Bay Access is a 501(c)3 non-profit founded in 2001 by non-motorized boaters who wanted to ensure a future for the Bay that included adequate launching and landing facilities for human-powered boats and beachable sail craft.

Our MISSION: Establish and support the San Francisco Bay Area Water Trail for use by hand-launched human- and wind-powered watercraft, as well as larger paddle and rowing boats, through the development of sustainable partnerships with groups representing end-users and with governmental and non-governmental organizations in the Bay Area.

Our VISION: A network of launching and destination sites around the Bay that:

  • are suitable for safe and enjoyable boating experiences
  • provide opportunities for stewardship
  • are consistent with natural habitat protection 
An important part of our vision is the development of overnight accommodations, including camping, along the Trail.  We envision a water trail that will broaden the demographic of people who have access to water bourne experiences thus increasing the public’s understanding of shoreline environmental and habitat issues.

GUIDING PRINCIPLES:  Guided by 10 principles, originally developed by North American Water Trails, Inc.,Bay Access promotes boater safety and education, community-based stewardship, and volunteerism in support of the Trail. 

OUR BOARD (click on photos to enlarge)
Contact us by email, phone or fax, 415-459-8727

Bo Barnes
Daly City
bobo3@rcn.com


Nancy Bisio
Forest Knolls, nancybisio@mindspring.com

David Dolberg,
Richmond
david@dolberg-law.com

Cecily Harris
San Carlos
cecily999@sbcglobal.net


Janet McBride
Richmond
janet_mcbride@ridgetrail.org


Jim McGrath
Berkeley
macmcgrath@comcast.net

Paul Nixon
San Francisco
415-647-5183

Casey Walker
San Francisco
walker@walkerlawfirm.com


Penny Wells
San Rafael
kayakqueen@msn.com


THE SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA WATER TRAIL ACT, creating the Water Trail, was signed into law in 2005. To view the legislation click here
(NOTE: to get the full text follow link and click on “bill info” and enter AB 1296 & click on “chaptered 9/22/05")

THE PUBLIC PLANNING PROCESS was carried out by the Bay Conservation and Development Commission (BCDC) utilizing a Steering Committee made up of representatives of various governmental and non-governmental agencies, user groups and conservation organizations. To view summaries of the meetings click click here.