MRT Celebrates 20 Years of Service The Mountains Restoration Trust recently celebrated its founding on November 18, 1981.
	The Commemorative Oaks Story California's historic landscape changed forever with the introduction of European civilization.
	Dry Canyon Watershed: On the Road to Restoration Dry Canyon Creek and its tributaries are a treasure trove of habitats supporting a diversity of animals and plants.
	Hike Schedule: July-September 2002 More than 20 hikes offered during the summer months.
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Celebrating 20 Years of Service
to the Community

The Mountains Restoration Trust recently celebrated its founding on November 18, 1981. Established by joint action of the California State Coastal Conservancy and the California Coastal Commission, they created a locally-based nonprofit land trust to effectively respond to preservation issues of the Santa Monica Mountains. These two founding agencies sought a board of trustees with diverse backgrounds, perspectives and professional experience. The original trustees included two environmental activists: Margot Feuer, an advisory commissioner of the new National Parks Service’s Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, and Lois Ewen, vice-chairman of the California Coastal Commission. In addition, the agencies selected Steve Harris, a developer known for environmentally sensitive projects, who currently serves as MRT’s president and executive director; Ralph Kuhn, a member of the Las Virgines School Board; and Mark L. Lamken, a lawyer and a senior partner of a prominent Los Angeles law firm. This diversity has greatly contributed to MRT’s success.

At MRT's inception, the trustees unanimously agreed not to debate the frequently asked question -- “Is development good or bad?” Working as a nonprofit, public benefit organization, the trustees believed it was critical to talk to everyone involved with a project. Furthermore, the trustees decided to remain objective and open-minded avoiding involvement in unproductive conflicts of interest. Consideration for all viewpoints remains critical on each issue brought to MRT. In reaching satisfactory resolutions, MRT discovered all issues and debates finally must embrace the educational process.

When MRT began, the land trust movement was in its infancy. Since then it has increased significantly to more than 1,300 land trusts throughout the United States entrusted with the protection of more than 6,000,000 acres of land. The land trust movement is now worldwide. A few large land trusts focus upon national and international issues. At the same time, many effective locally-based land trusts confine their efforts to the unique natural, cultural and agricultural resources within their geographic area and community. MRT’s efforts represent a combination of both local and national interests.

A photo taken during the 1920s -- photographer unknown. Mr. Hethky’s House, which was blasted out of a big boulder in Cold Creek Canyon, now located in MRT’s Cold Creek Preserve.

In 1981, MRT started with one paid staff member and a volunteer Board of Trustees. Recently, MRT has grown to a professional staff of seven individuals specializing in land acquisition and management, biology, native plants, restoration, mapping, mitigation, and community programs. Less than five percent of the USA land trusts maintain the level of staffing, resources and management attained by MRT over the last twenty years.

Over the past two decades, MRT established programs devoted to preserving, restoring and protecting the natural habitats and resources in the Santa Monica Mountains. MRT also developed educational, volunteer and public programs to make the “Mountain Experience” available to all southern Californians. At a recent meeting, Steve Harris, thanked "the many people who have helped MRT through these past 20 years. With their help, we have made great strides and achieved many of our goals.”

During the past 20 years, MRT has been directly involved in acquiring more than 4,400 acres, mostly in the Santa Monica Mountains. Currently, 2,000 acres remain under the Trust's ownership or management. The other 2,400 acres have been deeded to the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy, the County of Los Angeles, the City of Calabasas, California State Parks, National Park Service and others. The value of these land acquisitions exceeds $60,000,000. However, these properties were purchased for much less monies due to skillful negotiations and generous donations from conservation-minded landowners. Current chairman of the board, Mark L. Lamken, recently remarked, “These acquisitions wouldn’t have been possible unless MRT used due diligence and hard work with willing sellers to achieve the intended mutually beneficial goals.”

Along the Backbone Trail.

ACTIVITIES – During the first few years of MRT’s existence, MRT focused on:

1) accepting conservation and trail easements,

2) consolidating small lot subdivisions,

3) creating restoration plans, and

4) managing TDCs (Transferable Development Credits).

