Agreement Reached on 183-Acre Golf Course Plan

The Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy and developers of the proposed Tierra Rejada Golf Course signed an agreement Tuesday allowing the project to go forward, but with concessions to the conservation group.

In exchange for dropping its appeal of the Ventura County Planning Commission’s approval of the project, the conservancy wanted 55 acres of undeveloped land to be dedicated as permanent open space, wildlife-friendly fences, and only native trees to be planted on the 18-hole course.

Crumpler & Kruger Commercial Real Estate Inc. officials agreed. The company sent a copy of the signed contract to county planners to incorporate into the conditional use permit. Officials with the Malibu-based company could not be reached.

Paul Edelman, conservancy deputy division chief and a plant ecologist, commended the developers for their willingness to change their proposal and the golf course designer, Robert Cupp, for planning a course that would have minimal effect on the environment.

“We see that whole valley as a backdoor connection into the Simi hill,” Edelman said.

County planning commissioners approved the $12.5-million public golf course Jan. 29 after scores of golfers showed up at a hearing clamoring for more course.

Project opponents expressed concern that a golf course in the relatively undeveloped valley between Moorpark and Simi Valley may inspire more development. The project site--183 acres at California 23 and Tierra Rejada Road--falls outside of the county’s designated greenbelt. Also, the land is zoned as open space and golf courses are approved uses in such areas.

The golf course plan calls for a driving range, clubhouse, maintenance facilities and parking areas, as well as artificial lakes, waterfalls and a stream.