Fort Funston Idea Sheet

What are your thoughts, questions, solutions for the issues raised in the signs posted on the fence?

(print this-- will be two pages -- and start scribbling down your thoughts!

Why the Fences?  
Fort Funston is home to  
a threatened bird species, the Bank Swallow,  
which burrow nests into the sea cliffs.  
In the fenced-off area we are trying to improve the birds' habitat  
by replacing introduced species like iceplant with native plants.  
The U.S. Army planted iceplant in the 1930's to control erosion around construction sites.  
The invasive iceplant overtook,  
reducing food and cover for wildlife such as quail, swallows, rabbits and insects.  
An average of 20,000 native plants per year are propagated at the Fort Funston native plant nursery  
and are planted by school groups  
and hundreds of volunteers.  
We also rely on park users to stay out of closed areas  
and to keep pets and horses under control.  
By doing so you preserve the work of volunteers  
and help the bank swallows grow in health.  
For more information please feel free to talk to any ranger  
or call 415 239-2366. Thank you.  
Seasonal Use Area. Until further notice,  

this area shall be open from approximately mid-August to mid-March.

 

It will be closed when the bank swallows return here to raise their young in the springtime.

 
Bank swallows (Riparia riparia) are a state-threatened species in the state of California  
and are protected by the Federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1960.  
National Park Service rangers will re-open the gates to allow access into this area  
when the bank swallows have left Fort Funston for their southern migration in late July or August.  

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