All MRCA Parks and Trails Closed in Santa Monica Mountains
LOS ANGELES, CA (January 13, 2025) — The Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority (MRCA) announced today that all of its parks and trails in the Santa Monica Mountains are closed to the public until the fire emergency is over. In addition, many parks throughout the MRCA’s 75,000-acre jurisdiction in other areas are also closed. See list below.
“We appreciate the public’s help in our efforts to keep the community safe,” said Chief Ranger Fernando Gomez.
MRCA Park closures include:
Temescal Gateway Park
King Gillette Ranch
All Topanga Canyon Parks including Tuna Canyon Park, Mill Creek, Redrock Canyon Park, Ed Edelman Park
All MRCA Parks and Beach Accessways in the City of Malibu including Escondido Canyon Park, Sara Wan Trailhead, Cameron Nature Preserve at Puerco Canyon
Dirt Mulholland Drive
San Vicente Mountain Park
All Mulholland Overlooks
Fryman Canyon Park and the Betty Dearing Trail
Wilacre Park
Franklin Canyon Park
Upper Las Virgenes Open Space Preserve
Wilson Canyon Park
Mentryville
Ed Davis Park at Towsley Canyon
Whitney Canyon Park
La Tuna Canyon Park
Lopez Canyon Park
Michael D. Antonovich Park at Joughin Ranch
Hidden Creeks Park
Rocky Peak Park
The MRCA maintains its own fire division to protect resources on MRCA-managed properties, and works together with local fire departments, State and federal agencies, and the public to prevent wildfires, and—if necessary—to defend against them. In the current Palisades Fire incident, MRCA Fire Division defended Temescal Gateway Park in the Palisades Fire area. MRCA also successfully defended structures in Upper Las Virgenes Canyon Open Space Preserve in the Kenneth Fire. The MRCA is on 24 hour patrol now and throughout all red flag incidents. Air quality in the region is unhealthy.
The Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority (MRCA) is a local government public entity exercising joint powers of the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy, the Conejo Recreation and Park District and the Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District. The MRCA is dedicated to the preservation and management of local open space and parkland, wildlife habitat, coastal access, watershed lands, and trails in both wilderness and urban settings, and to ensuring access to public parkland and coastal resources. The MRCA works in cooperation with the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy and other local government partners to acquire parkland, participate in vital planning processes, work towards wildfire resilience, and connect wildlife habitat. The MRCA manages more than 75,000 acres of parkland that it owns and that are owned by the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy. It is one of the lead agencies revitalizing the Los Angeles River.
MRCA Asks Public to Stay out of Parks, Follow Closures Due to Fire
LOS ANGELES, CA (January 10, 2025) — The Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority (MRCA) is asking for the public to stay out of all MRCA parks and off of trails until the current extreme wind event is over and all regional fires are contained. MRCA Fire Division personnel, as well as Park Rangers and operation staff who are also certified wildland firefighters have been working around the clock to defend and protect MRCA parkland under dangerous and challenging conditions.
“We appreciate the public’s help in our efforts to keep the community safe,” said Chief Ranger Fernando Gomez.
All MRCA parks and trails in and around the current fire evacuation zones are closed. Information about the fire events, including maps of the evacuation zones are provided by L.A. County here.
MRCA Park closures include:
Temescal Gateway Park
King Gillette Ranch
All Topanga Canyon Parks including Tuna Canyon Park, Mill Creek, Redrock Canyon Park, Ed Edelman Park
Escondido Canyon Park
Dirt Mulholland Drive
San Vicente Mountain Park
All Mulholland Overlooks
Fryman Canyon Park and the Betty Dearing Trail
Wilacre Park
Franklin Canyon Park
Upper Las Virgenes Open Space Preserve
Wilson Canyon Park
Ed Davis Park at Towsley Canyon
Whitney Canyon Park
The MRCA maintains its own fire division to protect resources on MRCA-managed properties, and works together with local fire departments, State and federal agencies, and the public to prevent wildfires, and—if necessary—to defend against them. In the current Palisades Fire incident, MRCA Fire Division defended Temescal Gateway Park in the Palisades Fire area. The MRCA is on 24 hour patrol now and throughout all red flag incidents. Air quality in the region is unhealthy.
The Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority (MRCA) is a local government public entity exercising joint powers of the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy, the Conejo Recreation and Park District and the Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District. The MRCA is dedicated to the preservation and management of local open space and parkland, wildlife habit at, coastal access, watershed lands, and trails in both wilderness and urban settings, and to ensuring access to public parkland and coastal resources. The MRCA works in cooperation with the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy and other local government partners to acquire parkland, participate in vital planning processes, work towards wildfire resilience, and connect wildlife habitat. The MRCA manages more than 75,000 acres of parkland that it owns and that are owned by the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy. It is one of the lead agencies revitalizing the Los Angeles.
MRCA Fire Division Urges Fire Prevention in Los Angeles Hillsides and Canyons
After two years of record rain, and significantly high vegetation growth, the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority urges residents to work together to prevent a local fire disaster.
LOS ANGELES (October 6, 2024)—As part of National Fire Prevention Week, the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority Wildland Firefighting Division is asking residents of the hillside and canyon areas of Los Angeles to work together to prevent catastrophic wildfires near their homes. October through the end of the year is the Santa Ana Wind season when the most devastating wildfires occur in this area.
“This year has the potential to be the worst fire season ever,” said Ken Nelson, Chief of the Fire Division of the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority, a local public agency that provides ranger and fire patrol of the Mulholland corridor and its parklands. “When there is a significant amount of growth like there is this year, we firefighters call it ‘fuel loading.’ It means that the potential for a volatile wildfire is very high. We need all residents to be alert to suspicious activities, particularly in the Mulholland Scenic Overlooks and open space areas. If you see activity that causes concern, call the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority Ranger Services at 310 456-7049.”
Chief Nelson noted that in an emergency, residents should always first call 911.
The MRCA has placed bright red high fire alert signs at all of the scenic overlooks and at open space parklands throughout the hillsides and canyons of the Mulholland Corridor from Griffith Park west to the City boundary with Calabasas asking residents to alert MRCA to suspicious activity.
The Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority works year-round to minimize the risk of fire in the more than 80,000 acres of open space it manages in the greater Los Angeles region. The MRCA employs 45 full time, paid call, cadet and volunteer fire fighters—including its park rangers—who are wildland firefighters certified to the same standards as the U.S. Forest Service and CalFire. In this above average wildfire year in California, MRCA firefighters have assisted on seven events throughout the State—increasing their readiness for a local fire.
The Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority Fire Division maintains its own firefighting equipment to assist local fire departments in fighting wildfires and to provide fire patrol under high fire alert conditions. Ranger patrol trucks are fitted with slip-ons, and provide flexibility in patrolling the narrow, twisty canyons that characterize the hillsides of the Mulholland corridor. Rangers will be patrolling seven days a week during the high risk periods.
National Fire prevention week is October 6-12, 2024. In 1920, President Woodrow Wilson issued the first National Fire Prevention Day proclamation, and since 1922, Fire Prevention Week has been observed on the Sunday through Saturday period in which October 9 falls. According to the National Archives and Records Administration’s Library Information Center, Fire Prevention Week is the longest running public health and safety observance on record. The President of the United States has signed a proclamation proclaiming a national observance during that week every year since 1925.
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 almost 80,000 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 and its tributaries.
LA CITY COUNCILMEMBER BOB BLUMENFIELD, MRCA, LA SANITATION GM BARBARA ROMERO BREAK GROUND ON LA’S FIRST SELF-SUSTAINING PARK
Caballero Creek Park is being constructed by the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority
WEST SAN FERNANDO VALLEY, CA – Councilmember Bob Blumenfield was joined by city, local leaders and residents for the ceremonial groundbreaking of Caballero Creek Park. Located just south of Victory Blvd. on Lindley Ave, this site will convert a 1.5-acre underutilized lot into a multiple-benefit park right at the convergence of the Los Angeles River and Caballero Creek in Tarzana. It will be the first self-sustaining park in Los Angeles- meaning water will be captured on and off-site and using solar, the water will be cleaned to irrigate the park.
