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Pilot boating program charts course for future use
LOS ANGELES - Guides from the Los Angeles Conservation Corps' "Paddle the LA River" escorted a mix of project partners, politicians and journalists for the inaugural LA River tour Aug. 8.
Results from the seven week pilot program will quantify the feasibility of seasonal non-motorized boating.
"Providing safe and healthy recreation experiences to meet the needs of current and future generations is part of the Corps' Recreation Strategic Plan," said Col. Mark Toy, Los Angeles District Commander. "But I must be clear, nothing we do can jeopardize human safety or reduce the flood carrying capacity of this river."
Accompanying the group was Fernando Gomez of the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority. He is a law enforcement ranger and the guide supervisor for this program. His team is swift water certified and their kayaks are prepared for any emergency from band aide to defibrillator.
"We want to provide a safe environment for everyone to enjoy, something that's brand new, it's a pilot program that we want to go even further," Gomez said. "We are fortunate to be partnered with the Conservation Corps and the Army Corps of Engineers; this should be one of the things that people can enjoy... the LA River."
Weekends through Sept. 25 the LACC offers two educational trips a day down a 1.5 mile stretch of the Los Angeles River within the Sepulveda Basin. Groups are limited to 10 for each tour and there is a $50 per person fee. The minimum age is ten. Those 18 and under must be accompanied by a guardian.
Nationwide the Corps of Engineers is a major federal, water-based recreation provider, host to more than 370 million visitors annually. The Los Angeles River at Sepulveda Dam sees more than 7 million visitors annually.
"We recognize the critical role we have in balancing our responsibilities among increasing interests in recreational opportunities along this great river," added Toy. "We are proud of these facts and we continue to work diligently with our partners and stakeholders on future opportunities for recreation and revitalization along the river."
BUILDING STRONG and taking care of people!
Pilot boating program charts course for future use
LOS ANGELES - Guides from the Los Angeles Conservation Corps' "Paddle the LA River" escorted a mix of project partners, politicians and journalists for the inaugural LA River tour Aug. 8.
Results from the seven week pilot program will quantify the feasibility of seasonal non-motorized boating.
"Providing safe and healthy recreation experiences to meet the needs of current and future generations is part of the Corps' Recreation Strategic Plan," said Col. Mark Toy, Los Angeles District Commander. "But I must be clear, nothing we do can jeopardize human safety or reduce the flood carrying capacity of this river."
Accompanying the group was Fernando Gomez of the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority. He is a law enforcement ranger and the guide supervisor for this program. His team is swift water certified and their kayaks are prepared for any emergency from band aide to defibrillator.
"We want to provide a safe environment for everyone to enjoy, something that's brand new, it's a pilot program that we want to go even further," Gomez said. "We are fortunate to be partnered with the Conservation Corps and the Army Corps of Engineers; this should be one of the things that people can enjoy... the LA River."
Weekends through Sept. 25 the LACC offers two educational trips a day down a 1.5 mile stretch of the Los Angeles River within the Sepulveda Basin. Groups are limited to 10 for each tour and there is a $50 per person fee. The minimum age is ten. Those 18 and under must be accompanied by a guardian.
Nationwide the Corps of Engineers is a major federal, water-based recreation provider, host to more than 370 million visitors annually. The Los Angeles River at Sepulveda Dam sees more than 7 million visitors annually.
"We recognize the critical role we have in balancing our responsibilities among increasing interests in recreational opportunities along this great river," added Toy. "We are proud of these facts and we continue to work diligently with our partners and stakeholders on future opportunities for recreation and revitalization along the river."
BUILDING STRONG and taking care of people!