Park service looking into extending recreation area

The National Park Service is conducting an evaluation of the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area boundary to consider making the recreation area larger. The study is evaluating whether or not any portion of the Rim of the Valley Corridor should be added to the SMMNRA. The preliminary findings say the study area contains naturally significant resources that are suitable for the park system to be added to the recreation area. 

In order for any part of the valley corridor to be included in the SMMNRA, it must meet certain criteria. The new areas must protect significant resources or enhance opportunities for public enjoyment of the park; address operational and management issues, like the need for boundaries to correspond with boundary delineations such as roads; or otherwise protect park resources that are important to fulfilling park purposes. The recommendation to include part of the Rim of the Valley corridor in the SMMNRA would be made by the U.S. Secretary of the Interior. 

The Rim of the Valley Corridor includes the mountains encircling the San Fernando, La Crescenta, Santa Clarita, Simi and Conejo Valleys of Los Angeles and Ventura Counties. 

The NPS published the preliminary findings of the study, which are available for public review and comment. The public can submit comments on the study through Jan. 7. For more information about the study, or to submit comments, visit nps.gov/pwro/rimofthevalley.