MRCA Closes Some Parks and Backcountry Trails Because of Extreme Weather Through September 8, 2020

LOS ANGELES (September 5, 2020) – The Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority announced today that effective immediately, it will temporarily close many of its parks because of the extreme hot weather and the imminent danger to park users in these conditions. The following Parks will be CLOSED until Tuesday, September 8, 2020:

CLOSED:
Happy Camp Canyon Regional Park
Rocky Peak Park
Ed Davis Park at Towsley Canyon
Mentryville
East and Rice Canyons
Sage Ranch Park
Wilson Canyon Park
Upper Las Virgenes Canyon Open Space Preserve
Corral Canyon Park
Cameron Nature Preserve at Puerco Canyon

In addition, all backcountry trails into Topanga State Parks will be closed at Marvin Braude Mulholland Gateway Park (at both the Reseda Blvd. AND Van Alden Avenue entrances) and Temescal Gateway Park.

California State Parks, Conejo Open Space Conservation Agency, and Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area have also closed their Ventura County Parks and Trails.

The Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority (MRCA) is a local government public entity dedicated to the preservation and management of open space and parkland, watershed lands, trails, and wildlife habitat. The MRCA works in cooperation with other government partners to acquire parkland, participate in vital planning processes, provide natural resources and scientific expertise, and complete major park improvement projects. The MRCA manages and provides ranger services and fire protection for almost 75,000 acres of parkland that it owns and that are owned by the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy or other agencies and provides comprehensive education and interpretation and leadership programs for youth. It is one of the lead agencies providing for the revitalization of the Los Angeles River.

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MRCA Receives Donation of 20 Acres of Santa Monica Mountains Open Space In Woodland Hills

Woodland Hills, CA (July 24, 2020) – The MRCA announced today that it had acquired 20 acres of open space adjacent to its 1,500-acre Marvin Braude Mulholland Gateway Park in the Santa Monica Mountains. The new public open space was donated by a local family who had owned the property for many decades. Located south of the unpaved portion of Mulholland Drive and west of Santa Maria Road above Woodland Hills, the back country property is part of a key cluster of  public land in the 20,000-acre undeveloped urban wilderness known as the “Big Wild” extending from the 405 Freeway to Topanga Canyon. The land’s permanent protection will extend connectivity and  habitat for local wildlife between Marvin Braude Mulholland Gateway Park and the MRCA’s Summit Valley Ed Edelman Park.

The Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority (MRCA) is a local government public entity dedicated to the preservation and management of open space and parkland, watershed lands, trails, and wildlife habitat. The MRCA works in cooperation with other government partners to acquire parkland, participate in vital planning processes, provide natural resources and scientific expertise, and complete major park improvement projects. The MRCA manages and provides ranger services and fire protection for almost 75,000 acres of parkland that it owns and that are owned by the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy or other agencies and provides comprehensive education and interpretation and leadership programs for youth. It is one of the lead agencies providing for the revitalization of the Los Angeles River.

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Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority Beach and Park Closures for July 4 2020 Weekend

LOS ANGELES (July 1, 2020) – The Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority (MRCA) announced today that in compliance with the Los Angeles County Public Health directive in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, all beach access managed by the MRCA will be closed July 3-July 6, 2020.  This includes (east to west):

• Miramar Coastal Overlook (Las Tunas Beach)
• Dolphin View Coastal Overlook (Big Rock Beach)
• Big Rock West (Big Rock Beach)
• Carbon Beach East (Carbon Beach)
• Carbon Beach West (Carbon Beach)
• Malibu Road East (Amarillo Beach)
• Geoffrey’s and Seacliff (Escondido Beach)
• Bunnie Lane (Lechuza Beach)
• East Sea Level Dr and West Sea Level Dr (Lechuza Beach)

Lewis MacAdams Riverfront Park in Elysian Valley, the Los Angeles River Center and Gardens, and the Jerome C. Daniel Overlook will remain remain closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Use of fireworks and of fire of any kind is prohibited in all MRCA parks. MRCA Rangers will be out in full force on July 4 and will enforce all violations. Face masks must be worn at all times at all MRCA-operated parks and 6′ distancing from others must be maintained.

