The acquisition would could expand green belt around Santa Clarita.
In an effort to expand open space and recreational opportunities around the Santa Clarita Valley, Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich has committed $1 million from the Sunshine Canyon Landfill Benefit Trust Fund to help acquire an additional 800 acres of land at Elsmere Canyon.
“Acquiring the remaining privately-held acreage at Elsmere is critical to preserving wildlife movement corridors, and establishing a vital connection between the trail networks of the San Fernando Valley and the Santa Clarita Valley,” said Antonovich.
Antonovich is working with representatives of the Mountains Recreation Conservation Authority, Santa Clarita, Los Angeles, and other State and local officials to amass the approximately $9.5 million necessary to purchase the property.
The Sunshine Canyon Landfill Benefit Trust Fund was initiated by Antonovich to offset the impacts of the landfill on the community.
As trash is deposited into the landfill, the landfill operator pays fees to the County.
The original 400 acres of Elsmere Canyon, donated by Browning Ferris Industries, is currently managed by the Mountains Recreation Conservation Authority.