“It takes a village to take underutilized city land and create this sort of new, innovative green space and while it may be a heavy lift, it’s so wonderful to know that countless generations of Angelenos will be able to enjoy this incredible park,” said Blumenfield.
The Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority (MRCA), Department of Recreation and Parks, Bureau of Sanitation, General Services Department, and Los Angeles County have joined forces for Caballero Creek Park. Blumenfield helped bring in seven different funding sources and cut through significant red tape over the past few years to get shovels in the ground. Overall, it will cost about $5.5 million split between the city, county and state.He also partnered with Reseda High School so this new space will serve as an outdoor classroom. The design utilizes innovative methods that lead to watershed protection, including a bioswale and a wetland component for storm water treatment. The new wetlands will create habitat, clean water and help connect Angelenos to California’s struggling riverine ecology. The site plan also includes a variety of offerings for the community including an outdoor fitness center, play and recreation, access to the LA River bike paths, and more.
“This will be the first self-sustaining park along the Los Angeles River,” said Joseph T. Edmiston, FAICP, Executive Director of the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy, one of the funders of the project. “Most importantly, it will be the park that establishes the standards that all parks going forward will adhere to. That is how real change occurs.”
Leonard Shaffer, President of the Tarzana Neighborhood Council said, “One of the important objectives of this project is to have a place where residents of Tarzana, students from Reseda High School, and residents of surrounding communities can learn about water reclamation and conservation; something that has grown in importance because of ongoing changes in our atmosphere.
Caballero Creek Park is set to open around April of next year. It marks the latest new City park that Blumenfield has helped create following the Costanso Fire Station Park and the LA River and Aliso Creek Confluence Park. He also led the effort to create the new facilities at the Woodland Hills Rec Center, as well as major renovations at various parks throughout his community.
The Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority (MRCA) is a local government public entity exercising joint powers of the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy, the Conejo Recreation and Park District and the Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District. The MRCA is dedicated to the preservation and management of local open space and parkland, wildlife habitat, coastal access, watershed lands, and trails in both wilderness and urban settings, and to ensuring access to public parkland and coastal resources. The MRCA works in cooperation with the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy and other local government partners to acquire parkland, participate in vital planning processes, work towards wildfire resilience, and connect wildlife habitat. The MRCA manages more than 75,000 acres of parkland that it owns and that are owned by the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy. It is one of the lead agencies revitalizing the Los Angeles River.
Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority Acquires Key Habitat Connector in the Hollywood Hills
The newly protected land at the end of Lankershim Canyon includes a natural year-round spring crucial to the survival of local wildlife.
LOS ANGELES (July 29, 2024) – The Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority (MRCA) announced today that it had acquired a half-acre of critical habitat in the Cahuenga Pass area of the eastern Santa Monica Mountains. The now-permanently preserved open space frequented by mule deer and other native animals includes a perennial spring and oak woodland located on one of just two routes that wildlife can travel east to west along the north slope of the range.
“This is a solid victory for the animals that depend on the increasingly fragile connection of habitat in the Santa Monica Mountains between the 405 Freeway and Griffith Park,” said Paul Edelman, Chief of Natural Resources and Planning for the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority. “In addition to larger animals, native bats, lizards, owls and nesting birds will continue to thrive here.”
Despite development proposals (including a recent plan for a multistory house with a twelve-foot retaining wall and a swimming pool), the unique wildlife water source and habitat adjacent to other MRCA parkland made conservation of this sensitive property a high priority. Images caught on wildlife cameras installed by the local nonprofit Citizens for Los Angeles Wildlife (CLAW) over many years vividly underscored the animals use and dependence on the parcel. The closest perennial water source is a mile away in either direction.
Two open space advocates generously donated $40,000 in personal funds to preserve the property. The remainder of the $325,000 acquisition was funded by Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority Community Facilities District No. 2020-1 (Open Space and Fire Prevention). The MRCA plans to enhance the spring’s flow and remove vestiges of attempts by the prior owner to underground the flow with pipes and gravel.
