The Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy is a state agency that acquires and preserves land in the Santa Monica Mountains, including the Malibu portions and other areas. Through partnerships with other state and private agencies, the SMMC operates various parks created through these acquisitions. Joseph T. Edmiston has served as the SMMC's director since its inception in 1980. The SMMC board meets monthly at various locations. The state agency is headquartered at Ramirez Canyon Park in Malibu.