About Us

The San Gabriel and Lower Los Angeles Rivers and Mountains Conservancy (RMC) was created by the California legislature in 1999. We’re one of ten conservancies within the
California Resources Agency. Our mission is to preserve open space and habitat in order to provide for low-impact recreation and educational uses, wildlife habitat restoration and protection, and watershed improvements within our jurisdictions. This work supports the public’s enjoyment and enhancement of recreational and educational experiences on public lands in a manner consistent with the protection of lands and resources in those watersheds.


View interactive map of RMC's jurisdiction in southern California
Map of RMC’s jurisdiction

Territory

RMC’s jurisdiction includes eastern Los Angeles County and western Orange County, comprised of the San Gabriel River Watershed and its tributaries, the Lower Los Angeles River Watershed and its tributaries, Upper Santa Clara River and its tributaries, the Dominguez Channel watershed, northern slope of the Angeles National Forest, the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument, Puente Hills and the San Jose Hills.

View the list of cities and more details about the region’s physical geography.

Partners

The RMC’s territory contains many governmental and non-governmental organizations. The RMC maintains both formal and informal partnerships that range from very close to casual.
Learn more about RMC’s partnerships.

Policies

RMC’s overall policy guidelines are found in two key sources:
Public Resources Code Section 32600 (the enabling statute), and
Common Ground: From the Mountains to the Sea, the open space and watershed plan for the Los Angeles and San Gabriel Rivers. Capital funding is provided through voter-approved propositions.

Founding Legislation

In January 1999, Senator Hilda Solis introduced legislation to create a San Gabriel River Conservancy with no powers of condemnation or control over city zoning. After several revisions, the scope expanded to include the entire San Gabriel River Watershed and the Lower Los Angeles River. Solis’ bill and a companion bill from Assemblywoman Sally Havice were signed into law, forming the RMC, as codified in the
California Public Resources Code.

Environmental Justice Policy

Children participating in the Watershed Rangers Program at East Fork San Gabriel River, 2014–15
Watershed Rangers Program, East Fork San Gabriel River

RMC adopted its Environmental Justice Policy (RMC Resolution 2014-19), which emphasizes:

  1. Community-driven empowerment and organizing,
  2. Identification of incompatible land uses, and
  3. Opportunities to build green infrastructure and promote alternative transportation such as walking and bicycling.

Read the full policy:
Environmental Justice Policy PDF.

Tribal Consultation Policy

RMC adopted a Tribal Consultation Policy (RMC Resolution 2017-14) that aligns with the policy of the California Natural Resources Agency.
Read the Tribal Consultation Policy PDF.

Joint Powers Authorities

RMC participates in three joint powers authorities:

RMC Staff

RMC Board Members

The board structure is defined in
Public Resources Code Section 32605. It includes fifteen voting members and nine non-voting ex officio members.
View the current list of RMC Board Members.