Goal NR-3: Preserve, enhance, and expand natural baylands, wetlands, marshes, hillsides, and unique ecosystems within the Planning Area in order to protect their natural ecology, establish the physical setting of the city, provide recreational opportunities, and assist with improved air quality and carbon dioxide sequestration.
The Hayward Planning Area includes over 31 square miles of open space, including baylands, ridgelands, and water in the San Francisco Bay. Open space areas such as these are important because they provide habitat for native plants and animal species, provide recreational opportunities for area residents and visitors, and add scenic value to the community.
The East Bay Regional Park District (EBRPD) operates the Hayward Regional Shoreline Park, which consists of 1,811 acres of salt, fresh, and brackish water marshes, as well as seasonal wetlands and five miles of public trails. In addition to existing parkland, there have also been recent successes in acquiring/dedicating permanent open space, such as the acquisition and restoration of over 3,150 acres of shoreline marsh and wetland areas in recent years by the Hayward Area Shoreline Planning Agency.
The goal and policies in this section strive to protect and restore the Planning Area’s natural open space environments as areas of both important habitat for plant and wildlife species, and recreational and scenic enjoyment for area residents and visitors.
The City shall coordinate with the East Bay s District, Hayward Area Recreation and Park District, and Hayward Area Shoreline Planning Agency to explore all possible resources for public acquisition of permanent open space, including State and public trust funds, leases for private open space use, and additional bond measures.
The City shall coordinate with Hayward Area Shoreline Planning Agency, East Bay District, Bay Conservation and Development Commission, California Coastal Commission, and other Federal, State, and regional agencies to identify methods for acquiring and restoring baylands and marsh habitats, expanding the National Wildlife Refuge, and funding the purchase and restoration of wetland habitats.
The City shall protect the rural character and utility of land in the East Hills Annex for grazing, agriculture, a regional park, or other open space uses by limiting subdivision of larger parcels.
The City shall continue to coordinate with Pleasanton and Alameda County to develop and implement policies that protect the Ridgelands Area from incompatible land uses and activities.