Public Comment Now Open - Los Angeles Coastal Area Special Resource Study
The comment period for Los Angeles Coastal Area Special Resource Study has been extended to May 23rd. A special resource study evaluates resources (such as historic sites) using congressionally established criteria for national significance, suitability, feasibility, and need for direct NPS management. The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023 (Public Law 117-328) directed the Secretary of the Interior to prepare a special resource study on the following areas:
- The coastline and adjacent areas to Santa Monica Bay from Will Rogers State Beach to Torrance Beach.
- The area in and around Ballona Creek.
- The area in and around the Baldwin Hills.
- The area in and around the San Pedro section of the City of Los Angeles, excluding the Port of Los Angeles north of Crescent Avenue.
Based on this direction, the National Park Service is analyzing whether any of the above sites meet the criteria to be eligible for inclusion in the national park system as a national park unit, either in part or as a whole. At the conclusion of the study, the Secretary of the Interior will submit the study findings to Congress for its consideration.
It is important to note that the study report itself does not result in a national park designation or any other special designation, but the study can be used by Congress to inform further action, such as designating one or more of the study sites as a new national park unit. Only Congress or the President of the United States has the authority to designate a new unit of the national park system. The study is anticipated to be completed in 2027.
The special resource study process involves gathering and evaluating information about each site, conducting historical research, and seeking public input on the potential of the study sites becoming a national park unit, individually or collectively.
Link to Rep. Lieu’s video explaining the purpose of this study.
