Resource Conservation District of the Santa Monica Mountains

What Resource Conservation District of the Santa Monica Mountains does

The Resource Conservation District of the Santa Monica Mountains (RCDSMM) is a California special district organized under the State Public Resources Code, founded in 1961 to deliver conservation, restoration, research, and education services across the Santa Monica Mountains and greater Los Angeles region. As one of 96 Resource Conservation Districts in California, RCDSMM operates four programmatic lines: (1) environmental education (K-12 field programs at Malibu Lagoon, Sepulveda Basin, and Tapia Park; on-campus and virtual programs; the Roots & Shoots youth partnership), (2) resource design and strategic planning, including schematic design and 3D modeling for the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing, (3) research and restoration, anchored by 30+ years of sensitive species monitoring (southern steelhead trout, tidewater goby) using the only instream PIT-tag antenna array in southern California plus GIS mapping and water quality monitoring, and (4) wildfire resilience (Home Ignition Zone Evaluations, defensible space guidance, Spanish-language resources).

RCDSMM is funded through a hybrid model combining a minimal property assessment (less than 35% of operating budget from County property tax), competitive government grants (Caltrans, CDFW, Wildlife Conservation Board, State Coastal Conservancy, NOAA, USFWS, Safe Clean Water Program), private foundation grants (San Fernando Valley Audubon Society, SAMO Fund), fee-for-service work for private landowners and schools ($270-850 per program), and tax-deductible donations via PayPal. The organization has 17 staff organized across Education, Resource Design, Research & Restoration, Community Resilience, Accounting, and Administration, and is governed by a publicly elected/appointed Board of Directors.

RCDSMM serves a diverse customer set including K-12 schools and students, private landowners, government agencies (CA State Parks, NPS, Caltrans, MRCA, LA County), and community members. The organization responded to the January 2025 Palisades Fire with a multi-agency rescue of 270+ steelhead and 750+ tidewater gobies, substantially raising its public profile.

Name

Resource Conservation District of the Santa Monica Mountains

Legal name

Resource Conservation District of the Santa Monica Mountains

Website

https://rcdsmm.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1961

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

RCDSMM is a California special district (founded 1961) delivering environmental education, habitat restoration, sensitive species research, and wildfire resilience programs across the Santa Monica Mountains, serving K-12 schools, government agencies, private landowners, and community members.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Environmental Conservation Services

NAICS

Administration of Conservation Programs (92412), Environment, Conservation and Wildlife Organizations (813312), Support Activities for Forestry (11531)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200), Forestry (800)

akta.pro primary industry

Parks, Recreation & Protected Areas Administration (BPAIAMAH)

akta.pro secondary industries

Environmental Science & Sustainability Programs (Ecology, Climate, Conservation) (EDAMABAD), Wildlife Sanctuaries, Conservation Parks & Reserves (Visitor Operations) (THAAAAAG), Forest Ecosystem Services & Carbon/Conservation Programs (AFAMAAAJ)

Keywords

• Environmental education
• Habitat restoration
• Watershed management
• Wildfire resilience
• Endangered species monitoring

Headquarters

HQ city

Topanga

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Property Assessment: Minimal property assessment as a special district organized under State Public Resources Code. Primary public funding source.
2. Government Grants and Contracts: Grants from public agencies (federal, state, local) and private foundations for education, research, and restoration services. Competitive grant applications.
3. Education Service Fees: Program fees for K-12 environmental education (field programs, on-campus, virtual). Fee scale based on student numbers ($350-850 for field/on-campus, $270 for virtual).
4. Private Donations: Tax-deductible donations from individuals, accepted via PayPal. Donations can be general or targeted to specific projects/programs. Less than 35% of budget from property tax.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels12 records

Core offering

The Resource Conservation District of the Santa Monica Mountains delivers standards-based environmental education programs for K-12 students (field, on-campus, and virtual), professional conservation services (biological assessments, GIS mapping, sensitive species monitoring, oak woodland conservation, invasive species removal), wildfire resilience programs for communities, and major habitat restoration projects (Topanga Lagoon, Liberty Canyon Wildlife Crossing). The organization operates as a special district under California State Public Resources Code, serving the Santa Monica Mountains region with both community-facing engagement and contracted technical services to public agencies, schools, and landowners.