“It is essential to buy keystone ecological parcels,” said Edelman, “to maintain the hope of a functioning wildlife corridor system.”
The Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority (MRCA) is a local government public entity exercising joint powers of the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy, the Conejo Recreation and Park District and the Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District. The MRCA is dedicated to the preservation and management of local open space and parkland, wildlife habitat, coastal access, watershed lands, and trails in both wilderness and urban settings, and to ensuring access to public parkland and coastal resources. The MRCA works in cooperation with the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy and other local government partners to acquire parkland, participate in vital planning processes, work towards wildfire resilience, and connect wildlife habitat. The MRCA manages more than 75,000 acres of parkland that it owns and that are owned by the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy. It is one of the lead agencies revitalizing the Los Angeles River.
Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority Proactive Response to Threat of Goldspotted Oak Boarer in Oak Trees on its Public Parkland
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA (May 30, 2024)— New infestations of Goldspotted Oak Borer (GSOB) were discovered on MRCA land for the first time this spring in native oak trees at two locations in East and Rice Canyons, and Whitney Canyon in the Santa Clarita Valley. The terrain is more rugged and inaccessible than most known areas of GSOB infestation. As several trees were in severe decline or dead, GSOB has likely been present for at least 3-5 years. While these are the only areas of MRCA land where the pest has been identified, every measure is being taken to prevent further infestation and spread in all of the jurisdiction.
GSOB is an invasive pest that originated in Arizona and has been spreading from San Diego north for the past 16 years. It is primarily spread through the movement of oak firewood. GSOB typically targets more mature oaks. If the GSOB reached the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, it could begin an infestation among the 600,000 coast live oak trees.
The MRCA is leveraging Regional Forest and Fire Capacity (RFFC) Program funds granted by the California Natural Resources Agency and California Department of Conservation to immediately address these areas of GSOB and develop a long-term strategy. As this is a serious regional issue, MRCA is working in collaboration with partner entomologists, pathologists and forest managers from Los Angeles County Fire, the Angeles-San Bernardino National Forests, CALFIRE, and University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources (UCANR), as well as representatives from LA County Agricultural Weights and Measures, and the Resource Conservation District of the Santa Monica Mountains, and in consultation with private pest management contractors and various land managers dealing with GSOB in San Diego and Orange Counties.
Management of GSOB consists broadly of annual monitoring via ground and aerial surveys, and treatment including removal of amplifier trees and insecticide treatment of lightly to moderately infested trees (with full consideration given to minimizing environmental impacts). Crews from the nonprofit TreePeople will conduct ground surveys following US Forest Service-developed GSOB survey protocols.
This summer, CSUN will conduct aerial drone surveys to collect fine-scale data for targeting future ground surveys as well as to better inform a proposed fall 2024 NASA DEVELOP project that will utilize drone and satellite imagery to analyze GSOB infestation on MRCA land.
Treatment options are still being evaluated with outside experts but will likely include de-barking amplifier trees and either burning, chipping, or burying infested bark, with complete removal and chipping to less than 3” of amplifier trees that are able to be accessed by traditional equipment. Pesticide treatment will follow an integrated pest management strategy beginning this fall, which will include trunk injections and/or topical applications of insecticides by contractors.
As GSOB management in Southern California is an evolving science, novel approaches and experimentation should be welcomed in collaboration with researchers and tribes. The cycle of treatment, removal, and monitoring will be repeated on an ongoing basis, and GSOB management must now form a permanent part of MRCA budgeting and planning. MRCA will also make RFFC funds available to partner organizations, tribes, and agencies to increase their capacity for GSOB and other wildfire resilience projects including public education and messaging.
The Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority (MRCA) is a local government public entity exercising joint powers of the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy, the Conejo Recreation and Park District and the Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District. The MRCA is dedicated to the preservation and management of local open space and parkland, wildlife habitat, coastal access, watershed lands, and trails in both wilderness and urban settings, and to ensuring access to public parkland and coastal resources. The MRCA works in cooperation with the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy and other local government partners to acquire parkland, participate in vital planning processes, work towards wildfire resilience, and connect wildlife habitat. The MRCA manages more than 75,000 acres of parkland that it owns and that are owned by the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy. It is one of the lead agencies revitalizing the Los Angeles
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MRCA Opens LA River Recreation Zone for its 11th Season
The public is welcome to kayak, walk, and fish on two sections of the river managed by the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority in Elysian Valley and at the Sepulveda Basin in Encino.
LOS ANGELES (May 27, 2024) — 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 their eleventh season on Memorial Day, May 27, 2024.
The LA River Recreation Zones provide access to recreate on and explore the Los Angeles River in two different parts of the river that are still in a natural state with activities including 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, the Army Corps of Engineers, and the County of Los Angeles. Hours are sunrise to sunset, except during and after inclement weather or other adverse conditions. The Recreation Zones will be open through September 30, 2024.
“We are looking forward to another great season,” said MRCA Chief Ranger, Fernando Gomez. “We urge everyone to check out the website www.lariverrecreation.org to find out about river conditions, weather, and closure information. You can also learn about how to access the river, and outfitters who provide guided tours or rent kayaks.”
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.
Kayakers in the Sepulveda Basin will be able to access the Los Angeles River from Burbank Boulevard west of Woodley Avenue. There is plenty of street parking on Woodley Avenue.
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 will include strong currents and a few rapids – you may fall out of your kayak while traveling through them. Boulders and other obstacles are also part of the experience. Be aware that you will likely be getting off your kayak and pulling it through the water to get around rocks in areas.
To access the Elysian Valley Recreation Zone, kayakers can enter the Los Angeles River from MRCA Rattlesnake Park at Fletcher Drive. Parking is available on Fletcher Drive. Access is also available upstream from MRCA Lewis MacAdams Riverfront Park (formerly Marsh Park) whose parking lot entrances are at 2999 Rosanna St. and 2944 Gleneden Street. Public Restrooms are available.
“Everyone needs to remember to take safety precautions when going out on the river,” said Gomez. “You must wear a Personal Flotation Device (PFD). Use sunscreen and drink plenty of water.”
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 Names Carbon Beach Accessways for Defenders of the California Coast
Carbon Beach Accessways named for California Coastal Commission Coastal Access Manager Linda Locklin and Supervising Deputy Attorney General Jamee Jordan Patterson each of whom, for more than 40 years, have championed keeping California’s beaches and coastline accessible to everyone
Malibu, CA (May 7, 2024) – On a stunning spring day, with a commanding view of 1.5– mile long Carbon Beach, a crowd of long-time colleagues and admirers gathered for a fitting tribute to two women who have worked effectively and strategically for over 40 years to ensure that the spirit and law of the California Coastal Act is upheld such that all people have access to the Coast.
Carbon Beach East Accessway, opened to the public after a protracted battle in 2005, will be named for Linda Locklin, the Coastal Commission’s Coastal Access Program Manager since 1990. Carbon Beach West Accessway, opened to the public after an extended fight in 2015, will be named for Jamee Jordan Patterson, the Attorney General’s Litigation Liaison to the California Coastal Commission since 1990. Each accessway will feature a commemorative plaque and new signage. In addition, , under the brown rectangular “Coastal Access” marker familiar to travelers on Pacific Coast Highway will be new signs with “Via Jamee” at Carbon Beach West, and “Via Linda” at Carbon Beach East.
Linda Locklin, an accomplished swimmer and rower, joined the California Coastal Commission staff as a planner in 1977. As Coastal Access Manager for the past 34 years, Linda has worked to protect and provide new public access opportunities to beaches statewide, especially on the 21-mile Malibu Coast in Los Angeles–the most populated county in the state. In this role, Linda works to ensure public easements across private property, such as the Carbon Beach Accessways, are opened to public use as promised in development agreements.
Supervising Deputy District Attorney Jamee Jordan Patterson, a UCLA and Loyola Law School graduate, has handled numerous cases for the Coastal Commission at all levels of the courts, both state and federal, from trial to appeal, including several cases before the California Supreme Court, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeal, and the United States Supreme Court, specializing in public access cases.