“With the exception of the beaches and the parks previously closed by the pandemic, we intend to keep all MRCA parks and trails open for the holiday weekend, unless conditions change,” said Fernando Gomez, Chief Ranger of the MRCA.

The Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority (MRCA) is a local government public entity dedicated to the preservation and management of open space and parkland, watershed lands, trails, and wildlife habitat. The MRCA works in cooperation with other government partners to acquire parkland, participate in vital planning processes, provide natural resources and scientific expertise, and complete major park improvement projects. The MRCA manages and provides ranger services and fire protection for almost 75,000 acres of parkland that it owns and that are owned by the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy or other agencies and provides comprehensive education and interpretation and leadership programs for youth. It is one of the lead agencies providing for the revitalization of the Los Angeles River.

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Questions & Answers About MRCA Parks and Trails During the COVID-19 Pandemic – Updated September 1, 2020

Questions and Answers about Mountains Recreation and Conservation Park and Trail Openings During the COVID-19 Pandemic

LOS ANGELES (September 1, 2020) – The Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority (MRCA) has reopened most of it parks and trails to the public in accordance with the protocols set forth by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health and directives by the city of Los Angeles and other jurisdictions within which it operates. According to the health order, the public can use parks and trails but must practice physical distancing (be more than six feet away from other people not of your household), and wear a cloth face covering.

MRCA Masking and Distancing Order

MRCA Ventura County masking and distancing order

Parking lots and many—but not all—restrooms have also been opened at MRCA parks and trails.

This followed an unprecedented period of closure between March 22, 2020 and May 9, 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Below are questions and answers about the current status of MRCA parks and trails.

Are all MRCA parks and trails open?
Most MRCA-managed parks and trails are open daily from sunrise to sunset. A list of the MRCA’s most popular parks can be found at this link on its website https://mrca.ca.gov/parks/parklisting/.

Which MRCA parks and facilities are CLOSED

• All park buildings (with the exception of some outdoor-facing restroom facilities) and offices including those at King Gillette Ranch, Franklin Canyon Park, and Temescal Gateway Park
• Jerome C. Daniel Overlook above the Hollywood Bowl
• Los Angeles River Center and Gardens
• Lewis MacAdams Riverfront Park

Which MRCA-managed beach accessways are OPEN:

• Malibu Road East (Amarillo Beach)
• Miramar Coastal Overlook (Las Tunas Beach)
• Carbon Beach East Beach Access (Carbon Beach)
• Carbon Beach West Beach Access(Carbon Beach)
• East Sea Level Drive and West Sea Level Drive (Lechuza Beach)

Note: The Bunnie Lane Access to Lechuza Beach is CLOSED

Which Coastal Access Points are CLOSED?

• Dolphin View Coastal Overlook (Big Rock Beach)
• Big Rock West Beach Access(Big Rock Beach)
• Geoffrey’s and Seacliff Beach Access (Escondido Beach)
• Bunnie Lane Beach Access (Lechuza Beach)

Why are these facilities closed? All closures are to promote the health and safety of the public and MRCA staff during the COVID-19 pandemic.

What about restrooms? MRCA has opened restrooms that can be used in a manner that promotes the six-foot physical distancing mandated by public health authorities. This means multi-stall restrooms, and those inside park buildings are not open at this time.

Is parking available?
Many MRCA parks and trails have fee-based parking facilities, which are open and patrolled. Don’t forget to pay your parking fee. If you park on a public street, be sure you are in a legal parking spot because you may otherwise receive a parking ticket.

Many local parks and trails operated by other public entities have closed again after experiencing crowding, noncompliance with public health directives, an abundance of trash, and lack of physical distancing. Will all MRCA-managed parks and trails that are currently open remain open?
That depends on park users’ compliance with public health directives. Unfortunately, the pandemic is not over and may get worse. If the public or MRCA staff are at risk because of how the parks and trails are being used, we would have to consider closing the park or trail. This is preventable if the public practices physical distancing in all areas including parking lots and trailheads and wears cloth face coverings.

