HomeMy WebLinkAboutCVMSHCP-NCCP continued to 03-09-2006CITY OF PALM DESERT
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
STAFF REPORT
REQUEST: Approval of CEQA findings and the Coachella Valley Multiple Species
Habitat Conservation Plan/Natural Communities Conservation Plan
(CVMSHCP/NCCP) Implementation Agreement and Ordinance establishing
a local development mitigation fee.
SUBMITTED BY: Phil Drell, Director of Community Development
DATE: February 23, 2006
CONTENTS: Recommendation
Executive Summary (Plan documents previously distributed)
Resolution No.
Ordinance No.
CVAG Summary of MSHCP Benefits
Recommendation:
Continue hearing until March 9, 2006 to allow CVAG to resolve remaining issues and publish
final document.
Executive Summary:
The CVMSCHP seeks to provide protection for twenty seven sensitive and endangered species
through the creation of a 725,000 acre reserve system of which approximately 576,000 acres
are currently owned by public or quasi -public agencies and 140,150 acres are to be acquired.
The balance will be conserved through land use management. The reserve system will include
twenty one separate areas distributed throughout the valley and surrounding mountains.
Funding for the plan will include state and federal funds in addition to development mitigation
fees assessed on all projects involving grading of natural open areas. Building on the existing
model of the Fringe -toed Lizard Habitat Conservation Plan, all vacant undisturbed lands in the
plan area will fall into three categories: areas to be conserved through acquisition, areas to be
developed with the payment of mitigation fees or equivalent land dedication, and areas to be
managed for uses compatible with conservation goals. Development within the mitigation .fee
areas will receive incidental take coverage for the twenty-seven species allowing for the
destruction of non -critical habitat and on -site flora and fauna. With the approval of the plan and
participation in the established mitigation programs, Endangered Species Act, CEQA and
NEPA biological issues will be resolved.
Mitigation fees have been set at $5,270/acre for non-residential uses, $1,180/unit for residential
projects 0-8 du/ac, $490./unit for densities of 8.1 du/ac to 14 units/acre, $216. for projects
above 14.1 du/ac. Over the 75-year life of the plan, the mitigation fees are projected to
generate $503,163,000 with total plan revenue of $1,810,794,000 from all sources. While the
1
STAFF REPORT
CITY COUNCIL
FEBRUARY 23, 2006
new fee is eight to nine times greater than the original $600/acre Lizard fee established in 1985,
property values and the cost of land acquisition have increased by at least ten times.
Trails
The trails plan has been substantially revised to remove limits on use of existing trails. A five-
year research program will be initiated to determine impacts of trail use on the covered species.
The proposed Palm Desert/La Quinta Trail has been deferred pending the results of the five-
year research program. The Hop -A -Long Cassidy Trail was approved outside of the
CVMSHCP process.
Conclusion
The proposed plan provides the most equitable and economically feasible long-term strategy
for preserving the essential quality of the Coachella Valley's natural environment for the benefit
of both the area's unique native wildlife and its human inhabitants. The plan will provide clear
direction for developers and property owners. Without it, the valley will inevitably merge with
the anonymous urban sprawl that characterizes most of southern California. When driving
through the San Gorgonio Pass you will always know you have finally left Los Angeles.
Submitted by:
Phil Drell
Director of Community Development
Approved by: Approved by:
'&!&
Homer Croy Carlos Ort
Assistant City Manager for City Mana er
Development Services
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2
Benefits of the MSHCP
Y Local Control over Endangered Species Act Issues. When a Habitat Conservation Plan
is approved, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and the California Department
of Fish and Game (CDFG) transfer their authority to issue an Incidental Take Permit
(ITP) for a project under the state and federal Endangered Species Acts (ESAs) to local
government. This eliminates the need for projects undertaken or approved by local
governments who are Permittees under the MSHCP to deal with CDFG and USFWS.
Instead, local government has control and issues an ITP for projects that are consistent
with the MSHCP.
