perimeter pathway. Also provide a Class III (shared roadway) bicycle path on John Muir Drive between Skyline and Lake Merced Blvds. |
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1.3B
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Provide bicycle parking at automobile parking lots and major activity areas |
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Bike racks will be placed at the west end of the viaduct as part of the John Muir Way fishing pier replacement and parking lot improvement project, anticipated for completion in Fall '03. |
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1.3C
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Encourage bicyclists to stay on paved pathways due to erosion concerns |
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Regulation signs placed around the lake advises bicyclists to stay on paved paths. |
| REC-1.4 | Maintain and Develop Visitor Amenities, which should be compatible with recreational uses, athletic sporting uses, and the natural character of the lake | . | . |
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1.4A
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Provide permanent restrooms at the east end of the viaduct, in the vicinity of, but not within, the Pacific rod and Gun Club along John Muir Drive, and at the Sunset Boulevard parking lot |
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Portable toilets have been placed at the east end of the viaduct and at the Sunset Blvd. parking lot in the interim. As part of the John Muir Way fishing pier replacement and parking lot improvement project, sewer and water will be stubbed out for the future permament restrooms that would be contructed when funds are available. |
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1.4B
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Provide visitor information kiosks, which would include recreation map(s), site history and park-use regulations. These are to be located at parking and activity areas |
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Park-use regulation signs are placed along the perimeter, multi-use pathway. |
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1.4C
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Install visitor amenities including pay telephones, drinking fountains, benches and trash containers where they will serve the public and be more easily maintained |
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Contract awarded to Ghilotti Bros./Pan-Marine JV for the east side of the viaduct. |
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1.4D
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Encourage concessionaires through lease agreements to be responsible for restroom maintenance and litter pick-up through lease agreements beyond their demised premises |
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The Boathouse Restaurant maintains the public restrooms on Harding Road. |
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1.4E
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Provide disabled access to all visitor amenities |
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Project construction includes replacement of the fishing pier, parking area and pathway improvements. The east side of the viaduct would then be wheelchair accessible. |
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1.4F
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Work with the SFPD, park users, concessionaires and community groups to control and reduce vandalism |
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On-going through the Recreation and Park Dept. Volunteer Program |
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1.4G
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Provide maintenance funding for repairs |
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1.4H
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Ensure that concessionaire activities are safe for public use |
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This is a priority of the City whenever concessionaire leases are considered. |
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1.4I
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Provide evergreen landscape improvements along the Pacific rod and Gun Club at John Muir Drive |
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1.4J
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Provide bicycle parking (average 3 racks per location) in convenient locations |
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Bike racks to be installed on east side of the viaduct by Fall '03 |
| . | Goal 2: Preserve, protect and enhance Lake Merced's scenic character | . | . |
| REC-2.1 | Recognize the value of unique vistas at Lake Merced |
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Portable toilet facilities placed in the forefront at most scenic locations near parking lots |
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Goal 3: Provide adequate and safe vehicular access and circulation to the recreational features of Lake Merced | . | . |
| REC-3.1 | Provide adequate and attractive parking areas | . | . |
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3.1A
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Upgrade the Brotherhood Way parking lot and landscape |
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Conceptual plan developed through LMTF and approved by the Recreation and Park Commission on September 2001. Need funding to construct. |
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3.1B
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At the Bufano Statue parking lot, address the drop-off alongside the pathway and upgrade landscaping around the picnic area |
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Conceptual plan developed through LMTF and approved by the Recreation and Park Commission on September 2001. Need funding to construct. |
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3.1C
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Consolidate pathways at the east side of the viaduct to protect the native plants |
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Contract awarded to Ghilotti Bros./Pan-Marine JV. Contractor preparing shop drawings and submittals. Construction anticipated for completion in Fall '03. |
| REC-3.2 | Establish safe and clearly identified automobile and pedestrian access routes | . | . |
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3.2A
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Install appropriate signage to restrict vehicular speeds along Harding Park Road |
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25 MPH signs installed at the entries onto Harding Road. Also speed bumps installed on Harding Road approach to Boathouse Restaurant |
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3.2B
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Provide appropriate lighting in designated parking areas |
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Lighting installed in the Harding Road parking area. |
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3.2C
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Provide better access from the north side of Lake Merced |
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Stoplight installed at Lakeshore Elementary School |
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3.2D
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Improve pedestrian safety at the Harding Road/Skyline Boulevard intersection |
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| REC-3.3 | Encourage use of public transportation to and from Lake Merced | . | . |
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3.3A
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Include transit information on park maps |
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The Department's city park map includes a public transit directory. Public transit information is standard on Department brochures. |
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3.3B
