◈ Homepage — https://www.rcdsmm.org/Press Alt+1 for screen-reader mode, Alt+0 to cancel Accessibility Screen-Reader Guide, Feedback, and Issue Reporting | New window 818-597-8627 [email protected] Home Who We Are What We Offer Get Involved Contact Donate GET YOUR TICKETS TO OUR SPRING WiLD CiTY SERIES Check out our upcoming workshops 12345 Environmental Education  A leader in environmental education since 1964, our standards-based programs bring students to natural spaces and offer unique scientific learning and research opportunities. Resource Design  Good land stewardship is essential to a healthy environment. We help landowners assess and plan low impact projects, preserve native landscapes and save water. Research & Monitoring  Our biologists work with public and private entities, community scientists, students, and volunteers of all ages to study, protect and preserve sensitive species & native habitats. Wildfire Resilience  Our Community Resilience Department provides vital wildfire education and services to our district while creating a more resilient landscape by preserving and enhancing native habitat. Board Agenda Annual Reports Newsletters Volunteer Events Job Opportunities Organizational Equity Statement At RCDSMM, we believe equity is the intentional effort to bring balance to previously imbalanced systems – be they ecological, social or historic. Equity, therefore, is vital to the practice of conservation. We invite our diverse and vibrant community into our sacred work of stewarding the land, and ultimately reconciling and strengthening reciprocal relationships among all humans and nonhumans within our shared home. We commit to ensuring that the envisioning, authorship and implementation of the work that we do is representative of the full range of communities who have and will experience the land we share. Support the Resource Conservation District of the Santa Monica Mountains Donate to the RCD here 4505 Las Virgenes Rd, Suite 215, Calabasas, CA 91302 Copyright 2025 RCDSMM We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept All”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. Cookie Settings Accept All ◈ Interior Pages — 10 pages crawledGet Involved - RCDSMM 818-597-8627 [email protected] Home Who We Are Your RCD Staff Board of Directors Financials and Disclosures What We Offer Education Resource Design Research & Restoration Wildfire Resilience Resource Library Get Involved Employment Volunteer Events Wild City Workshops Contact Donate Select Page Get Involved As a public agency, your RCD is committed to engaging our community directly in the environmental work we do. Check out our opportunities & find a way to get involved in a way that’s meaningful to you below. Work With Us Volunteer With Us Explore with Us Employment Opportunities Are you looking to serve your community and get involved in grassroots natural resource management? Check in with us regularly to see if we’re hiring! We have some positions we hire for on a yearly basis, like our Environmental Educator, Watershed Stewards Program Member and Stream Team Member positions, while others become available as needed. Visit this page to find out which positions we are currently hiring for and to see how to apply. Volunteer Events Driven by protecting, enhancing and advocating for the natural world and want to donate some of your free time to it? Check out our upcoming volunteer opportunities! We are always hosting volunteer events to enhance and restore the Santa Monica Mountains and wildspaces within and beyond our district! Check what which volunteer events are coming up, learn how to rsvp and get all the details you need here . If you’re interested in finding out more or receiving the full calendar of our events reach out to our Community Engagement Manager . WiLD CiTY Workshops Want to explore your city through a whole new – wild – lens? Join our immersive workshop series, WiLD CiTY! WiLD CiTY is an immersive workshop series centered on connecting with the beautiful and sometimes surprising nature that exists throughout Los Angeles and beyond. We typically host three to four seasonal series per year. Check out our upcoming series and get your tickets while they last here! 4505 Las Virgenes Rd, Suite 215, Calabasas, CA 91302 Copyright 2025 RCDSMM We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept All”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. Cookie Settings Accept All Manage consent Close Privacy Overview This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Necessary Necessary Always Enabled Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. Cookie Duration Description cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics 11 months This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional 11 months The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary 11 months This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". cookielawinfo-checkbox-others 11 months This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance 11 months