Chapter 7: Policy Recommendations

7.1 Introduction

No policy that does not rest upon some philosophical public opinion can be permanently maintained.

—Abraham Lincoln

The Tujunga/Pacoima Watershed has incredible diversity and untapped potential. An integrated watershed approach to land use and natural resource conservation can generate enormous benefits, making the watershed a more sustainable place to live, work, and recreate. But jurisdictional complexity, a disintegrated budget approach, and the single-purpose missions of most public agencies complicate these possibilities.

To address the range of opportunities in the Tujunga/Pacoima watershed and facilitate a transition to green infrastructure, the following policy recommendations focus on the major issues identified in Chapter 3 (State of the Tujunga) and reflect the goals and objectives articulated in Chapter 2 (Goals & Objectives). The intent is to provide specific policy recommendations that foster enlightened planning, robust resource conservation, regular infrastructure maintenance, improved agency coordination, and expanded funding opportunities. Additional detailed recommendations are provided in the State of the Tujunga report.