Senate Advances Legislation to Expand Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area

LOS ANGELES – The future of outdoor recreation and historic and cultural preservation in Los Angeles took a positive step forward today, as the Senate Natural Resources Committee approved the Rim of the Valley Preservation Act. The legislation, authored by Senator Dianne Feinstein, would add stunning landscapes, critical wildlife corridors, iconic waterways and historic treasures, to the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area.

“The National Parks Conservation Association applauds Senators Dianne Feinstein and Kamala Harris for their continued leadership in support of the Rim of the Valley Preservation Act,” said Dennis Arguelles, Los Angeles Program Manager for the National Parks Conservation Association. “Communities and visitors throughout the greater Los Angeles area stand to benefit from increased recreational opportunities and access in one of the country’s most densely populated regions. The Rim of the Valley Preservation Act also offers a more promising future to urban mountain lions, by expanding the Park Service’s ability to protect and connect landscapes and monitor wildlife.”

“It is critical legislation for all Santa Clarita and LA County residents for the health and well being of all future generations,” said Laurene Weste, City Council Member for the City of Santa Clarita. “This piece of legislation interconnects our wildlife throughout our mountain corridors and helps to preserve our clean air and clean water resources.”

The Rim of the Valley Preservation Act builds upon a 2016 National Park Service study by calling for 190,000 acres from the Santa Susana Mountains to Downtown Los Angeles, to be added to the national park. House legislation championed by Representative Adam Schiff passed out of the Natural Resources Committee earlier this year.

“With the House and Senate legislation ready for a vote, the time is now for Congress to act and leave a tremendous conservation legacy for future generations of Angelenos,” said Arguelles.

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About the National Parks Conservation Association: For 100 years, the nonpartisan National Parks Conservation Association has been the leading voice in safeguarding our national parks. NPCA and its more than 1.3 million members and supporters work together to protect and preserve our nation’s most iconic and inspirational places for future generations. For more information, visit www.npca.org/100.