This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". viewed_cookie_policy 11 months The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data. Functional Functional Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. Performance Performance Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. Analytics Analytics Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. Others Others Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. SAVE & ACCEPT In the News - RCDSMM 818-597-8627 [email protected] Home Who We Are Your RCD Staff Board of Directors Financials and Disclosures What We Offer Education Resource Design Research & Restoration Wildfire Resilience Resource Library Get Involved Employment Volunteer Events Wild City Workshops Contact Donate Select Page In the News Read about the latest news and events involving the RCD Endangered Steelhead Find a Safe Haven at a Local High School Read this piece from the OC Register Rescued Tidewater Gobies Returned to Their Home Read this piece from the LA Times Rescued Steelhead Spawn in Their New Home Get an update on recently saved fish Watch two incredible fish rescues your RCDSMM helped organize Watch the videos on our YouTube Endangered southern steelhead saved from Topanga Creek Read the LA times article here Endangered tidewater gobies saved from fire impacted lagoon Read the LA times article here Native oaks could be the solution to fire feedback loop Learn from RCDSMM biologists what you can do to protect the Santa Monica Mountains from wildfire. Read the article here Article Links & Additional Stories A rare piece of California’s coastal ecosystem gets a lifeline Check out this thoughtful piece by Erin Rode, as they cover the preservation and restoration of one of Southern California’s last coastal wetlands, Topanga Lagoon. Read the full article here Endangered Steelhead have a safe haven at an Huntington Beach High School With the help of the RCDSMM, CDFW and local politicians, Edison High School in Huntington Beach has officially opened a holding facility for steelhead trout. The facility will serve as a temporary holding spot for natural steelhead immediately threatened by a climate disaster, similar to Topanga trout that were nearly extirpated after the Palisades Fire. Read more about this innovative lab from the OC Register here Read the LA Times article here Read the OCDE Newsroom article here What is LA doing to prevent future fire disasters? Discover how Los Angeles is working together to prevent future disasters from wildfire. Learn what our Principal Conservation Biologist, Dan Cooper, had to say on the topic of learning to live with wildfire in the Santa Monicas. Read the LA Times article here Protecting the Santa Monica Mountains Through Fish Rescues & Habitat Monitoring Check out this article from partners at the Malibu Creek Ecosystem Restoration Project , which covers recent fish rescues the RCD was a part of as well as even more recent habitat mapping we conducted to benefit the Malibu Creek ecosystem. Read their newsletter article here Rescued Tidewater Gobies Returned Home After Wildfires After 5 months, rescued tidewater gobies that were being held at Aquarium of the Pacific and Heal the Bay, have been returned to their home in Topanga. The RCDSMM alongside partners from both aquariums, CSU Channel Islands, CA State Parks, LACDBH, LA County Lifeguards and USFWS gathered on June 17th to release these endangered fish and celebrate their return. Read more about the release in the articles below! Read this LA Times article Read this piece from Spectrum 1 Get an update from the Aquarium of the Pacific Read an update from partners at CSUCI Watch Rosi Dagit and Brenton Spies kick off the release with an introduction about the importance of these gobies LA Raptor Project Helps People & Wildlife Learn how community science projects, like the LA Raptor Study, benefit both local wildlife and the community members that partake in this article, featuring the RCDSMM’s own Principal Conservation Biologist, Dr. Dan Cooper. Read the article here Rescued Steelhead Begin to Spawn in Their New Home! Endangered Southern Steelhead rescued from Topanga Creek in the wake of the Palisades Fire have begun spawning in their new home! In January the RCDSMM, alongside many partners, helped rescue fragile fish from Topanga Creek and as of April, these resilient fish have already begun reproducing in their new habitat. Read more about this incredible rescue effort and a hopeful new beginning in the articles below. Get an update from the LA Times Read this article from The Santa Barbara Independent Read an article from LA Daily News Check out this piece from LAist See and watch what Fox Weather had to say Invasive Plants & Fire Alexandra Applegate from KCRW joined our Research & Restoration team during one of our oak woodland volunteer events. While shadowing not just our team, but our friends at Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation area and Samo Fund, Alexandra learned more about the dangerous fire feedback loop invasive plants