WHITTIER NARROWS RECREATION AREA MASTER PLAN

Lead Entity(ies): San Gabriel and Lower Los Angeles Rivers and Mountains Conservancy, Bill Wenk and Associates

Program Description: The Whittier Narrows Recreation Area (WNRA) is a well-loved resource, yet one that can benefit from additional planning to identify specific projects that will provide community benefits. The last master plan for the area was completed in 1996, and proposed selected improvements to 10 planning areas identified within the roughly 1,400-acre site. Since that time, however, population has grown; demands for additional parkland and regional trails connectivity have grown; and the restoration of native habitat has become more significant as people have become sensitized to what they have lost.  This plan will work to create a master plan for the WNRA will be guided by the following considerations and values: Natural Resources and Ecosystems, Increasing Scarcity of Water Resources, Economic Sustainability, Economic Prosperity and Urban Revitalization, "Close to Home" Green Space, Alternative Transportation and Mobility Options, Conserving Scenic Resources.

Summary of services provided:

Urbas Semillas in partnership with Amigos de Los Rios is working to develop an outreach and engagement program that will be built on

organized and proactive contact with key stakeholders, elected and appointed officials, neighborhoods, residents, community leaders, businesses and any individual or organization with a vested interest in the future of the watersheds and green space in the region.

Our team’s community outreach effort has several clear objectives; it will:

1. •Maximize input from a broad range of stakeholders
   

2. •Empower residents, businesses and community leaders to participate
   

3. •Reinforce that communities and stakeholders are included in decision-making in a meaningful way
   

4. •Create a forum for community generation of ideas, alternatives and mitigation measures
   

5. •Build trust and consensus by ensuring confidence, credibility and transparency in decision making and
   

6. •Encourage stewardship and responsible use of the WNRA