What kinds of wildlife are being threatened?

The native population of shrimp and marine life have been decimated. One would be lucky to spot a minnow in the murky waters. The pollution and lowered lake level have decimated the native ecosystem. However, we can still preserve the wildlife that is left.

Avifauna
Mainly, avifauna 48 species of birds live in Lake Merced year-round. 8 species use the lake during their nesting season and 13 species may breed or nest at the lake. Many of these birds are endangered or threatened. It is crucial that we take action now and prevent them from falling into extinction. Some of these endangered species include: the bank swallow

the saltmarsh common yellowthroat

 the California black rail

and the American peregrine falcon.

Vegetation

Vegetation played a large role in the formation of the lake. Sand that had been blown from the coast were trapped between the flora and created the dunes that surround Lake Merced. The native vegetation of Lake Merced consists primarily of shrubs and reeds that grow on the edges of the lake. There are a few chaparrals and oaks growing on the sandy dunes as well. Trees primarily line the outer ring of the lake closest to the road.

Consequences

If left unchecked, wildlife at Lake Merced and native vegetation will all but disappear and the city of San Francisco will be left with a toxic, putrid green pool. Not only that, but the vegetation that acted as a sand buffer would be gone and would cost the city thousands of dollars to clean up what the Lake had done for free.