are helping to fuel within the Santa Monica Mountains. While the work to eradicate invasive plants can seem never ending at times, our team remains hopeful. With the help of our community and the strength of native oak woodlands, perhaps we can learn to live in harmony with fire and our natural environment. Read the full article here Watch Our Principal Conservation Biologist be Recognized in Celebration of Women’s History Month! While celebrating Women’s History Month, the RCDSMM’s own Rosi Dagit was recognized by the Third District and Lindsey Horvath for her incredible contribution to the conservation of local fish species in Topanga. Watch the recognition ceremony at the link below. Watch Rosi Dagit be recognized by our local District! Endangered Steelhead & Tidewater Goby Rescued in the Wake of LA Fires Your RCDSMM rescued two endangered fish from Topanga Creek after the Palisades Fire ripped through our mountains in early 2025. You can actually see these rescue efforts fisthand on the RCDSMM’s YouTube Channel. Check out the videos linked below, both directed by Matthew Benton and edited by Zach Edwards. Watch the Steelhead Trout Rescue Watch the Tidewater Goby Rescue Rescued Steelhead Trout Find Their Way Back Into a Natural Creek Check out this blog post from LA River Fly Fishing, written by our very own Senior Conservation Biologist, Rosi Dagit, detailing the rescue and release of southern steelhead trout from Topanga Creek in the wake of recent fires. Read the blog post here Hundreds of Endangered Southern Steelhead Rescued from Topanga Creek Your RCDSMM alongside partners from CA Department of Fish & Wildlife, National Marine Fisheries Service, Cachuma Operation & Maintenance Board, CalTrans, the Watershed Stewards Program in association with AmeriCorps and the CA Conservation Corps rescued over 250 southern steelhead trout from the fire impacted waters of Topanga Creek in January of 2025. You can read more about the day’s events in the articles below. You can also watch some of our team in action on a segment of Nightly News with Lester Holt . Read the LA Times article here Read LAist article here Hundreds of Endangered Tidewater Gobies Rescued from Topanga Lagoon Your RCDSMM alongside partners from USFWS, USGS & CSU Channel Islands managed to rescue over 750 tidewater gobies from Topanga Lagoon, which was heavily impacted from the devastating fires that ripped through the Palisades. This project was made possible by CA State Parks, LACDBH and LA County Lifeguards. Our team was joined by Lila Seidman, a reporter at the LA Times, who wrote an article describing our epic day. Check out the article at the link below. We are grateful to Heal the Bay and Aquarium of the Pacific who both agreed to house these fish until they can return home. Check out Aquarium of the Pacific’s update on the project at the link below! Spectrum 1 & ABC 7 also covered the rescue and give you a snapshot into how the gobies are doing at their new temporary home. Read the LA Times article here Read the Aquarium of the Pacific’s update here Watch Spectrum 1’s coverage here Read & watch ABC 7’s coverage here Native oaks could be a solution to the dangerous fire feedback loop in Malibu While fires have been part of life in the Financials and Disclosures - RCDSMM 818-597-8627 [email protected] Home Who We Are Your RCD Staff Board of Directors Financials and Disclosures What We Offer Education Resource Design Research & Restoration Wildfire Resilience Resource Library Get Involved Employment Volunteer Events Wild City Workshops Contact Donate Select Page Financials and Disclosures The District is financed through a minimal property assessment. Other revenues include grants from public agencies or private foundations, contracts for education, research, and restoration services, and donations. All donations are tax-deductible. Budget The Board of Directors of the Resource Conservation District of the Santa Monica Mountains approves an annual budget each June prior to the start of the new fiscal year. The budget for fiscal year 2017-18 is as follows: 2025-26 General Fund Budget 2023-24 General Fund Budget 2022-23 General Fund Budget 2021-22 General Fund Budget-Revised 2020-21 General Fund Budget 2019-20 General Fund Budget 2018-19 General Fund Budget 2017-18 General Fund Budget Audits The Resource Conservation District of the Santa Monica Mountains is audited annually by an independent CPA firm as required by California Public Resources Code Section 9528 and Government Code Section 26909. Please see below for our most recent audits: Audit FY 2021-22 Audit FY 2020-21 Audit FY 2019-20 Audit FY 2018-19 Audit FY 2017-18 Audit FY 2016-17 Audit FY 2015-16 Audit FY 2014-15 Audit FY 2013-14 Special District Financial Transaction Reports The State Controller’s Office requires all special districts to file an annual transaction report with their office within seven months of the end of the district’s fiscal year. Following are the RCD’s most recent reports: 2021 State Controllers Report 2020 State Controllers