The Los Angeles River: Past, Present and Future

SHELLY BACKLAR, Executive Director, Friends of the LA river (FoLAR)

Monday, October 05, 2009
4:00 PM - 5:15 PM
La Kretz Hall 110

Once home to steelhead and grizzlies, the Los Angeles River meandered through wetlands, marshes, willow, alder and sycamore, providing desperately needed water for the region. When the Army Corps of Engineers initiated a flood control project in the late 1930's, they began the process of paving 80% of the River, creating the world's largest storm drain. Over the ensuing decades, the River that had been the sole water supply for the City of Los Angeles before the Los Angeles Aqueduct was completed in 1913 almost disappeared from public consciousness. With the cement came a perceptual shift: the River no longer existed. Instead, it was a "flood control channel," a no-man's land, surrounded by fences and signs. For 23 years Friends of the Los Angeles River has worked ceaselessly to accomplish its goal: a 52 mile greenway from the San Gabriel Mountains to the Pacific Ocean, uniting and renewing diverse communities. As major plans for the future of the L.A. River develop- through the City of Los Angeles' L.A. River Revitalization Plan and others-FoLAR continues to advocate for a swimmable, fishable, boatable Los Angeles River. FoLAR's Executive Director, Shelly Backlar, will talk about the River's past, the issues associated with current uses such as kayaking and fishing, and the myriad plans for its revitalization.