With more than 100,000 dog owners in San Francisco, Golden Gate National Recreation Area’s plan to restrict off-leash dogs has unleashed strong opposition.

Members of the Board of Supervisors are turning up the political heat on the federal agency, opposing the restrictions and calling for a delay to study in more detail the impacts the proposed rules would have on city-run parks.

Frank Dean, the superintendent of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, told supervisors during a Land Use and Economic Development Committee meeting Monday that the existing rules are “not working” and there are “visitor conflicts” and “degradation of resources.”

The committee voted to send a resolution to the full board for a vote today. It was introduced by Supervisor Scott Wiener, and it opposes the planned restrictions.

“I have serious concerns about the GGNRA proposal,” Wiener said. “I’m concerned about the impact on our city parks if dogs lose access, whether in part or in whole.”

“This is a balance, not a ban,” Dean said, adding it would not have a “significant impact” on adjacent parks.

While the majority of those at the hearing opposed the proposal, others had a different take.

“Many in our coalition don’t believe it goes far enough to protect wildlife, their habitats and other park users,” said Mike Lynes, conservation director for the Golden Gate Audubon Society.  

jsabatini@sfexaminer.com