ASNC and NET Team to Clear Trails in Elyria Canyon Park
Arroyo Seco Neighborhood Council calls on other Neighborhood Councils to join in a partnership to keep trails open

Los Angeles (August 28, 2006) – Fueled by funding from the Arroyo Seco Neighborhood Council (ASNC) and pushed by some old fashioned hard work by youth interns at North East Trees (NET), trails in Elyria Canyon Park are ready for hikers.

In past years, the trails in the Park have been maintained infrequently and only on an as-needed-basis. The situation became especially acute following the heavy rainfall in the 2004-2005 season when trail access, due to accelerated growth of brush and a landslide, was blocked in several sections of the park. Recognizing the problems, the potential dangers and the concern by area residents, the ASNC provided the needed funds, while NET committed crews to repair the damage to provide a safe environment for hikers.

Thanks to additional funding this year from the ASNC, North East Trees crews are working to open additional sections of trails that are nearly impassable due to new growth. According to reports, a trail leading from the end of Elyria Drive become so obstructed that hikers were forced to squeeze through dangerous tunnels of shrubs. It took a NET crew just one day to open the tunnels and to restore tread to the trail. Other trails, such as the Golden Current trail, have also been clear ed of growth, making hiking easier and far more enjoyable for novice and experienced hikers.

Another benefit of having the trails cleared is that NET is employing at-risk youth from local communities. These youth are given extensive training including work ethics and how to maintain natural landscapes. With this type of training and employment at-risk youth are diverted from potential gang involvement and given training which will enhance there potential for future employment.

Maintaining trails is a continuing process. The Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority, which is responsible for operation and maintenance of the park, ha s limited resources and has encouraged partnerships with community volunteers.

Both the Mount Washington Association and the Mount Washington Homeowners Alliance have conducted volunteer work for trail maintenance and the restoration of natural vegetation in Elyria Canyon and Rainbow Canyon Parks in Mount Washington. But, in the past there have simply not been enough volunteers to keep up with the needed work, especially when rainfall causes excess growth and landslides.

This is where neighborhood councils can assist by funding this much-needed work. The ASNC will call on other nearby Neighborhood Councils to join in the partnership to keep the hiking trails in Elyria Canyon Park open in the future.

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