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Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority Receives 226-acre Donation of Prime Wildlife Linkage Near Interstate 5 West of Castaic Lake

The now permanently protected parkland is a major viewshed between the mountains and the Santa Clarita Valley enjoyed by motorists on a two-mile stretch of both the north and southbound sides of the freeway

 

CASTAIC, CALIFORNIA (January 2, 2019)—The Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority (MRCA) announced today that it had taken title to a significant donation of 226 acres of prime open space in north Los Angeles County near Castaic Lake in the scenic canyon that separates the south and north-bound lanes of Interstate 5 (I-5) as the freeway descends into the Santa Clarita Valley.  The property is part of a habitat linkage that allows wildlife to move under I-5 between the Los Padres and Angeles National Forests. The donation is one of the largest in the history of the MRCA.

 

“Interstate 5 creates an over 30-mile-long wildlife movement barrier across the mountains between the Santa Clarita Valley and the beginning of the Grapevine,” said Paul Edelman, MRCA Chief of Natural Resources and Planning.  “The donation land is vital for animals to safely cross that I-5 barrier because it leads into existing wildlife under-crossings.   This will also set the stage for conservation of additional land to the north.”

 

The donor, Neil Nadler, had owned the property for over twenty years and had developed plans for a business park and motocross tracks on most of the land.  However, biologists told him he needed to leave ample space for the wildlife corridor to the north.  Officially, the property is part of the Sierra Madre-Castaic Connection identified in the 2005 South Coast Missing Linkages Project.   Known as Marple Canyon, the property supports a mix of riparian vegetation types along a windy creek bed.  The slopes support grassland and coastal sage scrub. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife designates the property as part of an area with High Conservation Value.

 

” I am pleased and honored to be able to conserve this important portion of the Sierra Madre-Castaic wildlife linkage,” said Nadler. “Being an environmental advocate who understands how costly wildlife corridors can be, I’m especially grateful that I am in the position in my life to give back to our fragile ecosystem.  I also want to thank Kristeen Penrod of South Coast Wildlands, and the other scientists who helped me over the last 23 years understand the Marple Canyon’s highest and best use is for everyone to appreciate the beauty and function as a critical element in wildlife movement.”

 

Two years ago, Nadler helped the MRCA purchase an adjacent seven-acre parcel that contains a tunnel heavily used by wildlife beneath the south-bound lanes of I-5 and that allow animals to reach the new parkland.

 

The MRCA will name the new parkland for Nadler.

 

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 Nadler 226 Acre Donation

Contact:
Dash Stolarz
dash.stolarz@mrca.ca.gov
323-221-9944 X198

The Los Angeles River Recreation Zone is 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, 2019

LOS ANGELES (September 30, 2018) — 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 sixth 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.

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Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority List of Park Closures Due to Woolsey Fire

CALABASAS, CA (December 10, 2018) — The Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority (MRCA) announced today that the following parks managed by the MRCA remain closed to the public due to circumstances related to the recent Woosley fire incident:

Closed for Hazardous Conditions

Cameron Nature Preserve at Puerco Canyon

Charmlee Wilderness Park

Corral Canyon Park – Sara Wan Trailhead

Escondido Canyon Park

Fran Pavley Meadow

Las Virgenes View Trail

Liberty Canyon Trailhead

Triunfo Creek Park

Upper Las Virgenes Canyon Open Space Preserve (formerly Ahmanson Ranch)

Zev Yaroslavsky Las Virgenes Highlands Park

 

 

Mujeras de la Tierra, MRCA to Honor Fallen Park Rangers at Dia de los Muertos Procession and Altar

Media Advisory for Thursday, November 1, 2018 6-8 pm

Día de Los Muertos Procession and Altar Honor Park Rangers Killed in the Line of Duty around the World

 Uniformed Park Rangers with their faces painted in the traditional style and spectacular lighted Demonio de la Basura to lead hundreds in a dazzling procession through the streets of Cypress Park to the Los Angeles River Center

 What:

More than 300 community advocates, park rangers, environmentalists, international, federal, state and local leaders and school children will unite on November 1 to honor—through a Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) street procession and altar—The lives of those who have died in the line of duty while protecting and defending the environment and natural world.

One of the most spectacular and meaningful annual Dia de los Muertos celebrations in Los Angeles, the procession and ribbon cutting will include stunning art figurines, feathered Aztec dancers, traditional music, marigolds, entertainment, and wild beauty.

A community celebration will follow the ceremony.

The events are being organized by Mujeres de la Tierra, a non-profit environmental group based in L.A.

