Wednesday, Nov 16, 2011

Krekorian Cheers Historic Land Dedication

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 16, 2011

LOS ANGELES – The City Council today approved a long-awaited historic transfer of nearly 280 acres of open space from the Angeles National Golf Club to the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority (MRCA), elating the community that has worked for 15 years to ensure completion of the arrangement.

The 277.5 acres adjacent to the golf course stretch well into the Angeles National Forest and will now be preserved as recreational open space and protected from future development. In addition to the transfer of land, owners of the golf club will spend $42,000 annually for 25 years for trail maintenance, $15,000 for the MCRA to develop signage for the area and $250,000 to create and maintain equestrian trails in the Foothills.

“The area surrounding this golf course is among the most scenic open space in all of Los Angeles, and it was imperative to protect it from development,” said Councilmember Paul Krekorian, chairman of the Arts, Parks & Neighborhoods Committee. “Today, I am thrilled that a 15-year journey has finally come to a successful conclusion thanks to the persistent efforts of so many in the community, the MRCA and Angeles National, and I am very proud that my office has pushed hard to get this done. Our collective efforts will leave a permanent legacy of environmental protection, recreational enhancements and an improved quality of life in this area.”

“Big Tujunga Wash in and of itself is its own force of nature, an unparalleled capsule of biodiversity,” said Joseph T. Edmiston, Executive Officer of the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority. “This acquisition will extend the recreational resource value of the Angeles National Forest into the San Fernando Valley.”

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Posted at 12:00 PM