Due to the state's Growth Management Act finalized local zoning regulations do not exist, causing some ambiguity regarding land use controls. The Trust Board does not have the jurisdictional authority to implement Reserve goals and must rely upon applicable laws and ordinances and landowner cooperation. Congress intended that the Reserve would remain largely under private ownership. To ensure that the land within the Reserve is protected, the NPS has been purchasing conservation and scenic easements. Despite recent appropriations, a need remains for additional funds for acquisition to buy conservation easements on parcels within the Reserve.
New buyers are often unaware of easements.
The Santa Monica Mountains rise above Los Angeles, widen to meet the curve of Santa Monica Bay and reach their highest peaks facing the ocean. Established in 1978, Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area is a cooperative effort that joins federal, state and local park agencies with private preserves and landowners to protect the natural and cultural resources of this transverse mountain range and seashore. Location Los Angeles and Ventura Counties. Visitation Santa Monica National Recreation Area received over 550,000 visitors in 1999. The Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area is composed of a mosaic of varying land ownerships and land uses spread over 150,050 acres in the Santa Monica Mountains.