Conservation and Trail Easements: MRT works with private landowners to protect environmentally sensitive habitats through a program of conservation easements to protect the natural habitat resources. Conservation easements are used by most land trusts in the United States. Through this program, the properties are deed-restricted by the owners from further development in perpetuity by granting a conservation easement to MRT. MRT has participated in more than seventy conservation easements. In Monte Nido, for example, 59 small lots were permanently protected through the generous donation of easements by property owners. When accepting a conservation easement MRT takes on the responsibility to monitor the easement to ensure that the public benefit stays intact.

Consolidation of Small Lot Subdivisions: Initially, as part of a project to consolidate small lots in Cold Creek, MRT undertook this complicated task with funds from a grant awarded by the State Coastal Conservancy. MRT worked to consolidate small lots in subdivisions to reduce the number of legal and “buildable” parcels within the Santa Monica Mountains. These small lot subdivisions were initially laid out with no concern for the topography in which they were located. If these lots were ever developed, the effect on the environment would be devastating. For example, starting in 1982 MRT created a 200-acre natural area in Las Flores Canyon by combining 90 small lots. These properties were later transferred to the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy. By the end of our first nine years (1990), MRT had retired a significant total of 240 lots from the subdivision maps within small lot subdivisions in the Santa Monica Mountains.
Restoration Projects: MRT conducts a number of preservation programs to restore the natural habitat. Through removal of non-native invasive plants followed by planting native species, MRT’s staff and volunteers restore the environmental balance to permit the native wildlife and vegetation to return. Several of our most noteworthy restoration projects include the restoration of oak trees in Malibu Creek State Park (the “Commemorative Oaks Program”), and the removal of Arundo, an highly invasive non-native plant, from the lower 5-mile reach of Malibu Creek. Both programs are ongoing multi-year programs.

Transferable Development Credits (TDC’s): TDC’s represent a transaction to transfer development rights to donor sites in already developed areas. The process strips the development rights from land parcels so that they will remain permanently undeveloped. This approach for land use planning helps maintain a balanced utilization of land within a designated area.
LAND ACQUISITION – In 1984, The Nature Conservancy generously donated the 520-acre Murphy Preserve in Cold Creek to MRT. Renamed the Cold Creek Preserve, MRT acquired many additional properties until today the Preserve encompasses in excess of 1,000 acres. The Cold Creek Preserve protects the headwaters of Cold Creek, a year-round stream with thirteen waterfalls, and contains the greatest diversity of flora and fauna of any similar-sized area in the Santa Monica Mountains. MRT’s on-going plans are to continue the expansion of this remarkable pristine wilderness. Combined with lands owned by California State Parks, National Park Service, the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy and the UC's Stunt Ranch, forty-five percent of the Cold Creek watershed is protected.

In 1991, MRT purchased the 57-acre Cold Creek Valley Preserve which contains a significant reach of Cold Creek. The Cold Creek Valley Preserve is relatively flat as land goes in the Santa Monica Mountains making the site vulnerable to development. Several development plans proposed the construction of 24 homes. After more than a decade of trying to acquire this critical property, MRT opened escrow for $2,300,000. Multi-agency cooperation and effort made purchasing this property a reality. With support from the California State Coastal Conservancy, California Coastal Commission, The Quercus Fund of the Sierra Club, the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy and The Nature Conservancy, MRT received most of the required funds ($1,800,000). MRT provided the balance of $500,000 from its own funds to complete the acquisition. Subsequently, MRT organized a community 'ride-a-thon', a special celebrity auction, direct mail campaign and other efforts including community events to raise part of its purchase price. The Cold Creek Canyon and Valley Preserves, along with Stunt Ranch, form an intact 1,500-acre natural unit having some of the highest ecological integrity in the Santa Monica Mountains.

Rock outcroppings among the rich and diverse eco-niches of Cold Creek.

