The Hub Project creates a 1,000-foot spur trail along the new Muwekma-Ohlone Wildlife Sanctuary's north boundary. This project also thematically and physically links several Islais Creek area shoreline attractions along the San Francisco Bay Trail through directional and interpretive signage, educational programs and site stewardship community activities and opportunities.

b. Does this project close a gap fully linking two existing spine segments of the Bay Trail?

No, existing surface streets now comprise the main access to and through The Hub Project, but improvements are woefully needed to create the sense of a "trail" route. This project proposes to beautify a section of an area of urban trail that is wholly urban/industrial and create an attractive, interesting and safer destination point along the southeast waterfront area of San Francisco.

1. Does the trail project involve a spine, spur, or connector trail?

This project creates a new spur trail along the north boundary of the proposed Muwekma-Ohlone Wildlife Sanctuary and links to the existing spur trail that leads to Tulare Mini-Park. It also beautifies a spine trail along Third and Illinois Streets, creates and maintains user amenities, and thematically and physically links several destination points within the Islais Creek Hub Project by either existing spine, connector, or spur trails through improved directional and interpretive signage, and appropriately placed user amenities.

2. Type or classification of trail: Class I; Class II; Class III. If multiple classifications are involved, please identify each segment.

The spur trail adjacent to the Muwekma-Ohlone Wildlife Sanctuary will be a Class I ADA-type pathway installed according to City policy and State of California specifications. Trail user amenities (directional and interpretive signs, bike racks, water fountain, rest room facility, garbage receptacles, lighting) will be appropriately placed adjacent to a Class III route (surface streets) or near spur trails and destination points such as Islais Landing or Tulare Mini-Park.

e. Does the trail project provide new access where none existed before or new destinations, or does it improve an existing trail?

Yes. New access (spur trail design and construction) to the proposed Muwekma-Ohlone Wildlife Sanctuary (currently in Master Planning phase funded by SF-Urban Resources Partnership) will be created as a new destination point. The Hub Project will improve the existing spine trail (surface streets) along Third and Illinois Streets and the spur trail along Cargo Way to Heron's Head Park through directional signage designed to create a "trail" atmosphere and thematically link The Hub Project's destination points. Landscaping improvements will be made at the Tulare Mini-Park to improve existing plantings, control erosion, and create a berm or "shopping cart barrier" at the Third Street entrance. Landscaping improvements will be made at the Warmwater Cove Mini-Park. The trail-split area between Muwekma-Ohlone Sanctuary and Tulare Mini-Park will be improved through trail curb improvements and repair, the installation of bike racks, a gateway structure onto the Sanctuary, solar security lighting, and garbage receptacles. Islais Landing or other appropriate site will be improved through the installation of a public restroom facility, a bike rack, and garbage receptacles. A security service contract is desired to insure that work improvements throughout The Hub Project are protected and to insure a greater degree of safety and security for trail enthusiasts. At selected sites throughout The Hub Project interpretive signs and kiosks will be installed to educate and inform trail users and students.

2. Partnerships/Leverage

1. What is the total amount of the non-Bay Trail grant match?

$____0____ In-kind: $___currently $105,121.00 Percent of project cost: __68___%

b. Does the project budget demonstrate a collaborative approach to bringing multiple parties together? If yes, please describe.

Yes. The Hub Project is multi-jurisdictional with multiple project participants and contributors, which although pledged, are not all fully formalized in the match portion of the budget yet. Through a long-standing relationship with the Port of San Francisco and community members this project is truly collaborative in that it is spurring partnerships with new project partners including SF Public Works Department, SF Recreation and Park Department, local non-profit organizations such as SLUG and The Athena Project, the USDA-NRCS, the CCC, the Muwekma-Ohlone Tribe, local schools, businesses, and the media.

c. Have private sector and/or community contributions or in-kind services been included? If yes, please describe.

$50,000.00 (value of Totem Pole without installation)- The Muwekma-Ohlone Tribe of San Francisco - This group has donated their support and name for the proposed wildlife sanctuary. They have also donated a "Healing Totem Pole", carved by world-renown artist Shane Eagleton, that is pledged for installation at the site.

