San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments LetterSan Gabriel Valley Council of Governments
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On behalf of the San. Gabriel Valley Council of Governments ( SGVCOG), thank you for the
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November 20, 2009
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Resource Study. - We have reviewed the three proposed Alternative Concepts (A, B, & C) that
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have been developed by the National Park Services' planning staff. While each of these proposed
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Martha Crusius, Project Manager
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San Gabriel River and Mountains Special Resource Study
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by the San Gabriel and Lower Los Angeles Rivers and Mountains Conservancy (RMC), which
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National Park Service
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Park Planning and Environmental Compliance
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technical assistance and coordination between agencies.
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1111 Jackson Street, Suite 700
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Oakland, CA 94607
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open space in our region, we would also like to reiterate our concern regarding the potential for a
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Dear Ms. Crusius:
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the following assurances as conditions for support of any recommended action for this study:
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On behalf of the San. Gabriel Valley Council of Governments ( SGVCOG), thank you for the
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opportunity to comment on the National Park Services' San Gabriel River and Mountains Special
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Resource Study. - We have reviewed the three proposed Alternative Concepts (A, B, & C) that
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have been developed by the National Park Services' planning staff. While each of these proposed
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alternatives has merit, we believe that a broader scope is needed in order to address the unique
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character of our region. For this reason, we support the recommendation that has been developed
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by the San Gabriel and Lower Los Angeles Rivers and Mountains Conservancy (RMC), which
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would create. a National Recreation Area that encompasses the entire study area. This would
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provide the greatest benefit to our region by expanding the opportunity for open space funding,
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technical assistance and coordination between agencies.
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While the SGVCOG supports this new designation, which will enhance ongoing efforts to protect
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open space in our region, we would also like to reiterate our concern regarding the potential for a
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future designation to impact water rights of local land use authority. For this reason, we request
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the following assurances as conditions for support of any recommended action for this study:
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1 1. Protection of local water rights, preservation of our water supply (including use of
adjacent lands to access that supply), and prevention of water contamination from
recreational activities.
2. Provisions allowing private property owners, entities with water or sanitation
l facilities, and cities to "opt out" of any future designation.
1 3. Guarantees that any future designation would respect and abide by the General Plans
and Zoning Ordinances of each City (and the County)
Due to the current economic crisis in our nation and state, Natural Resource Management in
Alternative A requires that the most vital natural resources of the upper watersheds in the
National Forests be economically ranked for protection and assurances to the SGVCOG member
cities. Of these rankings, the first priority must not only be given to water, but also air and soil
for emergency preparedness, working seamlessly with federal and county fire first responders —
for fire, flood -and infrastructure proven concerns. Other such Natural Resource Management
strategies are essential to a comprehensive and smoothly operating set of recommendations.
Protection and sustainability of our regional native waters and water supply must not be either
overlooked, nor compromised in recommendations. Similar recommendations are vital to the
health, environments, and economy of our SGVCOG cities and County regions.
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It is our belief that the guarantees discussed above address the concerns of interested stakeholders
while at the same time meeting the needs of our region.
We look forward to working with your agency as this study moves forward. Should you have any
questions or wish to discuss this further, please contact our offices at (626) 564 -9702.
Sincerely,
Thomas P. King
President
Cc: San Gabriel Valley Congressional Caucus