Upper Las Virgenes Canyon
Open Space Preserve Biological Appraisal
and Management Guidelines
– Ventura County
Envicom Corporation, working for the Resource Conservation District of the Santa Monica Mountains (RCD), prepared an appraisal of the biological resources and management guidelines for the restriction of activities allowed within 12 defined Regional Management Areas for the 5,600-acre Upper Las Virgenes Canyon Open Space Preserve, (formerly known as Ahmanson Ranch). The Regional Management Area’s were based on property boundaries, topographical features, and an existing trail network. Biological resources within the park have been studied in years past, however with the addition of 2,983-acres in late 2003, an expanded overview of biological resources was deemed necessary.
The RCD retained Envicom Corporation to evaluate a range of potential land uses at the Preserve, in the context of limitations inherent in the assemblage of diverse biological resources. This study is intended to support future land management decisions reflective of a cohesive approach to the importance of the Preserve’s plants and animals and the site’s resource values. The study resulted in preparation of a guide that addresses both biological and land use considerations for on-going management and planning of the Preserve.