$5,000.00 (about 500 hours) - This project has the support and pledged contributions of many local residents and community advocates (Islais Creek Guerilla Gardeners) who now have a seven-year history of site stewardship, particularly on the north shore area of Islais Creek along the spur trail to Tulare Park and at the proposed Muwekma-Ohlone Wildlife Sanctuary site. These site stewards have cleaned, maintained, weeded, created wildlife habitat, and worked collaboratively with the Port of San Francisco personnel to keep the north shore area safe, clean and "green". They pledge to continue their work as site stewards throughout the duration of this project.

Unknown value collaboration with Port of San Francisco lessee - RMC Pacific, a business currently negotiating a lease with the Port for the property just north of the Muwekma-Ohlone site has, as a friendly neighbor supportive of the project, has agreed to work with project partners on access and spur trail construction on and adjacent to their site.

a. Does the project connect to other existing trails, parks, education facilities, or other popular destinations? If yes, please list.

Yes. The main goal of The Hub Project is to develop a popular destination in southeast San Francisco that offers recreation, education, beautification and safe alternative transportation venues. The Hub Project enhances the Bay Trail by enhancing and utilizing existing little known or underused "destination points" along or near Islais Creek in southeast SF (Heron's Head Park, Islais Landing, Firemans Lookout, Tulare Mini-Park, Muwekma-Ohlone Wildlife Sanctuary, and Warm Water Cove. It will develop and link site-appropriate education service learning programs currently being carried out in cooperation with the Port of San Francisco and local schools, recreational facilities (both active and passive), historical and cultural points of interest (Native American cultures, maritime, industry).

Yes. If more fully developed with the proposed trail user amenities, The Hub Project area of the Bay Trail may attract cyclists or other travelers who may opt to use the route for alternative transportation vehicles. This project aims to "open up" the trail to users in the southeast community for both primary transportation and recreational uses. Several public bus stops are very close by on Third Street.

Yes. The Hub Project will beautify, provide greater safety measures, open up public trust properties previously underutilized or inaccessible, and provide trail user amenities to encourage use and exploration of the several destination points along or near Islais Creek. The Hub Project will also facilitate the development of an educational program that will encourage the use of the area for educational purposes. A current grant provided through SF-URP is helping the project's partners have a full habitat/ecological characterization of the Muwekma-Ohlone site which will be used for the site restoration activities carried out by SLUG and the CCC. This information will be basic to natural history and environmental study and for designing appropriate interpretive information. The Hub Project will also develop and/or carry out a public art component that will encourage the incorporation of site appropriate art works created by community members. The Hub Project's fiscal agent, The Athena Project, is a community art and education advocate. The project area has a strong history of community stewardship that will continue throughout the project duration. This project is in part inspired by nearby projects that have served as spheres of influence in beautifying the community. Public use and access will be nurtured through the educational, public art, and landscape beautification components that will be designed to fully engage the community and visiting trail users.

Yes. The spine trail through this area is generally acknowledged by agency and government plans. Additionally, this proposed project supports the regional goals of the San Francisco Bay Estuary Project and City-wide environmental, economic, and recreational goals as outlined in the Sustainability Plan for the City of San Francisco. The Southwest Waterfront Advisory Committee (SWAC), a city-appointed body, fully supports the project as an integral area improvement component.

The Hub Project is innovative in that it creates a "destination hub of open space attractions" along or near Islais Creek in southeast San Francisco, an area seriously in need of local outdoor recreation amenities, naturalistic open space areas (the southeast shoreline is largely industrialized and publicly inaccessible or heavily blighted) and natural history, historical, and cultural learning opportunities. Each component has its own unique theme (inter-tidal wildlife habitat sanctuary, personal watercraft activities, viewing and photography, picnicking, skateboarding and roller-blading). A unique opportunity exists to facilitate a public-private partnership with the Port of San Francisco and the City Public Works Department to install a "Daceaux Toilet" within the Hub. This fully-maintained facility, valued at $100,000, will be a milestone in the City's Daceaux Toilet Program in that currently all facilities are located in more highly visited, prime tourist areas of The City and none exist in southeast San Francisco. The City Public Works Department has been consulted and it is enthusiastic about the opportunity to work with this project.

