On Tuesday, April 5, the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors will make a final decision on whether to allow Off-Leash Dog Pilot Programs at Pillar Point Bluff and Quarry Park. The County Parks Department is asking the Supervisors to deny the permit for off-leash dogs at Pillar Point Bluff, due to concerns about sensitive habitat, wildlife, and safe access at that location; while approving the permit for off-leash dogs at Quarry Park.

Please ask the Supervisors to follow County Parks’ recommendation and deny the Coastal Development Permit (CDP) for the pilot program for off-leash dogs at Pillar Point Bluff.

What’s Happening

Thanks to emails and letters from hundreds of wildlife supporters, in February the San Mateo County Planning Commission voted 3-1 to deny the CDP for the proposed off-leash dog pilot program at both Pillar Point Bluff and Quarry Park

County Parks appealed the Planning Commission’s denial of the pilot program at both parks to the Board of Supervisors, with a request for approval of the CDP for the pilot program only at Quarry Park. We enthusiastically support this compromise, and are also asking for effective enforcement of dog rules at both parks, particularly the requirements for on-leash dogs at Pillar Point Bluff.

Why It Matters

Pillar Point Bluff and adjacent Ross’ Cove tidepools at the Fitzgerald Marine Reserve are a local biological hot spot, with over 31 special status wildlife species at this coastal gem. Environmentally sensitive habitats on the Bluff include seasonal wetlands and rare coastal prairie habitat areas. In contrast, Quarry Park’s eight miles of trails are located within a non-native eucalyptus forest, and are more suitable for off-leash dog recreation.

What You Can Do

Please email the Board of Supervisors by 5 p.m., Monday, April 4, 2022 and ask them to uphold the Planning Commission’s denial of the CDP for Pillar Point Bluff, and approve the CDP for Quarry Park. You can also attend the Board of Supervisors meeting on Tuesday, April 5 at 9a a.m. and speak in support of wildlife.

Thanks for speaking up for wildlife that otherwise would not have a voice! Your support has made a difference!