The MRCA-managed trail in my neighborhood, which I have enjoyed for 25 years, has recently reopened. We expected crowds but are very disappointed to have observed on a daily basis that the majority of hikers (most in close proximity to each other) are not wearing face coverings to prevent the spread of coronavirus. Isn’t a face covering required?
Yes. A face covering is required and every member of the public (with the exception of small children and those with a disability) is required to wear face coverings when visiting MRCA parks and trails. It is everyone’s responsibility to prevent the spread of the coronavirus and to keep the parks open for everyone.

What kind of enforcement are you doing to ensure the public complies with public health orders?
MRCA rangers and uniformed staff are doing everything they can to keep people safe on the trails so that everyone can continue to enjoy the respite of nature during this unprecedented public health crisis. The rangers are assisted by exemplary volunteers including the Santa Monica Mountains Mountain Bike Unit and the California Emergency Mobile Patrol, a more than 50-year old volunteer suburban search and rescue team serving the Los Angeles region. The goal is to educate park and trail users to practice the public health protocols of six-foot physical distancing and wearing face coverings to help keep everyone safe and the parks open.

What about beach access managed by the MRCA?
Some  MRCA-managed Malibu coastal accessways remain closed. Please see the list above. This includes the Bunnie Lane accessway to Lechuza Beach. These accessways are constrained physically so that they cannot allow for recommended social distancing. Their physical condition makes compliance with safety guidelines difficult for the public as well as for our operations and ranger staff.  We look forward to reopening  Malibu beach accessways as soon as it is safe to do so.

Can I bring my dog on my hike?
The same park rules apply as always. Dogs are allowed on leash and under owner’s immediate control at most (but not all) parks managed by the MRCA. Check for information on the individual park before you visit.

What else should I know?
Trail amenities, like trash cans, might not be available on your hike. Plan to carry out your own trash—Pack it in and Pack it out!

Be sure to follow basic hiking safety rules: only wear sturdy shoes, carry water, use sunscreen, and wear a hat. Be aware of natural hazards of Southern California open space areas: rattlesnakes, poison oak, and ticks.

THE LOS ANGELES RIVER RECREATION ZONE – 2020

Is the Los Angeles River Recreation Zone managed by the MRCA open this year?
Yes, the two LA River recreation zones managed by the MRCA—in Elysian Valley and in the Sepulveda Basin in Encino are open. However, no in-water activity including kayaking and boating can be allowed this year. The zones are open for the public to enjoy walking, bird watching, and fishing along the river. All public health protocols, including six-foot physical distancing and cloth face coverings are required in the recreation zones.

If fishing is allowed in the LA River Recreation Zones, why not individual kayaking? I’m certainly not going to be within 6′ of anyone while I’m floating in a single kayak, and I’m not planning on going with anyone else.
There are no established public health guidelines for COVID-19 transmission in the Los Angeles River and it is not possible for MRCA to make a safety determination for in-water use of the river by the public without such guidelines. In addition, responding to kayaking injuries and mishaps—which is a common occurrence throughout each season—would require MRCA rangers, as first responders, to breach the six-foot distancing barrier mandated by public health orders. The MRCA simply cannot put its personnel in this precarious position.

Because the safety of all cannot be assured, the difficult decision had to be made to close water activity, including kayaking and non-steerable boating, in the LA River Recreation Zone for this year until the public health crisis eases.

Activities such as fishing, walking, and bird watching are welcomed as long as visitors practice public health protocols including 6-foot physical distancing and wearing cloth face coverings.

The Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority (MRCA) is a local government public entity dedicated to the preservation and management of open space and parkland, watershed lands, trails, and wildlife habitat. The MRCA works in cooperation with other government partners to acquire parkland, participate in vital planning processes, provide natural resources and scientific expertise, and complete major park improvement projects. The MRCA manages and provides ranger services and fire protection for almost 75,000 acres of parkland that it owns and that are owned by the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy or other agencies and provides comprehensive education and interpretation and leadership programs for youth. It is one of the lead agencies providing for the revitalization of the Los Angeles River.

