I just read the 10-03 Acorn’s article about the proposed 7-acre RV/Equestrian Campground at Malibu Creek State Park. It interests me that the article says the California Dept. of Parks and Recreation worked with the group, Equestrian Trails, Inc and raised approximately $3 million to construct the project.Â
Questions: Isn’t it premature to raise money for a project in a state park, that has not yet been brought before the public?  Is this Reagan Meadow project subject to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), and is an Environmental Impact needed (EIR)? Would this campground attract a lot more horses and riders to the park and would that increase manure along the trails and possibly into Malibu Creek? What about fire danger with open fire pits planned? And, it was mentioned that it could be used as an evanuation site for horses during wildfires. Is that wise, with the whole area being so fire-prone itself?
I don’t know whether I am for or against this horse and RV campground at Malibu Creek State Park, but I do know that I would like to have more facts. To read The Acorn article by Stephanie Bertholdo, go to:  http://www.theacorn.com/news/2009-10-01/Front_Page/Equestrian_center_in_for_a_ride.htmlÂ
Posted by Janna Orkney
I agree with Janna. And then some. Santa Ana fire season now lasts from June through October. Year round camping in the driest areas of Southern California will give us year ’round fire potential. No one can seriously support that, can they? The pollution to the watershed is also critical. The rural environment in Southern California is far more vulnerable than some people acknowlege. I’m very surprised that the Parks system would announce this plan, move on with fundraising efforts without greater concern for the irreparable damage to our environment that this proposal can cause.
I hope you will contact
District Superintendent of the California State Parks Ron Schafer rscha@parks.ca.gov , Zev Yaroslavsky and Senator Fran Pavley to protest this development.
You can also get updates from the Save the Meadow blogspot: http://savethemeadow.blogspot.com/