Looking to spend some time this summer on the Bay in your kayak or other small watercraft and don't know where to go? The San Francisco Bay Area Water Trail is launching a new web-based interactive map! This trip planning tool for non-motorized small boat users showcases Water Trail launch and destination sites. Boaters can view information about each designated Water Trail site, complete with description, photos, directions, and a link for more detailed information about each site. View the Water Trail map at sfbaywatertrail.org/map/.
The nine-county Water Trail program is intended to promote recreational water access opportunities and increase an appreciation of the Bay and its unique resources. Trip planning resources give boaters information about where they can go to access the Bay. This valuable information is featured on the Water Trail website, which also includes links to real-time water and weather conditions, information about the Bay's wildlife, and a list of outfitters and clubs where people can rent boats, take classes, or go on guided trips. The Water Trail web map complements the information already provided and is designed to grow as more Water Trail sites are added. Future updates could include the location of waterfront lodging, camping, or boat rental locations.
The base map used to create the Water Trail web map is the same one created and used by the San Francisco Bay Trail Project. The Water Trail map has Bay-side details that are of interest to both Water Trail and Bay Trail users and having both trails share the map is a good example of different programs working together to leverage funds and share resources. The State Coastal Conservancy provides funding for both trail programs. For more information, visit the San Francisco Bay Area Water Trail website at http://sfbaywatertrail.org.
The San Francisco Bay Area Water Trail program is a four agency partnership led by the State Coastal Conservancy, in close collaboration with the Association of Bay Area Governments, San Francisco Bay Conservation and Development Commission, and Division of Boating and Waterways (now part of the Department of Parks and Recreation).