When:

Thursday, November 1, 2018

6:00 PM Procession begins – Cypress Park Library

7:15 PM Ribbon Cutting Ceremony – Los Angeles River Center & Gardens


Where:

6:00 p.m. Procession begins: Cypress Park Library, 1150 Cypress Avenue, LA

7:15 p.m. Procession ends and Ribbon Cutting: Los Angeles River Center & Gardens   570 West Avenue 26, Los Angeles


Who:

  • Irma Muñoz, President/Founder, Mujeres de la Tierra
  • David Szymanski, Superintendent, National Park Service Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area
  • Craig Sap, Superintendent, Angeles Region, State Parks—sworn Park Ranger and Chair of the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy
  • Fernando Gomez, Chief Ranger, Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority
  • Senior Ranger Jewel Johnson, Secretary, International Ranger Federation
  • Mark Stanley, Executive Director, San Gabriel and Lower Los Angeles Rivers and Mountain Conservancy
  • David McNeill, Executive Director, Baldwin Hills Conservanc

Esperanza, the iconic 12-foot Calavera

 

Visuals:

PROCESSION: The half-mile street procession includes the fabulous Demonia de la Basura—a 10-foot high, lighted skeletal figure made from recycled water bottles—Aztec dancers, burning sage, and marchers with wooden skulls.  Park Rangers will march in uniform and have their faces vividly painted in accordance with the Dia de los Muertos tradition.

 

ALTAR:  Enormous traditional Day of the Dead altar, dedicated to the more than 850 Park Rangers who have died in the line of duty since 2009.

 

The procession and ceremony are being organized by Mujeres de la Tierra (Women of the Earth), a non-profit environmental organization based in Los Angeles.

 

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Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority Awarded $3 Million for the Liberty Canyon Wildlife Crossing over the US-101 Freeway

Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy grants Proposition 68 funds to engineer the state-of-the-art bridge which will protect the genetic diversity of the ecosystem

LOS ANGELES (October 24, 2018) – The Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority (MRCA) announced today that the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy had awarded the agency up to $3 million in matching funds from the California Drought, Water, Parks, Climate, Coastal Protection, and Outdoor Access for All Act of 2018 (Proposition 68) for the Liberty Canyon Wildlife Crossing over the US-101 Freeway in Agoura Hills. The MRCA will use the funds to contribute to the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) initial Plans, Specifications, and Engineering (PS&E) design phase of the project—the final phase before construction of the long-anticipated habitat linkage bridge.

The California Wildlife Conservation Board and the National Wildlife Federation will also contribute matching funds for a total of $8 million for this phase of the project.

“The Conservancy’s Proposition 68 grant will turn the concept of a Liberty Canyon Wildlife Crossing into a reality,” said Joseph T. Edmiston, Executive Director of the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy. “This structure–which will be the largest and best designed of its kind in the world–will ensure that wildlife movement back and forth between the Santa Monica Mountains, Simi Hills, and Santa Susanas, and the two National Forests to the north, can continue unimpeded for the future. The long-term health of the ecosystem and persistence of wildlife populations depend on it.”

The Conservancy funded Caltrans’ initial study which established the feasibility of the Liberty Canyon Wildlife Crossing as a safe and effective wildlife passage across the eight-lane freeway.   Since that time, the National Wildlife Federation has raised millions of dollars to propel the project forward.  Caltrans completed its required environmental review of the project earlier this year.  With funding secured, it can now proceed with the actual engineering and design of the bridge.  A start time is planned for early 2019; design and engineering are estimated to take approximately one year.

US-101 is a formidable barrier for many wildlife species including mountain lions, bobcats, gray foxes, and mule deer that have historically traveled between these mountain ranges. In particular, populations of mammals with large home ranges such as mountain lions and bobcats need expansive areas in which to hunt, breed, and survive. The original construction of the freeway divided this previously continuous habitat range into isolated fragments. For mountain lions, this restriction has resulted in significant inbreeding, territorial fighting, and low genetic diversity within the Santa Monica Mountains.

National Park Service (NPS) researchers have documented serious threats to the long-term viability of the mountain lions if a structure is not constructed. Scientists have long identified Liberty Canyon as the optimum location to construct a wildlife crossing because of the large swaths of protected public land extending into the mountain ranges on either side of the freeway. The two outposts of the crossing will be on protected open space owned by the MRCA.

The National Wildlife Federation and the Santa Monica Mountains Fund have established a fundraising initiative at www.savelacougars.org to raise funds for the engineering design and construction expenses.

In addition to the MRCA, the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy and Caltrans, partners include California State Senator Henry Stern, former California State Senator Fran Pavley, California State Assemblymember Richard Bloom, U.S. Congressman Ted Lieu, Los Angeles County Supervisor Sheila Kuehl, Ventura County Supervisor Linda Parks, the National Park Service Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, the National Wildlife Federation, The Resource Conservation District of the Santa Monica Mountains, and the City of Agoura Hills.

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 and its tributaries.

