National Park Service

U.S. Department of the Interior

San Gabriel Watershed and Mountains 

Special Resource Study 

Summary and Final Recommendations

April 2013
Dear Friends,

The National Park Service is pleased to announce the completion of the San Gabriel Watershed and Mountains Special 

Resource Study. The Secretary of the Interior transmitted the final study to Congress on April 10, 2013. This document 

summarizes the final study report which includes the NPS determinations about the eligibility of the study area as a unit 

of the national park system (pp. 6-8), as well as the selected alternative recommended to Congress by the Secretary of the 

Interior (pp. 10-18).

National Park Service Selected Alternative

The alternative recommended to Congress is the National Park Service Director’s most effective and efficient alternative 

for the long-term protection and public enjoyment of nationally significant resources in the San Gabriel watershed and 

mountains. The selected alternative is primarily a combination of management concepts from alternative A (San Gabriel 

Mountains National Recreation Area) and alternative D (San Gabriel Region National Recreation Area), as presented in the 

draft special resource study. The selected alternative offers what the NPS believes is the most effective and efficient means 

to provide the resource protection and public enjoyment opportunities that have been central to this study. 

The selected alternative takes advantage of the existing National Park Service and U.S. Forest Service presence in the Los 

Angeles area, while directing the two agencies to expand their scope to the San Gabriel Valley, the San Gabriel Mountains 

and foothills, and the Puente Hills. It encourages collaborative programs and shared staffing while reducing overlap and 

redundancy. It also takes advantage of the newly established Service First authority, which allows the NPS and US Forest 

Service to work together in new ways. 

Implementation of the selected alternative would require Congressional legislation. If Congress does not pass legislation to 

implement the study’s recommendations, then the study would simply remain as a recommendation.

The selected alternative includes four primary recommendations for the long-term protection and public enjoyment of 

nationally significant resources in the San Gabriel watershed and mountains, including:

1. Designation of a San Gabriel Unit of the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation 

Area (p. 10) The new unit would include areas of the San Gabriel Mountain foothills, 

portions of the San Gabriel and Rio Hondo river corridors, and the western Puente Hills. 

The NPS would work primarily through partnerships with existing landowners in areas 

of mutual interest such as resource protection, ecological restoration, and education 

programs. NPS land management policies and regulations would only apply to lands that 

the NPS acquires. The NPS would only acquire land on a limited basis from willing sellers. 

The designation would not transfer any land to the NPS.

2. Additional federal recognition, tools, and support to the Angeles National Forest to 

steward watershed resources and ecosystems and improve recreational opportunities (pp. 

10-18). 

3. Direction for the U.S. Forest Service and National Park Service to collaborate through the 

Service First authority (p. 13) and other mechanisms to protect the significant resources 

of the San Gabriel watershed and mountains and provide high quality recreation and 

educational opportunities. 

4. NPS technical assistance to interested communities, agencies, and organizations to 

protect the region’s wildlife corridors; provide close-to-home recreational opportunities; 

educational opportunities; and to provide an array of seamless outdoor experiences in the 

San Gabriel watershed and mountains (p. 12).

Thank you for your involvement in the San Gabriel Watershed and Mountains Special Resource Study.

Sincerely, 

NPS Study Team

Front cover: Aerial photograph by Bruce Perry, Department of Geological Sciences, CSU Long Beach
San Gabriel Watershed and Mountains Special Resource Study • 3

The Four Components of the Selected Alternative

HOW TO OBTAIN A COPY OF THE FINAL STUDY REPORT AND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

The NPS published the Draft San Gabriel Watershed and Mountains Special Resource Study and Environmental Assessment in 

September 2011. The final report, available now, is comprised of the previously published draft report, a list of errata, and a 

Finding of No Significant Impact, containing the selected alternative. These documents are posted on the project web site at: 

http://www.nps.gov/pwro/sangabriel 

A public comment summary and NPS responses to comments received on the draft report are also available on the web site.

Limited printed and CD-ROM copies of the full draft report and errata are available. If you have not received a copy of the draft 

report and would like one, please contact us by mail or e-mail and provide your name and mailing address.

Contact Information

Mail: National Park Service

San Gabriel Watershed and Mountains SRS

Park Planning & Environmental Compliance

333 Bush Street, Suite 500

San Francisco, CA 94104

Email: pwr_sangabriel@nps.gov

Phone: Barbara Butler (415) 623-2311

Martha Crusius (415) 623-2310
Study Area

The study legislation directed the NPS to conduct a Special Resource Study of the following areas: (1) the San Gabriel 

River and its tributaries north of, and including, the city of Santa Fe Springs; and (2) the San Gabriel Mountains within the 

territory of the San Gabriel and Lower Los Angeles Rivers and Mountains Conservancy. 

The study area covers more than 1,000 square miles (over 700,000 acres) in the greater Los Angeles metropolitan region. 

It includes some of the most densely populated and diverse areas of the United States. Most of the study area is located 

in Los Angeles County and the remainder lies in Orange and San Bernardino counties. In addition to most of the San 

Gabriel River watershed, the study area also includes portions of the Los Angeles River, the Santa Clara River, and the 

Antelope Valley watersheds, as well as very small portions of the Santa Ana River and Mojave watersheds. 

The U.S. Forest Service (USFS) manages approximately two thirds of the study area (415,000 acres in the San Gabriel 

Mountains) as part of the Angeles National Forest (Angeles NF). With the exception of private inholdings, permitted 

cabins, ski areas, roads, and flood protection structures and other utilities, the forest remains primarily undeveloped, 

with four designated wilderness 

areas. In close proximity to highly 

urban areas, the forest provides a 

refuge for wildlife and recreational 

opportunities for the greater Los 

Angeles metropolitan region. 

Over fifty communities are located in 

the study area, with approximately 

1.5 million residents. The Los Angeles 

metropolitan region is home to over 

16 million residents. The largest 

communities in the study area include 

Pomona and Santa Clarita, with 

populations near 150,000. The City 

of Palmdale is the largest community 

at the northern end of the study area 

with approximately 115,000 residents.

Introduction

The San Gabriel River Watershed Study Act (P.L. 108-042, July 2003) authorized the National Park Service (NPS) to 

conduct a special resource study of (1) the San Gabriel River and its tributaries north of and including the city of Santa 

Fe Springs, and (2) the San Gabriel Mountains within the territory of the San Gabriel and Lower Los Angeles Rivers and 

Mountains Conservancy.

The purpose of the special resource study was to determine whether any portion of the San Gabriel Watershed and 

Mountains study area is eligible to be designated as a unit of the national park system. By reaching out to the public, 

stakeholders, and resource experts, the NPS determined eligibility and identified alternative strategies to manage, 

protect, or restore the study area’s resources, and to provide or enhance recreational opportunities. The study conveys 

this information to the U.S. Department of the Interior and Congress to aid in determining whether designation of a unit 

of the national park system is desirable and appropriate.