Product overview

The Resource Conservation District of the Santa Monica Mountains offers a portfolio of conservation and environmental education service programs rather than a traditional technology product. The organization provides direct environmental education programs for K-12 students (Outdoor Field Programs at Malibu Lagoon, Sepulveda Basin, and Tapia Park; On-Campus Programs; Virtual Programs), youth leadership through the Roots & Shoots partnership, community engagement via the WiLD CiTY workshop series, and technical consulting services in resource design, strategic planning, sensitive species monitoring, invasive species removal, oak woodland monitoring, and landowner assistance. Major restoration initiatives include the Topanga Lagoon Restoration Project and the Liberty Canyon Wildlife Crossing. The Wildfire Resilience Department provides Home Ignition Zone Evaluations, defensible space guidance, and educational resources. These programs collectively support the organization's mission of watershed management, habitat restoration, research, and environmental education throughout the Santa Monica Mountains region.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Outdoor Field Programs
• Advanced Field Programs
• On-Campus Programs
• Virtual Programs
• Roots & Shoots Program
• WiLD CiTY Workshop Series
• Resource Design Services
• Strategic Resource Planning
• Sensitive Species Monitoring
• Invasive Species Removal
• Oak Woodland Monitoring
• Landowner Assistance
• Wildfire Resilience Programs
• Liberty Canyon Wildlife Crossing
• Field Trip Programs

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 270 endangered steelhead trout rescued from Topanga Creek after Palisades Fire
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

25 partnerships are on record, tiered flagship and core.

• California State Parks (Angeles District)flagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerLong-standing partnership providing access to local parks for education programs and collaborative restoration projects including Topanga Lagoon Restoration. California State Parks is a key partner in the Topanga Lagoon Restoration Project alongside CalTrans and Los Angeles County Department of Beaches and Harbors.
• National Parks Service / SAMO FundcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSAMO Fund provides transportation funding for RCD participants. Partnership enables access to Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area for conservation and education activities.
• San Fernando Valley Audubon SocietycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLongstanding partnership for outdoor programs at Sepulveda Basin Wildlife Reserve. Audubon Society provides grant funding to cover program fees for Title I schools (grades 4-6).
• City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation & ParkscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvides access to Sepulveda Basin Wildlife Reserve for environmental education programs and wildlife habitat projects.
• Safe Clean Water ProgramcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFunds watershed stewardship initiatives at Malibu Lagoon and Tapia Park. Grant covers program fees for Title I schools.
• The City of MalibucoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGrant funding to serve Malibu students through outdoor education for the 2025-2026 season.
• Jane Goodall Institute's Roots & ShootscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNew partnership (2025) empowering youth through service projects benefiting people, animals, and environment. RCD provides hands-on support from skilled staff and access to local landscapes. Small grants up to $250 available through program.
• California Conservation Corps / AmeriCorps (Watershed Stewards Program)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner10.5-month service positions working alongside RCD natural resource professionals in environmental education, salmonid research, and oak woodland ecology.
• GrizzlyCorps / AmeriCorpscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner11-month service positions working alongside Community Resilience Coordinator for wildfire mitigation and community organizing.
• National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborative partnerships with federal agencies including NOAA for conservation and restoration work in the Santa Monica Mountains.
• Golden Gate National Parks ConservancycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership development and conservation initiatives with national parks conservancy organizations.
• National Wildlife FederationflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerProject Partner and leader of #SaveLACougars Campaign. RCD provided architectural and landscape design development services for Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing under contract.
• Caltrans District 7flagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerClose collaboration on Wildlife Overpass at Liberty Canyon project. RCD completed Schematic Design and 3D modeling working with Caltrans based on design criteria.
• Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority (MRCA)flagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerFunding for RCD architectural services for Wildlife Crossing. MRCA provides in-kind long-term management and maintenance services. RCD designed and managed Liberty Canyon Wildlife Underpass Improvements project.
• Los Angeles County Department of Beaches and HarborsflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerLead agency in Topanga Lagoon Restoration Project alongside California State Parks and CalTrans. Joint project to restore Topanga Lagoon, improve visitor services, coastal access, and emergency response.
• California Department of Fish and WildlifeflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborative partner in Topanga Lagoon Restoration. RCDSMM biologists hold permits from CDFW for endangered fish research.
• Aquarium of the PacificcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnered to house rescued tidewater gobies temporarily after Palisades Fire until they could be returned home.
• Heal the BaycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnered to house rescued tidewater gobies temporarily after Palisades Fire until they could be returned home.
• CSU Channel IslandscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in tidewater goby rescue efforts after Palisades Fire.
• US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in steelhead trout and tidewater goby rescues after Palisades Fire. RCD holds federal permits for endangered species research.
• National Marine Fisheries ServicecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in steelhead trout rescue efforts. RCD conducts federally permitted research on endangered steelhead.
• Cachuma Operation & Maintenance BoardcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in steelhead trout rescue from Topanga Creek after Palisades Fire.
• The River ProjectcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration on Sepulveda Basin Wildlife Reserve Wildfire Resilient Habitat Plan to improve wildfire resiliency through natural systems and restored native habitats.
• Balance HydrologicscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration on Sepulveda Basin Wildlife Reserve Wildfire Resilient Habitat Plan.
• LA County LifeguardscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in tidewater goby rescue from Topanga Lagoon after Palisades Fire.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• California State Parks Foundation: Statewide nonprofit supporting California State Parks through advocacy, grants, and programming. Comparable as a larger, broader-scope counterpart to RCDSMM's local Santa Monica Mountains focus, sharing California State Parks as a primary partner.
• National Wildlife Federation: National conservation organization leading the #SaveLACougars campaign. Directly comparable as RCDSMM's flagship partner on the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing, with overlapping wildlife corridor and habitat connectivity expertise at significantly larger scale.

