For Immediate Release (from the MRCA)
Los Angeles River Pilot Recreation Zone Season to End on Labor Day
Hugely Successful Summer Program Allowing Kayaking and other
recreational activities on a 2.5 Mile Stretch of the River Will Close at
Sunset on Monday, Sept. 2.
The Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority
(MRCA) announced today that the Los Angeles River Pilot Recreation Zone will be
closing for the season as planned at the end of the Labor Day weekend, on Monday
Sept. 2.
The popular 2.5 mile Los Angeles River Recreation Zone in Elysian Valley near
downtown Los Angeles stretches from Fletcher Drive south to MRCA’s Egret Park. The
Recreation Zone has been managed by the MRCA for 14 weeks since it opened
to the public on Memorial Day. Rangers will officially close the river access at sunset on
Labor Day. Signs will be posted “Closed for the Season,” access points will be closed
off, and other fixtures in place for the duration of program will be removed.
By all measures, the pilot recreation zone was a success,” said MRCA Chief Ranger,
Fernando Gomez, an expert kayaker who is certified in swiftwater and low-angle
rescue, and who organized and led many of the public programs offered by the MRCA.

“People really enjoyed themselves on the river this summer. In addition to all the
kayakers, we saw a big increase in family activity and more people coming close to the
river and getting a new perspective.
“We hope to work with the City of Los Angeles, the Los Angeles County Flood Control
District, and the Army Corps of Engineers to offer the program again next year,” added
Gomez.
Under permits issued by the MRCA, the kayak operators Los Angeles River Expeditions
and Los Angeles River Safari provided guided trips to the public. Several thousand
park visitors toured the river through these services or as independent kayakers. In
addition, MRCA rangers provided kayak tours for teenagers from Los Angeles City
Recreation and Parks Recreation Centers throughout the city, as well as “Junior
Rangers” from the MRCA River Unit, Ballona Unit, and the Compton Junior Posse.

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I’ll only add that Gomez told me that MRCA didn’t give one fishing ticket during the season. Whether through leniency or compliance, I’m not sure.

See you on the river, Jim Burns

@lariverflyfishing