The NPS found that many of the resources evaluated through the study are nationally significant, suitable, feasible and 

appropriate for NPS management. These findings are described on the following pages. This document identifies the 

most effective and efficient alternative for management selected by the NPS (“the selected alternative”).
Study Process and Public Involvement

The study team conducted extensive public outreach throughout the study process and throughout the region. Five 

newsletters were published at various stages of the study process and distributed to the study mail and email lists. All 

information sent by mail and email has been available on the study website, www.nps.gov/pwro/sangabriel.

The NPS initiated this special resource study in January 2005 with a newsletter describing the study process and 

opportunities for the public to participate. Public meetings were held in March 2005, comments were accepted, and 

the study team published the results of the scoping process in a second newsletter. Numerous meetings with agencies, 

elected officials, and organizations were held into 2006.

Throughout 2006 and 2008, the team worked with local recreation and land conservation agencies and resource experts 

to analyze the significance of the study area resources and develop preliminary alternative management concepts. In 

the fall of 2009, the study team presented draft alternative management concepts for public review in a newsletter 

distributed to over 3,000 individuals and organizations. The study team held six public meetings at locations throughout 

the study area, as well as numerous meetings with local, state and federal government agencies, organizations, 

communities, and Congressional offices. The team received and analyzed approximately 4,800 comments. 

After a period of public comment review, alternative revisions, and environmental analysis, the study team released 

the Draft San Gabriel Watershed and Mountains Special Resource Study and Environmental Assessment for review 

and comment in 2011. Four hundred participants, including elected officials and stakeholders, participated in public 

meetings and 12,000 comments were submitted online or by mail. On the basis of those comments and in consultation 

with other agencies, the NPS has since made necessary corrections to the draft study and selected an alternative that 

it believes is the most effective and efficient way to manage the natural, cultural, and recreation resources of the San 

Gabriel watershed and mountains.

San Gabriel Watershed and Mountains Special Resource Study • 5

March 2005

Public meetings in Rosemead, Claremont, Acton, Diamond Bar, 

and Downey

August - October 2009

Public meetings in Diamond Bar, 

El Monte, Santa Clarita, 

Glendora, Palmdale, and Tujunga

2005 2006

November 2011

Public meetings in 

El Monte, Palmdale, 

Pomona, Santa Clarita, 

and Tujunga

2007

August 2009

Draft alternative concepts 

newsletter released. 

Over 3,000 newsletters 

distributed. 4,800 

comments received

2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

September 2011

Draft Special Resource Study and 

Environmental Assessment released

2013

February 2012

End of public comment period. 

12,000 comments received

Scoping Period Selection of Most 

Effective & Efficient 

Alternative

Resource Analysis and Alternatives Development

NPS works with experts to determine resource significance and develop alternative management concepts

Alternatives Revision 

and Environmental 

Analysis

2005 through 2006

NPS initiated public scoping, accepted and analyzed public comments, 

mailed three newsletters to 3,000 people, conducted over 50 meetings 

with agencies, elected officials, and organizations, and created a study 

web site

April 

2013

Final 

Report 

STUDY TIMELINE
6 • San Gabriel Watershed and Mountains Special Resource Study 

Evaluation of Nationally 

Significant Resources

Within the large and diverse landscape of the study 

area, two regions were found to be nationally significant: 

the San Gabriel Mountains and the Puente-Chino Hills. 

Because these regions have not been as heavily urbanized 

as the lowland valleys and floodplains of the study area, 

they are outstanding examples of the native southern 

California landscape. The San Gabriel Mountains are also 

culturally rich, with a long history of human use. 

There are significant resources in other portions of 

the study area. However, these resources are highly 

fragmented and surrounding development has, in many 

cases, negatively impacted their integrity.

San Gabriel Mountains

The San Gabriel Mountains and foothills are nationally 

significant for their geologic resources, high biodiversity, 

dynamic river systems, and the long history of scientific 

study and discovery. Early conservation of the San Gabriel 

Mountains ensured that these areas were protected from 

rapid urbanization, which began in the late 19th century. 

Within a short distance, the mountains and foothills 

feature coastal, desert, montane, and sub-alpine ecological 

communities. 

MOUNTAIN BUILDING AND DIVERSE GEOLOGY

• The San Gabriel Mountains are among the fastest 

growing mountains in the world. Forces from the 

San Andreas Fault to the north and a series of 

thrust faults on their south face are causing the 

San Gabriel Mountains to rise as much as 2 inches 

a year. This distinction makes the San Gabriel 

Mountains an excellent location to research or 

study mountain-building.

• Among the most geologically diverse ranges in 

Southern California, the San Gabriel Mountains 

are comprised of rock units from all the major 

geologic eras. The San Gabriel Mountains contain 

the most extensive, best-exposed, and most 

completely studied exposures of several geologic 

formations including the San Gabriel Mountains 

anorthosite massif, the Mount Lowe plutonic 

suite, and Pelona schist. Some of the oldest rocks 

(over one billion years old) on the west coast of 

the United States are located in the San Gabriel 

Mountains. 

• There is a long history of scientific study of the 

San Andreas Fault in southern California. Several 

Four Criteria for Evaluating Potential Additions to the National Park System

The National Park System New Area Studies Act and NPS management policies establish the basic process for evaluating 

potential new additions to the national park system. According to NPS management policies, a proposed addition to 

the national park system will receive a favorable recommendation from the NPS only if it meets all of the following four 

criteria for inclusion:

1. It possesses nationally significant natural or cultural resources.

2. It is a suitable addition to the system.

3. It is a feasible addition to the system.

4. There is a need for direct NPS management, instead of alternative protection by other public agencies 

or the private sector.

National Park Service management alternatives are developed for study areas that meet all four of the criteria for 

inclusion, as listed above. The following section explains how the NPS, in consultation with scientists, scholars, and other 

experts, found that all four criteria were satisfied in the San Gabriel Watershed and Mountains Special Resource Study.

Findings

1

1

2

4

3

San Gabriel Mountains, NPS Photo
San Gabriel Watershed and Mountains Special Resource Study • 7

historically significant geologic discoveries 

occurred in the San Gabriel Mountains. 

• The dramatic change in elevation from sea level 

to 10,000 feet, coupled with striking landforms 

such as the Devil’s Punchbowl, makes for a highly 

scenic landscape of contrasts.

HIGH LEVELS OF BIODIVERSITY

• The topographically and geologically diverse 

mountains contain high levels of biodiversity. 

The plant communities in the San Gabriel 

Mountains provide habitat for 76 plant species 

and 77 wildlife species considered sensitive, rare, 

threatened or endangered. 

• Outstanding examples of rare southern California 

ecological communities in the San Gabriel 

Mountains and foothills include: alluvial fan sage 

scrub, bigcone Douglas-fir, coastal sage scrub, 

relict juniper communities, riparian areas, and 

subalpine habitat. 