Report 2019 State Controllers Report 2018 State Controllers Report 2017 State Controllers Report 2016 State Controllers Report 2015 State Controllers Report Employee Compensation Please go to the following link to view required compensation information for the Resource Conservation District of the Santa Monica Mountains: publicpay.ca.gov Enterprise System Catalog Please go to the following link to view the Enterprise System Catalog for the Resource Conservation District of the Santa Monica Mountains: Enterprise System Catalog Website Privacy Policy Please use the following link the view our Privacy Policy Social Media Policies Please go to the following link to view the Privacy Policy for the Resource Conservation District of the Santa Monica Mountains: Social Media Privacy Statement Please go to the following link to view the Social Media Policy for the Resource Conservation District of the Santa Monica Mountains: Social Media Policy volunteer get involved newsletters donate In This Section… Who We Are About the RCDSMM Staff Board of Directors Board Meetings Financials and Disclosures 4505 Las Virgenes Rd, Suite 215, Calabasas, CA 91302 Copyright 2025 RCDSMM We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept All”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. Cookie Settings Accept All Manage consent Close Privacy Overview This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Necessary Necessary Always Enabled Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. Cookie Duration Description cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics 11 months This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional 11 months The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary 11 months This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". cookielawinfo-checkbox-others 11 months This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance 11 months This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". viewed_cookie_policy 11 months The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data. Functional Functional Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. Performance Performance Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. Analytics Analytics Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. Others Others Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. SAVE & ACCEPT Who We Are - RCDSMM 818-597-8627 [email protected] Home Who We Are Your RCD Staff Board of Directors Financials and Disclosures What We Offer Education Resource Design Research & Restoration Wildfire Resilience Resource Library Get Involved Employment Volunteer Events Wild City Workshops Contact Donate Select Page Who We Are Proudly serving the local community since 1961, the Resource Conservation District of the Santa Monica Mountains (RCDSMM) offers programs and services focused on watershed management, restoration, research, and education throughout the Santa Monica Mountains and surrounding areas. The RCDSMM plans and implements riparian and wetland restoration projects, conducts monitoring for various sensitive habitats and species, works toward the recovery of endangered fish populations, implements habitat creation and enhancement, plans interpretive design projects, works to build more wildfire resilient communities and landscapes and coordinates environmental education programs for learners of all levels. Our Mission Statement The mission of the Resource Conservation District of the Santa Monica Mountains is to promote land stewardship and resource conservation through ecological research, conservation planning and design, habitat restoration and environmental education, while adhering to the highest standards of transparency and accountability as a public agency. Meet Our Organization Meet Our Staff Meet Our Board Financials & Disclosures History Check out images that tell the story of our past. What is an RCD? A Resource Conservation District (or RCD) is a special district organized under the State Public Resources Code. RCDs are directed to promote and provide conservation programs within their communities. Such programs may include, but are not limited to, education, research, and assisting/advising other public and private organizations and local citizens in the areas of land-use planning, soil and water conservation, wildlife habitat enhancement and restoration, control of exotic species, and watershed restoration. The RCDSMM is part of a national network created by the Soil Conservation Service (now the NRCS) during the dust bowl days over 70 years ago. There are 96 Resource Conservation Districts in the state of California alone. The primary objective of California’s RCDs is to assess conservation problems, set priorities, and coordinate federal, state, and local resources to bring about solutions. A RESOURCE CONSERVATION DISTRICT IS NOT A RULE-MAKING, REGULATORY AGENCY. It can, however, advise such agencies and act as an intermediary between them and concerned citizens. Certain federal benefits are available to counties and cities only through these special districts. RCDs can lease or own land, publish the results of their research, contract to perform restoration projects and educational programs and, if needed, operate facilities for the enhancement and conservation of our natural resources. 