The highly urban-impacted, mixed industry-residential uses, economically challenged, programmatically under-served, and often blighted area of southeast San Francisco is in need of recreational and open space developments that promote outdoor activity and exploration, community stewardship, and environmental, cultural and historical education. Based on other successful models in similar situations in San Francisco, it is hoped that this "destination hub" will create an interest for trail users to choose to visit the area, to enjoy their experience, and to appreciate the urban portions of the Bay Trail. Based on these successful models it is expected that local community members will enthusiastically "adopt" their portion of the Bay Trail as an integral component of their community.

This proposed project is a combination of planning and construction components. We are working collaboratively with the Port of San Francisco and other jurisdictional agencies to identify environmental review requirements, permit requirements, and formal agreements required to insure long-term plans and requirements are met. We have been advised that although there are likely many items to consider and review, none are expected to be insurmountable obstacles because of the relative minimal impact to the environment including shoreline wetlands. The USDA-NRCS has pledged to assist with the CEQA and NEPA process, help determine which additional permit processes are needed and to help prepare permit documents. NRCS has prepared a preliminary environmental evaluation of the Muwekma-Ohlone site. An extensive scientific biological inventory (currently underway) will indicate if the Endangered Species Act applies to the Muwekma site. We anticipate that a variety of City permits will be required for all structural elements proposed and the Corps of Engineers and BCDC will be consulted to determine permitting requirements. To date, no permits have been received.

b. Identify the status of property control/ownership. Is the property publicly owned or does the grantee have site control through an easement, option agreement, etc.?

For the most part, the Port of San Francisco is the land manager holding The Hub Project's destination properties in public trust for the residents of the Sate of California. The Public Works Department controls the city street spine segments to and near the Hub. The Port of San Francisco generously and enthusiastically supports the proposed and existing site improvements associated with The Hub Project's open space attractions and will work closely with this project to provide public access permits, work with neighboring lessees to collaborate with the project (i.e. easement concessions for the Muwekma-Ohlone spur trail, etc.), and encourage and participate in the public input and planning process. During the course of the first year of this proposed grant project, the details of the access/easement issues will be negotiated and established.

5. California Conservation Corps Participation

a. Will the CCC be employed for trail construction or assistance in trail construction? If yes, please describe.

Yes. Fred Corbin has expressed interest in working with this project based on a field visit with our NRCS project partner. We are currently working with Mr. Corbin on identifying appropriate tasks that meet our mutual goals. Possibilities that have thus far been discussed with Mr. Corbin include site preparation and spur trail construction, construction and installation of interpretive signs, kiosks, and gateways, landscaping improvements at Tulare Park, possible sub-contracting work in partnership with SLUG for the Muwekma-Ohlone Wildlife Sanctuary site improvements, propagating and planting native plants at various Hub sites, and periodic site maintenance. We see CCC as a valuable asset to The Hub Project as they have worked successfully on nearby Hub sites including Islais Landing and Heron's Head Park.

b. Will the applicant provide training opportunities for any form of trail construction, landscaping and/or maintenance to members of CCC? If so, please describe.

One of our partners, the Natural Resources Conservation Service, has recently worked in collaboration with the SF Recreation and Park Department on technical collaboration with CCC-built trails. This resulted in improved trail construction through and technical transfer. A similar collaboration is anticipated for this project. Additionally, we can facilitate on-site training to be provided by local community groups and partners who are skilled in restoration techniques, wetlands and upland wildlife biology, or can relate cultural, historical, or social perspectives to the importance of the work (Muwekma-Ohlone Tribe, Literacy for Environmental Justice, Native Plant Society and Audubon Society members, etc.).

6. Community Support

This project has the full support of the primary jurisdictional agency (The Port of San Francisco) and pledge of dedicated land use for the project, with facilitated endorsement by the Port Commission in progress. District 10 County Supervisor Sophie Maxwell supports the project for its environmental, public health, and recreational assets and benefits; the Southeast Waterfront Advisory Committee has recently and formally pledged its support and advocacy. The San Francisco League of Urban Gardeners has voluntarily partnered with this project and is willing to provide a significant value toward the proposal's match portion of the project budget. A broad base of community individuals and groups are participating in the planning, site preparation, and decision-making aspects. Community members (The Islais Creek Guerilla Gardeners and others) have provided periodic organized group clean-up and site maintenance activities. The SF Urban Resources Partnership grant is currently providing funding for the development of a master plan for the Muwekma-Ohlone Sanctuary which will be used to guide SLUG's site restoration improvements.