DYNAMIC RIVER SYSTEMS

• River systems within the San Gabriel Mountains 

meet the eligibility criteria for National Wild and 

Scenic River designation. Free-flowing sections of 

Little Rock Creek and the North, East, and West 

forks of the San Gabriel River retain high levels of 

integrity and support sensitive wildlife.

• Some of the best remaining alluvial fan sage 

scrub vegetation in the Los Angeles Basin is found 

within the study area.

• The San Gabriel Mountains are among the richest 

areas for freshwater fishes in southern California. 

SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH AND DISCOVERY

• Data collected in the San Dimas Experimental 

Forest since 1933 represents some of the 

earliest and most comprehensive records from 

continuously monitored U.S. Forest Service 

experimental watersheds in the United States. In 

1976, the United Nations Educational, Scientific 

and Cultural Organization’s (UNESCO) Man and 

the Biosphere Program recognized the San Dimas 

Experimental Forest as a “Biosphere Reserve.” 

The San Dimas Experimental Forest contains 

structures that are excellent examples of Forest 

Service architecture constructed and maintained 

through Depression-era relief programs, as well as 

a lysimeter facility that is the largest structure of 

its type ever built.

• The Mount Wilson Observatory, established in 

1904, includes five significant telescopes that laid 

the technological foundation for all large modern 

telescopes. Many of the major advances, such as 

the Big Bang theory and the greatest names in 

20th-century astronomy, are associated with the 

observatory. 

Puente-Chino Hills

The Puente-Chino Hills in the Los Angeles basin contain 

rare native plant communities. Although this area is 

somewhat of an island of open space surrounded by 

urbanized areas, the Puente-Chino Hills and the Santa Ana 

Mountains to the southeast together encompass about 

500,000 acres of wildlands containing significant biological 

resources. 

HIGH LEVELS OF BIODIVERSITY

• The Puente-Chino Hills are part of a biologically 

diverse regional wildlife corridor that provides 

habitat for ecological communities with an 

abundance of endemic, threatened, and rare 

plants and animals. 

• Outstanding examples of southern California 

communities in the Puente-Chino Hills include 

coastal sage scrub, one of the most endangered 

plant communities in California, and the best 

remaining stands of California walnut-dominated 

forests and woodlands south of Ventura County. 

Clockwise, from top left: Arroyo Toad, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Photo; 

Mount Wilson Observatory; Southern California black walnut, NPS Photo; 

Augen gneiss boulder, western San Gabriel Mountains, NPS Photo
8 • San Gabriel Watershed and Mountains Special Resource Study 

Evaluation of Suitability

This study concludes that portions of the San Gabriel 

Mountains and Puente-Chino Hills are suitable for inclusion 

in the national park system, based upon an evaluation 

of the study area resources and their relative quality, 

character, and rarity. Together, the San Gabriel Mountains 

and Puente-Chino Hills contain a combination of themes 

and resources not found in any national park unit or 

comparably managed area.

Evaluation of Feasibility

The study concludes that a collaborative partnership-based 

park unit, which respects the complex mix of land use, 

ownership, and regulatory authority in the study area, is 

feasible. Opportunities for collaborative management with 

local, state and federal managers to protect natural and 

cultural resources, to provide recreation, public access, 

interpretation and educational opportunities, and other 

compatible uses in a partnership-based park unit have 

been demonstrated to exist. A large traditional national 

park unit, owned and operated solely by the NPS, is 

determined to be infeasible.

Need for NPS Management

The study concludes that a collaborative management 

approach which includes a leadership role for the NPS is 

a superior management option for meeting the complex 

conservation and recreation needs of the study area. In 

particular, the NPS has the ability to work in a coordinated 

fashion, on a regional basis, to address equitable access 

to open space, protection of significant resources, and 

interpretation and education about significant resources. 

Existing NPS assistance programs are currently insufficient 

to address these needs in the study area.

2

3

4

Wild cactus in bloom, Santa Fe Dam Natural Area, NPS Photo
San Gabriel Watershed and Mountains Special Resource Study • 9

No Action Alternative: Continuation of 

Current Management

Public land management agencies and local governments 

would continue their land management, visitor services, 

public education, recreation and interpretive programs 

at approximately the current levels of activity and 

funding, according to current plans. Existing cooperative 

management efforts would continue. The NPS would have 

no role in the study area beyond the existing segments 

of two national historic trails, some ongoing technical 

assistance from the Rivers, Trails and Conservation 

Assistance Program, and limited financial assistance 

through the Land and Water Conservation Fund. 

Alternative A: San Gabriel Mountains 

National Recreation Area

Congress would designate the San Gabriel Mountains as 

a National Recreation Area (NRA) that would continue 

to be managed by the Angeles National Forest (Angeles 

NF). The designation would bring additional recognition, 

tools, and support to the Angeles NF in order to steward 

watershed resources and ecosystems, and improve 

recreational opportunities. The NPS would have no role in 

the NRA beyond a continuation of the informal partnership 

between the U.S. Forest Service and Santa Monica 

Mountains NRA.

Alternative C: San Gabriel Watershed 

National Recreation Area

Congress would designate a National Recreation Area 

comprised of the upper San Gabriel River watershed 

within the Angeles NF and a half-mile corridor around the 

San Gabriel and Rio Hondo rivers within the study area to 

be managed by a voluntary partnership of agencies and 

organizations with land and interests in the designated 

area. The primary roles of the NPS would be coordination 

of the partnership and taking a lead role in coordinating 

interpretative and educational messages about significant 

resources. Each partner and other jurisdictional 

authorities would retain land ownership, management, 

and decision-making authority for lands that they own. 

The partnership would work to create new recreational 

and open space opportunities that are compatible 

with maintaining watershed values, water supply, flood 

protection, and habitat values.

Alternative D: San Gabriel Region 

National Recreation Area 

Congress would designate Angeles NF lands within the San 

Gabriel Mountains, adjacent foothill areas with ecological 

resource values, areas near the San Andreas Fault, portions 

of the western Puente Hills, and half-mile corridors 

along the San Gabriel and Rio Hondo rivers as a National 

Recreation Area. The NRA would be managed much the 

same as described under alternative C, under a partnership 

comprised of agencies and organizations with interests 

in the area. The NPS role would be essentially the same 

as in alternative C, but with the addition of a technical 

assistance program to provide conservation and recreation 

planning assistance to interested public agencies, private 

landowners, and organizations beyond the NRA boundaries 

to create and connect parks, conserve habitat and provide 

new recreational experiences throughout the region.

Alternatives Considered But Dismissed

Alternative B, the San Gabriel Parks and Open Space 

Network, was initially presented to the public as an 

alternative management concept. Public review revealed 

a high level of dissatisfaction for this concept. Alternative 

B envisioned a network of public and private partners 

engaged in collaborative planning and information sharing, 

focused on open space, recreation, wildlife corridor, and 

interpretive opportunities. It did not include designation 

of a National Recreation Area. This alternative was 

dismissed for its inability to meet project objectives, as 

determined through agency and public input.

