On November 10, 1978, Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area was authorized as the 295th unit of the National Park System as part of the National Parks and Recreation Act of 1978.

In the Act, "Congress finds that there are significant scenic, recreational, educational, scientific, natural, archeological, and public health benefits provide by the Santa Monica Mountains and adjacent coastline area."

With over 20 different land-owner types and more than 70 stakeholder groups, the Santa Monica Mountains are considered by some to be one of the most complex units of the National Park System.

While its role as an airshed is important for the Southern California metropolitan area, it also has significant value for the recreational and educational need for the visiting public.

Join us as we reflect upon the mission of the National Park Service and strive "...to promote and regulate the use of the...national parks...which purpose is to conserve the scenery and the natural and historic objects and the wild life therein and to provide for the enjoyment of the same in such manner and by such means as will leave them unimpaired for the enjoyment of future generations." (National Park Service Organic Act, 16 U.S.C 1)

2007 Year in Review: A Community of People Who Care About Parks (PDF-1M)