Congresswoman Jackie Speier (D-San Francisco/San Mateo) released the following statement today on the Golden Gate National Recreation Area's announcement in a letter to her to designate all of Rancho Corral de Tierra as open to on-leash dog walking until a final Dog Management Plan goes into effect later this fall:
"This is a victory not only for dog owners but everyone who uses Golden Gate National Recreation Area land because it demonstrates flexibility on the part of GGNRA management. I am pleased that Superintendent Dean listened to the people who consider Rancho Corral de Tierra to be a part of their backyards and increased access to dog walkers. Today, as a result of this policy change, dog walkers can access all of Rancho as long as their dogs are on leash, rather than the mere 20% that they were restricted to since GGNRA acquired the land in 2011. As we look forward to the release of the supplemental dog management plan later this year, I reiterate my strong belief that Rancho must have areas available for off leash dog walking, which is important to the health of dogs. Today's decision increases my confidence in the process and gives me hope that we can arrive at a final Dog Management Plan that will respect the needs of all park users."
The letter from Superintendent Frank Dean came in response to a letter Congresswoman Speier had sent to Interior Secretary Sally Jewell on June 19, 2013.