Alternatives Analyzed

Four alternatives were analyzed in the San Gabriel Watershed and Mountains Draft Special Resource Study and 

Environmental Assessment. The alternatives are based on the purpose and need for the project and are consistent with 

existing laws, NPS policy and the special resource study legislation.

Children playing in the North Fork of the San Gabriel River, NPS Photo
10 • San Gabriel Watershed and Mountains Special Resource Study 

The Selected Alternative

Concept

The selected alternative is primarily a combination of 

management concepts from alternative A (San Gabriel 

Mountains National Recreation Area) and alternative 

D (San Gabriel Region National Recreation Area), as 

presented in the Draft San Gabriel Watershed and 

Mountains Special Resource Study. Some additional 

refinements have been made to reflect public concerns, 

provide for efficient management, and to take advantage 

of new authorities provided to the National Park Service 

(NPS) and the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) through the 

Service First authority.

The selected alternative would establish a San Gabriel unit 

of the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area 

which would provide the NPS, and other land management 

agencies and organizations with guidance and direction 

to work together in new ways. Partnership arrangements 

among federal and state agencies, local governments, nonprofit organizations, and area landowners would be the 

primary means to achieve the conservation, recreational, 

and educational goals of the San Gabriel unit. Although 

the Angeles National Forest (Angeles NF) would not be 

included in the San Gabriel unit, the NPS and USFS would 

be directed to work in partnership. In addition, legislative 

guidance would provide additional support and authorities 

for the Angeles NF to steward resources and improve 

recreational opportunities.

Specifically, components of the selected alternative would 

include:

San Gabriel unit of the Santa Monica Mountains NRA 

(San Gabriel unit). The San Gabriel Mountains foothills, 

San Gabriel and Rio Hondo river corridors and the western 

Puente Hills (alternative D south of the Angeles NF) 

would be established as an additional unit of the Santa 

Monica Mountains NRA. The NPS and numerous other 

agencies and organizations with land and interests in the 

area would: 1) work collaboratively to protect significant 

resources, restore ecological communities, and improve 

recreational opportunities; 2) provide technical assistance 

to willing communities for conservation planning to extend 

open space connections and form a network of parks, 

habitats, and open spaces; and 3) offer new educational 

and interpretive opportunities. 

Angeles National Forest. The selected alternative would 

also bring additional recognition, tools, and support to the 

Angeles NF in order to steward watershed resources and 

ecosystems and improve recreational opportunities. In 

lieu of a new designation for the Angeles NF, this guidance 

would: 1) reaffirm the primary importance of the Angeles 

NF in preserving watershed and natural resources, while 

continuing to provide for multiple use management; and 2) 

prioritize funding for resource protection, recreation, and 

education, and establish mechanisms to increase funding 

for facilities, maintenance, ecological restoration, visitor 

management; and offer new educational programming, 

and stewardship activities. This would be accomplished 

without a national recreation area designation on the 

Angeles NF.

Collaborative Federal Management. The NPS and USFS 

would collaborate through the Service First authority and 

other mechanisms to protect the significant resources of 

the San Gabriel watershed and mountains, provide high 

quality recreation and education opportunities, and assist 

the surrounding communities in providing communitybased recreation and conservation opportunities. The NPS 

and the USFS would work together:

• To explore opportunities to protect and enhance 

interconnected ecosystems essential for longterm viability of significant natural resources. 

• To help communities provide close-to-home 

outdoor recreation, conservation and education 

opportunities for their residents, as well as to 

better connect to the nearby national park and 

national forest areas.

• To provide an array of seamless outdoor 

experiences in the San Gabriel watershed and 

mountains.

Proposed Area

The San Gabriel unit of the Santa Monica Mountains NRA 

would include:

• The San Gabriel Mountains foothill areas in the 

San Gabriel Valley (but outside of the Angeles 

National Forest) with ecological resource values. 

Areas with ecological resource values include 

designated critical habitat for federally listed 

threatened or endangered species, and areas 

within one of the Los Angeles County proposed 

significant ecological areas;

• A half-mile corridor around the San Gabriel and 

Rio Hondo rivers from the Angeles NF boundary 

south to Santa Fe Springs; and 

• Portions of the western Puente Hills with 

ecological resource value and recreational 

potential (areas west of Harbor Boulevard). This 

primarily includes lands owned/or and managed 

by the Puente Hills Habitat Preservation Authority 

and lands proposed by Los Angeles County to be 

included in the Puente Hills Significant Ecological 
San Gabriel Watershed and Mountains Special Resource Study • 11
12 • San Gabriel Watershed and Mountains Special Resource Study 

Area. The Puente Hills Landfill would not be 

included in the boundary. However, at some 

time in the future, the NPS and the Puente Hills 

Habitat Preservation Authority could enter into 

management agreements with the Sanitation 

Districts of Los Angeles County to provide 

recreational opportunities in this area.

The San Gabriel unit would include approximately 49,000 

acres of land; approximately 37% of this area is already 

protected for conservation or recreation by existing 

agencies and organizations.

The San Gabriel Mountains within the Angeles NF are also 

addressed in the selected alternative. However, no new 

designation would be applied to this area. 

Management

San Gabriel Unit

The San Gabriel unit of the Santa Monica Mountains NRA 

would be managed in partnership with agencies and 

organizations with land and interests in the area. Agencies 

and organizations that own and manage land within the 

San Gabriel unit would continue to manage their lands 

according to their own policies and regulations. NPS 

policies would only apply to lands that the NPS acquires. 

As much of the land within the NRA is currently in public 

ownership and much of the remaining land is comprised 

of commercial and residential uses inappropriate for 

NPS management, land acquisition by the NPS would be 

limited. 

The San Gabriel unit partners could include, but would 

not be limited to, the following agencies: the U.S. Forest 

Service, the National Park Service, the Lower Los Angeles 

and San Gabriel Rivers and Mountains Conservancy, the 

Puente Hills Habitat Preservation Authority, the U.S. Army 

Corps of Engineers, the California Department of Parks and 

Recreation, the California Department of Fish and Game, 

the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the U.S. Geological 

Survey, Los Angeles County, the Santa Monica Mountains 

Conservancy, the Wildlife Corridor Conservation Authority, 

the Mountains and Recreation Conservation Authority, and 

the Watershed Conservation Authority. Local communities/

cities could also participate in the partnership. Through 

cooperative management agreements, partners would be 

able to provide coordinated educational and recreational 

programming, and share funding, staff, and facilities. In 

existing public land areas, interagency agreements could 

augment agency staffing to manage heavily used areas 

providing higher levels of visitor services, education, and 

safety. Other partnerships could also be established, such 

as with community-based organizations and tribal groups.

NPS Role. The NPS would take a lead role in coordinating 

partnership-based activities within the San Gabriel unit. 

