AGENDA ITEM
Public Utilities Commission
City and County of San Francisco
DEPARTMENT: Water Enterprise
AGENDA NUMBER: 7
MEETING DATE: July 28, 2026
Calendar: Regular Calendar
Project Manager: Steve Ritchie
Hearing to Adopt the Amended Alameda Watershed Management Plan, Rules and Regulations Governing Fishing Access to Calaveras Reservoir, and a Modified Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program
Summary of Proposed
Commission Action:
Adopt the Amended Alameda Watershed Management Plan ;
adopt Rules and Regulations Governing Fishing Access to Calaveras Reservoir ; and adopt a modified Mitigation
Monitoring and Reporting Program under the California
Environmental Quality Act.
Background: The San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC) owns and operates the approximately 40,000- acre Alameda
Watershed, located in Alameda and Santa Clara Counties, from which the SFPUC’s Regional Water System draws water
supplies for the SFPUC’s retail and wholesale customers in the San Francisco Bay Area.
On September 26, 2000, by Resolution No. 00- 0229, this Commission adopted the Alameda Watershed Management
Plan (2001 Watershed Plan). The 2001 Watershed Plan
provides comprehensive policies and actions for the SFPUC’s operation of the Alameda Watershed’s land and resources. The 2001 Watershed Plan directs SFPUC staff
decisions and
activities across a broad range of Alameda Watershed issues, including water quality, water supply, ecological and cultural resources, and fire safety. The SFPUC Water Enterprise’s Natural Resources and Lands Management Division is
responsible for administering the 2001 Watershed Plan as it manages resources and activities in the Alameda Watershed.
The 2001 Watershed Plan does not allow public access for fishing at the SFPUC’s Calaveras Reservoir, located in the Alameda Watershed. In 2022, the Superior Court of Alameda County ordered the SFPUC to determine whether it could allow public fishing at Calaveras Reservoir without affecting the purity and safety of its water for drinking and domestic purposes.
On July 12, 2022, by Resolution No. 22-0135, this Commission determined that SFPUC could allow fishing in Calaveras
Reservoir without affecting the purity and safety of the water, subject to terms to be set by the General Manager, and directed Adopt: Adopt Amended Alameda Watershed Management Plan and Adopt a Modified Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program Commission Meeting Date: July 28, 2026
the SFPUC to (1) develop the terms and conditions of a fishing program; (2) obtain the San Francisco Planning Department’s review of that program under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA); (3) request an amendment to the drinking water permit from the State’s Office of Drinking Water; and (4) present to this Commission proposed amendments to the 2001 Watershed Plan to allow limited public shoreline fishing at Calaveras Reservoir. If approv ed, the action before the Commission today would amend the 2001 Watershed Plan and adopt Rules and R egulations to allow limited public shoreline fishing at Calaveras Reservoir in accordance with Commission Resolution No. 22-0135 and as described further below.
The 2001 Watershed Plan incorporates the SFPUC’s 1997
Grazing Resources Management Element (1997 Grazing Plan).
The SFPUC developed the 1997 Grazing Plan in response to SFPUC and community concern that grazing activities in the Alameda Watershed could cause severe public health
problems, primarily through contamination of water sources by the parasite Cryptosporidium. The 1997 Grazing Plan provides for a strict cattle -
management program, accompanied by
watershed monitoring, to protect water quality, reduce fire hazards, help increase native vegetation, and reduce exotic and invasive plant species . SFPUC staff proposes to expand upon and replace the 1997 Grazing Plan with a new Rangeland
Management Plan that incorporates current best rangeland management practices. This Rangeland Management Plan is in Appendix A-2 of the proposed Amended Alameda Watershed
Management Plan attached to this agenda item .
SFPUC staff
will require compliance with the Rangeland Management Plan as a condition of its new grazing leases upon Commission approval of the proposed Amended Alameda Watershed
Management Plan.
Since the adoption of the 2001 Watershed Plan, there have been organizational changes within the SFPUC and
adjustments to the boundaries of the SFPUC's property within the Alameda Watershed due to land acquisitions. The SFPUC therefore proposes administrative and technical amendments to the 2001 Watershed Plan to reflect those changes
and to
memorialize existing programs and activities.
