Tag: Los Angeles River Pilot Recreational Program

Events

Public comment period for L.A. River alternatives begins tomorrow
SAY "CHEESE": Wihelmina, age 5, holds the fish, while father Peirce takes the snap and sister, Ursula, age 4, looks on. (Peirce)
SAY “CHEESE”: Wihelmina, age 5, holds the fish, while father Peirce takes the snap and sister, Ursula, age 4, looks on. (Peirce)

Tomorrow is the big day for the long-awaited release of the ARBOR study and its four alternatives to remake the L.A. River. It’s also a chance for you to weigh in, by reviewing the alternatives, then going to the Corps’ website to comment.

I began this blog as an obscure homage to our river and its fish some two and a half years ago, but this summer traffic spiked to just shy of 35,000 hits. Even I’m pretty amazed (in a good way!) at the buzz and comments lariverflyfishing has received. I’d like to think it’s because of my stylish reporting, but, in truth, it’s because a flood of big federal money is coming and people are excited by what the future could hold. As I wrote last month:

“At stake is how much money the federal government is willing to put into implementing an ecosystem

restoration that could possibly remake the Los Angeles River into a vital part of the city. Last week, the

Los Angeles City Council made it officially known that it wanted to see the biggest package possible, that’s

$1 billion (Alternative 20), which would be spent on the river from Glendale Narrows to downtown, an

11-mile area. There are three other “best buy” alternatives that will be spelled soon-to-be-released report,

each with a lesser price tag.”

Interest from many has been very keen as well. We’ve had the L.A. Weekly weigh in on what it says is the conflict between the Los Angeles Army Corps and higher-ups in Washington, D.C.; we’ve had powerful pols wax poetic about the river’s perfumed waters, with both Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky and Rep. Adam Schiff (D, Burbank) putting some eloquent thoughts down on digital paper.  Even the lifestyle mag Sunset featured a spread in its print version.

So, amid all the excitement, the day finally arrives tomorrow when Angelinos can sound off about the direction they believe the river should go. My hope is that along with the inevitable commercialization, some areas will be left as sanctuaries for wildlife as well as for those who want to be among them. I hope fly fishing — fishing, in general — will remain a viable option; and that the many birds nesting in Glendale Narrows will be given the habitat they need not only to survive, but to thrive. And, let’s get the lead out and do some kayaking. There have been some wonderful stories about kids who dipped a paddle for the first time in our river. I advocate a multi-use, multi-purpose river that is safe during the dry season, with adequate signage, parks and, importantly, law enforcement patrols, one in which a single legal jurisdiction calls the shots.

And, I hope as well that the river reclamation by residents who live close by its banks will continue. Many were amazed at the positive hyper-local response to the Los Angeles River Pilot Recreation Zone. When gangs are forced out, families come in.

As we all move forward into the uncertain future, one thing is sure: change, the river will. Let’s make it the right change.

See you on the river, Jim Burns

@jimgoesfishing

Events, Los Angeles River Recreational Pilot Project

Quick Mends: Big week for the L.A. River
Rep. Adam Schiff (D.-Burbank) called on MetroLink to commission a health risk assessment for its Taylor Yards facility. (Jim Burns)
Rep. Adam Schiff (D.-Burbank) called on MetroLink to commission a health risk assessment for its Taylor Yards facility. (Jim Burns)

The opening of the rec zone Memorial Day generated a plethora of coverage, both from the blogosphere and MSM. Take a look:

Los Angeles Times

KCBS

CNN

KABC

KCET

The EastsiderLA

Southern California Public Radio

Laist

L.A. Weekly

Also, last week Rep. Adam Schiff (D.–Burbank) held a press conference to demand a Taylor Yards health assessment from MetroLink. Elysian Valley residents have forced changes to the agency’s maintenance facility, which appears in the lower-right frame, but a health assessment measuring the amount of diesel particulate matter in the air and its effects hasn’t yet occurred.

See you on the river, Jim Burns

News

Get your paddle ready — pilot program begins Memorial Day

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.

Signs such as this one will inform visitors to the two-and-a-half mile stretch of water (Courtesy MCRA)
Signs such as this one will inform visitors to the two-and-a-half mile stretch of water (Courtesy MCRA)

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