Through cooperative management agreements, the 

NPS could also provide educational, interpretive, law 

enforcement and other services to partner agencies. The 

NPS would also take a lead role in providing coordinated 

interpretative and educational messages about the 

significance of the San Gabriel watershed and mountains 

for existing nature centers, museums, park programs, etc. 

The NPS would have no land use regulatory authority for 

lands that it does not own. As funding permits, the NPS 

would be authorized to acquire lands from willing sellers 

within the San Gabriel unit to protect significant resources 

or for operational purposes. 

The NPS would offer technical assistance to interested 

public agencies, private landowners, and organizations to 

create and connect parks, conserve habitat, provide new 

recreational experiences, and foster a sense of regional 

identity. The NPS could also assist in organizing volunteer 

programs within the San Gabriel unit and on the Angeles 

NF.

Angeles National Forest

The Angeles NF would continue to be managed by the 

USFS according to existing guiding policies. Additional 

guidance would authorize the USFS to enter into 

cooperative management agreements with local agencies 

and conservancies to protect biodiversity and watershed 

resources, interpret significant resources, enhance 

recreational opportunities, and provide more educational 

and interpretive opportunities within San Gabriel 

Mountains. In addition, the Angeles NF would have the 

Clockwise, from top left: Santa Fe Dam Recreation Area, NPS Photo; 

Eaton Canyon, NPS Photo; San Gabriel River Trail, NPS Photo
San Gabriel Watershed and Mountains Special Resource Study • 13

ability to accept donations from philanthropic and partner 

organizations to improve facilities and resources. 

Legislative guidance would also direct the USFS and the 

NPS to engage in partnership efforts and interagency 

coordination to protect the significant resources of the 

San Gabriel watershed and mountains, provide high 

quality recreation and education opportunities, and assist 

the surrounding communities in providing communitybased recreation and conservation opportunities. Such 

partnerships could be facilitated through the Service First 

authority and other mechanisms.

Existing Agencies, Regulatory 

Authorities, and Land Use

San Gabriel Unit

Much of the land within the proposed San Gabriel 

unit (approximately 37%) is already protected by 

various agencies and organizations. The National Park 

Service recognizes that existing public agencies, private 

conservation organizations, and individuals successfully 

manage important natural and cultural resources and 

recreational opportunities within the proposed San 

Gabriel unit. The NPS applauds these accomplishments 

and actively encourages the expansion of conservation 

activities by state, local, and private entities and by other 

federal agencies. 

Retention of Local Land Use and Existing Regulatory 

Authorities. The designation of an NPS national recreation 

area unit would not establish additional regulatory or 

land use authorities over local governments. The NPS is 

not a regulatory agency. NPS land management policies 

and regulations would only apply to lands that the NPS 

acquires. The NPS would only consider acquiring land on a 

limited basis from willing sellers. The selected alternative 

would respect existing general plans and local zoning, as 

well as state and local laws and policies for lands that are 

not federally owned.

Protection of Water Supply, Flood Protection, and 

Sanitation Infrastructure Facilities and Functions. The Los 

Angeles metropolitan region has highly complex systems 

of public infrastructure to transport and store local and 

regional water supplies. In addition, numerous facilities are 

necessary to treat wastewater and manage solid waste. 

Many of these facilities are located on or near the San 

Gabriel River. The San Gabriel River Watershed Study Act 

of 2003 (P.L. 108-042) directed that the study consider 

regional flood control and drainage needs and publicly 

owned infrastructure such as wastewater treatment 

facilities. The study recommends that any resulting 

legislation ensure that infrastructure designed for flood 

Service First

In December of 2011, the Secretaries of the Interior and Agriculture were given the authority (Public Law 112-74) 

to establish programs involving certain land management agencies to:

• Conduct activities jointly or on behalf of one another;

• Collocate in Federal offices or leased facilities; and

• Make reciprocal delegations of their respective authorities, duties and responsibilities

• Make transfer of funds and reimbursement of funds on an annual basis, including transfers and 

reimbursements for multi-year projects.

The Service First authority provides for interagency operational efficiency in attaining shared goals and missions, 

allows agencies to develop programs and projects tailored to meet shared objectives, allows agencies to share 

equipment, facilities and other resources to accomplish mutually agreed-upon work, and allows the re-delegation 

of staff authorities, duties and responsibilities among participating Service First agencies (NPS, USFS, BLM, 

FWS). These partnership efforts are achieved through a Service First agreement, which documents the agencies’ 

commitment to work collaboratively. 

Stories of successful Service First partnerships are beginning to emerge as the authority is implemented around 

the country. In Colorado, for example, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the U.S. Forest Service have 

integrated management of public lands and national forest system lands in and around the San Luis Valley. The 

two agencies share funding, staff and authority under a robust agreement intended to maximize efficient use 

of personnel and provide one-stop service to visitors and stakeholders. In Arizona and Utah, the Grand Canyon 

Parashant National Monument is co-managed by the BLM and the NPS with an integrated staff and a streamlined 

process for transferring funds. These success stories and more are described at www.fs.fed.us/servicefirst.
14 • San Gabriel Watershed and Mountains Special Resource Study 

protection, storage 

and transport of water 

supplies, treatment of 

water and wastewater, 

and management of solid 

waste would be unaffected 

by the designation. This 

includes exemption from 16 

U.S.C. § 460l-22(c) (prohibition 

of solid waste disposal operations 

in national parks) for existing solid 

waste facilities and operations, such as 

landfills and transfer stations, within the 

San Gabriel unit. 

The selected alternative would retain existing 

water rights. Management of water supply and 

treatment plants would continue under current 

authorities. The proposed San Gabriel unit designation 

would not entail any new or future beneficial uses or 

requirements for water supply, water quality, or air quality 

regulations.

Private Property Rights. Any legislation proposed to 

implement study recommendations should specify that 

eminent domain would not be used for land acquisition 

within the San Gabriel unit. The NPS would only consider 

acquiring land on a limited basis from willing sellers. 

Designation would not impact local land use authority over 

lands not owned by the NPS.

Fire Protection. Fire protection would remain the 

responsibility of existing federal, state, and local agencies 

(Los Angeles County, U.S. Forest Service, California 

Department of Forestry and Fire Protection). The San 

Gabriel unit partnership could work together to take a proactive approach to coordinated resource management to 

reduce catastrophic fires.

Angeles National Forest

U.S. Forest Service management of existing Angeles NF 

lands would continue. USFS policies would continue to be 

applied to management of these lands.

Education and Interpretation

San Gabriel Unit

Through new interpretive and educational programs, the 

NPS would engage people of all ages in learning about 

the significant natural and cultural resources within 

the San Gabriel watershed and mountains. Examples 

of interpretive messages would include the history and 

importance of water resources, regional biodiversity, the 

geological significance of the San Gabriel Mountains, 

Native American history and prehistory, the role of fire on 

the landscape, and early California settlement. 