Emerging players

• Balance Hydrologics: Specialized hydrology and watershed science consultancy. Comparable as a co-collaborator with RCDSMM on the Sepulveda Basin Wildfire Resilient Habitat Plan, providing water-resource technical services to conservation projects of similar scope.

Direct peers

• Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority (MRCA): A public agency governing open space, parks, and wildlife corridors throughout the Santa Monica Mountains and LA County. Directly comparable as a joint funding and implementation partner on the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing and Topanga Lagoon Restoration, with overlapping mission in land stewardship and conservation infrastructure.
• Friends of the Los Angeles River (FoLAR): LA River advocacy and stewardship nonprofit. Comparable in mission (watershed stewardship, community engagement), geographic focus (LA County), and operational model (grant-funded education and volunteer events). RCDSMM's Community Resilience Director Shelly Backlar previously served as FoLAR VP of Programs.
• Resource Conservation District of Greater San Diego County: One of the 96 California Resource Conservation Districts, serving a comparable geographic mandate of conservation, education, and restoration. The most direct structural peer given shared California RCD legal framework, public-resources-code governance, and grant-funded operating model.
• San Fernando Valley Audubon Society: Local Audubon chapter that funds Title I school field programs at Sepulveda Basin Wildlife Reserve alongside RCDSMM. Comparable as a regional environmental education grantmaker and partner with overlapping beneficiary schools.
• Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy: Nonprofit conservancy supporting national park units in the Bay Area. Highly comparable as a parks-supporting nonprofit partner of the National Park Service with park stewardship, education, and volunteer programs; explicitly listed as an RCDSMM partnership peer.
• Heal the Bay: Santa Monica Bay-focused environmental nonprofit working on coastal water quality, education, and advocacy. Comparable as a regional conservation education and watershed stewardship peer; partnered with RCDSMM on tidewater goby rescue and shares similar K-12 program offerings.
• The River Project: LA-based nonprofit focused on LA River habitat restoration and community science. Directly comparable through co-delivery of the Sepulveda Basin Wildfire Resilient Habitat Plan with RCDSMM and similar grant-funded habitat restoration model.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCjwGkw8PEGUbcxPnkJM1ifg?view_as=subscriber
• Facebookfacebook.com/RCDSMM
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/rcdsmm
• Instagraminstagram.com/rcdsmm
• TikToktiktok.com/@rcdsmm
• Xx.com/rcdsmm

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles25 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Resource Conservation District of the Santa Monica Mountains