From the barren, broken asphalt of Crissy Field, there is the promise of a verdant marsh.
Crissy Field is the Presidio's front window to the Bay. Its renewal as a tidal marsh will open that window to environmental beauty and greater public enjoyment. This is a great moment in planning for the Presidio's future.
The Crissy Field plan will also serve as an example of the important alliance that can be developed between local and federal partners on behalf of our newest national park, the Presidio. I commend Mayor Brown, Brian O'Neill, Bob Chandler and the National Park Service, John Martin with the Airport Commission, Toby Rosenblatt and the Golden Gate National Park Association for their innovative approach in support of the restoration of Crissy Field.
Over recent decades, 90% of the Bay's wetlands have been lost to shoreline development. Crissy Field will be one of the first attempts to restore historic wetlands along the Bay, and the first effort ever in San Francisco. The Crissy Field Plan and the City's steps today will realize the twin goals of providing public recreation and environmental restoration.
As we stand here today, the fate of the Presidio Trust is in the hands of the Senate. I am optimistic that under the leadership of the bill's Senate sponsor, Senator Barbara Boxer, we will be successful. The Trust would work with the Park Service to continue building on this spectacular future for the Presidio. Let's hope that the Senate will follow the lead of the House and offer its overwhelming support for the Presidio omnibus parks bill today.
We should all be proud of this important step to begin the renewal of Crissy Field. Congratulations to all of you for your part in creating a great future for the Presidio.