Dan Paranick, District Manager of Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District Appointed to MRCA Board

 New District Manager of Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District Brings Years of Experience with Local Government

 LOS ANGELES (September 10, 2018) – The Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority (MRCA) announced today that Dan Paranick has been designated by the Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District as its representative on the MRCA Governing Board.  Mr. Paranick replaces Paul Friedeborn, who has served as the park district’s designee since Spring.

Paranick was appointed District Manager of Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District in August, 2018.  With more than 25 years’ experience in local government administration, Paranick has served as City Manager, Assistant City Manager, and Administrative Services Director, among other assignments during his tenure with the cities of Ventura, Camarillo, Simi Valley in California, and in Maricopa County, Arizona.

“The MRCA Board and staff play an important role in the conservation and management of open space in the region,” said Paranick.  “I look forward to representing the Rancho Simi Parks and Recreation District on the MRCA Board and helping to continue and build upon the good work and accomplishments of the team.  I’m really looking forward to the opportunity.”

Paranick holds a Master’s Degree in Public Administration with a concentration in City and County Management from Arizona State University, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science from the University of California, Los Angeles.

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 Acquires 98 Acres of New Parkland in Liberty Canyon Wildlife Corridor in Agoura Hills

Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority Acquires 98 acres of Prime Open Space in the Liberty Canyon Wildlife Corridor in Agoura Hills.

The core habitat and trail access was permanently protected by funds granted by Los Angeles County Supervisor Sheila Kuehl and the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy.

AGOURA HILLS, CALIFORNIA (August 27, 2018)—The Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority (MRCA) announced today that it had acquired 98 acres of regionally significant Santa Monica Mountains open space south of the 101 Freeway and west of Liberty Canyon Road, adjacent to open space owned by the City of Agoura Hills and the MRCA.  The purchase permanently protects viewshed that will continue to be enjoyed by thousands of motorists on the 101 Freeway every day.

“This acquisition will create a block of 2,430 acres of contiguous public open space that is not bisected by a single paved road, including 537 acres of parkland currently owned and managed by the MRCA,” said Paul Edelman, Chief of Natural Resources and Planning of the MRCA.  “The new 98 acres of open space includes the junction of the greater Malibu Creek State Park core habitat and the Liberty Canyon intermountain range wildlife corridor.”

The MRCA purchased the property with a grant of Proposition One funds from the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy, mitigation funds, and Los Angeles County Proposition A funds granted by Third District Supervisor, Sheila Kuehl.

“I enthusiastically support this significant expansion of open space in the Santa Monica Mountains  in order to make sure that this wild and beautiful habitat will be available in perpetuity for the people and animals of LA County to enjoy for generations to come,”  said LA County Supervisor Sheila Kuehl.

The new parkland permanently protects core Santa Monica Mountains habitat with prime coastal sage scrub and chaparral. The parkland provides critical linkages for wildlife and people and has good public hiking access from several locations.  A USGS blueline stream courses through the heart of the property.

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.

Map of Liberty Canyon-Agoura hills 98 Acres

 

 

MRCA Opens Los Angeles River Recreation Zone on Memorial Day

The Los Angeles River Recreation Zone Opens its Sixth Season on Memorial Day

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 28, 2018) — The Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority (MRCA) announced today that the Los Angeles River Recreation Zones in Elysian Valley and the Sepulveda Basin are open for their sixth season on Memorial Day, May 28, 2018.

The L.A. River Recreation Zones provide access to recreate 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 and Councilmember Mitch O’Farrell, 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, 2018.

“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.”

In addition to managing the Recreation Zones, the MRCA will continue 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 throughout the summer.

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 Acquires New 111-Acre Parkland in Big Tujunga Wash

State Wildlife Conservation Board and the County of Los Angeles helped preserve 111 acres of ecologically prime open space at the foot of the San Gabriel Mountains in the community of Tujunga in the City of Los Angeles

LOS ANGELES (April 15, 2018) – The Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority announced that it had acquired 111 acres of prime open space in Big Tujunga Canyon adjacent to the Angeles National Forest.  The new parkland above the San Fernando Valley is bordered on all sides by public open space in a key habitat area essential for wildlife movement in the mountain range.  With coast live oak woodland, coastal sage scrub, and chaparral vegetation, a USGS blueline stream tributary on the site also supports exceptionally robust alluvial fan scrub vegetation.  The Marge Feinberg Rim of the Valley Trail alignment on the new parkland will eventually provide recreational access to the Angeles National Forest.

