Senate Unanimously Bill to Expand the Golden Gate National Recreation Area

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) announced that the Senate unanimously passed his legislationto expand and improve the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. The bill would allow the National Park Service to acquire the 896-acre Scarper Ridge property in San Mateo County adjacent to Rancho Corral De Tierra, a 3,858-acre site which is already managed by the Park Service.

The bill now heads to the House of Representatives. It previously passed the Senate by unanimous consent in December 2024, but was not passed by the House by the end of the 118th Congress. Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) is cosponsoring the legislation, and Representative Sam Liccardo (D-Calif.-16) is leading companion legislation in the House of Representatives.

"Scarper Ridge's breathtaking coastal vistas deserve protection so future generations can experience their beauty," said Representative Liccardo. "I'm grateful to Senator Padilla for his partnership in getting this bill across the finish line in the Senate-and I'm ready to get the job done in the House."

"The Golden Gate National Recreation Area is one of the most popular urban parks in the world, flush with rich biodiversity, extensive military artifacts, and stunning recreational opportunities," said Senator Padilla. "Expanding the park's boundary to incorporate the Scarper Ridge property would allow the National Park Service to help protect critically threatened and endangered plants and wildlife, while connecting public lands and hiking trails for locals and visitors alike to enjoy. I'm proud to see the Senate unanimously move my legislation forward and urge my colleagues in the House to swiftly pass the bill."

"We are grateful to Senator Padilla, Senator Schiff, and Congressman Liccardo for continuing the work started by Congresswoman Eshoo to expand and improve the Golden Gate National Recreation Area on the San Mateo County Coast. Over a decade ago, POST purchased this remarkable 896-acre property and has long hoped it would be incorporated into the Rancho Corral de Tierra landscape. With unique habitats and opportunities for public trails, we're thrilled to see this legislation move forward. Having champions like Senator Padilla who understand the importance of protecting biodiverse coastal areas like these is vital to ensuring all Californians can enjoy these magnificent lands forever," said Gordon Clark, President of Peninsula Open Space Trust (POST).

The Golden Gate National Recreation Area consists of more than 80,000 acres of diverse properties managed by the National Park Service across three Bay Area counties that include historic sites, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, and open space for outdoor recreation. In addition to famous landmarks like Alcatraz Island and the Presidio of San Francisco, the park includes hundreds of acres of open space in San Mateo County.

A map of the proposed expansion is available here.