Y Simplification of Compliance with the State and Federal Endangered Species Acts
and Certainty for Development. The MSHCP provides simplified compliance with the
state and federal ESAs and provides certainty to the development process. For projects
outside the Conservation Areas, this means that the projects would no longer have to
conduct biological surveys, address biological resource issues in an EIR, or negotiate
individually with CDFG and USFWS regarding mitigation. Instead, projects outside the
Conservation Areas would simply pay the Development Mitigation Fee.
y Coverage for Roads and other Vital Infrastructure Projects for 75 Years. In addition
to providing ITPs and mitigation for critical freeway interchange projects in the
Coachella Valley, the MSHCP provides ITPs for the regional road network (TPPS
projects) and 75 years worth of Caltrans projects, including freeway and highway
widening projects and bridge improvements. Other projects covered by the MSHCP
include projects approved pursuant to county and city general plans, including the
circulation element of said general plans, master drainage plans, capital improvement
plans, water and waste management plans, the County's adopted Trails Master Plan, and
other plans adopted by the Permittees. Also covered under the MSHCP are operations
and maintenance of existing and future public facilities including publicly maintained
roads and rights -of -way; materials pits; maintenance yards; flood control facilities;
landfills, transfer stations, and other solid waste related facilities; water development,
production, storage, treatment, and transmission facilities; sewage treatment and
transmission facilities; reclaimed water storage and transmission facilities; public parks;
substations and electric transmission facilities; and other public utility facilities providing
services essential to the health, safety, and welfare of the public.
➢ Maintaining quality of life and conferring economic benefits. The MSHCP will
provide for the conservation of significant natural resource lands throughout the
Coachella Valley since the wildlife habitat conserved by the MSHCP contains other
resource values as well. Protection of these lands will maintain the Coachella Valley's
quality of life by conserving the area's scenic and open space qualities and providing
recreation amenities. Open space enhances property values and supports the area's
tourism economy. Half of the lands to be acquired are expected to be funded with state
and federal dollars, thus effectively leveraging the local Development Mitigation Fee
money.
Ramifications of the MSHCP's not being Approved
If the MSHCP is not approved (which requires all the Permittees to approve it), there will be
no Incidental Take Permit (ITP) for the eleven currently listed species that occur in Coachella
Valley and no ITPs for the currently non -listed Covered Species should they become listed.
The consequences of that are as follows:
Y Loss of Coachella Valley Fringe -toed Lizard Permit. The current state ITP for the
Coachella Valley fringe -toed lizard (CVFTL) will no longer be valid; further,
USFWS is likely to initiate suspension or revocation of the federal ITP because the
MSHCP is intended to redress deficiencies in the existing CVFTL HCP identified by
USFWS. Without the MSHCP, it is expected that the existing Take Permit will be
suspended or revoked and development that would impact this species would no
longer be permitted. This would have an enormous impact on development
throughout much of the Coachella Valley.
➢ No coverage for Transportation Projects. If the MSHCP is not approved, there
would be no ITP for the TPPS projects or for Caltrans' improvements. Each such
project would need to seek an ITP on a project by project basis from the Wildlife
Agencies. While the freeway interchanges and associated arterials are being
addressed on a parallel track to the MSHCP with the Wildlife Agencies, there are
likely to be delays with these projects occasioned by the lack of an MSHCP.
➢ Risk of New Species being Listed as Threatened or Endangered. Should a species
not currently listed become listed (such as the flat -tailed horned lizard or Coachella
Valley round -tailed ground squirrel), all development in that species' habitat would
be prohibited under the Endangered Species Act without an ITP. This would have a
chilling effect on development in the Coachella Valley.
➢ No Simplification of Compliance with the State and Federal Endangered Species
Acts. Even projects that do not impact a threatened or endangered species must still
address the impacts of the project on other wildlife species. This may require
preparation of an EIR, surveys of the project site to determine if sensitive species are
present, and mitigation measures, which may have to be individually negotiated with
USFWS and CDFG. Such individual project mitigation can be quite costly and can
cause significant delays in projects.
Coachella Vallev Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan -Executive Summary
The Coachella Valley Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan establishes and
provides funds to monitor and manage a Reserve System that will conserve habitat for 27
Covered Species as well as 27 natural communities. It adds more than 200,000 acres to existing
local, state, federal, and private conservation lands to establish an approximately 725,000 acre
Reserve System, including new conservation areas, portions of Joshua Tree National Park and
the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument. This system will protect
covered species and natural communities conserved in the plan and watch over watersheds and
creeks important to the local water supply, limit urban sprawl, enhance quality of life issues, and
provide new recreational opportunities, including trails and wildlife viewing areas.