The NPS would coordinate a voluntary information 

network to partner with established environmental 

education centers, visitor centers, etc. throughout the 

watershed to help augment and enrich interpretive and 

educational programming related to the significance of the 

San Gabriel watershed and mountains. The primary role 

of the NPS within the San Gabriel unit would be to lead 

the effort to provide coordinated interpretive messages 

and educational programs. The NPS would also work with 

partners to develop accessible interpretive and educational 

materials, including multi-lingual information and signage, 

to reach broader audiences.

In addition to programs conducted within the San Gabriel 

unit, NPS staff would coordinate with local school districts 

and area youth organizations to conduct environmental 

stewardship programs and engage youth in learning about 

the natural world around them. When needed and as 

funding permits, new facilities and programs could be 

developed to support educational efforts. The NPS Junior 

Ranger program could be promoted for school-aged 

children. There are also opportunities to inspire youth 

about the rich cultural heritage of the region.

Angeles National Forest

The Angeles NF would be recognized for its nationally 

significant resources associated with the San Gabriel 

Mountains. Working through Service First agreements, 

the USFS and the NPS would provide more interpretive 

information about significant resources and offer new 

educational programs. Educational programs would 

emphasize to visitors the value of watershed resources and 

how to recreate in a way that is compatible with protecting 

such resources. New opportunities for educational 

programs associated with the San Dimas Experimental 

Forest would be explored.

Recreational Opportunities and Access

San Gabriel Unit

Within the San Gabriel unit, a variety of recreational 

opportunities would continue to be available to the 

public. Many communities in the region, however, lack 

appropriate access to park and recreational resources. 

Recreational uses and activities would be determined 

by the existing land management agency. The NPS and 

partner agencies would seek to improve recreational 

access and opportunities in urban areas that are deficient 

in recreation and park lands by offering assistance in 

planning for close-to-home recreational opportunities, 

better trail access, and improved public transportation 

options to recreational areas. Additionally, the NPS and 

partner agencies would explore opportunities to restore 

vacant or unused land to provide new recreational 

opportunities. 
San Gabriel Watershed and Mountains Special Resource Study • 15

The NPS and partners would work together to target 

underserved and disadvantaged communities for 

engagement in the opportunties for and benefits of 

outdoor recreation. Children in communities that do not 

have adequate access to outdoor recreation tend to have 

higher rates of childhood diseases related to obesity such 

as diabetes. The NPS would conduct outreach to local 

communities, organizations, and schools to promote 

opportunities for healthy recreation in the San Gabriel 

unit. 

The NPS would also work with partners to seek ways 

to improve the recreational experience in more heavily 

impacted areas by providing more education, improving 

facilities, improving maintenance and law enforcement, 

and enhancing visitor management to reduce impacts. 

Improved recreational experiences in more rural areas 

could focus on protecting the rural recreational experience 

by providing better trail connections and improved 

equestrian staging areas. 

A voluntary information network would identify parks 

and sites with recreational and learning opportunities. 

This network would be expansive, including sites with 

recreational and learning opportunities associated with 

the San Gabriel River watershed, the Puente Hills, and the 

San Gabriel Mountains. At each site, visitors could find 

maps and guides linking one site with others pertaining to 

the same or related themes. 

Many agencies are currently working to improve 

accessibility, as is required by the Americans with 

Disabilities Act. The NPS would work with partners to 

improve recreational access to the area’s parks and public 

lands for persons with disabilities.

Angeles National Forest

Recreation is the primary use in the Angeles NF. With over 

3 million annual visitors, the Angeles NF has one of the 

highest national forest visitation levels in the nation. Over 

the past ten years, funding for recreation, interpretation, 

and education has remained flat. Increased attention 

and focused management resulting from new legislative 

directives may encourage additional or reprioritized 

federal funding for enhancing recreation in the San 

Gabriel Mountains. This could include improved visitor 

management in heavily used recreational areas as a result 

of more forest rangers, better facilities, improved trail 

connections and trailheads, better educational efforts, and 

new approaches to manage visitation. 

Existing recreational opportunities would remain on 

the Angeles NF pursuant to USFS established rules and 

regulations. Future decisions regarding appropriate 

recreational opportunities would continue to be 

determined by the USFS, including administration of any 

recreational special use permits such as for recreational 

residences and ski areas. 

New partnership opportunities may also assist the Angeles 

NF in fundraising for improved recreational experiences 

and planning for recreational connections (e.g. trails, 

bicycle paths). The NPS and USFS would partner and work 

together on recreational opportunities on the Angeles NF 

through Service First agreements. Such agreements allow 

the two agencies to share staff, funding, and offices to 

achieve mutual objectives. 

Resource Protection (Ecological 

Communities and Cultural Resources)

The selected alternative would emphasize protecting 

significant resources associated with the San Gabriel 

Mountains and Puente Hills. 

San Gabriel Unit

The NPS would facilitate opportunities to work in 

collaboration with resource management agencies and 

organizations to conserve and enhance resources through 

research, cooperative management, monitoring, and 

restoration. Ecological communities could be enhanced by 

additional scientific knowledge, expertise, and technical 

assistance.

The NPS and partner agencies would work together to 

identify opportunities to protect ecosystems and wildlife 

corridors. For example, the San Gabriel Mountains and 

Puente-Chino Hills are refuges for rare and endangered 

species. These species need to be able to move to and 

from these open space areas, particularly in the case of 

wildfire events and for adaptation associated with climate 

change. Better ecosystem connectivity also fosters greater 

biodiversity. The NPS and partner agencies would seek to 

leverage additional funding for ecological restoration and 

wildlife habitat conservation efforts. 

Coordinated cultural resource management would also be 

an emphasis. The NPS would seek to document, protect 

and interpret cultural resources within the San Gabriel 

unit. Such efforts would improve the ability of the NPS to 

develop interpretive materials and programming related to 

cultural resources. 

Angeles National Forest

The Angeles NF would continue to balance use and 

resource protection in accordance with its multiple-use 

policy. Legislative guidance could affirm the original 

intent of the national forest to protect watershed 

resources. Legislation could bring additional, tools, and 

resources to the Angeles NF in order to steward the 

significant geological and biological resources associated 

with the San Gabriel Mountains. For example, the San 
16 • San Gabriel Watershed and Mountains Special Resource Study 

Gabriel Mountains function as a refuge for many rare 

and endangered species. To protect the habitats and 

ecosystems associated with these species, the USFS could 

enter into management agreements with non-federal 

agencies and organizations to protect habitat that spans 

multiple jurisdictional boundaries, providing opportunities 

for the dispersal of wildlife and plants within the forest and 

into other areas. Protection of habitat across the region 

would also benefit wildlife and plant adaptation to climate 

change. In general, a higher priority would be placed on 

ecological restoration. 

The San Gabriel Mountains are rich in cultural resources 

including archeology, Native American resources, historic 

recreation sites, historic mining sites, architecture, and 

historic flood protection structures. New resources could 

be allocated to document, protect, and interpret cultural 

resources in the San Gabriel Mountains. Programs could 

be designed for the public to experience the cultural, 

historical, and spiritual value of the San Gabriel Mountains. 

