Dog Management in the GGNRA
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Dog Management in the GGNRA

ByGGBA

Golden Gate Bird Alliance has long advocated for reasonable management of on- and off-leash dogs in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area (GGNRA). Current dog-related recreation is managed under the 1979 Pet Policy, which is not a legal regulation and which fails to protect wildlife, habitat, and park visitors.

In 2013, the National Park Service released its revised proposed Dog Management Rule and Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS) to manage dog-related recreation in the GGNRA. The proposed rule is the biggest accommodation for on- and off-leash dogs in the National Park System.

The proposed Rule allows for four off-leash dog areas and 21 miles of on-leash dog recreation in the San Francisco portion of the GGNRA. No other National Park allow off-leash dogs, and most limit on-leash dogs to a few paved trails.

GGNRA needs to accommodate many users -- families, cyclists, dog owners and nature lovers, as well as wildlife. / Photo by Allen HirschGGNRA needs to accommodate many users — families, cyclists, dog owners and nature lovers, as well as wildlife. / Photo by Allen Hirsch

Golden Gate Bird Alliance supports better regulation of dogs in the GGNRA. While we believe that the proposed regulation is a good first step, the proposed rule does not adequately protect park resources.

We encourage you to share your opinions and experiences with the National Park Service. Click here to file an online comment. The NPS is accepting comments through February 18, 2014.

In our comments, we will emphasize the following points: 

  • The GGNRA should provide more opportunities for visitors to recreate in the GGNRA in San Francisco without interacting with dogs.  Currently, the Preferred Alternatives only provide a few areas where visitors, including those with small children, may go without having to interact with dogs. Many parents and grandparents have told us they will not take children to areas where there are many off-leash dogs. This is not fair to community members that have a right to enjoy the park without fear or discomfort due to the presence of dogs. 
  • Off-leash areas should be well defined by a physical barrier. Park visitors should have the choice of interacting with dogs during their park experience, rather than having the choice made for them. Clearly defined on- and off-leash areas will allow dog owners and other visitors to know where dog-related recreation is appropriate. It will also better protect sensitive wildlife and habitat resources, reduce conflicts with other users, and allow for less controversial enforcement of the new rules. 
  • The SEIS fails to establish that “voice control” is a valid method of controlling off-leash dogs.
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Wild! In Alameda

ByGGBA

The City of Alameda has a rich heritage of wildlife! Learn about and enjoy the birds, mammals, and marine life of this island community this spring through Wild! in Alameda, a series of programs celebrating local wildlife. All ages are welcome!

Register below for the free Alameda Wildlife symposium on Saturday April 9th.

Wildlife Photography Exhibit

Enjoy vivid photographs of birds and other wildlife, all taken in the City of Alameda by 11 talented wildlife photographers. The  exhibit runs from February 28 to May 28, 2016 in the Stafford Meeting Rooms of the Alameda Main Library at 1550 Oak Street in Alameda. Free and available for viewing whenever the library is open – just ask the front desk to open the room. Learning worksheet available at front desk.

Brown Pelican by Rick LewisBrown Pelican by Rick Lewis

Featuring photos by: Richard Bangert, Tom Bennett, Eleanor Briccetti, Don Dvorak, Leora Feeney, Allen Hirsch, Bob Lewis, Rick Lewis, Cindy Margulis, Verne Nelson, and Jerry Ting.

Wildlife Symposium

Learn about key Alameda species such as the Harbor Seal, Least Tern, Snowy Plover, and Brown Pelican from local experts, including East Bay Regional Parks and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Symposium takes place on April 9, 2016, 10 a.m. to noon at the Alameda Main Library, Stafford Meeting Rooms. Free and open to the public. Advance registration required. Click below to register online, or call the Golden Gate Bird Alliance office at (510) 843-2222.

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Western Bluebird in Alameda, by Rick LewisWestern Bluebird in Alameda, by Rick Lewis

Wildlife symposium presenters:

  • Richard Bangert – Osprey
  • Tom and Diane Bennett – Western Snowy Plover
  • Michael Charnofsky, East Bay Regional Parks – Western Bluebird
  • Shirley Doell – Peregrine Falcon
  • Susan Euing, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Least Tern
  • Leora Feeney – Brown Pelican
  • Mark Klein – Harbor Seals
  • Cindy Margulis, Golden Gate Bird Alliance, Bay Farm Egret Rookery

Wildlife Viewing

Visit key Alameda wildlife viewing areas on the afternoon of Saturday, April 9th. Friendly docents will help you spot wildlife and tell you about what you see! Check back here closer to April 9th for a list of viewing sites and directions.

Harbor Seals in Alameda, by Richard BangertHarbor Seals in Alameda, by Richard Bangert

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Wild! in Alameda is sponsored by Golden Gate Bird Alliance and our Friends of the Alameda Wildlife Refuge committee. Many thanks to our Signature Level sponsor, Alameda Point Partners; our co-sponsor, the Alameda Free Library; and all the contributing photographers.

Questions? Call the Golden Gate Bird Alliance office at (510) 843-2222 or email Linda at lindacarloni@comcast.net…

Winter 2014 Gull is available
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Winter 2014 Gull is available

ByGGBA

 

The Gull - Winter 2014

 

The new edition of The Gull newsletter for Winter 2014 is now available online. Read it to learn about the battle over dog management policies in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area (and how you can speak up for wildlife there).

You can also learn about GGBA’ work creating bird habitat in schoolyards; birding in Claremont Canyon; and how to differentiate female duck species. And of course it includes the calendar for our Speaker Series in January, February and March!

Click here to read it:  Gull_Winter2014

Note: Because this is a large file, it may take a minute or two to download. Be patient!   🙂

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It’s not too late to order our 2014 Birds of the Bay Area calendar

It’s not too late to order our 2014 Birds of the Bay Area calendar

ByGGBA

Our 2013 photo wall calendar was such a success that we’re doing it again!  Enjoy the beauty of birds every month with large, full-color photos of owls, bluebirds, hawks, hummingbirds, songbirds and more by the Bay Area’s most talented wildlife photographers.

Click here to order the calendar for $20 plus postage from our new web store. Or pick one up in person at our office (Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 9 to 5) or at our monthly Speaker Series.

The calendar makes a unique, personal holiday gift for avid birders or anyone who enjoys nature.  The supply is limited, so order yours now!

Along with the beautiful photos, this year’s calendar include tips on how to make your backyard and community more bird-friendly, and dates of rare and unusual bird sightings in Northern California. Each page is 9 x 12 inches, so when it is hanging on the wall, it is 12 inches wide and 18 inches high.

All proceeds go to benefit Golden Gate Bird Alliance’s conservation and education programs.

Calendar cover / Photo by Steve Zamek

 

Sample inside page / Main photo by Allen Hirsch

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