In 1999, MRT acquired two parcels totaling 10-acres next to the Cold Creek Valley Preserve for $700,000, expanding the Valley Preserve to 67 acres. These additional acres couldn't be purchased in 1991 due to lack of available funds. Grants from Los Angeles County’s Prop A grant awarded to MRT which together with funds from the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy solidified the purchase. To complete funding, the Cold Creek Community and the general public generously contributed the final $157,000 to close the deal.

Along the Pacific Coast Highway in Nicholas Canyon near the western edge of Malibu, MRT acquired the former 248-acre Malibu Riding and Tennis Club. In 1997 the seller was willing to accept one third of the value ($3,000,000) for this magnificent property adjacent to Leo Carrillo State Park. In 1998, MRT’s former executive director, Peter Ireland established a new land trust, Nature Trust, Santa Monica Mountains, to manage and preserve this property. Finally, the property was transferred to the new trust by MRT in 2,000.

MRT continues its special emphasis on acquisition. MRT acquired more than 403 acres in 2000. In 2001, MRT secured more than 600 acres (consisting of over 300 parcels). At the beginning of 2002, MRT had more than 1,100 acres under contract, in escrow, and/or in negotiation for purchase. According to former MRT chairman Margot Feuer, “The strength of MRT’s acquisition program is the emphasis upon the natural resource value of a property. The context of any acquisition must relate to the entire ecology of the Santa Monica Mountains. Sustaining these natural resources remains critical if the visitors to the National Park Services’ recreational area can enjoy the natural heritage of the mountains.”

In January 2002, MRT acquired a 417 acre land parcel comprising about two-thirds of the Tuna Canyon Watershed. This acquisition was the result of years of effort, and finally came about due to the generosity of the John Paul DeJoria family and the financial support of the California Coastal Conservancy. Not only did this acquisition protect a significant portion of the Tuna Canyon Watershed, but links the recently acquired 1,600-acre Lower Topanga Canyon acquisition by State Parks to the east with the 1,400-acre upper Tuna Canyon property to the west acquired by the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy. These three properties create a habitat block of 3,500-acres from Topanga State Park to Las Flores Canyon.

The credit for the success of MRT’s acquisition program is due in large measure to MRT’s staff, volunteers and MRT’s partners: city, county, state, federal agencies and private organizations. The trustees of MRT truly appreciate the support of all these groups. According to Frank Roberts, former MRT chairman, “The many people that have lent their efforts to accomplish our goals can step back and appreciate what they have accomplished. More lies ahead. This requires the volunteer spirit of Southern Californians who share the appreciation for this natural treasure.”

EDUCATION & OUTREACH – The Cold Creek Docents were founded in 1976, five years before MRT. In the mid-80s when MRT acquired the Cold Creek Preserve, the docents and MRT agreed to merge their efforts. Together they offer tours of Cold Creek throughout the year, especially to school groups. With each succeeding year, the demand for tours has increased. The 2001-02 season should exceed our previous average of about 4,000 students participating in docent-led hikes. Each autumn the docents recruit and train new members. Currently, the docents have a roster of 25 special individuals who give school tours, demonstrations, and public walks. The popular Second Saturday public walk was begun by MRT in 1991.

From the top of Cold Creek Canyon -- you can see forever on a clear day.

MRT established the Cold Creek Management Committee and the Scientific Advisory Committee to provide guidance and scientific information to MRT. These groups consist of individuals concerned with protecting land and natural habitats in the Cold Creek watershed. The committee focused upon maintaining the health of these properties and also developing various trails.

MRT’s programs offer numerous outdoor activities, workshops and seminars.

TRAILS – There are several trails in the Cold Creek Watershed. Besides the Cold Creek Canyon Preserve Trail, there are others such as the Cold Creek Stunt High, Deer Grass, Yucca, Backbone, Calabasas Motorway, Topanga Lookout Motorway, and the Cold Creek High Trail. In the mid 80s, MRT volunteers and youth groups build the Upper Stunt High Trail . Trail building lead to a strong working relationship with Passageway, who have programs for at-risk youth. MRT maintains an extensive network of seven trails totaling ten miles in cooperation with several other organizations, such as the Sierra Club, California Native Plant Society and the Santa Monica Trails Council.

