Calabasas, CA – August 14, 2025 — The Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority (MRCA) today announced that in addition to  the investigation already being led by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, the highly respected municipal law firm Richards Watson and Gershon will lead a rigorous investigation into the conditions that preceded the failure of a valley oak tree at a summer camp held at the popular open space park this past July.

In addition to combing through documents, and conducting wide-ranging interviews of employees, participants, suppliers, and natural resource management specialists, the investigators will focus on policies and procedures as well as the oak tree itself.

“This tragedy is heartbreaking,” said Joseph T. Edmiston, FAICP, Executive Officer of the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority. “We are working with the investigators in conducting a comprehensive, top-to-bottom investigation into how this happened and how we can ensure it never happens again.”

“To the victims and their families, I am profoundly sorry,” Edmiston continued. “The MRCA is committed to restoring public trust, maintaining transparency, and implementing all necessary changes to prevent any such tragedy in the future.”

Contact:  Rob Wilcox robwilcoxpr@gmail.com  or (916) 396-0400