L.A. Beaches Could Come Under Federal Management

National Park Service considers proposal to oversee L.A. County coastline

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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The National Park Service is studying a proposal to place most of the Los Angeles County coastline under its jurisdiction, which could mean federal management of the area stretching from Will Rogers State Beach to Torrance. The proposal, first conceived by a local nonprofit, has garnered interest from area politicians and residents, though some have expressed concerns about potential restrictions on private property and access.

Why it matters

The potential federal management of L.A. County beaches could bring greater conservation efforts and oversight to the fragile coastal ecosystem, which some feel has been overlooked. However, there are concerns about the implications for private property owners and access to the beaches.

The details

The National Park Service held its first public meeting this week to gather input on the proposal, which has been quietly in the works for two decades. The study will examine whether the L.A. coastline meets the criteria for inclusion in the national park system, including having national significance and representing a natural or cultural resource not already covered. If approved, the federal management could range from full ownership to co-management with a nonprofit.

  • The proposal to federally manage L.A. County beaches was first conceived by a local nonprofit in the early 2000s.
  • Legislation authorizing the initial study was passed in 2016.
  • Funding for the study was secured last year, leading to the first public meeting this week.

The players

Marcia Hanscom

Director of Los Angeles Coast Forever!, a nonprofit that has advocated for federal management of the fragile L.A. coastal ecosystem for years.

Rep. Ted Lieu

Democratic Congressman from Los Angeles who authored legislation in 2015 that led to the current study.

National Park Service

The federal agency considering whether to take on management of the L.A. County coastline, which could range from full ownership to co-management with a nonprofit.

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What they’re saying

“There's a lot of biodiversity and special places here along the coast that most people don't ever pay much attention to. People get off the plane at LAX and get right on the freeway, often not seeing the L.A. coast.”

— Marcia Hanscom, Director, Los Angeles Coast Forever! (latimes.com)

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

What’s next

The National Park Service will continue its study to determine if the L.A. County coastline meets the criteria for inclusion in the national park system. A decision on whether to move forward with federal management could come later this year.

The takeaway

The potential federal oversight of L.A.'s beaches highlights the ongoing tension between conservation efforts and private property rights, as well as the challenge of balancing public access with environmental protection along the fragile California coastline.