Eagle Scout helps restore Malibu Creek State Park

STICKY BUSINESS—Briane Toone, center, receives help from Joey Skinner, left, and Michael Merola as he removes more than 500 feet of barbed wire fence from a secluded portion of Malibu Creek State Park. Toone chose the project to complete his Eagle Scout badge. Brian Toone recently completed his Eagle Scout project of removing more than 500 feet of barbed wire fence from a remote area of Malibu Creek State Park accessible only by foot. This was part of an effort by park officials to restore the park to its natural state.

The fence was an eyesore that was also dangerous for visitors and wildlife. It marked an old boundary that had not been needed for nearly 40 years as a result of parkland acquisitions.

Besides removing the fence, Brian's crew also cleared three acres of trash along Las Virgenes Road and cleaned out campground fire pits. The crew removed and recycled metal weighing more than 700 pounds.

Brian's crew included current and former members of Boy Scout troops 756 and 766, Varsity Scout teams 6756 and 6766 and Scout Varsity crews 2956 and 2766.

All the units are sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Oak Park. More than 45 boys and leaders participated.

The project received sponsorship from Roadside Lumber, Subway of Westlake Village and Ralphs of Agoura Hills.