Local Realtor Jeff Schermer of Rodeo Realty has once again brokered a deal between private landowners and the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy.
Schermer and co-listing agent Chris Vaughan, , negotiated with the owners of almost 80 acres off a trail known as Calabasas Peak Motorway.
The land consists of rolling vistas with an actual view of the Santa Monica Bay, lush with vegetation including coast sage scrub, chaparral and other native plants.
Deer, coyotes, rattlesnakes and various other wildlife are often seen in the area. It is in the core Santa Monica Mountains habitat that straddles the Cold Creek and Old Topanga Canyon watersheds.
The property adds to the many hundreds of acres of county parkland. The purchase will prevent any future development that had been proposed for the acreage.
Calabasas Peak Motorway has been a hiking and horse trail for many years. It is accessible most easily from Old Topanga Canyon, and runs atop the Calabasas Hills bordering the town of Topanga leading to Calabasas Peak, believed to be the tallest peak in the area. It is also reachable via hiking paths from Mulholland Highway and Stunt Road.
Local authorities said the area carries historical importance because it was one of the original trade routes from the San Fernando Valley to the Pacific ocean.
The Conservancy has stated that the acquisition of the natural, resource-rich environment is an opportunity to protect water resources, and expand recreational activities for outdoor enthusiasts in the region. The purchase of this land will assist wildlife migration and serve as a buffer against urban sprawl.
Currently the open space inventory in Calabasas includes 78 acres of city parks, and 2150 acres of publicly owned land.
This is the fourth transaction Schermer has negotiated between private landowners and the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy.
