Legislation benefits Backbone Trail

U.S Rep. Brad Sherman (DLos Angeles) secured $800,000 for projects in the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area in legislation that President Bush signed recently.

The funds are expected to be used to complete the mountains’ Backbone Trail and to improve access in Tarzana for San Fernando Valley residents entering the mountain trail network.

“The park is a national treasure right here in the Valley’s back yard,” Sherman said. “Improving the trails will let hikers and other park visitors enjoy the mountains even more.”

An estimated $200,000 would allow the National Park Service to build the last 1.5 miles of the 60-mile Backbone Trail. Once completed, the trail will be a vital link to more than 480 miles of trails through 80,000 acres of parkland. Another $400,000 would help the National Park Service pay for the last parcels of private land along the Backbone Trail.

In addition, $200,000 is expected to pay for better access to the park by improving trailhead facilities at Marvin Braude Mulholland Gateway Park in Tarzana.