Famed director sells Malibu ranch to parks dept.

State and L.A. County Pool Resources for Land Preservation

June 2014-- In May, the LA County Board of Supervisors voted to approve a $6 million allocation to assist in purchasing land in Malibu's Puerco Canyon, currently owned by film director James Cameron. This allocation augments dedicated state funding of $4.5 million from the Wildlife Conservation Board and $1.5 million from the California State Coastal Conservancy. State and county funds will go toward purchasing the 703-acre property in the Santa Monica Mountains.

This acquisition connects popular recreation trails from the neighboring 1,000-acre Corral Canyon Park and the 7,000 acre Malibu Creek State Park. The property will contribute to completing the new Coastal Slope Trail from Topanga State Park to Point Mugu State Park. Equally important will be the preservation of a rare chaparral ecosystem that supports native vegetation and wildlife, ranging from mountain lions to desert cottontails.

The Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority (MRCA) will be the property caretaker working towards open space preservation and habitat and resource protection. MRCA will set a date for public access once the land purchase is finalized.

http://sd27.senate.ca.gov/sites/sd27.senate.ca.gov/files/outreach/sd27-201406-enewsletter.php 

http://myemail.constantcontact.com/Mountains-Recreation-and-Conservation-Authority-Acquires-the-Largest-Remaining-Privately-Owned-Open-Space-in-the-Santa-Monica-Mo.html?soid=1107842220112&aid=C6k1L4fW388