Pasadena -- Rep. Adam Schiff introduced a bill Thursday to study the feasibility of expanding the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area to include parts of the mountains ringing the San Gabriel and San Fernando valleys, as well as the Arroyo Seco.

The proposed corridor would include the Arroyo as well as the mountains above the San Fernando, La Crescenta, Santa Clarita, Simi and Conejo valleys.

"Given the tremendous growth pressure on the Southern California region, we must act now to create a lasting legacy of nearby natural open space for our children," Schiff.

Pasadena Mayor Bill Bogaard said he supports the bill.

"I'm very enthusiastic about the legislation and I want to express my admiration for Congressman Schiff for taking the initiative on this," Bogaard said.

"The bill will be analyzed by the council staff and we will have the council consider a formal resolution to support it later this month," he added.

Schiff said the procedure to expand the park is lengthy and could take five years.

"But there are strong factors in our favor," he said.  "This is on of the most heavily utilized wilderness and recreation areas in the country.  When areas are as heavily used as these are, but lack the resources to maintain them, degradation of the environment occurs."

If the park is created, areas included in it such as the Arroyo Seco, will have access to federal funds, schiff said.

The Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area is the world's largest urban park.

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