Santa Susana Mountain Park Association Collection, 1804-1986, bulk 1970-1986

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Summary

Creators:
Santa Susana Mountain Park Association
Abstract:
The Santa Susana Mountain Park Association (SSMPA) was formed as a non-profit group in 1971 to preserve the Santa Susana Mountains and the Simi Valley Hills as open space during the rapid urban development of the Santa Clarita, Santa Clara, Simi, and San Fernando valleys. The SSMPA has acted as a citizens' lobbying group to obtain state and federal legislation, local governmental support, and favorable public policy to conserve wilderness areas. The collection consists of administrative records, annual reports, event calendars, environmental impact reports, feasibility studies, legal and legislative documents, maps, meeting minutes, newsletters, photographs, summaries of court proceedings and governmental hearings, and related organizational records.
Extent:
8.92 linear feet
Language:
English
Preferred citation:

For information about citing items in this collection consult the appropriate style manual, or see the Citing Archival Materialsguide.

Background

Scope and content:

The Santa Susana Mountain Park Association Collection consists of administrative records, annual reports, event calendars, environmental impact reports, feasibility studies, legal and legislative documents, maps, meeting minutes, newsletters, photographs, summaries of court proceedings and governmental hearings, and related organizational records. The collection documents SSMPA's work in lobbying to protect wilderness areas in the Simi Valley Hills, as well as the history of the stagecoach station and stagecoach trail at the foot of the Santa Susana Mountains. Copies of archaeological site reports, letters, family histories, interviews and the diary of Fabricio de la Osa (Ossa) an early resident of the San Fernando Valley are also included in the collection. The collection is divided into four major series: SSMPA Administrative Records (1968-1979), Civic, Cultural, and Social Organizations (1963-1981), Government and Public Agencies (1966-1982), and Historical Research Files (1804-1978).

Series I, SSMPA Administrative Records, consists of the administrative record of the SSMPA. The series includes agendas, correspondence, event flyers, maps, membership forms, newsletters, and organizational documents. The files are arranged alphabetically and chronologically within each subject.

Series II, Civic, Cultural, and Social Organizations, contains records relating to SSMPA's dealings with various civic, cultural, and social organizations. Documents include bulletins, correspondence, reports, membership lists, proposals and grant applications, newsletters, and project notes. The files are arranged alphabetically and chronologically within each subject.

Series III, Government and Public Agencies, documents SSMPA's work with various agencies from Los Angeles and Ventura counties, as well as several State of California departments and councils, including Parks and Recreation, the Joint Committee on Open Space Lands, and the Resources Agency. Federal agencies documented include the Department of Agriculture and the Department of the Interior. The series consists of concept reports, correspondence, court filings, environmental impact reports, legislative bills, meeting notes, notes from public hearings, petitions, and related documents. Public figures including presidents, senators, and representatives are identified within the series and generally have their own file. The files are arranged in alphabetical order under the name of branch of government and chronologically within each file.

Series IV, Historical Research Files, contains research papers and related documentation which provides evidence to establish the historical and geological significance of the Santa Susana Mountain Park Area. Accounts of early stagecoach routes and relay stations, records of early mail routes, and archaeological reports support the SSMPA's efforts to conserve this area. Documents in this series include fact sheets, landmark brochures, planning reports and proposals, and legal testimony.

Biographical / historical:

The Santa Susana Mountain Park Association (SSMPA) was formed as a non-profit group in 1971 to preserve the Santa Susana Mountains and the Simi Valley Hills as open space during the rapid urban development of the Santa Clarita, Santa Clara, Simi, and San Fernando valleys. SSMPA was also concerned with the protection of plant and animal life, geologic formations and sites of historical significance. The organization has acted as a citizens' lobbying group to obtain state and federal legislation and local governmental support, and to impact public policy favoring the conservation of wilderness areas.

The group sponsors hikes, fairs, fundraisers, educational programs and related activities to keep the public aware of conservation and preservation issues. They have also supported cooperative ventures with other conservation groups, such as the Santa Monica Mountain Conservancy, Sierra Club, local chambers of commerce, neighborhood homeowners associations, and county-wide governmental agencies.

Acquisition information:
Santa Susana Mountain Park Association, 10/13/1986
Processing information:

Charla Bench and Neil Bethke

Arrangement:

Series I: SSMPA Administrative Records, 1968-1979

Series II: Civic, Cultural, and Social Organizations, 1963-1981

Series III: Government and Public Agenices, 1966-1982

Series IV: Historical Research Files, 1804-1978

Indexed terms

Subjects:
Documents
Photographs

Access and use

Restrictions:

The collection is open for research use.

Terms of access:

Copyright for unpublished materials authored or otherwise produced by the creator(s) of this collection has not been transferred to California State University, Northridge. Copyright status for other materials is unknown. Transmission or reproduction of materials protected by U.S. Copyright Law (Title 17, U.S.C.) beyond that allowed by fair use requires the written permission of the copyright owners. Works not in the public domain cannot be commercially exploited without permission of the copyright owners. Responsibility for any use rests exclusively with the user.

Preferred citation:

For information about citing items in this collection consult the appropriate style manual, or see the Citing Archival Materialsguide.

Location of this collection:
18111 Nordhoff Street
Northridge, CA 91330, US
Contact:
(818) 677-4594
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