On July 13, 2026, pursuant to Charter section 4.101, subdivision (a), the SFPUC posted a notice of public hearing regarding its proposed adoption of the Amended Alameda Watershed
Adopt: Adopt Amended Alameda Watershed Management Plan and Adopt a Modified Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program Commission Meeting Date: July 28, 2026
Management Plan and Rules and Regulations Governing
Fishing Access to Calaveras Reservoir on the SFPUC’s website and at the San Francisco Main Library.
Description of
Proposed
Amendments to the
Alameda Watershed
Management Plan:
The action before the Commission would amend the 2001 Watershed Plan for the first time since its adoption. The proposed amendments have three main components : (1)
administrative and technical amendments to reflect land acquisitions, changes to the SFPUC’s organizational structure, and current practices and facilities ; (2) a new Rangeland Management Plan, which will replac e the 1997 Grazing Plan currently included in the 2001 Watershed Plan and which SFPUC staff will incorporate into the SFPUC’s new grazing leases; and (3) amendments to allow limited public shoreline fishing at Calaveras Reservoir in furtherance of Commission Resolution No. 22- 0135 (July 12, 2022 ) as provided in the proposed Rules and Regulations Governing Fishing Access to Calaveras Reservoir.
The SFPUC Water Enterprise’s Natural Resources and Lands Management Division will oversee construction of the new fishing f
acilities and administer a public shoreline fishing
program. SFPUC staff have determined that creating a limited public shoreline fishing program at Calaveras Reservoir would require certain site improvements designed to provide for the safety of the public and SFPUC staff, protect the watershed and drinking water q
uality, and safeguard SFPUC infrastructure.
Therefore, SFPUC staff propose to modify the 2001 Watershed Plan to include a limited fishing program and site improvements.
The SFPUC’s Water Quality Division is concurrently working with the State’s Office of Drinking Water to amend the SFPUC’s drinking water permit to
authorize limited fishing access at
Calaveras Reservoir.
Environmental
Review:
On August 3, 2000, the Planning Commission certified the Final Environmental Impact Report (Final EIR) for the 2001
Watershed Plan (Case No. 96.223E) prepared pursuant to the CEQA.
On September 26, 2000, by Resolution No. 00-0229, this Commission adopted the CEQA Findings and a Mitigation
Monitoring and Reporting Program (MMRP) pursuant to the CEQA and adopted the 2001 Watershed Plan.
On June 22, 2026 , the Planning Department issued an
Addendum to the Final EIR (Case No. 2024-007909ENV), which Adopt: Adopt Amended Alameda Watershed Management Plan and Adopt a Modified Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program Commission Meeting Date: July 28, 2026
evaluated the proposed amendments to the 2001 Watershed Plan (referred to as the Amended Alameda Watershed
Management Plan) and prepared a modified MMRP for the
amendments.
T
his action is within the scope of the Plan evaluated in the Final EIR and Addendum.
V
iew the Final EIR, Resolution No. 00- 0229, CEQA Findings including the MMRP (Chapter 7 of the 2001 Watershed Plan), Addendum, and modified MMRP (Chapter 7 of the Amended
Alameda Watershed Management Plan).
Attachments: 1. Proposed Amended Alameda Watershed Management Plan, with Changes Tracked from 2001 Watershed Plan.
