The GGNRA is switching their commercial dog walking Special Use Permit, in use since 2014, to a Commercial Use Authorization permit beginning on March 1, 2025.

After extensive review, Crissy Field Dog Group has found that there are some significant changes that commercial dog walkers tell us may force them out of the GGNRA into city parks. 

First, the GGNRA is now requiring a license for all commercial dog walkers who walk three or more dogs. The present rule is four or more dogs.  We understand this will impact a number of small independent dog walkers. 

Second, the park service would be requiring reporting on commercial dog walker income as well as the right to approve how much a commercial dog walker charges. These are very onerous financial and privacy requirements for commercial dog walkers in San Francisco and Marin Counties for which no explanation has been given. 

In addition, some requirements appear irrelevant for commercial dog walking (e.g. requiring commercial automobile insurance that covers human passengers).  Some of these requirements appear to be an effort to intimidate commercial dog walkers and discourage them from using GGNRA lands.

Please contact GGNRA Superintendent David Smith with your concerns: smith_david@nps.gov or call him at 415 561-4738 or 415 265-1886

• Crissy Field Dog Group letter to the GGNRA

• Crissy Field Dog Group analysis of Commercial Use Authoriztion permit

• GGNRA letter to Commercial dog walkers

• Legal considerations whether to register for the CUA

Here are the latest updates and links to media coverage about the aggressive coyotes at Crissy Field, the Presidio and Baker Beach. Also, CFDG wrote a letter to the GGNRA and the Presidio Trust about the SFGATE article dated 10/10/24. Coyotes still abound throughout San Francisco so be aware and careful with your children and pets.

Here are links to these documents:

• Media Coverage

• CFDG Letter to GGNRA and Presidio Trust

There have been numerous coyote related incidents in the GGNRA, including Crissy Field, Presidio, Mountain Lake, and Baker Beach since May, 2024.  We encourage visitors to these areas to be aware of some aggressive coyotes.  If you encounter a coyote, the Presidio Trust has provided an excellent video about how to deter an encounter with a coyote and keep safe. 

We encourage the public to report coyote sightings in the GGNRA by calling 415 561-5505 or the Presidio Trust at 415 561-4270 or coyote@presidiotrust.gov and if you or anyone else you know is injured at Crissy Field, Baker Beach, etc.

San Francisco Animal Care and Control maintains a similar website with reporting options at: COYOTES – San Francisco Animal Care & Control

The GGNRA announced on October 14th that they have dropped the parking fee proposal for areas in San Francisco and Marin counties for now. Yay!

CFDG mobilized with many other user groups (and Tyler Welti, CFDG’S attorney) to address what we think is a serious economic and social equity issue as well as creating serious public safety, public access, and traffic congestion concerns.

We want to thank all of the efforts from a variety of GGNRA user organizations, municipalities from Marin and SF and Reps. Huffman and Speier’s offices for stepping up and conveying these concerns.

CFDG sent a letter to the GGNRA conveying our position in adamantly opposing any proposed parking fees in the GGNRA.

Marin IJ: Consider economic equity of parking charge for Golden Gate National Recreation Area