Three years after the Woolsey Fire, the National Park Service (NPS) has released an Environmental Assessment that analyzes the redevelopment of three sites that were burned in the 2018 Woolsey Fire within the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area (SMMNRA).
The proposed recovery work would replace facilities at Paramount Ranch, Rocky Oaks, and Peter Strauss Ranch. Buildings were destroyed at all three locations, including historically significant structures and housing for park personnel. The goal is to restore visitor services, employee housing, administrative functions, and cultural features. While the park plans to use the same locations for the redevelopment, the goal is to make the new facilities meet modern codes and be more functional and efficient.
The NPS encourages public participation throughout the planning process. During this current phase, the NPS invites the public to submit written suggestions, comments, and concerns regarding the EA. Comments will be accepted for 30 days, from October 25 to November 24. There are two ways to submit comments:
- Submit comments electronically through the NPS PEPC system (preferred method). The PEPC can be accessed at https://parkplanning.nps.gov/WoolseyFireRecovery. From here, you can access the EA document and select the “Comment Now” button.
- Submit written comments by sending a letter to: Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area:
ATTN: Woolsey Fire Disaster Recovery,
401 W. Hillcrest Drive
Thousand Oaks, CA 91360.
Comments will not be accepted verbally or by fax, email, or in any way other than those specified above. Bulk comments in any format submitted on behalf of others will not be accepted. All comments must be received or postmarked by 11:59 pm, November 24, 2021.
