Rancho Corral De Tierra Planning FAQs

Rancho Corral de Tierra panoramic view of ridgeline.

NPS

Rancho Corral de Tierra, part of Golden Gate National Recreation Area, is a nearly 4,000-acre stretch of undeveloped land along the San Mateo coast. As part of its management of Rancho, the National Park Service has begun planning for its future. This FAQ provides information about that process.

 

What is a site plan?

A site plan is a document that defines appropriate uses and functions for an area of the park, taking into account its resources, facilities and community.

 

Why is the park doing a site plan for Rancho Corral de Tierra?

Golden Gate National Recreation Area’s 2014 General Management Plan (GMP) set the general framework for Rancho Corral de Tierra but a more detailed site plan for Rancho will allow the National Park Service to effectively manage the property for the long term, balancing natural resource and recreational values and ensuring public access to public land. The planning process puts into practice our organizational mission: to preserve unimpaired the natural and cultural resources and values of the National Park System for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of this and future generations.

 

What is the scope of the site plan?

The primary aspects of the site plan will address access and trails, natural resource management, operations and maintenance, equestrian facilities, cultural resources, and future land acquisition at Rancho Corral de Tierra.

 

What is the timeline for the development of the site plan?

We are currently in an early stage of developing a site plan for Rancho Corral de Tierra. We anticipate sharing the site plan with the public early in 2025 as part of our National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) compliance process. The NPS will provide notice to all interested parties well before the site plan is open for public comment. This NEPA public comment period is an opportunity for the public to formally offer their input on the specific content of the site plan. Here is a summary of next steps: 

• Spring/Summer 2024 – Ongoing idea gathering and listening sessions to hear from the community.

• Early 2025 – Publish draft Environmental Assessment for 30-day public comment period.  

• 2025 – 2026 – Schematic design for improvements identified in site plan.

• TBD – Site plan implementation. 

 

What ideas have you gathered from the public and how can I share my input?

Recently NPS and Parks Conservancy staff have hosted several listening sessions and informal presentations where we have heard about the important role of existing quality recreational opportunities, the many active uses of the trails, and opportunities to expand our stewardship and volunteer programs. You can share your ideas and input about the future of Rancho Corral de Tierra by emailing us at: [e-mail].

 

Why is the park concerned about Rancho’s San Vicente Creek?

San Vicente Creek contains high concentrations of pathogenic bacteria such as E. Coli and fecal coliform, is listed as an impaired waterbody under the Clean Water Act Section 303(d) and drains to the Pacific Ocean at the Fitzgerald Marine Reserve – a biologically important area and a designated Marine Life Sanctuary. The NPS is operating under an order from the Regional Water Quality Control Board to improve water quality in San Vicente Creek and our staff are partnering with the local Resources Conservation District (RCD) to monitor water quality in the creek. See San Vicente Creek Water Quality Monitoring Report FY 23 online.

 

Will the site plan make changes to the equestrian facilities?

The 2014 GMP identified two zones, a “diverse opportunities zone” (near Ocean View and along San Vicente Creek), and a “natural zone” (higher elevations), committed to retention of equestrian use, and acknowledged that the exact location, type, and scale of facility improvements would be determined in the site plan. The site plan will determine the equestrian lease footprint, restoration opportunities, and visitor access and improvements. It is our goal to maintain equestrian boarding opportunities, public programs, and youth outreach opportunities within Rancho. Alternatives we evaluate through our planning processes may involve the expansion of horse operations into some currently underused areas while moving some facilities out of the San Vicente Creek floodplain. The site plan will need to reflect both recreational and environmental needs. 

 

What is the role of the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy in this planning process?

The Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy (Parks Conservancy) is the non-profit partner to the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. At the request of the park, the Parks Conservancy has over the past four years interacted with the Coastside community, attending community gatherings, farmer’s markets, library and high school events. They are working closely with park staff to gather ideas from the community.

 

How can I learn more about Rancho Corral de Tierra?

Visit the NPS webpage here: https://www.nps.gov/goga/rancho.htm.

 

How do I stay involved in this planning process?

Email [e-mail] or check back on the NPS Rancho webpage at https://www.nps.gov/goga/rancho.htm and the ParkPlanning – Rancho Corral de Tierra Comprehensive Site Management Plan webpage.