4505 Las Virgenes Rd, Suite 215, Calabasas, CA 91302 Copyright 2025 RCDSMM We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept All”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. Cookie Settings Accept All Manage consent Close Privacy Overview This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Necessary Necessary Always Enabled Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. Cookie Duration Description cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics 11 months This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional 11 months The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary 11 months This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". cookielawinfo-checkbox-others 11 months This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance 11 months This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". viewed_cookie_policy 11 months The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data. Functional Functional Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. Performance Performance Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. Analytics Analytics Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. Others Others Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. SAVE & ACCEPT About the RCDSMM - RCDSMM 818-597-8627 [email protected] Home Who We Are Your RCD Staff Board of Directors Financials and Disclosures What We Offer Education Resource Design Research & Restoration Wildfire Resilience Resource Library Get Involved Employment Volunteer Events Wild City Workshops Contact Donate Select Page About the RCDSMM The MISSION of the RESOURCE CONSERVATION DISTRICT OF THE SANTA MONICA MOUNTAINS is to promote land stewardship and resource conservation through ecological research, conservation planning and design, habitat restoration, environmental education and community wildfire resilience, while adhering to the highest standards of transparency and accountability as a public agency. Discover how the RCDSMM has been serving our district over the years by reading our Annual Reports from 2019-20, 2020-21 , 2021-22 and 2023-24 . The District encompasses the Santa Monica Mountains from Point Mugu to Topanga State Park and includes the Simi Hills, Santa Catalina Island, Pierce College, Sepulveda Basin Wildlife Area and Chatsworth Reservoir. A map of the district can be found here: District Map The District is governed by a board of five non-salaried directors appointed by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors. They are assisted by Associate Directors and Resource Associates: scientists, educators, and community leaders who have volunteered to assist the District in its work, serve on committees, represent the District on request of the Board, and participate in meetings. Board of Directors’ meetings are public and can provide a forum for current conservation issues. The District is partially funded by a <0.01% portion of residents’ regular property tax. Other revenues include grants from public agencies or private foundations, contracts for education, research, and restoration services, and from donations. All donations are tax-deductible. The District works closely with the Natural Resources Conservation Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, National Park Service, California Department of Conservation, California State Parks, Los Angeles County and the Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board to carry out the District’s responsibilities for providing leadership to identify local resource conservation needs, advocate for effective solutions, and work with appropriate parties on implementation. Professional educators are employed by the District to assist administrators and faculties of school districts to develop resource conservation curricula and to conduct education programs with schools, youth groups, non-profit organizations, and government agencies. Scientists and consultants are employed to enhance the District’s role as a consulting agency to planners in other units of government and as a contractor for natural resource study and restoration projects. The District also employs two administrative/clerical personnel. Current services and projects of the Resource Conservation District of the Santa Monica Mountains include: Restoration of Topanga Lagoon Wildfire resiliency information and services to homeowners and land managers Permit reporting and compliance assistance for landowners Watershed restoration Oak monitoring and restoration Wildlife inventory and biodiversity studies Regional and local conservation planning Natural science education field programs at Malibu Lagoon, Topanga State Park and Sepulveda Basin Research/reference conservation library. Annual Reports Fiscal Year 2019-2020 