Trails Component
The plan also includes a Trails Plan for the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains, which
reflects the high degree of concern about balancing recreation use and protection of the
endangered Peninsular bighorn sheep. The Trails Plan:
1. Identifies year round trails;
2. Delineates new Perimeter Trails to be constructed on the edge of bighorn habitat and
away from the most biologically sensitive areas; and
3. Establishes a permit system between January 15 and June 30th for the nine trails in the
most sensitive bighorn sheep areas.
Permittees and Take Permits
The plan is both proactive and comprehensive and serves, as the basis for obtaining Take
Permits, which will enable future growth and development to be in compliance with state and
federal endangered species protection laws. A take permit allows a permitting process for a
specified amount of take of threatened and endangered species. The take is in exchange for the
establishment and management and monitoring of a reserve system for the permanent protection
of those species. As permittees, all Coachella Valley cities and Riverside County, will receive
these Take Permits.
Plan Implementation - Coachella Valley Conservation Commission
The local permittees are also establishing the Coachella Valley Conservation
Commission, a joint powers authority, to implement the Plan. The Commission will administer
revenues from various fees and other potential sources to implement the land acquisition
program and ensure that the Reserve System lands are monitored and managed.
The acquisition program is projected to require 30 years to complete. The Commission
will also build an endowment fund to provide for monitoring and management of the Reserve
System lands in perpetuity. This goal is not easy, as it will take 75 years to fully fund the
endowment, allowing its annual interest to adequately fund the yearly monitoring and
management costs. The Commission will also oversee a Joint Project Review Process for
proposed development projects in Conservation Areas, to ensure the project is consistent with the
plan's conservation objectives.
What if there is no Conservation Plan?
1. Projects that would result in take of a currently listed threatened or endangered species
would be unable to proceed, unless they went through a permitting process satisfactory to
both state and federal agencies. This process could easily require many years, during
which time the project, whether a private development project or a freeway interchange,
could not proceed.
2. There is a high risk of additional species being listed as threatened or endangered, which
could impede growth and development/public infrastructure projects within the Coachella
Valley.
3. Projects that do not impact a threatened or endangered species must still address the
impacts of the project on these and other wildlife species as required by the California
Environmental Quality Act. This process may require preparation of an Environmental
Impact Report (EIR), project surveys to determine the existence of sensitive species.
Mitigation measures may also be required leading to negotiation with federal and state
agencies. Such individual project mitigation can be quite costly and cause significant
delays. There also remains the risk of the project s being challenged by environmental
organizations that believe the project is inadequately analyzing or mitigating its impacts.
Conclusion
The Coachella Valley Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan will simplify the approval
process for future growth and development, including both public infrastructure projects and
private development. Developers can satisfy complex state and federal endangered species
protection laws and requirements by simple compliance with this plan. Instead of undertaking
lengthy surveys, environmental analysis, and negotiations with regulatory agencies, projects
outside the plan's conservation areas will, in most instances, simply pay the required mitigation
fee. This proactive and comprehensive plan balances the frequently conflicting needs of
conservation and development in the Coachella Valley.
Klassen, Rachelle
From:
Jawahar Gandhi Uawgan@aol.com]
Sent:
Monday, February 20, 2006 3:56 PM
To:
Supervisor Marion Ashley
Cc:
director@dfg.ca.gov; Jim_Bartel@fws.gov; Information Mail; Klassen, Rachelle;
jwohlmuth@cvag.org; Mayor@Coachella.org; jdelara@dc.rr.com;
pbyrd@cityofindianwells.org; ed@edmonarch.net; rbernheimer@cityofindianwells.org;
marytroche@aol.com; cnegron@cityofindianwells.org; RonO@ci.palm-springs.ca.us;
gin nyf@ci.palm -springs.ca. us; michaelm@ci.palm-springs.ca.us; chrism@ci.palm-
springs.ca.us; stevep@ci.palm -springs.ca. us; districts @rcbos.org; district2@rcbos.org;
district3@rcbos.org; district4@rcbos.org; Tmckeating@cathedralcity.gov;
citycouncil@indio.org; alans@ci.rancho-mirage.ca.us; richardk@ci.rancho-mirage.ca.us;
danah@ci.rancho-mirage.ca.us; ronm@ci.rancho-mirage.ca.us; madolph@la-quinta.org;
ssniff@la-quinta.org; thenderson@la-quinta.org; losborne@la-quinta.org; rperkins@la-
quinta.org
Subject:
Revise the MSHCPI
Dear Supervisor Marion Ashley,
As a landowner in the Coachella Valley, I urge the directors of the Coachella Valley
Association of Governments to delay approval of the Coachella Valley Multiple Species
Habitat Conservation Plan (MSHCP).