“Virtually no other property in the Rim of the Valley Corridor can provide the recreation access, viewshed, watershed, and ecological benefits of this now permanently protected public open space,” said Joseph T. Edmiston, Executive Director of the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy, which contributed $3.5 million in local assistance funding appropriated in the State budget to acquire the parkland.  The total purchase price for the remarkable new parkland was $4,440,000.

The State Wildlife Conservation Board granted $800,000 to the acquisition to maintain a viable migration corridor for mountain lion and deer, enhance wildlife linkages, and provide future wildlife oriented public use opportunities.  A large-scale subdivision of approximately 100 homes was proposed in 2013.  That development would have fragmented the key habitat transition area between the Big Tujunga Wash and the narrow, steep-walled Big Tujunga gorge.  Its edge effects would also have diminished the biological values of scores of acres of surrounding public land.

Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger also contributed $140,000 in Proposition A funds to the cooperative project which is located in a County-designated Significant Ecological Area that encompasses one of the most biologically diverse regions of the County.  “This important acquisition of open space in Big Tujunga Wash is a step forward in our effort to increase access to recreational opportunities in the Angeles National Forest,” said Supervisor Barger.

 “This is a huge victory for our community,” said Los Angeles City Councilwoman Monica Rodriguez in whose district the new parkland is located. “This acquisition will expand our park space, protect our natural habitat, and create significant recreational resources for the people of Los Angeles. Most importantly, the newly acquired 111 acres will preserve much-needed open space for many generations to come.”

Immediate plans for the property include measures to eliminate illegal vehicle access, cleanup of dumping, and scoping for habitat restoration efforts.

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 73,000 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.

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Alex von Furstenberg Donates Key Santa Monica Mountains Open Space in Malibu to Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority

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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New 71-Acre Parkland Named for Senator Fran Pavley

New 71-acre Fran Pavley Meadow acquisition will double the amount of permanently protected core habitat along the 101 freeway leading to the proposed wildlife passage over the eight-lane freeway.

AGOURA HILLS, CALIFORNIA (November 18, 2016)–The Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority and the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy announced today that they had obtained both sufficient funding and an agreement to purchase the 71-acre Chesebro Meadow property in the Liberty Canyon Wildlife Corridor that will provide key connectivity to the proposed wildlife crossing over the 101 freeway in Agoura Hills.

“We are naming this new open space Fran Pavley Meadow for our beloved State Senator,” said Joseph T. Edmiston, Executive Director of the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy.  “Fran has been on the front lines of every land use battle to protect the wildlife corridor between the Simi Hills and the Santa Monica Mountains for her 14 years in the Legislature, her years as City Councilmember and Mayor of Agoura Hills, and before that as a citizen activist who recognized the importance of preserving open space for future generations.”

Senator Pavley was instrumental in working through conflicting interests to secure multiple funding sources to purchase the critical wildlife connection.  Last Wednesday, the California Wildlife Conservation Board approved a $3.35 million grant of Proposition 50 funds to complete the acquisition.  Other funding was from Los Angeles County Supervisor Sheila Kuehl ($1.1 million), and the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy Proposition 1 appropriation ($2.55 million).  The 71 acres support a mix of chaparral, coastal sage scrub, grassland, oak woodland-savannah vegetation, and include a section of Chesebro Creek in the upper Malibu Canyon watershed.

A robust, dedicated group of activists and environmentalists have worked for years to stave off development of this stunning open space adjacent to 400-acre Liberty Canyon Open Space purchased by the MRCA in the early 1990’s.  A housing development, a private high school, and, as recently as last year, fifteen approved equestrian estates were formerly proposed for the site.  Now, with the public protection of this habitat adjacent to the freeway, construction of the proposed dedicated wildlife passage over the 101 freeway becomes more inevitable.

Recognizing the regional importance to build the wildlife crossing, last year, Senator Pavley convened a summit to focus government and scientific resources on developing a state of the art structure to provide safe passage across the freeway and Agoura Road.  This resulted in The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) initiating a groundbreaking planning process which will eventually lead to the construction of the overcrossing. In addition to Caltrans, the MRCA and the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy, partners include State Assemblymember Richard Bloom, U.S. Congressman Ted Lieu, Ventura County Supervisor Linda Parks, Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, the National Wildlife Federation, Resource Conservation District of the Santa Monica Mountains (Project Architect), and the City of Agoura Hills.  Caltrans is currently preparing the environmental impact documentation for the freeway overcrossing.

“The wildlife overcrossing will be Senator Pavley’s legacy,” said Edmiston.

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.