
The Park District’s top priority is keeping our parks, shorelines, lakes and trails safe and well-maintained. A big part of that responsibility is preparing for the future: Taking steps now to adapt to a changing climate, and a rising San Francisco Bay. We are seeing the effects of sea-level rise in increased coastal and levee erosion and trail flooding. Many of our lakes have suffered from toxic algae blooms, and the prolonged drought has had a severe impact on our forests and woodlands.
In 2018, the Park District adopted a climate policy that guides Park District in incorporating five climate principles into our policies, projects, and management.
- Policy Framework for Managing Park Resources in a Changing Climate
- Green Bonds
- Climate Change Strategy
- Carbon Sequestration Study Update
- Strategic Energy Plan
- Park Planning
- Climate-related Legislation - Supported by EBRPD Board of Directors
- More Information
- In the News
- Climate Actions in Our Parks
- Our Parks in a Changing Climate
Policy Framework for Managing Park Resources in a Changing Climate
Image ![]() | Climate in all Policies |
Image ![]() | Climate Friendly |
Image ![]() | Climate Readiness |
Image ![]() | Climate Smart Leadership |
Image ![]() | Advancing Science |
Green Bonds
The Park District is issuing Certified Green Bonds. This new bond funding is for acquisition, habitat restoration, trail construction, and for protecting the shoreline from sea level rise.
Download: EBRPD Green Bond Framework [PDF]
Download: Green Bond Annual Report [PDF]
Climate Change Strategy
The Park District developed a comprehensive strategy to mitigate sea level rise impacting the 55 miles of shorelines that we own and manage in the East San Francisco Bay. The effects of levee failure and over-topping of the San Francisco Bay Trail threaten critical infrastructure, homes, and people. Adaptive plans include renewable energy projects, partnering with regional agencies and research institutes, developing best practices for grazing and fire wildfire hazard management for regional parklands.
Carbon Sequestration Study Update
A 2016 study reported that Park District’s lands store nearly 300,000 tons of carbon dioxide equivalents, which is comparable to the amount of carbon released by 59,300 vehicles during a year.
Strategic Energy Plan
In keeping with the environmental ethic of the East Bay Regional Park District’s mission, the Park District created a Strategic Energy Plan as a road-map for future energy decisions. The Park District currently uses electricity, natural gas, and propane that emit 1,156 tons of carbon dioxide equivalents per year. The plan shows how the Park District can generate much of its energy on-site and significantly reduce its greenhouse gas emissions.
Park Planning
Climate-related Legislation - Supported by Board of Directors
The Park District’s Government and Legislative Affairs Unit actively tracks proposed legislation at the local, state, and federal level; evaluates its relevancy for the Park District; and advocates for policy and funding to support the Park District’s Mission. Examples of some legislative initiatives related to the Climate Initiative include: wildfire protection, plastic waste reduction, climate resources bond, flood protection, and green/active transportation. For more specific information on legislation supported by the Park District, visit our Legislative Initiatives page.
More Information
- National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA): Climate Change, Parks and Health, June 2017. Ana Alvarez, deputy general manager of EBRPD, on creating a ‘climate-smart’ park system.
- EBRPD Economic Analysis Impact Report: Quantifying Our Quality of Life: An Economic Analysis of the East Bay’s Unique Environment 2017
• Chapter 5: Total Economic Significance - Ecosystem Services, see pages 24-34 - COMPASS Magazine 2016: The Park District’s Multipronged Efforts Aim to Protect Shoreline Communities and Lakes While Helping Plants and Wildlife Thrive.
• See pages 6-11 - EBRPD Board of Directors Resolution Supporting Paris Climate Accord, 2017 [PDF]
In the News
- Bay Point Regional Shoreline Reopens with Improved Visitor Facilities, Delta Water Access, 2020
- Bay Point Regional Shoreline Beautifully Restored, 2020
- Land Managers Start to Survey Ecological Damage and Recovery in Bay Area Parks, 2020
- First-of-its-Kind Climate Parcel Tax Now a Measure of Hope, 2020
- Visiting Monarch Butterflies’ Fading Numbers Cause Concern, 2020
- Park District Supports Federal Legislation, 2020
- Parks and Cities Seek Shore Resilience, 2020
- New study: Cattle grazing significantly reduces wildfire spread, 2020