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Encourage event promoters to include transit information in advertising |
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The Recreation and Park Department requires event promoters to submit a transportation plan, encourage public transportation in its advertising, and hire parking and traffic officers for events attended by 500 or more people. |
| . | Goal 4: Ensure continued maintenance of the entire Lake Merced area | . | . |
| REC-4.1 | Provide adequate number of trained staff for maintenance | . | . |
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4.1A
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Determine the number of regular maintenance personnel (gardeners and custodians) and equipment needs for Lake Merced |
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A minimum of three (3) gardeners around the perimeter is required to provide adequate maintenance levels. |
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4.1B
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Utilize the Sheriff's Work Alternative Program and the SFCC to augment City staff |
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The SFCC has performed erosion control improvements at Lake Merced. Youth Development groups such as the San Francisco League of Urban Gardeners Habitat Restoration Crews performed much of the restoration work in natural areas. |
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4.1C
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Train staff in marsh management with emphasis on integrated pest management (IPM) techniques |
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4.1D
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Train staff to conduct periodic rodent surveys. Non-toxic measures, including live trapping, should be used to reduce pests where appropriate |
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4.1E
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Train staff to manage the feral cat population to reduce predation on ground nesting birds |
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4.1F
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Recognize that the fishing beach areas are lake bottom areas exposed by low water levels as an interim condition until water level rises. Provide access to maintenance |
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Temporary wood stairs were constructed to access the lake bottom area. As water level rises, these steps will become obsolete. The John Muir Way fishing pier and parking lot improvement project does not provide direct access to the lake bottom areas. |
| REC-4.2 | Encourage park stewardship through volunteer efforts |
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The Recreation and Park Department worked with 17 community, school, and corporate groups in FY 01/02. The Friends of Lake Merced and local high school groups have monthly volunteer workdays at Lake Merced. The Zoo Crew has bi-monthly work parties. |
| REC-4.3 | Seek supplemental funding for expanded maintenance |
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| . | Goal 5: Educate the public regarding park regulations | . | . |
| REC-5.1 | Provide public education regarding park regulations | . | . |
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5.1A
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Provide adequate signs regarding park regulations and explanations |
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5.1B
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Post signs on trash receptacles informing lake visitors to properly dispose of fishing lines and other plastics which might ensnare birds and other wildlife |
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5.1C
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Work with local agencies to enforce regulations |
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| . | Goal 1: Enhance biodiversity of aquatic and terrestrial ecosystem | . | . |
| NRE-1.1 | Identify natural resources |
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Plant, animal and soil surveys performed by volunteers, RPD staff and consultants as part of natural areas planning efforts. Aquatic resources (i.e., macroinvertebrates and fish) will be surveyed as part of the LMTF Coastal Conservancy grant proposal. |
| NRE-1.2 | Protect and restore native plants and animals |
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Native plant restoration sites established at the Mesa, (across Lake Merced Boulevard from Lakeshore Elementary School), Sunset Circle, Harding Park Bridge, north slope of Harding Park, south slope of Harding Park, east end of East Lake, Bufano statue area, John Muir Pier area and around Impound Lake. |
| NRE-1.3 | Establish a native plant nursery |
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Approximately 6,000 plants, grown in the native plant section of the Golden Gate Park Nursery were installed in 2002. |
| NRE-1.4 | Control invasive non-native plant species using integrated pest management |
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Cape ivy and iceplant reduced in restoration sites (see NRE 1.2). Integrated Pest Management Techniques employed in all restoration project areas. |
| NRE-1.5 | Develop a marsh enhancement plan |
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| . | Goal 2: Minimize human impact on natural environment | . | . |
| NRE-2.1 | Control erosion |
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Erosion control measures installed by Natural Areas Program at Sunset Circle, Mesa, Bufano Statue Area, Impound Lake (various sites) and John Muir Pier area. As part of the Harding Park renovation, RPD will be repairing erosion on the north slope of the golf course. |
| NRE-2.2 | Determine appropriate human use in sensitive natural resource areas |
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The Draft Significant Natural Resource Areas Management Plan (currently under advisory committee review) made preliminary determinations about appropriate human use in sensitive resource areas. |
| NRE-2.3 | Coordinate operations of the Harding Park golf course with Lake Merced CMP |
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| NRE-2.4 | Investigate prevention of road kills around the lake |
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| NRE-2.5 | Recommend concessionaires to be responsible for litter abatement in their immediate area |
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| NRE-2.6 | Provide a receptacle for fishing line |
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| NRE-2.7 | Study the presence of the police range and the Pacific Rod and Gun Club in regards to the wildlife |
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| NRE-2.8 | Maintain areas around Lake Merced as open space |
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Brush and invasive species removal, primarily around the Impound Lake and the east end of South Lake. |
| . | Goal 3: Educate the public about the natural resources and restoration efforts of Lake Merced | . | . |
| NRE-3.1 | Include interpretative signage on Harding Bridge, Impound Bridge and possibly other sites |
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Interpretive signs will be installed at Sunset Circle, Impound Bridge and Harding Park picnic area. |
| NRE-3.2 | Build educational kiosk at Sunset Circle |
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| NRE-3.3 | Provide natural history educational programs |
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Natural history programs, such as bird and flower walks, offered to the public this year. |
| NRE-3.4 | Develop self-guided tour pamphlet |
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Pamphlet published mid-2000. |
| NRE-3.5 | Encourage on-going research and education on the ecology of Lake Merced |
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Students from San Francisco State conducted research on the Western Pond Turtle, land use history and soil toxicology. Students from Lowell High School and the Zoo crew have regular restoration clubs and educational programs at the Lake. |