GOING OOOH AT AHMANSON AT $150 MILLION, CONSERVANCY PROVIDES GIFT TO THE PUBLIC FOR 'QUIET AND PEACEFUL' LAND OF DIVERSITY, VISION OF PAST.

Byline: BILL BECHER

Southern California outdoor enthusiasts received an early $150 million holiday present this week: Ahmanson Ranch, now open to the public.

The Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy played Santa by buying 2,783 acres of former ranchland near Calabasas, ending a bitter fight between area residents and Washington Mutual Bank over the impacts of a planned development.

The conservancy scrambled to open the area quickly, two weeks after escrow closed, so there was no time to gift-wrap.

Rori Skei, chief deputy director of the conservancy, said people all over Southern California wanted to know, ``What is it that we paid $150 million for?''

``We wanted people to have a chance to preview the land and experience first-hand what a vast and extraordinary piece of property it is,'' Skei said. The conservancy has erected some signs, but there are no restrooms, public parking or water yet.

This didn't bother dozens of hikers and mountain bikers who flocked to the entrance Monday to the not-as-yet officially named ranch property at the north end of Las Virgenes Road. A second entrance is likely to be opened at the west end of Victory Boulevard.

Those that took an early tour had a chance to see what the San Fernando Valley might have looked like 200 years ago.

Carryl Carter of Woodland Hills and Jan Ballin of Valley Village arrived for a hike in time to see conservancy staff taking down no-trespassing signs.

``It's so quiet and peaceful,'' Ballin said.

Skei is rhapsodic about the diversity of Ahmanson. She said the Upper Las Virgenes Canyon Trail on the west side of the canyon offers visitors a mosaic of plant environments, including native grassland, coastal sage scrub, oak woodland and California walnut woodland. The floor of the valley is riparian habitat with seasonal creeks and the occasional smelly sulfur spring.

The variety of habitat means a variety of wildlife, including birds.

San Fernando Valley Audubon Society conservation chair Kris Ohlenkamp said winter is prime time to see raptors at Ahmanson, including prairie falcons and the occasional golden eagle.

``Because of the riparian habitat it's also good for the smaller migrating birds like fly catchers and warblers,'' Ohlenkamp said. ``Then there are always the species that are here all the time: black-and-white acorn woodpeckers, Oregon juncos and towhees.''

Horned larks, western meadowlarks, mourning doves and other raptors, including the red-tailed hawk, red-shouldered hawk, white-tailed kite, northern harrier, and many owl species also can be seen at Ahmanson.

Bigger critters such as bobcats, coyotes and the occasional mountain lion inhabit Ahmanson.

``The property is part of the critical wildlife corridor between the Santa Monica Mountains and ranges to the north,'' Skei said.

The ranch encompasses the headwaters of Malibu Creek, which is home to one of the few populations of Southern California steelhead trout, an endangered species, though their spawning runs are currently blocked.

Jim Edmondson, California trout conservation director, said about the Ahmanson Ranch purchase: ``Once we get the trout past Rindge Dam, they're going to have a wonderful place to live.''

The area also is home to the threatened California red-legged frog and the endangered spineflower. The conservancy is developing a management plan to make sure these species are protected. Sensitive areas have been marked with signs, and visitors are asked to avoid these places.

For hikers, equestrians and mountain bikers, the acquisition of Ahmanson Ranch opens up a network of fire roads and trails about 15 miles long. Some of the trails connect with neighboring Cheeseboro and Palo Comado Canyons, part of the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area.

Jim Hasenauer, board member of the International Mountain Bicycling Association, said: ``There are trails at Ahmanson Ranch for all abilities from fire road to technical single track. To have this preserved as open space forever is a great gift.''

And just in time for the holidays.

NOW OPEN

The Ahmanson Ranch Conservancy property is open seven days a week from sunrise to sunset to nonmotorized users, including hikers, mountain bikers and equestrians. Access is from the trailhead at the north end of Las Virgenes Road in Calabasas. There are no toilet facilities or water, and parking at the trailhead is limited. Visitors are reminded:

--Stay on trails

--Bring water and layered clothing

--No smoking or fires

--Don't litter

--No firearms

--Dogs must be on a leash at all times

CAPTION(S):

2 photos, box

Photo:

(1) Roger Pelote of Valley Village was there opening day of Ahmanson Ranch, trying out one of the many biking trails.

(2) Rori Skei of the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy calls Ahmanson Ranch an ``extraordinary piece of property.''

Bill Becher/Special to the Daily News

Box:

NOW OPEN (see text)