Los Angeles River Recreation Zones to Open on Memorial Day Without Kayaking

Fishing, bird watching, and walking in the two sections of the river managed by the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority in Elysian Valley and in the Sepulveda Basin in Encino are permitted beginning on Memorial Day, May 25, 2020−but no kayaking or in-water activities

LOS ANGELES (May 20, 2020) — The Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority (MRCA) announced today that the Los Angeles River Recreation Zones in Elysian Valley and the Sepulveda Basin will open for the 2020 season–without kayaking or any other in-water activity.  The limited use of the river channel is due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

For the eighth year in a row, the L.A. River Recreation Zones will provide summer access to passively recreate and explore the Los Angeles River in two different parts of the river that are still in a natural state.  Activities include walking, fishing, and bird watching.  The River Recreation Zones are managed by the MRCA in coordination with the City of Los Angeles and Councilmember Mitch O’Farrell, the Army Corps of Engineers, and the County of Los Angeles.

“This pandemic is affecting every aspect of our lives, including how we spend our recreational time,” said Los Angeles City Councilmember Mitch O’Farrell, whose District includes Elysian Valley. “Although COVID-19 is limiting our access to water activities in the LA River this year, we can still enjoy the river environment while following physical distancing and other public health guidelines that protect ourselves and others.”

“This year, for everyone’s safety we cannot allow kayak or other boat access to the Los Angeles River,” said MRCA Chief Ranger, Fernando Gomez.   “No one–not individuals, nor organized groups, nor vendors–will be permitted to take a boat in the water this year. People will still be able to access the Recreation Zones to walk, bird watch, and fish, provided they comply with all public health orders and maintain a minimum physical distance of six feet from others, and wear a face covering.”

The two L.A. River Recreation Zones will be open from Memorial Day, May 25, 2020 through September 30, 2020. They will be patrolled by MRCA rangers. For more information visit the Los Angeles River Recreation Zone website at www.lariverrecreation.org

The Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority is a local public park agency dedicated to the preservation and management of open space, urban parkland, watershed lands, trails, and wildlife habitat.  The MRCA manages more than 75,000 acres of public parkland and provides natural resources and scientific expertise, critical regional planning services, operations, fire prevention and ranger services, as well as education and leadership programs for thousands of youth each year.  It is one of the lead agencies revitalizing the Los Angeles River.

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MRCA Parks and Trails Now Open

Parks and Trails Managed by the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority Now Open

LOS ANGELES (May 9, 2020) – The Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority announced today that it has opened most of its parks and trails to the public in accordance with the protocols set forth by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health.  Parking lots and most restrooms are also open at all MRCA parks and trails. This follows an unprecedented period of closure since March 22, 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. All park users must wear a mask at all times.

The Los Angeles River Center and Gardens and the Jerome C. Daniel Overlook above Hollywood Bowl and all park buildings at all locations (excepting many public restrooms) remain closed.

The MRCA is asking for the public’s help in complying with these rules to keep parks and trails safe so that the parklands can stay open for respite and enjoyment during this public health emergency.

A list of the MRCA’s most popular parks can be found at this link on its website: https://mrca.ca.gov/parks/parklisting/.

The Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority (MRCA) is a local government public entity dedicated to the preservation and management of open space and parkland, watershed lands, trails, and wildlife habitat. The MRCA works in cooperation with other government partners to acquire parkland, participate in vital planning processes, provide natural resources and scientific expertise, and complete major park improvement projects. The MRCA manages and provides ranger services and fire protection for almost 75,000 acres of parkland that it owns and that are owned by the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy or other agencies and provides comprehensive education and interpretation and leadership programs for youth. It is one of the lead agencies providing for the revitalization of the Los Angeles River.

Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority Opens Spectacular New 257-acre Parkland in Chatsworth Hills

Senator Henry Stern, LA County Supervisor Kathryn Barger dedicate Hidden Creeks, which was once slated for gated development

 CHATSWORTH, CA (February 21, 2020) — The Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority (MRCA) announced today that it has acquired and opened to recreational use a new 257-acre park in Browns Canyon in unincorporated Los Angeles County in one of the most vibrant wildlife habitats in the southern Santa Susana Mountains. The stunning Hidden Creeks parkland—which had, as recently as last year, been proposed to be developed into a gated community of 188 luxury houses—is located at the confluence of Browns Creek and Mormon Creek, two miles north of the 118 Freeway.

The MRCA and Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy had actively pursued preservation of this exquisite coast live oak woodland, California walnut woodland, and gently sloping native and non-native grassland within the Santa Susana Mountains/Simi Hills Significant Ecological Area (SEA) since 2007.

Hidden Creeks is connected to over 11,000 contiguous acres of MRCA parkland, including 2,326-acre Michael D. Antonovich Regional Park at Joughin Ranch. The property provides a key migration corridor and perennial water source to a full complement of large mammals including black bear, mountain lion, mule deer, bobcat, American badger, grey fox, long-tailed weasel, ring-tailed cat, and the endangered California Condor.

“It was imperative that we protect this land and not allow the footprint of development in the San Fernando Valley to extend into core, irreplaceable habitat,” said Joseph T. Edmiston, Executive Director of the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy, which contributed $150,000 to the purchase. The vision of our State representatives, the California Wildlife Conservation Board, and Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger created the best possible outcome for the public.”

The California Wildlife Conservation Board granted $4.9 million in Proposition 68 funds toward the final purchase price of $6.7 million.

“The Wildlife Conservation Board (WCB) is proud to be a partner with the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy and the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority in the acquisition of the Hidden Creeks Ranch,” said John P. Donnelly, Executive Director of the Wildlife Conservation Board.   The continued ability to work with our partners in Southern California to provide wildlife-oriented recreation while preserving valuable wildlife corridors and biodiversity-rich landscapes, is something that WCB is honored to be a part of.”

Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger was an early and vociferous advocate for acquisition of the parkland which abuts the Aliso Canyon Natural Gas Storage Facility at Porter Ranch where a massive natural gas leak occurred in 2015. The Supervisor contributed $1.6 million in County funds, as well as unwavering support critical to preventing inappropriate development of the property.

“It is an honor to join so many partners and community members as we formally dedicate the Hidden Creeks property as permanent open space,” said Supervisor Barger. “This is a significant resource for our local neighbors, as well as for the vast wildlife who call this land home. I’m so proud that as a community, we worked collaboratively toward our shared vision and we can now enjoy this incredible space together.”

The public parkland will now permanently protect threatened and sensitive habitat and species and provide immediate access to recreational trails. Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation intends to develop its Green Ranch property just below Hidden Creeks with parking, restrooms, and equestrian facilities which will further public access to the new parkland.

“Southern California’s breathtaking open spaces are admired around the world— and they ensure that our precious wildlife can traverse a land they recognize as their own, said California State Senator Henry Stern.  “By protecting Hidden Creeks, we have chosen to treat our flora and fauna with the respect it deserves and prevented further urban development in high-risk fire areas.”

The Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority (MRCA) is a local government public entity dedicated to the preservation and management of open space and parkland, watershed lands, trails, and wildlife habitat. The MRCA works in cooperation with other government partners to acquire parkland, participate in vital planning processes, provide natural resources and scientific expertise, and complete major park improvement projects. The MRCA manages and provides ranger services and fire protection for almost 75,000 acres of parkland that it owns and that are owned by the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy or other agencies and provides comprehensive education and interpretation and leadership programs for youth. It is one of the lead agencies providing for the revitalization of the Los Angeles River.

