ANGELES NATIONAL FOREST : Official Warns of Forest’s Vulnerability to Harm

The U.S. Forest Service, celebrating the 100th anniversary of Angeles National Forest, drew attention Thursday to the forest’s unique vulnerability to environmental damage and urban problems because of its proximity to Los Angeles.

The forest is beset by litter, graffiti, vandalism, illegal dumping and commuter traffic from motorists seeking shortcuts through the mountains, said forest Supervisor Michael J. Rogers. As a “back-yard playground” for Los Angeles, the forest is “an island surrounded by a growing population,” with developers continuing to build right up to its boundary, he said.

Established in December, 1892, as the San Gabriel Timberland Reserve--as national forests were first called--Angeles was the first national forest in California and eighth in the United States. It covers one-fourth of Los Angeles County, extending eastward from the Ventura County line across the northern edge of the San Fernando Valley and into San Bernardino County.