San Francisco Bay Conservation and Development Commission - BCDC

San Francisco Bay Conservation and Development Commission - BCDC We are currently working remotely. We look forward to hearing from you.

The San Francisco Bay Conservation and Development Commission is a State of California government agency with regulatory and planning responsibilities over San Francisco Bay, the Suisun Marsh, salt ponds, and along the Bay Area’s nine-county shoreline. We will not reply directly to comments on Facebook, so please direct your comments, questions, or concerns via email ([email protected]) or phone (415-352-3600).

09/09/2026

Whether you already know the Water Trail or have never heard of it, join BCDC, CA State Coastal Conservancy, and MTC Bay Area for the September 11 Water Trail meeting from 10:00-11:30 am on Zoom!

You’ll learn more about the Water Trail, have an opportunity to give public comment, and hear about a new Water Trail trailhead being considered for designation.

The San Francisco Bay Area Water Trail is a network of public launch and landing sites that makes it easier to explore the Bay and its major tributaries by kayak, canoe, paddleboard, sailboat, and other non-motorized small boats.

With more than 500 square miles of navigable water, the Bay offers many ways to explore—from quiet shorelines where you can spot wildlife to busy urban waterfronts with views of some of the Bay Area’s most iconic places.

Register for the meeting and visit the Water Trail website to learn more about launch sites around the Bay and plan your next trip. Link in bio!

09/03/2026

Get yourself a man who can glow AND hum!!!

The plainfin midshipman is toadfish of many talents, native to San Francisco Bay. During the day, it buries itself in the Bay’s sandy and muddy seafloor. At night, rows of light-emitting pores along its body glow bioluminescent green, used to attract both prey and mates.

It’s also known for humming. Male plainfin midshipmen hum during breeding season, a sound distinct enough that houseboat communities around the Bay nicknamed it the “humming toadfish.”

The plainfin midshipman is one of many native species that depends on the Bay’s sandy habitats to survive. BCDC works to protect these habitats by regulating dredging and sand mining in the Bay, so future generations of toadfish may keep on glowing and serenading.

(Bonus points if you know why they are called “plainfin midshipman”)

BCDC’s inaugural photography contest is now open! Share your best photographs of the plants, wildlife, landscapes, and p...
08/10/2026

BCDC’s inaugural photography contest is now open! Share your best photographs of the plants, wildlife, landscapes, and people that make San Francisco Bay and Suisun Marsh extraordinary 📸

Prizes include:
⭐️Two vouchers for one of Movement Gym’s intro series classes (Introduction to Rope Climbing or Introduction to Bouldering)
⭐️A $99 gift card from Dogpatch Paddle & Kayak, redeemable toward kayak and stand-up paddleboard rentals, lessons and guided tours, or waterfront sauna and cold-plunge sessions at Crane Cove Park
⭐️Four general admission passes to the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco
⭐️ $100 gift card, shirts, and stickers from East Bay Vivarium
⭐️ $25 gift card for Sports Basement

Share your best photographs of the plants, wildlife, landscapes, and people that make San Francisco Bay and Suisun Marsh extraordinary. By entering the contest, you’ll help inspire others to appreciate these special places and support efforts to protect and improve the Bay for generations to come.
The contest is free and open to photographers of all experience levels.

📅 Submit up to five photos by October 14. Link in our bio to learn more and submit your entries!

Ever wondered where all those little blue signs came from—or what they mean? 👀They mark places where you can freely acce...
07/16/2026

Ever wondered where all those little blue signs came from—or what they mean? 👀

They mark places where you can freely access the San Francisco Bay shoreline.

When new development happens along the Bay, BCDC helps ensure the shoreline remains open and accessible to the public. That can look different depending on where you are, so the signs you’ll see vary based on the type of public access they mark.

You might find a sign at:
🌊 A waterfront park
🎣 A fishing pier
🚶 A walking path
🚲 A bike trail or connection
🛶 A kayak launch
🪑 A place to sit and enjoy the Bay

No matter what they look like, they all mean the same thing: The Bay is for everyone!

What’s your favorite public access spot around the Bay? Drop it in the comments—you might see it featured in our next public access post!

The June 18 Commission Meeting has a lighter agenda than usual! The Commission will consider whether to approve a permit...
06/16/2026

The June 18 Commission Meeting has a lighter agenda than usual!

The Commission will consider whether to approve a permit for a new life sciences development. The project would expand and improve the public space along Belmont Creek Trail, adding a new trail entrance, outdoor fitness equipment, a sports court, and other amenities for the community to enjoy.
 The Commission also will receive an update on state and federal legislation affecting the Bay.

You can attend the meeting online via Zoom or in person at 375 Beale Street. Visit the link in bio for more details!

Want to help shape Rising Together 2026, a go-to convening for the Bay Area’s adaptation leaders and practitioners? Appl...
05/27/2026

Want to help shape Rising Together 2026, a go-to convening for the Bay Area’s adaptation leaders and practitioners? Apply to join the Steering Committee!

You’ll have the opportunity to: 

✅Review content submissions for the summit

✅Curate panels and programming

✅ Help select the next Bay Adapt Award winners 

✅ Connect with a network of Bay Area leaders and changemakers 

This is a fantastic opportunity to collaborate on a dynamic, immersive sea level rise summit that will engage the public and drive action. This year’s summit will be an energizing, hands-on experience, with thought-provoking panels, visionary keynotes, behind-the-scenes tours, interactive workshops, and creative activities designed to spark new partnerships and accelerate real progress.

Leverage this moment to impact the direction of the summit—apply by June 19 to be considered for this exciting opportunity. Link in bio!

Address

375 Beale Street Suite 510
South San Francisco, CA
94105

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+14153523600

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