Land Preservation Project in Laurel Canyon to Protect Native Trees, Sensitive Species and Natural Environment

Green space, park access, and trees

Expand existing project, program, or initiative (expanding and continuing ongoing, successful work)

This project will addresses the issues of green space access, and tree/habitat preservation. Access to green space is massively beneficial for the physical, mental, and spiritual health of all people, especially those living in a largely concrete city such as Los Angeles. The Land Trust is seeking to preserve these habitat rich parcels to ensure that anyone can visit them and enjoy nature. Such green spaces are critically important for the environment: the preservation of trees increases carbon sequestration, mitigating greenhouse gas emissions. In addition, the Santa Monica Mountains are home for 450 animal species, including rare species such as the golden eagle, mountain lion, and bobcat. Sadly, given the pace of development in the Los Angeles region, it is unlikely that these animals will be able to survive in increasingly small pockets of wilderness. This is where LCLT comes in. We have made it our mission to acquire and protect the remaining wilderness of Laurel Canyon.

This grant would support the purchase of three lots on a north facing slope within Habitat Block 57A, off of Grand View Avenue. These lots have a substantial grove of oak trees on them, as well as multiple Southern California Black Walnut and Mexican Elderberry. Together these trees form what is called a "sensitive natural community" according to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Such woodlands provide food and shelter for over 300 species of birds, reptiles, and mammals, including many sensitive species such as the titmouse, screech owl, and certain woodpeckers.
This acquisition project is part of a continued effort of the Laurel Canyon Land Trust to acquire parcels that have superior environmental value. Since 2017, the Land Trust has worked to acquire over 30 acres of land in Laurel Canyon, which is is in the Eastern Santa Monica Mountains and less than one mile from Hollywood Boulevard. Nature exists even in urban environments such as Los Angeles, but it is threatened by development. The lots the Land Trust seeks to acquire have been marketed for their development potential, and their development would necessarily require the loss of many native trees. The Land Trust has entered into a purchase and sale agreement to lock in the acquisition of these parcels, but needs critical funding in order to close escrow by January 2025.

If this project is successful, Los Angeles County will suffer less habitat loss and have access to important green space in the Santa Monica Mountains. More broadly, Laurel Canyon Land Trust hopes to make a positive difference in LA county’s air quality and species diversity through carbon sequestration and habitat preservation, respectively.

We are measuring the impact of Laurel Canyon Land Trust by three metrics: (1) the amount of land preserved, (2) the acreage of sensitive natural communities, protected, and (3) the measures which we have sponsored that support the conservation of open space. Over 7 years, we have saved 30 acres of land, primarily in the ecologically sensitive Eastern Santa Monica Mountains region. In addition, we supported Measure HH, which ensured the Mountain Recreation and Conservation Authority has the resources they need to protect open space. Additionally, we sponsored Senate Bill 1425, which LCLT President Jamie T. Hall wrote, sponsored, and testified in favor of, requiring every city and county of California to review and update their local open-space plans. Further, we supported the proposed City of Los Angeles Wildlife Ordinance, which limits excessive and destructive development projects by imposing much-needed limits on height, square footage, basement size, and more.