San Francisco approves Sharp Park Conservation Fund for endangered snake habitat

The San Francisco County committee meeting on July 4, 2025, focused on the approval of a significant grant aimed at habitat conservation for the endangered San Francisco garter snake. Ms. Moran presented the legislation for the State Parks Department's Sharp Park Habitat Conservation Fund grant, which totals $200,500. This funding is designated for restoring the habitat of the federally protected species in Sharp Park.

The project is set to span four years, with a five-year performance period for the grant. Due to the sensitive nature of the San Francisco garter snake, restoration work must be conducted during specific times of the year to avoid disrupting the snakes' breeding and foraging activities. Ms. Moran emphasized the importance of starting the project on time to ensure its successful completion.

The committee discussed the need for retroactive approval of the grant contract, as the San Francisco Recreation and Park Department had already initiated the project without prior approval from the Board of Supervisors due to delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The approval is necessary to proceed with the second part of the grant agreement, which involves filing a deed restriction in San Mateo County.

Following the presentation, the committee opened the floor for public comment, but no callers expressed interest in speaking on the matter. The committee then voted unanimously to recommend the resolution to the full Board of Supervisors, marking a significant step forward in the conservation efforts for the San Francisco garter snake.