Photos: Judy Chu Discusses National Recreation Area Legislation

The San Gabriel National Recreation Area was a topic of discussion during Congressional Rep. Judy Chu’s townhall meeting Saturday in Claremont’s Taylor Reception Hall.

The San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments voted Monday to include the Angeles National Forest in the designation, rejecting a much more scaled-down version by the U.S. National Park Service in a 6-1 vote. The committee, made up of foothill communities such as San Dimas, Claremont, Azusa and Monrovia, is in favor of including a larger area.

Chu, who represents Altadena, is leading the NRA effort and favors a larger area. During Saturday’s townhall meeting, Chu spoke about her stance on the NRA effort, and her efforts to create legislation that would bring in resources while covering all stakeholders’ concerns. 

“The push to make the San Gabriel Watershed and Mountains into a National Recreation Area began as a local effort, and I am committed to keeping it that way,” said Chu. “The opportunity to hear directly from the people most impacted by an NRA designation was invaluable, as was the chance to answer their concerns. I will keep this an open and inclusive process as I begin drafting legislation to bring this ten-year project to fruition.”