Under the current proposal, local landowners will suffer a dramatic decrease in the value
of property they own within or adjacent to the Conservation Areas. Other Habitat
Conservation Plans do not place such an extreme burden on property owners, and the
Coachella Valley plan needs to be revised to avoid impacts like these.
We need a new and better MSHCP: One that is based on sound biological science, not shakey
computer models; one that gives landowners more flexibility and protection; one that
shares burdens more evenly. The CVAG should not rush into a decision that will
detrimentally impact the Coachella Valley for 75 years - we need to take our time and do
it right.
Sincerely,
Jawahar Gandhi
Little Ferry
CC:
CVAG Executive Director John Wohlmuth
City of Blythe
Mayor Robert Crain c ?`
Vice Mayor Chuck Grotke 71
Councilmember Joseph De Coninck
Councilmember Alfonso Hernandez ':Ut)
Councilmember Beverly Mays
co rn
1
City of Cathedral City
Mayor Kathy De Rosa
Mayor Pro Tem Greg Pettis
Councilmember Paul S. Marchand
Councilmember Chuck Vasquez
Councilmember Bud England
City of Coachella
Mayor Jesse Villarreal
Mayor Pro Tem Juan De Lara
Councilmember Eduardo Garcia
Councilmember Richard Macknicki
Councilmember Gilbert Ramirez, Jr
City of Desert Hot Springs
Mayor Alex Bias
Mayor Pro Tem Gary Bosworth
Councilmember Yvonne Parks
Councilmember Henry Hohenstein
Councilmember Mary Stephens
City of Indian Wells
Mayor Ed Monarch
Mayor Pro Tem Conrad Negron, Sr.
Councilmember Rob Bernheimer
Councilmember Mary T. Roche
Councilmember Larry Spicer
City of Indio
Mayor Gene Gilbert
Mayor Pro Tem Ben Godfrey
Councilmember Melanie Fesmire
Councilmember Lupe Ramos Watson
2
Councilmember Michael Wilson
City of La Quinta
Mayor Don Adolph
Mayor Pro Tem Stanley Sniff
Councilmember Terry Henderson
Councilmember Lee Osborne
Councilmember Ron Perkins
City of Rancho Mirage
Mayor Alan Seman
Mayor Pro Tem Richard W. Kite
Councilmember G. Dana Hobart
Councilmember Ron Meepos
City of Palm Desert
Mayor Jim Ferguson
Mayor Pro Tem Richard S. Kelly
Councilmember Jean M. Benson
Councilmember Buford A. Crites
Councilmember Robert A. Spiegel
City of Palm Springs
Mayor Ron Oden
Mayor Pro Tem Ginny Foat
Councilmember Michael McCulloch
Councilmember Chris Mills
Councilmember Stephen Pougnet
County of Riverside
Supervisor Bob Buster, 1st District
Supervisor John Tavaglione, 2nd District
Supervisor Jeff Stone, 3rd District
Supervisor Roy Wilson, 4th District
9
Hon. Gale Norton , Secretary, Department of Interior
Jim Bartel, United States Fish & Wildlife Service
L. Ryan Broddrick, Director, California Department of Fish & Game
Coalition for Smart Conservation
4
Klassen, Rachelle
From:
Sent:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
Jack McKannon [mckannont@aol.com]
Friday, February 17, 2006 6:53 AM
Supervisor Marion Ashley
director@dfg.ca.gov; Jim _Bartel@fws.gov; Information Mail; Klassen, Rachelle;
jwohimuth@cvag.org; Mayor@Coachella.org; jdelara@dc.rr.com;
pbyrd@cityofindianwells.org; ed@edmonarch.net; rbernheimer@cityofindianwells.org;
marytroche@aol.com; cnegron@cityofindianwells.org; RonO@ci.palm-springs.ca.us;
ginnyf@ci.paim-springs.ca.us; michaelm@ci.paim-springs.ca.us; chrism@ci.palm-
springs.ca.us; stevep@ci.palm-springs.ca.us; district1 @rcbos.org; district2@rcbos.org;
district3@rcbos.org; district4@rcbos.org; Tmckeating@cathedralcity.gov;
citycouncil@indio.org; alans@ci.rancho-mirage.ca.us; richardk@ci.rancho-mirage.ca.us;
danah@ci.rancho-mirage.ca.us; ronm@ci.rancho-mirage.ca.us; madolph@la-quinta.org;
ssniff@la-quinta.org; thenderson@la-quinta.org; losborne@la-quinta.org; rperkins@la-
quinta.org
Delay the Vote on the MSHCP!
