Sepulveda Dam Basin Master Plan - Los Angeles District - U.S. Army

Existing recreation areas included in this classification include:Balboa Sports ComplexHjelte Sports CenterThe Encino Franklin Fields and VelodromePedlow Field Skate ParkWhite Oak FieldsCurrently under construction is the Phase I of the Sepulveda Basin Sports Complex, includingball-fields, parking, and restrooms. Approved by the Corps is the Phase II of the complex,located on the “east bowtie” area bounded by the Orange Line Bus-way to the north and LosAngeles River to the south.In addition, the City is currently planning:Approved, but not completely funded, a Universally Accessible Baseball Field located inthe southeastern corner of Anthony C. Beilenson Park at the intersection of the LosAngeles River and Hayvenhurst Channel.6.2.3 Recommended Areas Applicable to Environmentally SensitiveApproximately 300 acres is recommended for classification into the Environmentally Sensitiveclassification. This is the most restrictive land use classification in terms of development and useopportunities. This classification places a strong emphasis on the protection and/or preservationof vegetation, wildlife, and cultural resources. This classification includes Sepulveda BasinWildlife Area, the area south of Burbank Blvd., north of the Los Angeles River, and the BullCreek Restoration Area.The Wildlife Area is home to a number of species including ducks, coots, great blue herons,egrets and cormorants. The endangered least Bells’ vireo has been documented at the edge of thisarea and along the Los Angeles River (see Map 21). This classification severely restrictsactivities and use of these areas. It would provide a high level of protection of the areas topreserve the habitat value for resident species, is compatible with Corps environmentalstewardship policies, and reflects community desires for protection of wildlife habitat. Activitiessuch as hiking, bird watching, volunteer clean-up activities, and still photography are permittedunder Corps’ guidance.Recommendations include:Restoration of upland and riparian communities would increase the overall quality of theseareas for wildlife habitat.Conduct periodic biological site surveys to monitor the presence of any rare or endangeredspecies such as the least Bell’s vireo.Dogs and other domesticated animals are not allowed, on or off trail.Land Use Classification and Resource Plan Recommendations 6-3