October 15, 2020

Griffith Park is one of the premiere natural open spaces of Los Angeles, and indeed, of any major city. At 4,000 acres and dominated by rugged chaparral-covered slopes, it is one of the wildest urban parks in the world. It is used extensively for recreation and hiking and has been enjoyed by generations of Los Angeles residents.

We watched with concern as a feasibility analysis was commissioned for an aerial tram that would cut across undeveloped canyons and up to the top of Griffith Park. Now that the feasibility study has put lines of potential routes on a map, it is obvious that the proposed aerial tram could not be constructed without significantly and irreversibly damaging the natural character of Griffith Park and its biological diversity.

Almost 300 species of birds have been recorded in Griffith Park, ranking it as one of the most avian biodiverse urban parks in the world. The native, undisturbed habitat of the park makes it an important breeding location for many bird species. These include species found almost exclusively in California, such as California Thrasher, Nuttall’s Woodpecker, and Oak Titmouse, and species with wider distributions that are locally uncommon, such as California Quail, Rufous-crowned Sparrow, and Wrentit.

An aerial tram cutting across two miles through the middle of the park, with a viewing platform on Mount Lee, will without question irreversibly degrade unique native habitat that many of these bird species require to persist.

An aerial tram would represent a commercialization and intensification of use in a landscape that cannot accommodate such development without significant adverse impacts. We suggest that investments instead be made in ground-based transportation that serves the residents of Los Angeles and protects its environment.

October 15, 2020

Contact: Travis Longcore, Ph.D., President, (310) 247-9719