Operations and Maintenance

San Gabriel Unit

Existing agencies would continue to be responsible 

for the operation and maintenance of their lands and 

facilities. The NPS would be responsible for operations and 

maintenance of lands which it acquires. 

Staffing. Given NPS budget constraints, it is likely that 

the San Gabriel unit would initially have a small staff, 

or rely on support from existing staff at Santa Monica 

Mountains NRA. However, funding would likely increase 

over time, subject to Congressional budget priorities. 

Soon after establishment, the NPS would complete a unit 

management plan that would identify park priorities, 

management emphases, and required NPS staffing for a 

15-20 year timeframe. 

Because the San Gabriel unit would be managed as 

part of the Santa Monica Mountains NRA and managed 

in partnership with other agencies, less staff would be 

required than what would be expected in a traditional 

national park. Partnership parks typically require staff to 

handle park coordination and outreach, assist partners 

with conservation planning, and provide interpretive and 

educational programs. 

Based on comparisons of staffing levels for existing 

partnership parks of similar size and with small NPS 

landownership, the following types of staff might be 

recommended for the selected alternative. Some positions 

would be shared with the Santa Monica Mountains NRA 

staff based in Thousand Oaks, CA.

• Partnership Specialist

• Unit Manager

• Administrative Assistant

• Visitor Use Assistant 

• Interpretive Park Rangers 

• Law Enforcement Park Rangers 

• Teacher Ranger 

• GIS Technician

• Volunteer/Outreach Program Coordinator

• Education Program Specialist 

• Cultural Resource Specialist

• Outdoor Recreation Planner/Community Planner 

• Wildlife Ecologist 

• Biological Technician

Through Service First or cooperative management 

agreements, the NPS and other partner agencies could 

share staff, facilities, and funding to assist in the operations 

and maintenance of heavily used visitor areas. For 

example, the NPS could provide rangers to supplement 

USFS staff in high use areas of the Angeles NF. The NPS 

and partners agencies could also leverage funding and 

resources to improve existing facilities or provide new 

facilities where necessary.

The NPS would coordinate new partnerships and facilitate 

the development of more volunteer programs to assist 

in the maintenance of facilities, preservation/restoration 

Fishing, West Fork of the San Gabriel River, NPS Photo
San Gabriel Watershed and Mountains Special Resource Study • 17

efforts, and interpretation of significant resources. 

Additionally, the NPS would provide opportunities for job 

training and conservation stewardship programs for youth 

and community members. 

Land Acquisition. Lands within the San Gabriel unit 

would remain under their current jurisdictions, with 

each land management agency continuing to fund its 

own operations. Approximately 37% of the land in the 

proposed NRA is already protected for recreation and 

conservation by partner agencies (18,500 of approximately 

49,000 acres). Much of the remaining lands are comprised 

of commercial and residential uses that would not be 

appropriate or feasible for NPS land acquisition. The NPS 

could request funding for land acquisition for acquisition 

of areas with resource significance such as a historic site 

or open space with native habitat. NPS land acquisition 

funding is extremely limited. Partner agencies may also 

pursue land acquisition within the San Gabriel unit. The 

NPS would be directed to identify priority parcels for 

acquisition (through donation or purchase) within two 

years of designation. 

Operational and Visitor Facilities. Construction of 

new administrative facilities for NPS operations and 

management would not likely be required to support the 

proposed San Gabriel unit. Some staff and operational 

work could be accomplished at existing facilities within the 

Santa Monica Mountains NRA. However, given the distance 

to the San Gabriel Valley, an operational presence would 

also be necessary in the San Gabriel unit, particularly for 

education, outreach, and agency coordination positions. 

Given the existing amount of office space available in and 

near the proposed San Gabriel unit, it is likely that the NPS 

could share administrative and operational facilities with 

partner agencies or lease other office space available in 

the area. There may also be opportunities to adaptively 

reuse an historic building or property if the NPS acquired 

land that contained such facilities. The NPS could also use 

partner facilities or adaptively reuse buildings to provide 

visitor facilities. The Angeles NF and various local and state 

park and recreation agencies also operate and manage 

existing visitor facilities. If established, the NPS would 

identify specific operational and visitor facilities needs 

through a unit management plan.

Angeles National Forest

Legislative guidance may direct additional funding for 

operations and maintenance of the Angeles NF to provide 

more rangers and other staff in heavily used visitor areas. 

New volunteer programs would be developed to assist 

in the maintenance of facilities, preservation/restoration 

efforts, and interpretation of significant resources.

Use of the Service First authority would improve the 

customer service, effectiveness and efficiency of the NPS 

and Angeles NF in attaining shared goals by authorizing 

the two agencies to use each other’s staff, equipment, 

facilities, and other resources, as appropriate, to 

accomplish mutually agreed-upon work.

Funding and Costs

The selected alternative would rely on the funding streams 

of partner agencies, as well as newly authorized NPS 

funding. Legislative guidance for the Angeles NF may 

authorize additional funding. Working in partnership with 

the NPS and other agencies, partners may be able to 

explore new fundraising opportunities to achieve resource 

restoration and protection goals, as well as provide 

improved recreation, interpretation, and educational 

facilities and programs. 

San Gabriel Unit

The NPS would need additional federal funding for its 

administrative, educational, technical assistance, and 

interpretive roles. In addition, the NPS and partner 

agencies could establish a fundraising organization, be a 

coordinating body for existing grant programs, and work 

together to leverage funds from a variety of sources (e.g. 

state bonds, Land & Water Conservation Fund) to increase 

and prioritize funding for projects and staff in the San 

Gabriel Watershed and Mountains. Partner organizations 

could also work together to leverage private funding and 

donations. 

NPS operating costs for national recreation areas vary 

widely, depending on the amount and type of resources 

managed, number of visitors, level of programs offered, 

safety and security issues, and many other factors. 

While no formal estimates of operating costs have been 

completed for this study, budgets from comparable NPS 

units illustrate the potential range. Boston Harbor Islands 

Clockwise, from top left: Jackson Lake; Lashbrook Park; 

Devils Punchbowl; Pio Pico State Historic Park
18 • San Gabriel Watershed and Mountains Special Resource Study 

NRA, Chattahoochee River NRA, Mississippi National River 

and Recreation Area, and Santa Monica Mountains NRA 

are all partnership-based NPS units comprised primarily 

of non-NPS lands. The annual operating base budgets 

for these units range from $1.22 million to $8.9 million. 

Based on the size of the area, and the types of services 

and assistance offered through the partnership, the cost of 

NPS operations for the San Gabriel unit could be expected 

to be $1 to $3 million. The operational budget would 

primarily fund salaries. Additional costs would include 

leasing or maintaining administrative space, interpretive 

and educational materials or media, and maintenance of 

any NPS-owned facilities or lands.

