Lennie Roberts comment that it would only take one match is plain silly. one could say the same for anywhere, yet we have access to many sensitive areas nonetheless. what do you want to bet that Lennie Roberts has a key to the gate and goes out there anytime she pleases.

allowing hikers and/or bikers access isn't going to impact much at all in terms of the environment. if we are truly concerned about the environmental impacts to the watershed, not politics, we should start looking at HWY 280 - it slashes right through the middle and generates massive amounts of polluted runoff that end up in the reservoirs and creeks.

Agree with PVrez, the environmental extremists opposing the expansion are off the mark. I've done a docent led tour through the park and it's quit beautiful, very similar to Huddart, Phleger Estate, Purissima, Russian Ridge and many other parks that we're able to enjoy on a regular basis. The proposal is a reasonable and prudent way to expand access to nature without causing undo environmental impact. People aren't going to leave the Bay Area anytime soon, it makes sense to keep this as protected open space, but provide more access to the public.

Opening up this space for limited public access is a very good thing. If there is concern that an access fee would discriminate against low income people I am sure we could set up a foundation that could provide grants.

I agree with Lennie. Is nothing sacred? Leave the watershed alone. I've seen what limited access results in---erosion by mountain bikes and hikers bringing in parties, teen beer parties, and yes, three wheelers. As well, it will become a draw for people from all over. Take a lik around you, people. You have tons and tons of available recreation space. Leave something wild and clean. I am both a mountain biker and a hiker,and we also own horses. I am AGAINST opening the watershed up for recreational activities. You just cannot trust people to take care of the environment.

A few more hiking trails would be a great use of this land. The NOPEs would find fault with a sidewalk in front of an elementary school. Just don't allow horses (equine emissions should not be in the watershed, provide some basic ranger type patrols / services, and the permit system sounds like a great idea.

@PV Rez too - if it were a sacred and pristine walled garden as you describe, i might agree. but the fact is that is not the case by a long shot. there are existing homes, roads, trucks and other heavy equipment driving around out there. Tom Stienstra has written about this false "pristine" argument for many many years. here's a link to one such article Web Link all i would like is better access to public lands that we own as taxpaying citizens.