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City and County of San Francisco
Commission of Animal Control & Welfare Archived Meetings

Meeting Information


2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 

Jared Blumenfeld
Recreation and Parks Department
McLaren Lodge
501 Stanyan Street
San Francisco, California 94117

Dear Mr. Blumenfeld:

We, the members of the Animal Control and Welfare Commission, are writing to you regarding our concern that illegal firework use will occur in the Recreation and Parks properties on the upcoming Fourth of July holiday on a Saturday. It has been a problem in previous years for nesting birds and urban wildlife in general.

Illegal fireworks have long been a problem in San Francisco. Last year the San Francisco Police Department seized approximately 1,000 pounds of fireworks over the Fourth of July holiday, and many more pounds throughout the year. Possession of less powerful fireworks is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $1000, and possession of the stronger explosives is a felony, yet the problem continues.

Nesting season for birds in San Francisco extends from mid-February to mid-August and birds often nest in parks and natural areas. Many kinds of birds are nesting during July, and if frightened by fireworks, can abandon their nests. Areas of particular concern include Stow Lake and Lake Merced, although any park or natural area can provide nesting sites.

We know that the park rangers are already aware of the fireworks problem, but would like to add an awareness of the harm that can be done to nesting birds and other wildlife in the areas that they patrol, and request possible restricted access and extra patrolling in those areas during the Fourth of July.


                                         Respectfully submitted,
                                             Pam Hemphill MD
                                                 Commissioner

cc: Marcus Santiago, Head Park Ranger