Sherman Oaks, CA – Congressman Brad Sherman (D-Sherman Oaks) proudly announced that California State Parks is restoring sections of the Backbone Trail in Topanga State Park using federal funds he secured for trail improvements along the 65-mile Backbone Trail. The Backbone Trail, portions of which are owned by the National Park Service and California State Parks, traverses the Santa Monica Mountains from Pacific Palisades to Point Mugu.
“The Backbone Trail provides thousands of hikers, bicyclists and other outdoor enthusiasts with an unparalleled recreational experience through the heart of the Santa Monica Mountains,” said Congressman Sherman. “These improvements will enhance that experience and improve safety for everyone that uses this popular trail.”
“The Backbone Trail is the premier regional trail across the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area,” said Melanie Beck, Outdoor Recreation Planner for the National Park Service. “We are grateful for Congressman Sherman’s support of trail improvement projects, which so greatly enhance the visitor experience.”
“The funding provided by the National Park Service through federal funds secured by Congressman Sherman is making possible the much-needed repairs and maintenance of the Backbone Trail,” said Craig Sap, Angeles Superintendent for California State Parks. “The results of the work are already being recognized by the public as we have received many letters and emails thanking State Parks for improving the visitor experience.”
After concerns were raised about the condition of the Backbone Trail, Congressman Sherman worked with the National Park Service and California State Parks to use federal funds to improve safety and clear brush along the popular trail in one of the most visited parks in the Santa Monica Mountains. California State Parks is restoring 10 miles of the Backbone Trail along Rogers Road, including 18 landslides and the “Chicken Ridge” bridge in Topanga State Park. Work is expected to be completed on all the improvements in 2013.
Congressman Sherman has led the effort to acquire the remaining parcels of land along the Backbone Trail right-of-way for the National Park Service. As a leading champion for conservation and recreation in the Santa Monica Mountains, Sherman has secured over $20 million in federal funding to acquire and protect critical open space, including King Gillette Ranch and Zuma and Trancas Canyons, as well as complete the Backbone Trail. Earlier this summer, Sherman joined former Congressman Anthony C. Beilenson to celebrate the grand opening of a new interagency visitor center at King Gillette Ranch for the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area.