Hearings Set on Recreation Area Plan

The public will have a chance this week to comment on an updated plan to manage the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area.

The 20-year-old general management plan and the companion environmental impact report are being revised by the National Park Service, California State Parks and the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy.

Once approved, the document will guide recreation and other uses in the 150,000-acre federal park. About 150,000 people live within its boundaries.

The park’s diverse ecosystem is home to 26 distinct natural communities from freshwater aquatic habitats and coastal lagoons to oak woodlands, valley oak savanna and chaparral. More than 450 animal species are found here, including 21 federally listed threatened or endangered plants and animals.

A copy of the plan is available by calling (805) 370-2301. Or on the Web at: https://www.nps.gov/planning/samo/gmp.

The following public meetings will be held from 7 to 9 p.m.:

* Monday: Agoura Hills/Calabasas Community Center, 27040 Malibu Hills Road, Calabasas.

* Tuesday: Santa Monica Public Library, 1343 6th St., Santa Monica.

* Wednesday: L.A. River Center, 570 W. Ave. 26, Los Angeles.

* Thursday: Point Dume Marine Science School, 4955 Fernhill Drive, Malibu.

Another meeting will be held Friday from 3 to 5 p.m. at the National Park Service headquarters, 401 W. Hillcrest Drive, Thousand Oaks.

Written comments also can be sent to the National Park Service in Thousand Oaks until March 31.