Ahmanson Ranch

Re “Officials Seek Listing of Rare Plant to Stop Ahmanson Ranch,” Dec. 7.

It is critically important to set the record straight on a series of remarkably inaccurate and misleading statements about the environmental implications of the Ahmanson Ranch project made by its critics in this story.

As a result of a state-of-the-art urban runoff management program and other water-quality measures adopted by Ahmanson, this project poses no threat to the Malibu Creek watershed or such sensitive species as steelhead trout and tidewater gobi, which are not located on the project site. That’s a conclusion previously reached by the state Water Resources Control Board.

The Ahmanson Ranch project’s environmental impact report is up to date and various courts have repeatedly upheld its validity. That EIR demonstrates that this project fully resolves any potential environmental concerns related to water quality.

We are equally committed to protecting the two species recently found on the ranch property--the San Fernando Valley spineflower and the California red-legged frog. Since our researchers found these species earlier this year, our biological experts have been working diligently with the appropriate government agencies to develop plans to conserve both species. In so doing, we are taking steps to go above and beyond the letter of the law to ensure their safety.

We have every confidence that the many federal, state and local agencies charged with protecting the environment will evaluate this project on the basis of the facts to ensure that precious water resources and sensitive species are safeguarded. We share that objective. Ever since we made this century’s largest single donation of land to public open space in Southern California, our commitment has been this: The Ahmanson Ranch project will not only bring needed jobs and housing to our region, but will stand as a landmark commitment to environmentally sensitive planning and development.

GUY GNIADEK

Vice president

Ahmanson Land Co.

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It’s ironic that a tiny flower thought to have been extinct for 50 years could provide such a noisy wake-up call. But the discovery of the San Fernando Valley spineflower on the Ahmanson Ranch has reopened the larger question of the advisability of creating a new city on the eastern edge of Ventura County.

This project violates Ventura County’s Guidelines for Orderly Development by creating a massive urban development that steps outside the existing cities and into the unincorporated county.

In a splendid demonstration of hypocrisy, the Ventura County government has put the full force of its legal and political muscle to oppose the proposed Newhall Land & Farming Co. city [between Santa Clarita and the Ventura County line], while moving relentlessly ahead with the Ahmanson Ranch development.

Do the residents of Ventura County want the Ahmanson Ranch project? No!

MARK BURLEY

Camarillo