Note (1) the modified Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program is in Chapter 7, (2) this entire doc ument is
Attachment C to the Addendum to the Final
Environmental Impact Report: Amended Alameda
Watershed Management Plan
2. Proposed Alameda Watershed Management Plan
Appendix A-2, Rangeland Management Plan:
San Francisco Public Utilities Comm ission Alam eda
Creek Watershed Rangeland Plan Alameda and Santa
Clara Counties, California
3. Proposed Alameda Watershed Management Plan
Appendix [##], Rules and Regulations Governing Fishing
Access to Calaveras Reservoir
4. July 13, 2026, Notice of Public Hearing.
PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION
City and County of San Francisco
RESOLUTION NO. __________________
WHEREAS, The San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC) , on behalf of the City and County of San Francisco, owns and operates the approximately 40,000- acre Alameda Watershed, located in Alameda and Santa Clara Counties, from which the SFPUC’s Regional Water System draws water supplies for the SFPUC’s retail and wholesale customers in the San Francisco Bay Area; and
WHEREAS, The Alameda Watershed Management Plan ( 2001 Watershed Plan) provides comprehensive policies and actions for the SFPUC’s operation of the Alameda Watershed’s land and resources , and it directs SFPUC staff decisions and activities across a broad range of Alameda Watershed issues, including water quality, water supply, ecological and cultural resources, and fire safety; and
WHEREAS, On August 3, 2000, the Planning Commission certified the Final Environmental Impact Report (Final EIR) for the 2001 Watershed Plan (Case No.
96.223E) prepared pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA); and
WHEREAS, On September 26, 2000, by Resolution No. 00-0229, this Commission adopted CEQA Findings and Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program (MMRP) pursuant to the CEQA and adopted the 2001 Watershed Plan; and
WHEREAS, The 2001 Watershed Plan incorporates, within Appendix A -2, the SFPUC’s 1997 Grazing Resources Management Element (1997 Grazing Plan), which the new Rangeland Management Plan in Appendix A-2 of the Amended Alameda Watershed Management Plan would replace and expand upon, and which incorporates current best rangeland management practices; and
WHEREAS, The 2001 Watershed Plan does not provide for public access for fishing at Calaveras Reservoir, which is located within the Alameda Watershed and is subject to the 2001 Watershed Plan; and
WHEREAS, On July 12, 2022, by Resolution No. 22- 0135, this Commission determined that SFPUC could allow fishing in Calaveras Reservoir without affecting the purity and safety of the water, subject to terms to be set by the General Manager, and directed the SFPUC to (1) develop the terms and conditions of a fishing program at Calaveras Reservoir; (2) obtain the Planning Department’s review of that program under CEQA; (3) request an amendment to the drinking water permit from the State’s Office of Drinking Water; and (4) present to this Commission proposed amendments to the 2001 Watershed Plan to allow limited public shoreline fishing at Calaveras Reservoir; and
WHEREAS, The proposed amendments to the 2001 Watershed Plan (Attachments 1 and 2 to this Resolution) include: (1) administrative and technical updates
that reflect land acquisitions, changes to the SFPUC’s organizational structure, and current practices and facilities , (2) a new Rangeland Management Plan, incorporating current best rangeland management practices , as Appendix A-2 of the Amended Alameda Watershed Management Plan that replaces the 1997 Grazing Plan , and (3) Rules and Regulations Governing Fishing Access to Calaveras Reservoir in accordance with Commission Resolution No. 22 -0135, and subject to the approval of an amended water supply permit from the State Water Resources Control Board; and
WHEREAS, On June 22, 2026, the Planning Department issued an Addendum to the Final EIR (Case No. 2024-007909ENV), which evaluated the proposed amendments to the 2001 Watershed Plan ( referred to as the Amended Alameda Watershed Management Plan [i.e., Project ]) and prepared a modified MMRP for the amendments ; and
WHEREAS, This action is within the scope of the Plan evaluated in the Final EIR and Addendum; and
WHEREAS, The Planning Department is the custodian of records for Case No.
