What is a Special Resource Study and why is NPS conducting one here?

The Consolidated Natural Resources Act of 2008 (P.L.110-229 – May 2008) directed the NPS to conduct a special resource study of the area known as the Rim of the Valley Corridor, generally including the mountains encircling the San Fernando, La Crescenta, Santa Clarita, Simi and Conejo Valleys in California. The purpose of this special resource study is to determine whether any portion of the Rim of the Valley Corridor study is eligible to be designated as a unit of the national park system or added to an existing national park unit. The study will also explore other ways that private and governmental entities can protect resources and provide more outdoor recreation opportunities. Study recommendations may consider the entire study area or only portions of it.

What does it mean to be in a study area?

The area that Congress directed the NPS to study (study area) is not a proposal for a national park. It is simply an area in which the NPS is asked to evaluate natural and cultural resources. Resources found to be nationally significant must also meet NPS criteria for suitability and feasibility to be considered for inclusion in the national park system. The NPS will evaluate resources based on existing data (e.g. existing scientific studies and inventories, national register nominations, environmental reports), and will work with scientists, historians, local researchers, community members, and others who know the area's resources. As the NPS evaluates resources in the study area, often the focus of the study is narrowed. If significant resources are identified, the NPS will identify a range of options or alternatives to protect these resources and provide for public enjoyment. Alternatives may focus on a part of the study area, or may relate to the entire study area. For example, the study may evaluate an alternative that focuses on trail/open space corridors or specific historic sites with national significance. The alternatives may also include a range of roles for the NPS including collaborative opportunities to protect resources, technical assistance, as well as opportunities that do not include any long-term NPS role.

How will the NPS address the broad range of scoping comments and concerns of the public?

Using the direction provided by Congress in the study legislation, the study team will explore a wide range of ideas and alternatives for protection and public enjoyment of any nationally significant resources that are identified. Once a range of alternatives is identified, including a "No Action" alternative, the NPS will ask for additional public comment on these concepts before refining them for the environmental analysis.

How will this study affect management by local communities and existing agencies?

In this study, the NPS will only consider management alternatives that respect and retain the authorities of existing local, state and federal agencies, including USFS management of the Angeles and Los Padres National Forests. The NPS will seek to work collaboratively with local communities and existing agencies.

How will this study affect property rights?

This study will only consider alternatives that would respect private property rights. A new national park unit designation, if recommended by this study and authorized by Congress, would not give the NPS any regulatory authority over private land. If the study recommends any NPS land acquisition, it will stipulate that the NPS would only acquire land from willing sellers.

This study area overlaps with the study area for the San Gabriel Watershed and Mountains Special Resource Study. How does that effort relate to this study?

The San Gabriel and the Rim of the Valley Corridor studies were each authorized through separate legislation, at different times and for different geographic areas. There is an overlapping portion of the two study areas in the western San Gabriel Mountains. Because this area is being studied through the San Gabriel Watershed and Mountains study, information from that study will be considered and integrated as appropriate into the Rim of the Valley Corridor study. The Draft San Gabriel study report will be released for public comment later this year. To learn more about the San Gabriel Watershed and Mountains Special Resource Study, please visit: www.nps.gov/pwro/sangabriel/.

Will there be any environmental compliance documents prepared for the Rim of the Valley?

In accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), the NPS will conduct an environmental review of the alternatives and the potential impacts of resource protection considerations as part of the Rim of the Valley Corridor Special Resource Study. At this time, it has not been determined whether an Environmental Assessment or an Environmental Impact Statement will be prepared, however, comments submitted during the public scoping process will aid in the preparation of either document. The public will also have an opportunity to review the environmental document and submit additional comments.

Will there be more opportunities for comment?

The study team accepts comments at any time and can provide updates to individuals, agencies or groups. The NPS will hold public meetings at key stages in the study process. The next opportunity for public dialogue on this study will be after conceptual alternatives are developed. The public comments in this stage will help refine the alternatives prior to conducting the formal environmental analysis under National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).