Can golf and endangered species coexist at Sharp Park?
Possibly, but no one can say with any certainty given existing information. It is abundantly clear that the existing configuration, operation, and maintenance of the golf course is harming both endangered species. It is also well supported that restoration of Sharp Park would benefit the recovery of both species. What is not known with any precision is just how much additional harm the species can take without impeding their recovery. We are in favor of pursuing recreational opportunities, including potential golf opportunities, at Sharp Park so long as they are consistent with the recovery of the San Francisco garter snake and the California red-legged frog, and we are actively encouraging studies that will help land management agencies find those opportunities.
The National Park Service has stated that proposals to retain an 18-hole golf course at Sharp Park relegate endangered species to the portions of the property most likely to be negatively impacted by climate change and sea level rise. To protect and recover endangered species on the property requires that we restore habitat above this inundation zone. Currently, those areas are entirely occupied by golf links.
