Land Turned Over to Conservancy

A ceremony Friday commemorated a much-anticipated land transfer of 107 acres here for preservation of open space. In a series of speeches, government and parks agencies congratulated each other on the successful, albeit protracted, courtship of landowner Al Abrams for the $3.2-million tract.

The Liberty Canyon Wildlife Corridor, which now serves as a gateway to the Santa Monica Mountains, was sold in December to the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy after a 25-year effort by the conservancy, the Los Angeles County Sanitation District and county Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky’s office.

Concern for posterity and the healthy proliferation of wildlife motivated the transfer. Bobcats, mountain lions and deer regularly use the Santa Monica-Santa Susana corridor, but encroaching development at Liberty Canyon prevents them from reaching others of their species, resulting in inbreeding, officials said.

“Our furry friends no longer have to date their cousins,” said Rep. Brad Sherman (D-Sherman Oaks), who recently introduced legislation with Rep. Elton Gallegly (R-Simi Valley) to expand the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area by 3,700 acres. The corridor is owned and managed by the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy Parkland.

Speakers commended Abrams for turning down more lucrative offers in favor of securing the corridor for wildlife movement.

“Mr. Abrams was consistently visited with offers for more money to develop the land,” environmental consultant Betty Wiechec said. “So, thank you.”

Abrams was pleased.

“I feel like I’m a grandpa to many, many species of animals,” he said.