96.223E and Case No. 2024-007909ENV, and those records are maintained at 49 South Van Ness Avenue, Suite 1400, San Francisco, California 94103; staff have made these materials available for review by both this Commission and the public, and they are incorporated into the record before this Commission; and
WHEREAS, This Commission has reviewed and considered the information in the Project files, including the Final EIR, CEQA Findings including the MMRP and Statement of Overriding Considerations, Resolution No. 00-0229, Addendum, and modified MMRP and all written and oral information provided by the Planning Department, the public, relevant public agencies, SFPUC and other experts, and the administrative files for the Project; and
WHEREAS, On July 13, 2026, in compliance with San Francisco Charter section
4.104, subdivision (a), the SFPUC posted a notice of public hearing regarding the proposed adoption of the Amended Alameda Watershed Management Plan on the SFPUC’s website and at the San Francisco Main Library; now, therefore be it
RESOLVED, This Commission has reviewed and considered the Final EIR , the Addendum, and the record as a whole, and finds that the Final EIR and Addendum are adequate for its use as the decision–making body for the Project and that no subsequent or supplemental environmental review is required, and incorporates the CEQA Findings by this reference thereto as though set forth in this Resolution , and hereby adopts the modified MMRP; and, be it
FURTHER RESOLVED, This Commission finds that since the Final EIR and the Addendum were issued , there have been no substantial changes in the Project or its circumstances that would require major revisions to the Final EIR and the Addendum due to new significant environmental effects or an increase in the severity of previously
identified significant impacts, and there is no new information of substantial importance that would change the conclusions set forth in those documents; and, be it
FURTHER RESOLVED, This Commission adopts the Amended Alameda Watershed Management Plan, including a new Rangeland Management Plan; and be it
FURTHER RESOLVED, This Commission adopts the Rules and Regulations Governing Fishing Access to Calaveras Reservoir , subject to State Water Resources Control Board approval of an amended water supply permit that allows fishing access to Calaveras Reservoir; and, be it
FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Rules and Regulations Governing Fishing Access to Calaveras Reservoir shall become effective July 1, 2027, or such future date as the General Manager deems necessary or appropriate; and, be it
FURTHER RESOLVED, T hat the General Manager is authorized to modify the Rules and Regulations Governing Fishing Access to Calaveras Reservoir as the General Manager deems necessary and appropriate without changing the material requirements of the Rules and Regulations consistent with the purpose and intent of this Resolution.
I hereby certify that the foregoing resolution was adopted by the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission at its meeting of July 28, 2026.
__________________________________
Director of Commission Affairs
San Francisco Public Utilities Commission
[PROPOSED DRAFT]
San Francisco Public Utilities Commission
Rules and Regulations Governing Fishing
Access to Calaveras Reservoir
Daniel Lurie, Mayor
COMMISSIONERS
Joshua Arce, President
Stephen E. Leveroni, Vice President
Avni Jamdar
Kate H. Stacy
Meghan Thurlow
Adopted: [DATE], by Commission resolution No. [######] Effective: [#######]
SFPUC Rules and Regulations Governing Fishing Access to Calaveras Reservoir
Commission actions:
Action Resolution No. Date Adopted Effective Date
Adopt Rules 26-[####] [##], 2026 July 1, 2027, or later as determined by the
General Manager
SFPUC Rules and Regulations Governing Fishing Access to Calaveras Reservoir
Rule 1. General Provisions
1.1 Authority: The San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC) has the exclusive charge over the construction, management, supervision, maintenance, extension, expansion, operation, use, and control of San Francisco’s water system. (San Francisco Charter, Chapter 8B, Section 121(a)). The SFPUC is responsible for maintaining the high level of purity and safety of the water stored in Calaveras Reservoir. California Health and Safety Code Sections 117060 and 117065 further authorize the SFPUC to “establish and enforce all rules and regulations necessary or convenient to the conducting of public fishing on the reservoir and its surrounding land and for the control, operation and protection of the reservoir, its surrounding land and all structures, facilities and equipment in connection with the reservoir.” The SFPUC is thus authorized to determine the time, place, and manner in which the public may access Calaveras Reservoir, to ensure such access does not risk polluting the water in, or compromising security at, the Reservoir.
1.2 Purpose and Effect: These Rules provide the terms and conditions for fishing access to Calaveras Reservoir. These terms and conditions are necessary to ensure Fishing Activities are conducted safely, in accordance with state Fishing Regulations, and in a manner that protects Calaveras Reservoir and its surrounding watershed, including to prevent the spread of invasive species and harmful pathogens. No Person shall be authorized to conduct Fishing Activities except as provided in these Rules. Unless separately authorized, public access to Calaveras Reservoir at all other locations and for any other purpose shall remain prohibited except as the SFPUC has authorized.