Dear Supervisor Marion Ashley,
As a landowner in the Coachella Valley, I urge the directors of the Coachella Valley
Association of Governments to delay approval of the Coachella Valley Multiple Species
Habitat Conservation Plan (MSHCP).
Under the current proposal, local landowners will suffer a dramatic decrease in the value
of property they own within or adjacent to the Conservation Areas. Other Habitat
Conservation Plans do not place such an extreme burden on property owners, and the
Coachella Valley plan needs to be revised to avoid impacts like these.
We need a new and better MSHCP: One that is based on sound biological science, not shakey
computer models; one that gives landowners more flexibility and protection; one that
shares burdens more evenly. The CVAG should not rush into a decision that will
detrimentally impact the Coachella Valley for 75 years - we need to take our time and do
it right.
Sincerely,
Jack McKannon
Fort Worth
CC:
CVAG Executive Director John Wohlmuth
City of Blythe
o Z4
Mayor Robert Crain f-r} ;" :,
00
Vice Mayor Chuck Grotke ice ';C.
Councilmember Joseph De ConinckcraM
0
Councilmember Alfonso Hernandez J {�n
t'?
Councilmember Beverly Mays � M
1
City of Cathedral City
Mayor Kathy De Rosa
Mayor Pro Tem Greg Pettis
Councilmember Paul S. Marchand
Councilmember Chuck Vasquez
Councilmember Bud England
City of Coachella
Mayor Jesse Villarreal
Mayor Pro Tem Juan De Lara
Councilmember Eduardo Garcia
Councilmember Richard Macknicki
Councilmember Gilbert Ramirez, Jr
City of Desert Hot Springs
Mayor Alex Bias
Mayor Pro Tem Gary Bosworth
Councilmember Yvonne Parks
Councilmember Henry Hohenstein
Councilmember Mary Stephens
City of Indian Wells
Mayor Ed Monarch
Mayor Pro Tem Conrad Negron, Sr.
Councilmember Rob Bernheimer
Councilmember Mary T. Roche
Councilmember Larry Spicer
City of Indio
Mayor Gene Gilbert
Mayor Pro Tem Ben Godfrey
Councilmember Melanie Fesmire
Councilmember Lupe Ramos Watson
r.
