Dr. Doolittle Bridge Coming Along Just Fine

Bobcat photo by Greg Randell

The Endangered Species and Wildlife Committee hosted a recent update meeting on October 5 with CALTRANS' Ron Kosinski, director of the 405 widening project. At the meeting, the Committee advocated for the astounding number of wildlife species crossing the 405 Freeway by way of the Skirball Bridge, mostly at night and in both directions. Wildlife Officer Greg Randall has a detailed log of many other mountain lion sightings, going all the way east to Griffith Park.

Director Kosinski gave a detailed update on the Skirball Bridge redesign which will include a wildlife corridor when completed. The issue to be addressed now is the (as we speak) unplanned extension crossing over Sepulveda Boulevard which will allow wildlife safe and direct access to natural habitat on the west side of that roadway. The National Park Service is now in the process of monitoring wildlife crossings of the 405 Freeway at four crossing points, including the Mulholland Bridge, Skirball Bridge, Sepulveda Underpass and Bel Air Crest road Underpass. The aim is to measure wildlife presence and activity adjacent to all four crossing points on both east and west sides of the freeway.

Additionally, Mr Kosinski suggested that he lead a 'field trip' hike starting from the Skirball parking lot on the southeast side of the bridge to possible wildlife crossing sites and areas. The field trip gave interested parties a chance to discuss what city agencies and/or departments are actually resisting the necessary wildlife safety measures such as the Sepulveda Boulevard proposed crossing, and why. The event took place on October 28 at 2:00 p.m.

The 'Rim of the Valley Corridor' Special Resource Study, mandated by Congress, is now taking place with the help of The National Park Service. This study is directly looking at demographic indications of wildlife and the need for protection. Data is now being collected to determine whether any portion of the 'Rim of the Valley Corridor' study area is eligible to be designated as a separate unit of the National Park system or is eligible to be added to an existing National Park unit. Think of it: our own national park!

One of the main issues is to examine the protection of wildlife habitat and linkages between open-space areas and to examine the protection of threatened and endangered species, including plants. The 'Rim of the Valley Corridor' surrounds five valleys in Los Angeles and Ventura Counties, including San Fernando, La Crescenta, Santa Clarita, Simi and Conejo Valleys. The Santa Monica Mountains and the wildlife corridors across the Sepulveda Pass/405 Freeway now represent, with the new Wildlife Corridor, a critical example of Species Survival Design. The design needs to be completed with safe passage across Sepulveda Boulevard.

In attendance at the recent October meeting with CalTrans Director Kosinski were representatives from the offices of Assembly Members Julia Brownley, Bob Blumenfield and Mike Feuer, and representatives from the offices of U.S. Representatives Brad Sherman and Howard Berman.

To learn more or to get involved, please call Chair Rosemarie White at 818-383-7635.