SFPUC Rules and Regulations Governing Fishing Access to Calaveras Reservoir
Rule 2. Definitions
Unless otherwise expressly stated and defined in a separate Rule, the following terms in bold font shall, for the purpose of these Rules, have the meaning indicated following the colon (:)
Fishing Access Point: The existing Calaveras Reservoir boat ramp near the border between Alameda and Santa Clara counties along Calaveras Road.
Fishing Activities: The authorized use of the Reservoir for the purpose of capturing aquatic species located in the Reservoir, and according to the terms and conditions set forth by the SFPUC, these Rules, and the Fishing Regulations. Fishing Activities shall exclude the unauthorized the use or placement of any object of any kind above, on, near, or into the Reservoir watershed, shores, or water for any purpose, including, but not limited to, the unauthorized use or placement of poles, line, tackle, hooks, nets, bait, species whether living or dead, boats or other floatation devices, hazardous materials, or liquids of any kind.
Fishing Regulations: The California Department of Fish and Wildlife and California Fish and Game Commission regulations, incorporated here by reference, which describe allowable fishing seasons and methods at the Reservoir; Fish and Game Code section 7145; and all applicable provisions contained in the drinking water permit issued by the State Water Resources Control Board’s Office of Drinking Water for the Reservoir.
Permit: An SFPUC-issued written authorization to a Person to access the Reservoir shoreline and Fishing Access Point to conduct Fishing Activities.
Person: A natural human being and any other entity whether recognized by statute, common law, or otherwise, including, but not limited to, a corporation, partnership, limited liability company, joint venture, association, trust, estate, governmental entity, public agency, or other political subdivision. For purposes of these Rules, a Person shall not include officials, employees, or agents of San Francisco that are conducting authorized work that falls entirely within the scope of their employment or contract with San Francisco.
Reservoir: The Calaveras Reservoir, which is owned and operated by the SFPUC on behalf of San Francisco and located in Alameda and Santa Clara counties approximately five miles due east of the City of Fremont. For purposes of these Rules, the Reservoir shall include Calaveras Dam, the water impounded behind Calaveras Dam, the lands submerged beneath and abutting Reservoir waters up to the high-water mark, the reservoir shoreline above the high-water mark, and the related watershed lands owned and managed by the SFPUC.
Rules: These Rules and Regulations Governing Fishing Access to Calaveras Reservoir.
San Francisco: The City and County of San Francisco.
SFPUC: The San Francisco Public Utilities Commission, including its commission, general manager, officers, employees, and authorized agents.
SFPUC Rules and Regulations Governing Fishing Access to Calaveras Reservoir
Rule 3. Limitations on Reservoir Access for Fishing Activities No Person shall be authorized to conduct Fishing Activities except as provided in these Rules. It shall be a condition for any Person whom the SFPUC authorizes to conduct Fishing Activities at the Reservoir to comply with all applicable requirements of federal, state, and local law; these Rules; and the Fishing Regulations. Any Person who violates any provision of these Rules or any Permit term shall be prohibited from conducting Fishing Activities or visiting the Reservoir unless the SFPUC, in its sole discretion, issues a written determination that authorizes that Person to resume Fishing Activities.
3.1 Permit Required.
A Permit is required for any Person to conduct Fishing Activities or to access the Fishing Access Point and its adjacent parking lot.
(a) Each Person identified in a Permit shall comply with the Permit terms at all times while visiting the Reservoir, including while conducting Fishing Activities. (b) A Permit shall only be valid for the period specified in the Permit. (c) Only a Person identified in a valid Permit shall be authorized to conduct Fishing Activities or access the Fishing Access Point and the adjacent parking lot. (d) Possession of a physical or digital copy of a valid Permit is required for a Person to access the Reservoir, including the Fishing Access Point and the adjacent parking lot.