Councilmember Michael Wilson
City of La Quinta
Mayor Don Adolph
Mayor Pro Tem Stanley Sniff
Councilmember Terry Henderson
Councilmember Lee Osborne
Councilmember Ron Perkins
City of Rancho Mirage
Mayor Alan Seman
Mayor Pro Tem Richard W. Kite
Councilmember G. Dana Hobart
Councilmember Ron Meepos
City of Palm Desert
Mayor Jim Ferguson
Mayor Pro Tem Richard S. Kelly
Councilmember Jean M. Benson
Councilmember Buford A. Crites
Councilmember Robert A. Spiegel
City of Palm Springs
Mayor Ron Oden
Mayor Pro Tem Ginny Foat
Councilmember Michael McCulloch
Councilmember Chris Mills
Councilmember Stephen Pougnet
County of Riverside
Supervisor Bob Buster, 1st District
Supervisor John Tavaglione, 2nd District
Supervisor`Jeff Stone, 3rd District
Supervisor Roy Wilson, 4th District
3
Hon. Gale Norton , Secretary, Department of Interior
Jim Bartel, United States Fish & Wildlife Service
L. Ryan Broddrick, Director, California Department of Fish & Game
Coalition for Smart Conservation
4
Klassen, Rachelle
From
Sent:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
Patricia L. Abbey [patricialabbey@verizon.net]
Monday, February 20, 2006 4:03 PM
Supervisor Marion Ashley
director@dfg.ca.gov; Jim_Bartel@fws.gov; InformationMail; Klassen, Rachelle;
jwohlmuth@cvag.org; Mayor@Coachella.org; jdelara@dc.rr.com;
pbyrd@cityofindianwells.org; ed@edmonarch.net; rbernheimer@cityofindianwells.org;
marytroche@aol.com; cnegron@cityofindianwells.org; RonO@ci.palm-springs.ca.us;
ginnyf@ci.palm-springs.ca.us; michaelm@ci.paim-springs.ca.us; chrism@ci.palm-
springs.ca.us; stevep@ci.palm -springs.ca.us; districtl @rcbos.org; district2@rcbos.org;
district3@rcbos.org; district4@rcbos.org; Tmckeating@cathedralcity.gov;
citycouncil@indio.org; alans@ci.rancho-mirage.ca.us; richardk@ci.rancho-mirage.ca.us;
danah@ci.rancho-mirage.ca.us; ronm@ci.rancho-mirage.ca.us; madolph@la-quinta.org;
ssniff@la-quinta.org; thenderson@la-quinta.org; losborne@la-quinta.org; rperkins@la-
quinta.org
Local Resident Concerned with the MSHCP!
Dear Supervisor Marion Ashley,
As a landowner in the Coachella Valley, I urge the directors of the Coachella Valley
Association of Governments to delay approval of the Coachella Valley Multiple Species
Habitat Conservation Plan (MSHCP).
Under the current proposal, local landowners will suffer a dramatic decrease in the value
of property they own within or adjacent to the Conservation Areas. Other Habitat
Conservation Plans do not place such an extreme burden on property owners, and the
Coachella Valley plan needs to be revised to avoid impacts like these.
We need a new and better MSHCP: One that is based on sound biological science, not shakey
computer models; one that gives landowners more flexibility and protection; one that
shares burdens more evenly. The CVAG should not rush into a decision that will
detrimentally impact the Coachella Valley for 75 years - we need to take our time and do
it right.
Sincerely,
Patricia L. Abbey
Cathedral City
CC:
CVAG Executive Director John Wohlmuth
City of Blythe`
Mayor Robert Crain ' WM
� �r'n
Vice Mayor Chuck Grotke tv C''v
Councilmember Joseph De Coninck,
'S
Councilmember Alfonso Hernandez -_J yy^ryry-n
1i i i-iy
Councilmember Beverly Mays 00
sYs
1
City of Cathedral City
Mayor Kathy De Rosa
Mayor Pro Tem Greg Pettis
Councilmember Paul S. Marchand
Councilmember Chuck Vasquez
Councilmember Bud England
City of Coachella
Mayor Jesse Villarreal
Mayor Pro Tem Juan De Lara
Councilmember Eduardo Garcia
Councilmember Richard Macknicki
Councilmember Gilbert Ramirez, Jr
City of Desert Hot Springs
Mayor Alex Bias
Mayor Pro Tem Gary Bosworth
Councilmember Yvonne Parks
Councilmember Henry Hohenstein
Councilmember Mary Stephens
City of Indian Wells
Mayor Ed Monarch
Mayor Pro Tem Conrad Negron, Sr.
