Alex von Furstenberg Donates Key Santa Monica Mountains Open Space in Malibu to Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority
July 6, 2017
The 38-acre parkland adjacent to Charmlee Wilderness Park contains a significant segment of the Coastal Slope Trail
MALIBU, CALIFORNIA (July 6, 2017)—The Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority (MRCA) announced today that it has received a sizeable donation of undeveloped land from philanthropist Alex von Furstenberg. Located in the Decker Canyon area in Malibu adjacent to Charmlee Wilderness Park, the stunning open space, comprised of three separate parcels, lies on a broad shelf of gentle terrain that offers sweeping views of the Santa Monica Bay.
“I want to thank the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority for maintaining and growing one of the most beautiful places in the world so that families can enjoy the sanctity of our local mountains for generations to come,” said Alex von Furstenberg. “I look forward to gifting significantly more land over time.”
“Acquisition of this property will close a large gap in the development of the regionally significant Coastal Slope Trail, which will ultimately provide hikers a path from Topanga State Park to Leo Carrillo State Park where they can enjoy blue water views,” said Joseph T. Edmiston, Executive Officer of the MRCA. “The generosity of Mr. von Furstenberg will protect this land for the public in perpetuity.”
The property contains two significant drainage courses and a wide variety of vegetation communities including oak woodland, grassland, coastal sage scrub, and chaparral. Beautiful rock outcrops add to the diversity of the rugged terrain. The MRCA will seek additional grants to develop trail access and viewing areas to make the new parkland accessible to the public.
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 73,000 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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