Shoreline Visitation Data Needs Report

Background

The following report contains information gathered during the San Francisco Estuary Shoreline Visitation Data Needs Workshop, convened by the San Francisco Estuary Partnership in April 2026. 

The event brought together scientists, agency partners, land managers, shoreline planners, and community-focused organizations to explore how information on shoreline visitation can best support decision-making on wetland restoration, public access, shoreline adaptation planning, and habitat management.   

Through presentations, small group discussions, and hands-on activities, participants shared their perspectives on the most important and useful types of shoreline visitation data to collect—such as visitor demographics, activities, timing patterns, and access modes—and where long-term monitoring would be most valuable. The vital information collected during this workshop was compiled into a report highlighting key findings and next steps. 

Findings from the workshop will inform the Wetlands Regional Monitoring Program’s approach to wetland visitation monitoring across the Bay Area.   

Read the full report here.