Park Service suggests doubling Santa Monica Mtns. Recreation Area

A draft study recently released by the National Park Service recommends enlarging the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area by 270 square miles, an addition that would more than double the size of the NPS unit that abuts and runs through the greater Los Angeles metropolitan area.

An online public meeting regarding the proposal is in progress as this diary is being written. Other meetings will be held In Real Life in May and June.

The Rim of the Valley Corridor study was the result of legislation sponsored by Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Burbank). The study suggests enhancing the current SMMNRA by adding lands in the mountainous areas bracketing the west, north and northeastern boundaries of the heavily populated San Fernando Valley area of Los Angeles, as well as "beefing up" the existing SMMNRA boundaries.

I run, hike and ride a lot in the Rim of the Valley areas proposed for the expansion. I would love nothing better than to see them added to the wonderful lands already in the SMMNRA.