Letter to the Editor

Your thoughtful letter to the editor can be the key in this campaign to save fires on Ocean Beach.

Before you send your letter, be sure to save the text of your letter to copy/paste, if you plan to send the same letter to multiple papers.

Reemember to keep it personal, and let the readers of the paper know how very important fires on the beach are to you, and all of San Francisco.

For hints on key points, see the tips below.

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Talking Points

There has been no public annoucement from GGNRA of their intention to ban fires

In the middle of the public comment period, GGNRS announced announced their intention to ban fires, with no further public meetings

We need more time for public comments

MANY alternative solutions are possible!

Fires are limited to only a very small section of Ocean Beach

Public comment will be accepted through April 15, 2006. Policy changes will be effective on May 1, 2006. These dates may be extended depending on public comment received in the next few weeks.

GGNRA Facts

1. In FY2005, GGNRA spent approximately $90,000 cleaning up after beach fires and responding to law enforcement calls related to beach fires.

2. Ocean Beach fires are considered a nuisance by beach visitors who complain about hazardous litter, including nails, hot coals, and broken glass. Richmond and Sunset neighbors also complain about smoke and increased crime in their neighborhoods.

3. When asked for input on fire policy, some citizens have asked the park to continue to allow this use, with increased patrols and enforcement, while others have asked that this use be discontinued.

More info here

Solutions

Consider creating a permitting process that is similar to the permitting process used by the National Forest Service

Create signs on the beach that indicate where fires can be burned and what can be in the fire

If people want to burn something with staples or nails, require burn platforms or fire rings to be used

The GGNRA can build public fire rings to be used

Impose strict fines for anybody burning anything other than wood.

Create flyers and post them in the Safeway near the beach where most people buy their wood

Create more clean-up days in conjunction with local organizations