Fiscal Year 2020-2021 Fiscal Year 2021-2022 Fiscal Year 2023-2024 A State of Harmony If you have ever wondered what a Resource Conservation District or a Land Trust does, check out this video: “A State of Harmony” depicts the shared land ethic behind the important protection and stewardship work being done by RCDs and Land Trusts in California. volunteer get involved newsletters donate In This Section… Who We Are About the RCDSMM Staff Board of Directors Board Meetings Financials and Disclosures 4505 Las Virgenes Rd, Suite 215, Calabasas, CA 91302 Copyright 2025 RCDSMM We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept All”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. Cookie Settings Accept All Manage consent Close Privacy Overview This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Necessary Necessary Always Enabled Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. Cookie Duration Description cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics 11 months This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional 11 months The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary 11 months This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". cookielawinfo-checkbox-others 11 months This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance 11 months This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". viewed_cookie_policy 11 months The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data. Functional Functional Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. Performance Performance Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. Analytics Analytics Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. Others Others Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. SAVE & ACCEPT Wildfire Resilience - RCDSMM 818-597-8627 [email protected] Home Who We Are Your RCD Staff Board of Directors Financials and Disclosures What We Offer Education Resource Design Research & Restoration Wildfire Resilience Resource Library Get Involved Employment Volunteer Events Wild City Workshops Contact Donate Select Page Wildfire & Community Resilience Our Community Resilience Department provides vital wildfire education and services to members within and beyond the district we serve. This department aims to create a more resilient landscape for all while preserving and enhancing native habitat. Click the images below to learn more about each of our community services. Home Ignition Zone Evaluations Defensible Space Booklet Fire Demonstration Structure Past Wildfire Programs Wildfire Education Video Series Spanish Resources Sepulveda Basin Wildlife Reserve Wildfire Resilient Habitat Plan With this report the RCDSMM, in collaboration with The River Project and Balance Hydrologics, hopes to improve wildfire resiliency through a combination of natural systems, restored native habitats, and defined access, to increase the ecological value of the Sepulveda Basin Wildlife Reserve while improving environmental conditions for adjacent disadvantaged communities. Read the full Report Here 4505 Las Virgenes Rd, Suite 215, Calabasas, CA 91302 Copyright 2025 RCDSMM We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept All”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. Cookie Settings Accept All Manage consent Close Privacy Overview This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Necessary Necessary Always Enabled Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. Cookie Duration Description cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics 11 months This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional 11 months The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary 11 months This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". cookielawinfo-checkbox-others 11 months This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance 11 months This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". viewed_cookie_policy 11 months The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data. Functional Functional Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. Performance Performance Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. Analytics Analytics Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. Others Others Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. SAVE & ACCEPT Topanga Lagoon Restoration - RCDSMM 818-597-8627 [email protected] Home Who We Are Your RCD Staff Board of Directors Financials and Disclosures What We Offer Education Resource Design Research & Restoration Wildfire Resilience Resource Library Get Involved Employment Volunteer Events Wild City Workshops Contact Donate Select Page TOPANGA LAGOON RESTORATION California State Parks, CalTrans and Los Angeles County Department of Beaches and Harbors are working with your RCD to restore the Topanga Lagoon ecosystem, one of the last coastal wetlands in Southern California The FEIR is Complete The Final Environmental Impact Report (FEIR) for the Topanga Lagoon Restoration Project is approved. Click the link below