Planning and Implementation Projects. The San Gabriel 

unit would be eligible to receive funding for planning 

and projects through the NPS. For example, soon after 

establishment, the NPS could provide initial planning 

funds for a unit management plan which would define 

management priorities, more specific actions, and funding 

needs for the San Gabriel unit. The unit management plan 

would be completed in collaboration with partners. A unit 

management for the size and scale of unit proposed in 

the selected alternative would likely take 4 to 5 years to 

complete and could cost between $500,000 and $700,000. 

Additional NPS funding may also be available for specific 

projects such as trail planning and development and 

interpretive materials. A unit management plan would 

identify more specific implementation needs.

Many NPS partnership parks also rely on private 

fundraising through “friends” groups. The funds raised 

through these groups can be used to supplement the 

operating budgets of the partners. At Boston Harbor 

Islands NRA, for example, the Boston Harbor Island 

Alliance is a nonprofit organization authorized through 

legislation to raise and manage funds for facilities and 

programming on partner lands. In 2008, the Alliance 

spent $2.25 million for visitor programming and capital 

improvements within the NRA on lands owned by state, 

federal, municipal, and private entities. In addition, the 

Alliance received $5 million for environmental mitigation 

projects over several years, to be used on partner lands.

Angeles National Forest

In order to accomplish the goals of the selected 

alternative, additional funding would be required, either 

through appropriations, partnerships, or philanthropy. 

The increased attention and a narrower management 

focus may encourage additional or reprioritized federal 

funding, over time, for the Angeles NF to achieve resource 

restoration and protection goals, as well as provide 

improved recreation, interpretation, and educational 

facilities, and programs. 

The Angeles NF receives the majority of its funds through 

allocations appropriated by Congress. In FY2011, the 

Angeles NF received $32 million in funding for the 

entire forest. Of this amount, 60%, or $19.3 million, 

was budgeted for wildfire preparedness and fuels 

reduction, with the remaining 40 percent, or $12.7 

million, covering all other operations. Of this funding, 

$2.9 million was appropriated for recreation, planning, 

resources, and wildlife management. Capital improvement 

funds, including facilities, trails, and roads maintenance 

totaled $900,000 for the entire forest. When adjusted 

for inflation, the Angeles NF has had a continuing drop 

in non-fire operational funding since 1995. Within the 

study area, total funding for the Angeles NF for FY2011 

is $7.4 million (non-fire). Of this amount, $1.7 million 

is allocated to recreation (700k), planning, resources, 

and wildlife management. Only $540,000 is allocated 

to capital improvements including facilities, trails, and 

roads maintenance, $78k of this is allocated for trail 

maintenance. 

The Angeles NF does receive revenue from a variety of 

forest programs and users, especially use fees collected 

under the Recreation Enhancement Act (the Adventure 

Pass). This source of funding has become increasingly 

important, as it can be used for a wider range of purposes 

than reimbursable revenue, and has helped to supplement 

appropriated funds. However, the cost of enforcing and 

administering this program is almost equal to the revenue.

This study recommends that any resulting legislation 

provide for specific additional funding to be allocated 

each year for recreation, planning, visitor services, 

wildlife management, and resource protection. Without 

this legislative direction, the Angeles NF is not likely to 

experience an increase of appropriated funds to meet the 

objectives of the selected alternative. 

Additional opportunities for increased funding exist from 

outside sources. Legislation could allow the USFS to accept 

direct donations and provide mechanisms for developing 

diverse partnerships with nonprofit fundraising, support 

or friends groups. The elevated visibility and attention of 

a new designation adjacent to the Angeles NF, coupled 

with an increased sense of identity for those living in the 

region, could enhance the ability of the Angeles NF to 

more successfully raise private funds and seek special 

appropriations for particular projects. Legislative guidance 

could also create new authorities to retain fees such a 

special use permits, etc. to fund forest operations and 

programs.
San Gabriel Watershed and Mountains Special Resource Study • 19

Environmental Assessment

Before taking an action, the National Environmental Policy 

Act (NEPA) requires federal agencies to identify a range of 

alternatives for that action and to analyze the potential 

environmental impacts of that action, including any 

potential adverse environmental effects that cannot be 

avoided if the proposed action is implemented. The NPS 

prepared an environmental assessment (EA) for the San 

Gabriel Watershed and Mountains Special Resource Study 

to identify and analyze the potential environmental and 

socioeconomic consequences of each of the alternatives 

considered in the study.

The NPS evaluated the environmental consequences 

of each alternative on the following topics: biological 

resources, cultural resources, recreation use and visitor 

experience, socioeconomics, land use, and water 

resources.

A Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) was completed 

for this document. The FONSI also contains a summary of 

public comments on the draft study report. The FONSI can 

be found at http://www.nps.gov/pwro/sangabriel.

Next Steps

Transmittal of the final study report to Congress 

officially completes the special resource study process. 

Implementation of the selected alternative would require 

Congressional legislation. If Congress does not pass 

legislation to implement the study’s recommendations, 

then the study would simply remain as a recommendation. 

If Congress passes legislation addressing the San Gabriel 

area, the legislation would be the guiding policy for the 

park unit, and would supersede the recommendations of 

the study report.

If Congress establishes a national park unit, the NPS would 

begin implementing the Congressional legislation. One of 

the first steps that the NPS would take would be to work 

with area partners on a management plan, including a 

broad vision for the park unit and more detailed guidance 

for implementation. This management plan would be 

completed with public involvement and appropriate 

environmental compliance.

Puente Hills Habitat Preservation Authority Preserve, NPS Photo
HOW TO OBTAIN A COPY OF THE FINAL STUDY REPORT AND ADDITIONAL 

INFORMATION:

This document presents a summary of the final San Gabriel Watershed and 

Mountains Special Resource Study. The final study report, including the draft 

report and environmental assessment, errata, and the Finding of No Significant 

Impact, is posted on the project web site at: 

http://www.nps.gov/pwro/sangabriel

A public comment summary and NPS responses to comments are also available 

on the web site.

Limited printed or CD-ROM copies of the full draft report and errata are 

available. If you have not received a copy of the draft report and would like one, 

please contact us by mail or e-mail and provide your name and mailing address.

Contact Information

Mail: National Park Service

San Gabriel Watershed and Mountains SRS

Park Planning & Environmental Compliance

333 Bush Street, Suite 500

San Francisco, CA 94104

Email: pwr_sangabriel@nps.gov

Phone: Barbara Butler (415) 623-2311

Martha Crusius (415) 623-2310

CONTENTS:

4 Introduction

6 Findings

9 Alternatives 

Analyzed

10 The Selected 

Alternative

11 Map

19 Environmental 

Assessment

19 Next Steps

National Park Service

U.S. Department of the Interior

San Gabriel Watershed and Mountains Special Resource Study

Park Planning and Environmental Compliance

333 Bush St., Suite 500

San Francisco, CA 94104

PWRO 963/120366A April 2013