In the immortal words of  “Family Guy’s” Peter Griffin, “Alright, diggity diggity diggity.”

After lots of public input, wrangling over dogs (don’t bring them …) and some bureaucratic close shaves, the Los Angeles Recreational Pilot Program is on for the summer.

From its new  website:

“For the first time since the Los Angeles River was channelized in the 1930s, the public will be welcomed to walk, fish and kayak on a 2.5 mile portion of the L.A. River in Elysian Valley. The Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority (MRCA), in cooperation with the City and County of Los Angeles, the Los Angeles County Flood Control District, and the Army Corps of Engineers, will administer the historic Los Angeles River Recreation pilot program to increase safe public access to the L.A. River and to promote the goal of river revitalization.  The recreation zone includes the river channel and five feet of adjacent riverbank—but not the upper banks or the existing bike path, or the maintenance road on the banks above the river channel.

“The program runs from Memorial Day (May 27) to Labor Day (Sept. 2) and from sunrise to sunset daily, during safe conditions.  During this time, any member of the public can access the Recreation Zone free of charge. Organized groups and fee-based groups must obtain special use permits from the MRCA for which there is a fee.  Boat access to the Recreation Zone is located at MRCA-managed Rattlesnake Park at Fletcher Drive.  The exit point will be downstream adjacent to MRCA-managed Steelhead Park on Oros Street.  MRCA Rangers will regulate usage and promote public safety in the Recreation Zone with rules established by the MRCA ordinance.  The Recreation Zone also permits activities such as walking, bird watching, and fishing (with a California Department of Fish and Wildlife permit).  No dogs are allowed in the Recreation Zone. Foot traffic is strictly limited to paved and rocky surfaces in order to protect protected bird habitat.”

See you on the river, Jim Burns