to review the FEIR and access more information on this important project. Access the FEIR & Restoration Updates Here Project support generously provided by: Topanga Lagoon Update – Post Fire 9/23/2025 On January 8th, 2025 the Palisades Fire swept through the project area. All facilities on CA State Parks property within lower Topanga State Park were destroyed, while damage was more limited in the Los Angeles County’s Topanga Beach area. Fish rescues of endangered tidewater goby and steelhead trout occurred just before fire induced mudflows further damaged the Topanga Creek watershed. ​ Topanga Beach is open to the public including the parking lot. The maintenance team at Beaches and Harbors does their best to clear fire debris piles on the beach every few weeks and to date (August 2025) they have removed 196 tons of debris from Topanga Beach. Sediment and water quality testing are ongoing at Topanga Beach and the results are available to the public at LA Regional Water Board’s website here . ​ Design efforts for the Topanga Lagoon Restoration Project are officially moving forward after impacts from the fire. Get the full update on this project and site specific informaiton via the project’s website here . PROJECT OVERVIEW The Resource Conservation District of the Santa Monica Mountains, along with California State Parks, Caltrans, and County of Los Angeles Department of Beaches and Harbors, are working on a joint project to restore Topanga Lagoon, provide improved visitor services, coastal access, and emergency response, while proactively addressing sea level rise. The Topanga Lagoon Restoration Project has been many years in the making and has been generously supported by the Wildlife Conservation Board, State Coastal Conservancy, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and through the efforts of former Assemblymember Richard Bloom, among others. A Brief History of the Lagoon Topanga Lagoon is located at the mouth of Topanga Creek, within Topanga State Park and Topanga Beach at the eastern edge of the Santa Monica Mountains. Once 30-acres in size, Topanga Lagoon is currently less than 1-acre. The lagoon area has been filled and developed over the years with buildings and hardscape infrastructure. The beach adjacent to the lagoon hosts about one million visitors per year and is regionally important for coastal access and recreation. Despite this history of damage and development, Topanga Lagoon continues to host critical natural resources, including federally endangered tidewater goby and Southern California steelhead trout. The lagoon area also includes remnants of the historic Topanga Ranch Motel. Cooper Auto Camp established 1924 Looking west over the Topanga Lagoon in the 1900’s prior to extensive development – photo from the Santa Monica Public Library 1876 T Sheet (topography map) of Topanga Lagoon – from the UC Santa Barbara Library Topanga Lagoon in 1927 – photo from Fairchild Collection Project Goals The Topanga Lagoon Restoration Project seeks to protect and improve the biological, cultural and recreational values onsite. The project does this by expanding Topanga Lagoon from its current footprint of less than 1-acre, restoring and enhancing coastal habitats and reconstructing the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) bridge to accommodate a wider lagoon. The project will improve visitor services and coastal access by developing a “Gateway Corner” visitor hub with interpretive features and new parking at NW corner of the intersection of the PCH and Topanga Canyon Boulevard. Public lands within the project area will also be better connected through an integrated trail system, emergency response, improved parking, and new visitor amenities. Selected Project Design After receiving public feedback on the four “build alternatives” presented in the Draft Environmental Impact Report (EIR), partners and stakeholders for this project selected a preferred hybrid alternative. The Preferred Hybrid Alternative 3A, presented in the Final EIR, combines elements from Build Alternatives 2 – 4 and meets all Project Objectives. Alternative 3A will increase the lagoon’s footprint to ~7.6 wetted acres, with ~23.7 riparian/transitional upland acres restored. It will increase the beach area to ~ 1 acre, expand the PCH bridge to 460’, retain a single concession, and develop unified trail, parking, and emergency response systems. The Gateway Corner, a new visitor hub at the northwest corner of PCH and Topanga Canyon Boulevard, will include an interpretive pavilion, parking, restrooms, bus stop, picnic area, employee house and maintenance facility would be developed. Wastewater management would be improved by installing advanced wastewater treatment options onsite. Lastly, this hybrid alternative design would avoid significant and unavoidable historic and cultural impacts Preferred Hybrid Alternative 3A-Balanced Resource Protection was selected based on public, regulatory and landowner feedback. The graphic on the left emphasizes the developed areas, while the graphic