(e) SFPUC is authorized to inspect a copy of a Permit at any time while a Person is visiting the Reservoir. If, while visiting the Reservoir, a Person does not possess a copy of, or is not identified in, a valid Permit, that Person shall not be authorized to remain at the Reservoir or conduct Fishing Activities.
(f) SFPUC may revoke a Permit at its sole discretion at any time. (g) Fishing Activities shall only be allowed during designated hours between sunrise to sunset on such days as the SFPUC may designate, and only during the times of year designated in the Fishing Regulations.
(h) At any time and without notice, the SFPUC may close the Reservoir to all Fishing Activities, including when environmental, safety, or regulatory conditions may warrant such closure.
(i) In its sole discretion and as necessary for the operation and protection of the Reservoir, SFPUC may determine and limit both the number of daily Permits issued for Fishing Activities and the number of Persons who may be identified in a single Permit.
SFPUC Rules and Regulations Governing Fishing Access to Calaveras Reservoir
3.2 Conduct.
(a) Any Person who conducts Fishing Activities shall comply with all Fishing Regulations.
(b) Before entering the Reservoir watershed to conduct any Fishing Activities, every Person shall:
▪ Thoroughly clean and rinse, by vigorously scrubbing with clean soap and water, all fishing tackle, lures, nets, and any other objects that may come into contact with Reservoir water; and
▪ Remove all mud and other debris from all clothing, shoes, fishing equipment, and vehicles.
(c) Any Person who conducts Fishing Activities shall remain at all times on the shoreline and at the Fishing Access Point.
(d) Any Person shall transport any litter, trash, refuse, or other foreign object away from the Reservoir when the Person leaves.
3.3 Prohibitions.
To protect public safety, the safety of fish and wildlife, and Reservoir security and water quality, the following is strictly prohibited at or near the Reservoir, including but not limited to the parking area, or while participating in Fishing Activities:
(a) The use of boats or other watercraft or other floatation devices. (b) Littering or dumping.
(c) Swimming or any other bodily contact with Reservoir water. (d) The possession or consumption of alcohol or other recreational (non-prescription) drugs.
(e) Smoking, campfires, fireworks, possession or use of matches, lighters, torches, or other devices used to light fires, or the use of heat or flame for any purpose. (f) Firearms, bows and arrows, or other equipment intended for bodily harm or the taking of fish and wildlife (other than authorized fishing equipment). (g) Release of or feeding of fish or wildlife.
(h) Collection of firewood or plant materials.
(i) Use of vehicles outside of designated roads and parking areas.
3.4 Domestic Animals.
The Reservoir is a protected area and the home to native fish and wildlife. No domestic or other animal shall be allowed in or near the Reservoir, including on or near the shoreline or in the parking lot. A service animal necessary to support a disability may be at the Reservoir, only if at all times the service animal remains on a leash and under the control of the Person to whom the service animal belongs; emotional support animals are not service SFPUC Rules and Regulations Governing Fishing Access to Calaveras Reservoir
animals. All service animal waste must be collected and properly disposed of off-site from the Reservoir.
OUR MISSION: To provide our customers with high -quality, effi cient, and reliable water, power and sewer services in a manner that values environmental and c ommunity interests and sustains the resources entrusted to our care.
525 Golden Gate Ave
San Francisco, CA 94102
(415) 554-3155
sfpuc.gov
REVISED NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
TUESDAY, JULY 28, 2026 – 1:30 P.M.
City Hall, Room 400
1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place
San Francisco, CA 94102
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING : During its regular meeting on July 28, 2026, at 1:30 PM the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC) will hold a public hearing to consider amending its Alameda Watershed Management Plan, including to:
• Adopt a new Rangeland Management Plan to replace the existing Grazing Resources Management Plan; and
• Adopt Rules and Regulations regarding public shoreline fishing access at Calaveras Reservoir.
Copies of the agenda item and related files will be available at least 72 hours before the July 28, 2026, meeting on the SFPUC’s website at https://www.sfpuc.gov/about- us/boards-commissions-committees/sfpuc-commission/agendas-minutes-resolutions- log, or by calling (415) 554 3165.
(Posted: July 13, 2026)