Two studies by the National Park Service being conducted in or near the Santa Clarita Valley have results that are available online for the public to review and make comments.

The Rim of the Valley Corridor special resource study includes the San Fernando, La Crescenta, Santa Clarita, Simi, and Conejo Valleys.  The purpose of this study is to determine whether any portion of the Rim of the Valley Corridor study area is eligible to be designated as a unit of the national park system or added to an existing national park.  The study will also explore other ways that private or governmental entities can protect resources and provide more outdoor recreation opportunities.

The study is currently in its resource analysis phase and the results will be presented next year.  To read the newsletters summarizing what has been done so far, click here.

The Draft San Gabriel Watershed and Mountains Special Resources Study and Environmental Assessment has just been released for public review and comment.  The NPS held public meetings at the beginning of the study process, and again in August 2009 to seek input on preliminary alternatives. This study represents the public’s involvement and input into the planning process. The approaches to management and underlying values all reflect what the public proposed or supported and concerns that were raised.

Upon request, a copy of the full study report or a CD-Rom will be mailed by the end of October. A Spanish version of the executive summary will soon be available on the web site, as well.

Comments on the draft study report must be submitted by December 16, 2011. The public’s continued involvement will assist the National Park Service in determining which alternative to recommend as the most effective and efficient in protecting significant resources and providing for visitor enjoyment in the study area.

The NPS will host a series of public meetings throughout the study area in October and November 2011 in order to present the draft study report, answer questions, and accept comments.  The first public meeting, October 29th in El Monte, will serve as the kick-off meeting for the public review period. The NPS will present the study findings and alternatives and answer questions about the draft study. There will also be opportunities to provide comments.

One meeting is scheduled to be held in Santa Clarita on Wednesday, Nov. 16, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Santa Clarita Activites Center on Centre Pointe Parkway.