On December 20, 1996, the Yucca Trail was publicly dedicated in the Cold Creek Valley Preserve. Creation of this incredible trail started with the Cold Creek Restoration Plan and the Management Cold Creek Committee. The committee sought a way to relocate a trail that was heavily used, but posed a problem for the environment and danger to the public. An answer came with a request in 1993 from an Eagle Scout candidate, Steve Motika, for a project. After a year and gaining the proper environmental permits, work on the Yucca Trail started in July 1994. Project manager Linda Palmer guided the volunteer efforts. Members of Scout Troop #2, the Sierra Club Trail Crew, the Santa Monica Mountains' Trails Council, and the Weed Warriors from the California Native Plant Society, built the trail in 250 hours.

COMMEMORATIVE OAKS PROGRAM – More than a decade ago, MRT’s program director, Jo Kitz established a critical restoration program of planting oak acorns and seedlings in Malibu Creek State Park. The project's goal focused on restoring oak woodlands at this popular public natural area. Countless volunteers planted more than 2,000 native oak trees and dedicated 20,000 hours of weeding and watering to maintain these trees. Besides using the talents and skills of the Passageways and Outward Bound Adventures restoration crew, thousands of volunteers from youth groups, churches, temples, civic organizations and businesses generously contributed their time. But even with great attention, some seedlings fail to survive. The Commemorative Oaks Program at Malibu Creek State Park is ongoing, building greater public awareness of the oak tree’s significance to California’s natural resources and historical landscape.

Members of OBA Restoration Crew receiving recognition for their environmental achievements at the Malibu Creek State Park Acorn Festival, 2001.

PUBLIC POLICY – MRT realizes the importance of staying active in the development of public policy to promote the principles of land preservation in perpetuity. With this objective in mind, in 2001, MRT conceived and provided critical leadership for California Assembly Bill 1011 (AB1011), introduced by Assemblywoman Fran Pavley (41st District) and State Senator Sheila Kuehl (24th district). Governor Gray Davis signed the legislation into law on October 12, 2001. The law requires the indexing of conservation easements by all California County Recorders. Indexing allows the easy retrieval of recorded conservation easements to help maintain the public benefit received from these easements. This legislation greatly improves record keeping and “institutional memory so easements remain protected even when organization personnel change and a change of land ownership.”

The Calabasas Peak viewed from the Backbone Trail.

NATURAL DISTURBANCE EVENTS – The story of MRT’s Cold Creek Preserve must include major natural events. The preservation of the Santa Monica Mountains means paying attention to one of nature's most important tools -- fire. On November 2, 1993, a major fire swept through the Cold Creek Canyon area. The fire's smoke mushroomed behind the northeastern ridge rising out of Red Rock in Old Topanga Canyon. Gusting strongly, the wind swept the fire through the Canyon on its way to Malibu, setting both the Cold Creek Preserve and Stunt Ranch ablaze.

After the fire, the barren Cold Creek landscape appeared devastated and destroyed. Not so. The event burned 23 years of vegetation growth. However, the fire-adaptive plant communities of chaparral, coastal sage, riparian woodland and grassland naturally recovered. Through millions of years of weather patterns and fires, these plants and animals evolved to assure their survival after a fire. We had a chance to see in this event how nature runs it’s course and protects itself from devastation. In land areas too dry for vegetation to rot, such as southern California, a fire is the element that recycles life. A wonderful reward of a fire is to witness those plants known as fire-followers, who provide a one-year display of massive flower blooms of amazing beauty.

In the fire, the Kay Spensley Nature Center was lost, but the quick acting MRT Cold Creek Docents scrambled to save the mural, microscopes, insect collections, taxidermied animals, baskets, rare books. This occurred while other docents gathered sixty-five 5th-grade students onto a bus to quickly leave the canyon. A temporary Center replaced the burned structure and the docents were able to resume the educational activities for Los Angeles County students.

LEADERSHIP – Steve Harris, MRT’s third Executive Director, temporarily accepted the position in 1998 to allow the Trust to make certain transitions. After less than a year on the job, Harris demonstrated his well honed skills and natural aptitude for land acquisition; subsequently, the trustees asked him to accept the position on a regular basis. Harris remarked at the time, “Our mission remains constant. We realize how crucial involving the community can be in the general restoration process. Success depends upon establishing and maintaining a partnership between MRT and the community.”

Acquisition of a property is the initial step toward its ultimate protection. The preservation of natural resources requires the cooperation and participation of all property owners surrounding protected properties. The natural resources of a land parcel are intertwined in subtle and complex ways. In addition, these same resources intertwine with the resident’s activities who live nearby the protected land. MRT hopes to gain the participation of all residents within the Cold Creek community over the next few years to maintain these resources at sustainable levels. This cooperative effort represents an important goal for the community and MRT.

CONCLUSION – It has been a great 20 years for the Mountains Restoration Trust. Growing from a small land trust to a professionally staffed organization, MRT’s land acquisition, restoration, mitigation programs, and the educational activities significantly influence the quality of life of our community. Our land holdings in Cold Creek Canyon and Tuna Canyon watersheds contribute to the ultimate protection and preservation of the Santa Monica Mountains. The docent program brings over 4,000 students from all over the Los Angeles Basin to experience the Santa Monica Mountains first hand, educating our next generation of citizens.

Projects mentioned in this article are only a few examples reflecting how MRT remains focused on its goals. As a generous contributor recently said, MRT has grown "the old fashion way – one acre at time." The future looks bright for the Mountains Restoration Trust as it moves into the next twenty years.

The Commemorative
Oaks Story:
From Acorn to Oak
Local Demise of the Oaks

California’s historic landscape changed forever with the introduction of European civilization. The richest and most accessible lands were taken over for agriculture, homesteading and industry. Oak trees, the visual symbol of California, were felled and used for homes, furniture, and firewood. They were considered interlopers in otherwise usable land; with the use of dynamite and fire, the oak woodlands gave way to agriculture and development. The open savannahs became sheep and cattle ranges, and these grazing animals consumed all the oak seedlings. Annual European grasses then gradually replaced native perennial grasses and myriad species of wildflowers.

Young student working in Malibu Creek State Park on the Commemorative Oaks Program.

Today, the poor survival rates of oak seedlings stem from the invasive plant species dominating the landscape. Non-native species (mostly annual grasses, mustards and thistles) germinate with the first rains of the fall. This early growth absorbs available surface moisture, and shades the soil preventing the later germination of native species.

Las Virgenes Valley was covered with oak woodlands until early settlers cleared the valley for farming. This change in plant palette not only disrupted nutrient cycling, but also caused a change in the soil so that it could no longer support native species. Most native species have a symbiotic relationship with soil fungi that helps them absorb nutrients and survive in dry conditions. Mustard and some other non-native species introduce a chemical into the soil that kills the fungi spores. The few remaining oaks became senescent and no seedlings survived in the hostile soil conditions created by the invasion of non-native plants.

Commemorative Oaks Program

In 1992, Mountains Restoration Trust (MRT) initiated a program known as "Commemorative Oaks" to restore oak woodlands in Malibu Creek State Park. It was observed that few of the majestic oak trees that once flourished in the Las Virgenes Valley remained. Time was taking its toll on the survivors and few seedlings survived. Native wildlife species, without the food and shelter provided by woodland habitat, were disappearing along with the oaks. One of the functions of state parkland is to provide a refuge for native species. MRT, in cooperation with the California Department of Parks and Recreation, undertook the oak restoration program, supported by private donations, thousands of hours of volunteer time, and multiple grants.

MRT works to restore natural land to its optimal condition, protect resources from degradation, and preserve land as an educational and recreational resource. The Commemorative Oaks Program within Malibu Creek State Park follows the precepts of restoration ecology, and strives to: