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The Santa Monica Mountains extend east to west from Griffith Park to Point Magu
on the Pacific Coast. The Santa Monica Mountains Recreation Area, which includes
the Mulholland Scenic Corridor, is habitat for more than 450 animal species,
including 25 rare or endangered plants and animals. In the populous urban core
of Los Angeles, the ability for wildlife to move to and from the eastern end of
the mountain range is severely challenged. Before you on this north-facing slope
is a good example of a fragile link in the system. Based on aerial photography,
and some field verification, the only clear path for animals to move eastward is
the range is either along the Mulholland Drive right-of-way behind you or to
weave between a chain of houses (and backyard fences) that extend from
Mulholland Drive to the floor of the San Fernando Valley. This scenario
demonstrates the challenges faced by both wildlife and conservationists to seek
permanent connectivity from the eastern tip of the Santa Monica Mountains to
the wilder, larger habitat areas west of the 405 freeway.
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