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Contact:

Dash Stolarz

Director of Public Affairs

(323) 221-9944 x198

Dash.stolarz@mrca.ca.gov

MRCA Acquires 170-acre Triangle Ranch at the Gateway to the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area

Now public parkland, 170 acres of the Triangle Ranch Property in unincorporated Los Angeles County adjacent to Agoura Hills was acquired in three phases.  A fourth phase acquisition is in the making

 AGOURA HILLS, CA (September 28, 2018) — The Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority (MRCA) announced today that it had acquired 170 acres of iconic open space in the central Santa Monica Mountains south of the 101 Freeway along Kanan Road.  Known for decades as the Triangle Ranch property because of the shape of the land holding, the $16.5 million property was purchased in three phases beginning in March of this year with grants from numerous State and local funding sources including the State Wildlife Conservation Board, the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy, the County of Los Angeles, the City of Agoura Hills, and the nonprofit Conrad N. Hilton Foundation. The Phase 3, 70-acre acquisition was completed this week.

“The Triangle Ranch project demonstrates how strong partnerships support successful conservation projects,” said John Donnelly, Executive Director, of the California Wildlife Conservation Board, which granted $3,400,000 from the Habitat Conservation Fund for the Phase 3 acquisition.  “With our partners, the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy and the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority, we are proud to protect wildlife travel corridors in an increasingly urban environment and provide increased public access opportunities in Los Angeles County.”

Thousands of motorists pass by the now permanently protected parkland each day, which has long been identified as a crucial linkage for habitat preservation, watershed protection, and wildlife movement in the area. The parkland ties the approximately 1,000-acre Ladyface Mountain core habitat area with the Liberty Canyon inter-mountain range wildlife corridor and Malibu Creek State Park. Existing informal trails will be developed to increase public access from Kanan Road.

“This acquisition preserves this irreplaceable landscape and secures wildlife corridors and pathways which animals depend upon for survival,” said Craig Sap, Chairperson of the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy and California State Parks Angeles District Superintendent.  “For now, and forever this land will greet residents and visitors alike with its natural beauty.” The Conservancy contributed a total of more than $9.8 million to all three phases of the acquisition with a combination of grants from Propositions 40, 50, 84, 1 and 68. The new parkland adds to more than 500 contiguous acres of protected open space owned by the Conservancy and the MRCA in this area.

The new parkland contains a section of Medea Creek, a tributary of Malibu Creek, which supports a population of western pond turtles, a sensitive species.  It also features the largest known population of the federally-listed annual wildflower Lyon’s pentachaeta. The property includes broad swaths of coast live oak woodland, chaparral, purple sage scrub, native and annual grassland, and valley oak savannah. Many rock outcroppings contain unique microsites for plants and animals. The new parkland supports mountain lion, mule deer, American badger, bobcat, gray fox, ring-tailed cat, long-tailed weasel, California quail, and dozens of reptile species.

Los Angeles County Supervisor Sheila Kuehl was an early and key supporter of the project, granting $2.5 million in Los Angeles County Proposition A funds towards the acquisition of Phase I. “I am very happy to support this significant expansion of open space at Triangle Ranch because it ensures that this wild and beautiful habitat will be available for the people and animals of LA County to enjoy for generations to come,” said LA County Supervisor Sheila Kuehl.

The City of Agoura Hills, which abuts the new parkland, contributed $800,000 in city funds towards the acquisition of Phase 2 of the project.  “The residents of the City of Agoura Hills and unincorporated Los Angeles are thrilled that Phases 1, 2 and 3 of the Triangle Ranch purchase have now closed and the property will forever be in the hands of the MRCA,” said Agoura Hills Councilmember Illece Buckley Weber, who represents the city on the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy Advisory Committee.  “A big thank you to all of the stewards of the environment who made it possible for the City of Agoura Hills to remain the Gateway to the Santa Monica Mountains in perpetuity.”

Negotiations are pending for the final, fourth phase of the project, which includes 150 additional acres. This is anticipated to be completed sometime in 2019.

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.

Triangle Ranch Phases 1-4 Map 9.2018

 

Contact:

Dash Stolarz, (310) 985-5147

dash.stolarz@mrca.ca.gov

MRCA Announces Public Hearing for Mission Canyon Park Mitigated Negative Declaration

MRCA Announces Public Hearing for Mission Canyon Park Mitigated Negative Declaration

Tuesday, October 9, 2018
7:00pm – 8:30pm

Skirball Cultural Center
Hass Conference Center Room 173
2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90049

A short presentation on the Mitigated Negative Declaration (MND) will be provided.
Public Comments will be accepted.

This project is a partnership between the County of Los Angeles’ Office of Supervisor Sheila Kuehl, County Sanitation Districts, and MRCA.

The Public Comment Period is August 16, 2018 to October 31, 2018.

For more information and the link to the MND, please visit www.missioncanyonpark.com

 

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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Contact:
Dash.stolarz@mrca.ca.gov

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.

MRCA 98 Acres Agoura Hills 8.2018

New 98-Acre Parkland Acquired By MRCA

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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