Habitat and Wildlife Protection, Fire Prevention, and MRCA Ranger Patrol in the Santa Monica Mountains and Hollywood Hills between the 405 Freeway to Griffith Park
MRCA Measure H, on the November 5, 2024 ballot, with mail ballots arriving in early October, will protect wildlife habitat and open space, improve local fire prevention services and MRCA Park Ranger patrol in the Santa Monica Mountains east of the 405 Freeway and Hollywood Hills to Griffith Park (see boundary map below).
Warmer temperatures and record setting heat have increased the risk of wildfires. MRCA Measure H will improve local fire prevention services in the hills and canyons of the Santa Monica Mountains east of the 405 Freeway and Hollywood Hills to Griffith Park. Measure H will also protect habitat and wildlife corridors and increase MRCA Park Ranger patrols in these unique hillside communities.
The Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority (MRCA) is the only public agency responsible for acquiring, maintaining, and protecting local open spaces and wildlife corridors within the Eastern Santa Monica Mountains. The MRCA has historically relied on temporary, local funding measures to continue its operations, as it does not receive permanent, ongoing funding from local or state taxes. Without the renewal provided by Measure H, the MRCA’s ability to protect these critical areas could be severely compromised, threatening both fire prevention efforts and wildlife protection.
For $65 per year for 15 years only, Measure H will provide the MRCA with the necessary resources to continue local fire prevention and protection services and to safeguard local open space. These funds will help protect diverse wildlife, including mountain lions, bobcats, and deer, all of which rely on these habitats for survival.
100 percent of the funds generated by Measure H can only be spent in the Santa Monica Mountains and Hollywood Hills between the 405 freeway and Griffith Park. A Citizens’ Oversight Committee and annual Audits will ensure accountability.
Measure H will allow the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority to:
- Protect Local Open Space: Preserve remaining open space and wildlife habitat from development.
- Protect Water Quality: Keep local creeks, springs, and reservoirs free from pollution and trash.
- Ensure Public Safety: Provide year-round park ranger safety and security patrols to prevent crime, arson, and vandalism in local parks, overlooks, and open spaces.
- Support Wildlife Corridors: Protect and maintain corridors essential for the survival of animals and wildlife like mountain lions, deer, bobcats, and grey foxes.
- Enhance Fire Prevention: Ensure fire safety with year-round brush clearing, park ranger patrols, and maintenance of irrigated green areas. Provide extra fire patrols on high risk days.
- Remove Fire Hazards: Clear illegal encampments from public spaces to reduce fire risks.
