Conservancy Audit

We are writing concerning the criticism the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy received recently from state auditors (“Conservancy Accused of Misspending,” April 29). Topanga Assn. for a Scenic Community wants to express its support and gratitude to the conservancy. If the conservancy had not moved quickly to acquire land threatened by development, some of the mountains’ most beautiful spots would have been lost forever. When considering purchases, they have many criteria to evaluate--animal corridors, connections to other parkland, accessibility, price, availability. If they had paid cash for every acquisition as the auditors advocate, they would have missed out on some of their best purchases. Topangans applaud what the conservancy has done to preserve the last remaining areas of open space in the Santa Monica Mountains.

HERBERT PETERMANN

Vice chairman, Topanga Assn.

for a Scenic Community

Topanga