Ahmanson Ranch

Re “No Way to Build a Community,” Ventura County editorials, Aug. 8.

The Ahmanson Ranch editorial was very mistaken when it suggested that the Las Virgenes Institute will simply “study” native grasses. In fact, as part of a $1-million research and restoration program, the institute will replace the native grassland in the development area through the restoration of native grasses elsewhere in the project area and on nearby public lands.

And far from creating a “tree museum,” the institute will oversee the planting and continuing management of nearly 5,700 new trees.

I must dispel your false impression that the institute will act as a natural history curator of some sort. Our mission is the active restoration and protection of habitat within the Malibu Creek watershed, including all the plants and animals The Times rightly describes as treasured.

LENORA KIRBY

Executive Director, Las Virgenes

Institute for Resource Management

Oak Park