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Los Angeles River Recreation Zone Closed for the Season

Kayaking, fishing, and walking in the two sections of the river managed by the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority in Elysian Valley and at the Sepulveda Basin in Encino are not permitted until the next Recreation Zone Season commencing on Memorial Day, 2020

LOS ANGELES (September 29, 2019) — The Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority (MRCA) announced today that the Los Angeles River Recreation Zones in Elysian Valley and the Sepulveda Basin have closed for the season.

For the seventh year in a row, the L.A. River Recreation Zones have provided summer access to recreate and explore the Los Angeles River in two different parts of the river that are still in a natural state.  Activities include steerable boating such as kayaking and canoeing, fishing and bird watching.  The River Recreation Zones are managed by the MRCA in coordination with the City of Los Angeles and Councilmember Mitch O’Farrell, the Army Corps of Engineers, and the County of Los Angeles.

“We look forward to opening again next Memorial Day,” said MRCA Chief Ranger, Fernando Gomez.  “We urge everyone to check out the website www.lariverrecreation.org to find out information about the program.”

The Sepulveda Basin Recreation Zone is a gentle, two-mile up river and back trip with braided channels, wildlife, and tranquil pools. Of the two Recreation Zones, the Sepulveda Basin offers easy paddling, and less natural obstacles.

The Elysian Valley kayak experience is a five mile one-way trip with braided channels and abundant wildlife in the middle of the city. The kayak experience includes strong currents and a few rapids.

In addition to managing the Recreation Zones, this summer the MRCA continued its tradition of working with local nonprofits such as Community Nature Connection, Mujeres de la Tierra, and Los Angeles Conservation Corps to provide free trips to underserved youth and adults.

The Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority is a local public park agency dedicated to the preservation and management of open space, urban parkland, watershed lands, trails, and wildlife habitat.  The MRCA manages more than 75,000 acres of public parkland and provides natural resources and scientific expertise, critical regional planning services, operations, fire prevention and ranger services, as well as education and leadership programs for thousands of youth each year.  It is one of the lead agencies revitalizing the Los Angeles River.

Brian Baldauf Named Chief of Watershed Planning

The Seasoned Planner Will Lead Regional “River Green” Effort to Promote Water, Wildlife, and Recreation throughout the Waterways of the Upper Los Angeles River Watershed

Los Angeles (September 25, 2019) – The Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority (MRCA) announced today that Brian Baldauf has been named the Chief of Watershed Planning for the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority (MRCA). Mr. Baldauf, who has nearly 20 years’ experience working in watershed planning, urban park development, open space conservation, and, previously, in environmental and brownfield restoration, will  lead the MRCA’s watershed planning efforts throughout the Los Angeles River and tributaries.

In his seven years at the MRCA, Brian has been involved in a diverse range of watershed planning projects including the Elysian Valley Bikeway, Pacoima Wash Greenway-El Dorado Park, development of the Los Angeles River Recreation Districts, the Safe Routes to the River Plan, and regional efforts such as the Park to Playa Regional Trail and the Upper Los Angeles River and Tributaries Revitalization Plan that will be completed during early 2020.

Recognized for his successful collaborations with other government agencies and partner organizations, Brian will continue to lead the MRCA’s effort to create public parkland on the 12.5-acre easement at Taylor Yard-G2, located between Bowtie State Park and the City of Los Angeles’ G2 site.

Previously, Brian has served as the Acting Chief of Park Development / Deputy Chief of Park Development managing the MRCA’s Workprogram to develop new park and open space projects throughout the Greater Los Angeles Region, and as a project manager on many projects developed by the MRCA. Prior to the MRCA, Brian was a Construction Manager and Landscape Designer at the urban forestry non-profit organization North East Trees, and helped to construct the Glendale Narrows Riverwalk Phase I in Glendale, CA. Brian received his Masters in Landscape Architecture from California State Polytechnic University at Pomona and is also a Certified Arborist by the International Society of Arboriculture. Prior to graduate school, Brian worked for nearly a decade in environmental consulting to characterize and remediate brownfield sites under Federal, State, and local regulatory agency review. He directed multiple types of cleanup sites including extraction systems, chemical treatment, excavation, and phytoremediation from identification to regulatory closure.

The Chief of Watershed Planning oversees MRCA’s long range planning efforts to ensure that new projects and regulations in the Los Angeles area reflect the agency’s mission to protect open space, wildlife habitat, and parkland that is easily accessible to the public. In particular, the Chief is responsible for keeping the natural resources of the Los Angeles River and its tributaries, and other urban waterways, as an important criterion to consider at all stages of regional planning processes. All development and planning framework that affects these areas should also increase the region’s resiliency to the impacts of climate change, benefit all communities, and contribute toward equity. Planning for the region’s waterway corridors should also aim to connect with the wildlife and trail corridors that exist in the surrounding mountains.

The Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority (MRCA) is a local government public entity dedicated to the preservation and management of open space and parkland, watershed lands, trails, and wildlife habitat.  The MRCA works in cooperation with other government partners to acquire parkland, participate in vital planning processes, provide natural resources and scientific expertise, and complete major park improvement projects. The MRCA manages and provides ranger services and fire protection for almost 75,000 acres of parkland that it owns and that are owned by the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy or other agencies and provides comprehensive education and interpretation and leadership programs for youth. It is one of the lead agencies providing for the revitalization of the Los Angeles River.

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LA City Councilmember Bob Blumenfield Introduces Motion to Bring MRCA Ranger Patrol to LA River in Canoga Park

LOS ANGELES, CA – Los Angeles City Councilmember Bob Blumenfield introduced a new initiative to
revolutionize environmental and law enforcement along the headwaters of the LA River by
establishing a pilot program giving authority for the area to the Mountains Recreation and
Conservation Authority (MRCA). Currently the River is a confluence of jurisdictions which has led to
a number of difficult to resolve environmental and quality-of-life issues. Blumenfield’s plan aims to
cut the immense red tape and bureaucratic hurdles that currently exist around solving these issues
and improve the environment and safety of the area.

“The status quo around how we handle issues along the LA River is broken,” said Blumenfield. “I’m tired of the finger pointing around who is responsible for what and the time is now to bring in the MRCA, an organization that is tested, trusted, and perfectly suited to help resolve the complex, multi-jurisdictional problems we are facing.”

As an established, trusted joint powers entity, the MRCA would have full enforcement capabilities that cross jurisdictions. The MRCA would take responsibility for the river environment in this pilot program to patrol the area, enforce relevant ordinances, ensure safety, assist with maintenance and operations, reduce hazards, offer interpretation and educational resources to the public, provide outreach to unsheltered individuals in the area, and ensure that the river is an amenity for the local community. As a Joint Powers Authority agency whose Rangers are Sworn California Peace Officers with swift water rescue, Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), naturalist, and wildland firefighter training, MRCA Rangers can contract to work on all areas of the river regardless of which governmental entity has ownership for a particular area.

“MRCA Rangers are well-trained and especially suited to working with the urban-parkland interface,” said Chief Ranger Fernando Gomez. “We are very good at dealing with issues like homelessness and promoting safe recreation.”

For the last seven years MRCA Rangers have supervised and patrolled the Los Angeles River Recreation Zone, which allows kayaking, hiking, and fishing in the Los Angeles River in two designated areas of the river–one in Elysian Valley and one in the Sepulveda Basin from Memorial Day to the end of September. They have also been responsible for patrol of MRCA parks along the river and in the other 75,000 acres of MRCA-managed public parkland in Southern California.

The Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority (MRCA) is a local government public entity dedicated to the preservation and management of open space and parkland, watershed lands, trails, and wildlife habitat.  The MRCA works in cooperation with other government partners to acquire parkland, participate in vital planning processes, provide natural resources and scientific expertise, and complete major park improvement projects. The MRCA manages and provides ranger services and fire protection for almost 75,000 acres of parkland that it owns and that are owned by the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy or other agencies and provides comprehensive education and interpretation and leadership programs for youth. It is one of the lead agencies providing for the revitalization of the Los Angeles River.