Mountain Park

Thank you for your evocative editorial (“A Park in the Balance,” Jan. 25) saluting the federal-state partnership in the Santa Monica Mountains. We are very proud of the role we played in transferring Circle X Ranch and Campground to the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreational Area.

In the last few years over 65,000 acres have been acquired in public trust in the scenic Santa Monica Mountains. In addition, the conservancy has fostered volunteerism in the Santa Monica Mountains. In 1988 the estimated value of volunteer effort exceeds $1 million. With over 40 million visitors to the parks and beaches of the Santa Monica Mountains, your editorial set forth the outstanding recreational opportunity and public resources the mountains offer the Southland.

RORIE SKEI

Chair, Santa Monica

Mountains Conservancy

Malibu