Consistent with its mission of protecting and enhancing open space, tonight the Conejo Open Space Conservation Agency voted to acquire a half-acre parcel along S. Ventu Park Road. The parcel joins a large amount of existing open space in the surrounding area, shown in green on the map.

I'm also grateful to the COSCA board for electing me as chair for the coming year, and electing Dorothy Sullivan as vice chair.

Taking care of our beloved open space is one of the most important things we do. Here's to continued good stewardship in the year ahead!

#cosca #openspace #venturacounty #conejovalley #crpd #thousandoaks #tocc

Tonight the @conejoopenspace board voted 5-0 to remove 23 Mexican fan palms from open space west of Lynn between Arboles and Flores, near Shenandoah.

VCFD recommended the removals because these trees contain highly flammable dead fronds and can send burning embers flying.

COSCA is seeking funding for the eventual removal of all Mexican fan palms and arundo grass, both non-native species, from the roughly 12,700 acres of open space it manages.

#WildfirePrevention #openspace #cosca #crpd #ThousandOaks #tocc

Preserving and enhancing open space is one of the most important things I do. Two recent news items on the conservation front:

1. Friday I joined a standing-room-only crowd at the annual fundraiser for the Conejo Open Space Foundation (COSF), which uses education and advocacy to promote and protect natural spaces. Here, secretary/founding director Elayne Haggan photographs one of the volunteers from a group that offers free removal of snakes without killing them. I'll post a link and also share an informative FB post from the group in comments. COSF also recognized Brian Stark, administrator of the Conejo Open Space Conservation Agency, for his years of work protecting our natural environment.

2. Today, on the city's behalf, I signed a letter of support for the Rim of the Valley initiative that would add nearly 200,000 acres to the Santa Monica National Recreation Area, mostly to our north and east, creating a true ring of green around our entire area. The city has supported this initiative for several years running. I'll post a link with more information in comments.

#openspace #conservation #thousandoaks #conejovalley #santamonicamountains #cosca #cosf #samofund #tocc

Tonight the Conejo Open Space Conservation Agency board voted unanimously to grant an easement to Southern California Edison (SCE), allowing it to replace about 8,850 feet of overhead power lines with underground lines to feed an existing Calleguas Municipal Water Dist water pressure regulating station. This is in the Arroyo Conejo near Ventu Park and Rancho Conejo.

Underground lines reduce fire risk, improve power reliability, and ensure water availability during emergencies. The work will not require any tree removals.

#undergrounding #utilities #wildfires #publicsafety #resiliency #ThousandOaks #openspace #cosca

With National Park and Recreation Month coming up in July, it's a perfect time to hear the annual report from our friends and partners at the Conejo Recreation and Park District. From classes to concerts, from swimming to STEM, there are all sorts of CRPD programs for residents of all ages. Parks really do make life better.

Fun fact: Did you know the city and CRPD jointly operate the Conejo Open Space Conservation Agency, which manages the ring of green that surrounds the city?

#parksmakelifebetter #crpd #parks #recreation #openspace #cosca #conejovalley #thousandoaks #tocc

Wildfire prevention and preparedness is always top of mind, never more so than now.

Here’s an overview of ongoing efforts by COSCA, the joint powers agency between the city and CRPD, to protect open space and educate residents on risk reduction. We’re also working with other agencies, from the federal to the county level, on additional preparedness and resiliency measures.

#wildfires #wildfirepreparedness #wildfireprevention #thousandoaks #conejovalley #cosca #crpd #tocc

https://www.youtube.com/live/bn1GODJOWf8?t=4335s

COSCA’s annual Trails Education Days (April 28 – May 1) provides lessons on open space subjects for all Conejo Valley Unified School District 4th grade students including a trail courtesy skit. We still have some openings for hike leaders and alternates, and definitely need EQUESTRIAN VOLUNTEERS for the skit. Interested? More info and sign-ups at: https://tinyurl.com/Volunteer4TED

#openspace #cosca #thousandoaks #conejovalley #santamonicamountains #tocc

Open-space lovers (and that’s just about all of us) owe a debt of gratitude to Matt Kouba, who’s retiring as superintendent for the Conejo Open Space Conservation Agency (COSCA). At a COSCA board meeting last night, directors recognized Matt for his decades-long efforts to preserve and enhance our community’s natural beauty. I am grateful for all Matt has done, and glad he’ll be sticking around to enjoy his retirement!

#openspace #trails #cosca #conejovalley #thousandoaks #tocc

Today’s opening of the Conejo Canyons bridge in Hill Canyon is excellent news for hikers, cyclists, and public safety. 

Hikers and cyclists will no longer have to share the single-lane road with trucks entering/leaving the Hill Canyon wastewater treatment plant.

And because the bridge connects Hill Canyon with the Western Plateau in Newbury Park, first responders and public works employees no longer will have to travel out of town via the Camarillo grade to reach either end of the Conejo Canyons.

We are incredibly fortunate to live in such a beautiful area. Hope you get out and enjoy it!

#openspace #hiking #cycling #publicsafety #cosca #conejovalley #thousandoaks #tocc

Thanks so much to the Conejo Open Space Foundation National Wildlife Federation teams for the tour of the in-progress Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing. What a wonderful way to enhance and protect open space for humans and wildlife alike!

Special thanks to former Sen. Fran Pavley, Beth Pratt, and Lauren Gill, all of whom are playing key roles in making this crossing a reality.

#wallisannenbergwildlifecrossing #worldsmosthopefulconstructionsite #p22legacy #saveLAcougars #wildlifecrossing #wildlifecorridors #agourahills #santamonicamountains #conejovalley #cosca #cosf #tocc