New Guardians for the Golden Gate

by Meyer, Amy

• ISBN13: 9780520235342
• ISBN10: 0520235347
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2006-07-01
• Publisher: Univ of California Pr

Summary

National parks are a distinctively American idea. But it takes people to make them happen. This unique, insider's account tells how Bay Area activists forged bipartisan local and national support for an unprecedented campaign to create a great new national park. In 1970, beginning with the former Army lands originally reserved to protect San Francisco Bay, the grassroots People for a Golden Gate National Recreation Area succeeded in preserving all of the spectacular land that frames the Golden Gate. Spanning more than thirty eventful years, Amy Meyer tells the story of how dedicated citizens, including visionary conservationist Edgar Wayburn, master politician Phillip Burton, and a battalion of lesser-known but key allies made our democratic system work for the common good and won their fight to save these dramatic and historic lands for all of the American people. Pictures by noted California photographers capture the park's grandeur and new activities.New Guardians for the Golden Gatetells how a bold vision, dedicated citizens, and a variety of old and new conservation strategies saved these magnificent lands for all time.

Table of Contents

List of Maps and Plates Foreword Preface Introduction

Space Available

Piecemeal Conservation in the 1960s

A Neighborhood Issue Becomes Much Bigger

Organized Advocacy

A Year and Two Months

Victory in Congress: A Park for the People

A New Park Emerges

Expanding the Park

On a New Political Frontier

Sustaining the Vision

Safe Harbor for Old Ships

The National Park Next Door

From Post to Park: The Transformation of the Presidio

Afterword Notes

Index

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