FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Sept. 17, 2001

RECREATION GROUPS ORGANIZE TO PROTECT RECREATIONAL ACTIVITY SITES IN THE NEW EASTSHORE STATE PARK

Bay area recreational groups today announced the formation of a coalition, the Coalition for Park Access and Conservation (CPAC). CPAC's purpose is to educate members and to participate in the planning process for the new Eastshore State Park, scheduled for opening 2002.

In response to widespread concern that present recreational activities may be severely curtailed in the park, people representing sailing, off-leash dog walking, field sports, windsurfing, kayaking, paddling, and rowing have joined together to assure that the planners of this urban park are aware of the need for human recreation activities as well as wildlife habitats.

"The planning process, which has been ongoing for some time, may have been influenced by the strong environmentalist views of Sierra club and Audubon Society leaders who apparently want to limit or curtail much of the recreational activities now enjoyed by thousands of people each year," said Jerry Yukic, chair of Point Isabel Dog Owners (PIDO). "We want to make certain that full consideration is given to the recreation needs of East Bay residents. Humans, dogs and wildlife are all active on the proposed park land now, and we believe that with careful planning, they can all flourish."

Marceline Therrien, Vice Commodore of the Cal Sailing Club, which has operated for many years in waters which are now part of the new park, added, "Improving access for sailors, windsurfers, kayakers and canoers would allow many more individuals to enjoy the natural beauty of the Bay. At the same time we are well aware that certain areas of the shoreline are important to some endangered bird species that use the area during their migratory flights and we would certainly support any reasonable measures that would help protect their habitat."

CPAC membership groups include the Association of Sports Field Users, Bay Area Sea Kayakers (BASK), Berkeley Paddling and Rowing Club, CalDOG, Open Water Rowing Center, and Point Isabel Dog Owners (PIDO).

Also included in CPAC are individual members of the Cal Sailing Club and the Sierra Club and staff of The Bark.

The next public hearing on the development of the Eastbay State Park is on September 24, beginning at 7 p.m. at His Lordships Restaurant, 199 Seawall Drive, at the Berkeley Marina.

Date: 09/17/01

Contact: Sharon Harris, 510-237-6999, scharm@ix.netcom.com