to the right emphasizes the areas of restoration. This alternative both protects endangered species and ecosystems through lagoon restoration and protects and restores important cultural resources for public benefit. Sea Level Rise resilience and improved coastal access are also incorporated, as outlined in the FEIR, the the helipad was shifted further inland and the bridge shortened 20 feet on the westside to incorporate Caltrans and resource agency feedback during the DEIR review process. Date: 4/23/25 WHERE TO LEARN MORE The RCD actively invites the public to be involved in the planning and restoration of this important area. Read more about the restoration, get current updates, and discover how you can become involved at the project’s full website at TopangaLagoonRestoration.org WE MADE A MUSIC VIDEO! In an effort to invite as many diverse voices into the restoration process as possible, we have created a music video featuring Topanga Lagoon! Watch the video below and join a young boy’s journey as he experiences the beauty and wonder of Topanga Lagoon through the eyes of an endangered southern steelhead. Please share the video and help us spread the word about this exciting restoration! 4505 Las Virgenes Rd, Suite 215, Calabasas, CA 91302 Copyright 2025 RCDSMM We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept All”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. Cookie Settings Accept All Manage consent Close Privacy Overview This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Necessary Necessary Always Enabled N Donate - RCDSMM 818-597-8627 [email protected] Home Who We Are Your RCD Staff Board of Directors Financials and Disclosures What We Offer Education Resource Design Research & Restoration Wildfire Resilience Resource Library Get Involved Employment Volunteer Events Wild City Workshops Contact Donate Select Page Help the RCD with your donation Supporting the RCDSMM means supporting your local community, and helping to conserve your local soil, water, and wildlife. Make a donation now by clicking the button below. Donate Today If you’re interested in supporting restoration efforts that will help heal the Santa Monica Mountains in the wake of devastating fires that ripped through Los Angeles in early 2025, you can use the link below. Support Fire Restoration Efforts Looking to donate in memory or in honor of another person? Use the button below and be sure to include who you are honoring in the “notes” section of the PayPal form. Donate In Memoriam Or mail your tax-deductible contribution to: RCD of the Santa Monica Mountains 4505 Las Virgenes Rd, Suite 215 Las Virgenes, CA 91302 *Make checks payable to: RCDSMM Donate Now to Support Local Conservation Your donation supports our work to restore habitat, monitor wildlife, conduct research, and provide environmental education throughout the Santa Monica Mountains and surrounding areas. Less than 35% of our annual operating budget comes from County property tax revenue. The remainder of our budget comes from competitively-sought grants, contracts, and donations. Your cash donations help to further the mission of the RCDSMM and can be general or targeted toward a specific project or program. General donations are used to support district outreach programs, provide technical information to the public, plan and implement on-the-ground conservation projects, and much more. The RCDSMM can receive tax deductible donations under Internal Revenue Service Code Section 170 (b) and 170 (c) (1). This section says that contributions to a governmental entity are deductible. The RCD may accept all forms of contributions including, but not limited to, gifts, property, cash, stocks and securities.  In-Kind Donations Donations of goods and services are also welcome; we would love to learn more about what you are able to offer. See our Wish List for a current list of resources that could immediately be put to use in support of our work here at the RCDSMM. Wish List: Wetsuits (7mm) Snorkels and Masks Dive Lights Rechargeable batteries with chargers (AA, AAA, and C)  Projects & Programs When making a donation, you can indicate which program you’d like to support. K-12 Educational Programs Adult Education/Outreach Events Southwestern pond turtle monitoring and rescue program Southern steelhead trout monitoring Oak woodland restoration and research Invasive species removal Los Angeles River temperature study 4505 Las Virgenes Rd, Suite 215, Calabasas, CA 91302 Copyright 2025 RCDSMM We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept All”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. Cookie Settings Accept All Manage consent Close Privacy Overview This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Necessary Necessary Always Enabled Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. Cookie Duration Description cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics 11 months This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional 11 months The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the