Editor’s note: This letter was addressed to Joe Edmiston of the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy.
For years my wife and I have been supporters of the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy. We have applauded as the SMMC acquired land in the mountains and established new trails or maintained/expanded existing trails. We cheered when the SMMC acquired the SOKA property. As hikers, we’ve enjoyed the mountains’ parks and trails, and look forward to sharing them with other hikers, bikers and equestrians for the indefinite future.
However, we feel strongly that your current plan to include overnight camping in the Santa Monica Mountains is ill advised. You’re aware of the reason—the overwhelming risk of fire, and the devastation that it causes, as exemplified by many past fires and especially the last two. The arguments that have been used to justify camping in the mountains are weak and flawed. Firstly, we don’t believe the additional campsites are needed. Secondly, they will be cost prohibitive to maintain and supervise. Thirdly, the statement that the presence of authorized campers will reduce the risk of fire by virtue of legitimate campers, armed with their cell phones, will deter evildoers is false-have you ever tried to use your cell phone at Charmlee? I’ve never seen one that works from anywhere within the park. Fourthly, the list could go on and on, but I think that you are already aware of my arguments. We have sat through and listened to the same meeting comments and input from the citizens of Malibu.
So, we plead with you-withdraw the plan for camping anywhere within the Santa Monica Mountains. Don’t take the SMMC from an esteemed, environmentally conservative organization, highly regarded by Malibuites to a pariah status, despised by the very people in whose community you choose to operate.
Please eliminate camping in the Santa Monica Mountains from your SMMC expansion plans. We’re told that you are the only one who can do it.
Erwin (Dutch) Schulze, Bonnie Schulze