David F. McNeill

The Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy's mission is to strategically buy back, preserve, protect, restore, and enhance Southern California's natural areas, forming an interlinking system of urban, rural, and river parks, open space, trails, and wildlife habitats accessible to the public. Its strategic objectives are guided by the goal of an interlinking network of parks, trails, and open space for public use and wildlife habitat in Los Angeles and Ventura Counties. Key strategic areas include implementing the Santa Monica Mountains Comprehensive Plan, the Rim of the Valley Trails Corridor Master Plan, the Los Angeles County River Master Plan, and the San Gabriel and Los Angeles Rivers Watershed and Open Space Plan. Furthermore, the Conservancy aims to strengthen cooperation with local governments, expand efforts to integrate nature into urban environments, and enhance education, public access, and resource stewardship.

This Annual Report for Fiscal Year 2015-2016 details the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy's strategic objectives. The overarching goal is to establish an interlinking network of parks, trails, and open spaces for public use and wildlife habitat throughout Los Angeles and Ventura Counties. Key strategic pillars include implementing the Santa Monica Mountains Comprehensive Plan, the Rim of the Valley Trails Corridor Master Plan, the Los Angeles County River Master Plan, and the San Gabriel and Los Angeles Rivers Watershed and Open Space Plan. The Conservancy also focuses on fostering cooperation with local governments, integrating nature into urban environments, and expanding education, public access, and resource stewardship initiatives.