24 acres to protect viewshed

Mountains Restoration Trust (MRT) officials have announced acquisition of 24 acres adjacent the organization’s major holding, Cold Creek Preserve in the Santa Monica Mountains of rural Calabasas along Stunt Road.

"With acquiring these properties, 95 percent of the viewshed along Stunt Road is now protected," said Steve Harris, MRT president.

"As a result, one of the most scenic areas within the Santa Monica Mountains has been preserved for the public and the residents of the area,’’ Harris said. ‘‘The properties, when combined with the existing Cold Creek Preserve, extend along Stunt Road for more than two miles."

Stunt Road travels through Cold Creek Canyon between Mulholland Highway and Saddle Peak Road. According to MRT, Stunt Road offers some of the best vistas and scenery in the Santa Monica Mountains, including excellent examples of chaparral ecology and granite rock outcropping. The viewshed along Stunt Road is protected cooperatively by MRT, the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy and other agencies.

"This latest land acquisition by the Mountains Restoration Trust significantly enhances the scenic and recreational value of Cold Creek. A major step has been taken in protecting Stunt Road," said L.A. County Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky.