Plan should help preserve, protect Malibu Creek State Park

By John Loesing Acorn Staff Writer

Close to the hustle and bustle of Calabasas and the San Fernando Valley, only a few miles from the 101 Freeway, in fact, lies Malibu Creek State Park, a 4,000-acre preserve that offers a quick getaway for city dwellers looking to relax.

The riparian forests and deep canyons of the park are home to hundreds of different plant and animal species. Hiking and horseback trails wind their way through the oak-studded woodlands, past campsites and recreational facilities that draw thousands of visitors annually.

The local paradise remains in good shape, but still needs a tuneup, according to the California Department of Parks and Recreation.

Malibu Creek State Park opened to the public in 1976, using property purchased from 20th Century Fox. The vision, the general plan for the area, hasn’t been updated since 1978, however.

Recently, park officials met in Calabasas to discuss the formation of a new general plan and what it should encompass. The plan will identify park improvements and provide guidelines for protecting the area’s natural resources, officials said.

Two more public hearings are planned for the near future.

"It is no secret that a lot of parks are way behind in having a general plan or none at all," said Hayden Sohm, acting district superintendent for the California Department of Parks and Recreation Angeles District.

Malibu Creek State Park stretches from Malibou Lake in the west to Piuma Road in the east. The park includes three natural preserves: the 730-acre Liberty Canyon, the 300-acre Udell Gorge and the 1,920-acre Kaslow Preserve.

In addition, the park is home to several culturally significant areas, including Reagan Ranch, White Oak Farm, the Sepulveda Adobe, Hunter House, the Mott Adobe ruins and the filming site for the MASH television series.

"We’re the keepers of California history and we have a lot of rich history in this area," said Dianna Martinez, a state parks planner.

"We have to look at where we’re protecting and preserving. Our hands are tied a lot of times as to what we’re allowed to do," Martinez said.

Topics that will be considered in the new general plan include:

•Expansion of recreational, interpretive and educational facilities

•Improved access to the recreational areas, including a new trail management plan

•Relocation of the main entrance and visitor center

•Protection of the sensitive natural and cultural resource areas

•Property acquisition

In addition to its other amenities, Malibu Creek State Park offers 35 miles of trails.

"Trail management is an extremely important issue," said Eric Wilson, a park consultant.

The busiest areas of the park are the main entrance off Las Virgenes Road, the campgrounds and the facilities at Tapia Park.

Officials expressed concern not only about recreational facilities, but also about protection of park wildlife. The area is a well-known habitat for golden eagles, mountain lions, bobcats, mule deer and Southern Steelhead trout.

"We do know there are areas we want to protect as buffer zones," Wilson said.

After the general plan is complete, consultants will work with park officials to prepare a separate interpretive plan, a facilities’ plan and a resource management plan.

"We feel it’s time to take a new look and have a fresh start," Sohm said.

The parks department hopes to complete the new plan by next year, he said.