Some of those cases include:
Ackerberg v. Coastal Commission (access in Malibu)
Barrie v. Coastal Commission (access in Del Mar)
Whaler’s Village Club v. Coastal Commission (access in Ventura)
Kretowicz v. Coastal Commission (access in La Jolla)
Lagunita v. Coastal Commission (access in Laguna Beach)
San Diego Navy Broadway Complex Coalition v. Coastal Commission (access in San Diego)
The California Coastal Commission was established by voter initiative in 1972 (Proposition 20) and later made permanent by the Legislature through adoption of the California Coastal Act of 1976. A primary purpose of the Coastal Act is to maximize public access to and along the coast and maximize public recreational opportunities in the coastal zone consistent with sound resources conservation principles and constitutionally protected rights of private property owners.
The Commission is committed to protecting and enhancing California’s coast and ocean for present and future generations. It does so through careful planning and regulation of environmentally-sustainable development, rigorous use of science, strong public participation, education, and effective intergovernmental coordination.
The Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority (MRCA) is committed to providing maximum public coastal access to the spectacular Malibu coastline where the Santa Monica Mountains meet the Pacific Ocean. In partnership with the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy, the MRCA manages a robust Coastal Access Program within the City of Malibu that includes 12 Malibu beach accessways and two coastal overlooks along various Malibu beaches, as well as Lechuza Beach, Escondido Beach, and Carbon-La Costa Beach.
The Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority (MRCA) is a local government public entity dedicated to the preservation and management of open space and parkland, wildlife habitat, coastal access, watershed lands, and trails in both wilderness and urban settings, and to ensuring access to public parkland and coastal resources. 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 80,000 acres of parkland that it owns and that are owned by the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy or other agencies.
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Parks and Beach Accessways Closed by Recent Winter Storms
LOS ANGELES, CA (February 8, 2024) — The Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority (MRCA) announced today the following parks and beach accessways are CLOSED due to damage from the recent winter rain storms:
Temescal Gateway Park
Franklin Canyon Park
Escondido Canyon Park
Corral Canyon Park
Carbon Beach East and West beach accessways
Lechuza Beach East Sea Level and Bunnie Lane/Lot (West Sea Level Drive is OPEN)
Hidden Beach accessway closed at beachside
The Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority (MRCA) is a local government public entity exercising joint powers of the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy, the Conejo Recreation and Park District and the Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District. The MRCA is dedicated to the preservation and management of local open space and parkland, wildlife habitat, coastal access, watershed lands, and trails in both wilderness and urban settings, and to ensuring access to public parkland and coastal resources. The MRCA works in cooperation with the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy and other local government partners to acquire parkland, participate in vital planning processes, work towards wildfire resilience, and connect wildlife habitat. The MRCA manages more than 75,000 acres of parkland that it owns and that are owned by the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy. It is one of the lead agencies revitalizing the Los Angeles
Senator Maria Elena Durazo, Assemblymember Wendy Carrillo, State Parks Director Armando Quintero Present $1.2 Million Grant to Restore Northeast Los Angeles, Antelope Valley Parkland
California State Parks Off-Highway Vehicle Grant will help MRCA prevent illegal off-roading with increased ranger patrol, barriers, and community outreach.
LOS ANGELES (September 27, 2023 ) – Senator Maria Elena Durazo, Assemblymember Wendy Carrillo, and State Parks Director Armando Quintero presented a giant check for $1.2 million to the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority (MRCA) at a community gathering at Elephant Hills Open Space in the Northeast Los Angeles Community of El Sereno today. The funding from the California State Parks Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Division will be used to restore three MRCA parks that have been heavily impacted recently by illegal Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) use. The parks include Elephant Hill Open Space in the El Sereno community of Northeast Los Angeles, Ritter Ranch in the Upper Santa Clara River and Antelope Valleys, and Plum Canyon Open Space near the Santa Clara River.
“Safely managing sensitive public open space in one of the largest metropolitan areas in the nation is a team effort,” said George Lange, Chair of the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority Governing Board, “Our partners at California State Parks are sharing their expertise and their funding to help mitigate the damage of illegal Off-Highway Vehicles in our parks.”
As part of its restoration efforts at these locations, the MRCA will install fire gates, boulders, railings, and signage, and increase ranger patrol using site-specific off-road equipment. The aim is to reduce the impact of off-highway vehicles on sensitive areas and preserve the natural habitat for the local community to enjoy safely. Off roading activities create high wildfire ignition risk and this grant will help protect the land and communities adjacent to these open spaces. The proposed projects include areas designated by CAL FIRE as Very High Fire Severity Zones, the most severe wildfire risk designation.
Elephant Hill Open Space is part of a natural hilltop area, considered an island of habitat, in the historic Northeast Los Angeles community of El Sereno. The MRCA owns and manages eight acres along with property owned by the cities of Los Angeles and South Pasadena. “In the past few years there has been a huge increase in illegal Off-highway Vehicle use at Elephant Hill, which is in the middle of a neighborhood,” said Deputy Executive Officer Fernando Gomez, Chief Ranger of the MRCA. Illegal off-road vehicles put the park users and the vehicle drivers in danger, while causing close-in erosion and killing the habitat. This activity increases the risk of brushfire, which could be devastating to all the homes around it.”
The nonprofit Save Elephant Hill will receive $150,000 to provide community education on the social and environmental impacts of illegal OHV activities and highlight the MRCA’s restoration efforts.
“We’re very grateful to the California Off Highway Vehicle Motor Vehicle Division for providing MRCA and Save Elephant Hill an amazing opportunity to address unauthorized off-roading on Elephant Hill,” said Elva Yañez, Board President of Save Elephant Hill. “This grant allows us to partner with other community-based groups concerned about land use and the environment to increase community awareness about the damage caused by people riding trucks, motorcycles, and other vehicles on the Elephant Hill Open Space Area managed by MRCA. Our goal is to educate residents and other stakeholders about the common goal of protecting Elephant Hill’s habitat – the soil, native plants and trees, and the many species of animals and birds that make their homes here—from off-roading.”
Ritter Ranch Park is an over 4,000-acre open space park perched at the eastern end of the Sierra Pelona Mountains. The town of Acton and the upper Santa Clara River lie to the south. The Antelope Valley lies to the north and the Angeles National Forest continues westward for miles. With elevations ranging from 3,000 to 5,000 feet, this unique natural area contains plant communities indicative of a convergence of desert, mountain, and coastal influences. A system of ranch roads provide access and hiking trails throughout the park. Road access is available from both the Palmdale and Acton sides of the range.
“Illegal OHVs at Ritter Ranch destroy habitat for animals such as mountain lion and deer,” said Chief Gomez. “These new resources will help prevent soil degradation and erosion and reduce the risk of wildfire in this remote area.”
The Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Division of California State Parks manages an annual grant program to support well managed off-highway vehicle (OHV) recreation in the State of California. The program provides financial assistance to develop and maintain OHV recreation, as well as to responsibly maintain the wildlife, soils, and habitat of areas impacted by OHV use.
The Regional Forest and Fire Capacity (RFFC) Program, funded by the California Department of Conservation and California Natural Resources Agency was leveraged to create the capacity for MRCA to apply for this grant.
The Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority (MRCA) is a local government public entity exercising joint powers of the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy, the Conejo Recreation and Park District and the Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District. The MRCA is dedicated to the preservation and management of local open space and parkland, wildlife habitat, coastal access, watershed lands, and trails in both wilderness and urban settings, and to ensuring access to public parkland and coastal resources. The MRCA works in cooperation with the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy and other local government partners to acquire parkland, participate in vital planning processes, work towards wildfire resilience, and connect wildlife habitat. The MRCA manages more than 75,000 acres of parkland that it owns and that are owned by the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy. It is one of the lead agencies revitalizing the Los Angeles River.
Contact:
Dash Stolarz
Director of Public Affairs
(323) 221-9944 x198
dash.stolarz@mrca.ca.gov
