Fishing, bird watching, and walking in the two sections of the river managed by the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority in Elysian Valley and in the Sepulveda Basin in Encino are permitted beginning on Memorial Day, May 25, 2020−but no kayaking or in-water activities
LOS ANGELES (May 20, 2020) — The Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority (MRCA) announced today that the Los Angeles River Recreation Zones in Elysian Valley and the Sepulveda Basin will open for the 2020 season–without kayaking or any other in-water activity. The limited use of the river channel is due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
For the eighth year in a row, the L.A. River Recreation Zones will provide summer access to passively recreate and explore the Los Angeles River in two different parts of the river that are still in a natural state. Activities include walking, fishing, and bird watching. The River Recreation Zones are managed by the MRCA in coordination with the City of Los Angeles and Councilmember Mitch O’Farrell, the Army Corps of Engineers, and the County of Los Angeles.
“This pandemic is affecting every aspect of our lives, including how we spend our recreational time,” said Los Angeles City Councilmember Mitch O’Farrell, whose District includes Elysian Valley. “Although COVID-19 is limiting our access to water activities in the LA River this year, we can still enjoy the river environment while following physical distancing and other public health guidelines that protect ourselves and others.”
“This year, for everyone’s safety we cannot allow kayak or other boat access to the Los Angeles River,” said MRCA Chief Ranger, Fernando Gomez. “No one–not individuals, nor organized groups, nor vendors–will be permitted to take a boat in the water this year. People will still be able to access the Recreation Zones to walk, bird watch, and fish, provided they comply with all public health orders and maintain a minimum physical distance of six feet from others, and wear a face covering.”
The two L.A. River Recreation Zones will be open from Memorial Day, May 25, 2020 through September 30, 2020. They will be patrolled by MRCA rangers.
The Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority is a local public park agency dedicated to the preservation and management of open space, urban parkland, watershed lands, trails, and wildlife habitat. The MRCA manages more than 75,000 acres of public parkland and provides natural resources and scientific expertise, critical regional planning services, operations, fire prevention and ranger services, as well as education and leadership programs for thousands of youth each year. It is one of the lead agencies revitalizing the Los Angeles River.
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