By Rep. Adam Schiff

Written for the Los Feliz Ledger

In the past, many viewed the Los Angeles River as little more than a concrete channel winding its way through our backyards, often dry and ignored. But we have now come to recognize that the river’s 32-mile journey through the heart of Los Angeles provides us with an excellent opportunity to unite our communities around a new and exciting waterway. In fact, the river is an asset with the power to connect hundreds of thousands of Angelinos.

In 2007, the Los Angeles River Revitalization Master Plan breathed new life into the L.A. River. Under the plan, a renewed River would be a continuous, functioning ecosystem that supports native fish, bird and mammal populations, treats storm water runoff and establishes an interconnected network of parks and trails for community residents to enjoy. A renewed river would also create much-needed jobs through the work associated with the project, provide for a more sustainable L.A., and serve as a cultural destination point.

In April 2010, the Dept. of Interior established the “America’s Great Outdoors” program, to reconnect Americans with nature by leveraging the support of the federal government and working with the private sector, nonprofit organizations, communities and states. The goal of the program is to preserve open space, wildlife, and historic and cultural resources, and to enhance neighborhood parks through public-private partnerships and locally supported conservation strategies.

 
Representative Adam Schiff serves in the U.S. House of Representatives.

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