Contact: Anne Dove, 323-441-9307
LOS ANGELES, Calif. -- The National Park Service (NPS) has published preliminary findings and alternative concepts for the Rim of the Valley Corridor Special Resource Study. The preliminary alternative concepts, which are presented in a newsletter for public review and comment, explore collaborative, partnership-based approaches to natural and cultural resource protection, and public use and enjoyment of the area's significant resources, while respecting existing land ownership and resource management authorities. Public comments on these concepts will help the NPS refine the alternatives for evaluation in the draft study report and environmental assessment. The public is invited to submit comments through January 7, 2013. The NPS is hosting seven public meetings throughout the study area between November 7, 2012 and December 1, 2012 to discuss the study's preliminary findings and alternative concepts. The NPS will also host a virtual public meeting online. Information on the virtual public meeting will be posted on the study website.
Congress directed the NPS to study the mountains encircling the San Fernando, La Crescenta, Santa Clarita, Simi, and Conejo Valleys in Los Angeles and Ventura Counties. The special resource study will evaluate: 1) whether the area is eligible for management as a new unit of the national park system, 2) the potential for including portions of the study area in Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area (SMMNRA), and 3) other methods and means for the protection and interpretation of the study area by the National Park Service, other Federal, State, or local government entities or private or non-profit organizations. SMMNRA currently includes 150,000 acres of private, local, state and federal lands under a unique partnership umbrella in which the federal government owns approximately 15 percent of the land. The contents of the draft study report, which is projected for public distribution in 2014, will be based on the preliminary findings and alternative concepts presented in the current newsletter, as well as public comments received in the coming months. After public review of the draft study report, the study findings and recommendations will be transmitted to Congress for consideration. The preliminary findings and alternative concepts can be found in Newsletter #3 available at the study website:www.nps.gov/pwro/rimofthevalley. For more information:
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Last updated: March 1, 2015