Councilmember Rob Bernheimer
Councilmember Mary T. Roche
Councilmember Larry Spicer
City of Indio
Mayor Gene Gilbert
Mayor Pro Tem Ben Godfrey
Councilmember Melanie Fesmire
Councilmember Lupe Ramos Watson
2
Councilmember Michael Wilson
City of La Quinta
Mayor Don Adolph
Mayor Pro Tem Stanley Sniff
Councilmember Terry Henderson
Councilmember Lee Osborne
Councilmember Ron Perkins
City of Rancho Mirage
Mayor Alan Seman
Mayor Pro Tem Richard W. Kite
Councilmember G. Dana Hobart
Councilmember Ron Meepos
City of Palm Desert
Mayor Jim Ferguson
Mayor Pro Tem Richard S. Kelly
Councilmember Jean M. Benson
Councilmember Buford A. Crites
Councilmember Robert A. Spiegel
City of Palm Springs
Mayor Ron Oden
Mayor Pro Tem Ginny Foat
Councilmember Michael McCulloch
Councilmember Chris Mills
Councilmember Stephen Pougnet
County of Riverside
Supervisor Bob Buster, 1st District
Supervisor John Tavaglione, 2nd District
Supervisor Jeff Stone, 3rd District
Supervisor Roy Wilson, 4th District
3
Hon. Gale Norton , Secretary, Department of Interior
Jim Bartel, United States Fish & Wildlife Service
L. Ryan Broddrick, Director, California Department of Fish & Game
Coalition for Smart Conservation
4
Klassen, Rachelle
From:
Sent:
Cc:
Subject:
Randall Haskin [randy@ellkin.net]
Tuesday, February 21, 2006 9:44 AM
Supervisor Marion Ashley
director@dfg.ca.gov; Jim_Bartel@fws.gov; Information Mail; Klassen, Rachelle;
jwohimuth@cvag.org; Mayor@Coachella.org; jdelara@dc.rr.com;
pbyrd@cityofindianwells.org; ed@edmonarch.net; rbernheimer@cityofindianwells.org;
marytroche@aol.com; cnegron@cityofindianwells.org; RonO@ci.palm -springs.ca. us;
ginnyf@ci.palm-springs.ca.us; michaelm@ci.palm-springs.ca.us; chrism@ci.palm-
springs.ca.us; stevep@ci.palm-springs.ca.us; district1 @rcbos.org; district2@rcbos.org;
district3@rcbos.org; district4@rcbos.org; Tmckeating@cathedralcity.gov;
citycouncil@indio.org; alans@ci.rancho-mirage.ca.us; richardk@ci.rancho-mirage.ca.us;
danah@ci.rancho-mirage.ca.us; ronm@ci.rancho-mirage.ca.us; madolph@la-quinta.org;
ssniff@la-quinta.org; thenderson@la-quinta.org; losborne@la-quinta.org; rperkins@Ia-
quinta.org
Delay the Vote on the MSHCP!
Dear Supervisor Marion Ashley,
As a landowner in the Coachella Valley, I urge the directors of the Coachella Valley
Association of Governments to delay approval of the Coachella Valley Multiple Species
Habitat Conservation Plan (MSHCP).
Under the current proposal, local landowners will suffer a dramatic decrease in the value
of property they own within or adjacent to the Conservation Areas. Other Habitat
Conservation Plans do not place such an extreme burden on property owners, and the
Coachella Valley plan needs to be revised to avoid impacts like these.
We need a new and better MSHCP: One that is based on sound biological science, not shakey
computer models; one that gives landowners more flexibility and protection; one that
shares burdens more evenly. The CVAG should not rush into a decision that will
detrimentally impact the Coachella Valley for 75 years - we need to take our time and do
it right.
Sincerely,
Randall Haskin
Desert Hot Springs
CC:
CVAG Executive Director John Wohlmuth
City of Blythe
a
Mayor Robert Crain
mm;
Vice Mayor Chuck Grotke
;V
....
1-n;. °
Councilmember Joseph De Coninck
'm
Councilmember Alfonso Hernandez
C!"►
�
>
Councilmember Beverly Mays
rn
1
City of Cathedral City
Mayor Kathy De Rosa
Mayor Pro Tem Greg Pettis
Councilmember Paul S. Marchand
Councilmember Chuck Vasquez
Councilmember Bud England
City of Coachella
Mayor Jesse Villarreal
Mayor Pro Tem Juan De Lara
Councilmember Eduardo Garcia
Councilmember Richard Macknicki
Councilmember Gilbert Ramirez, Jr
City of Desert Hot Springs
Mayor Alex Bias
Mayor Pro Tem Gary Bosworth
Councilmember Yvonne Parks
Councilmember Henry Hohenstein
Councilmember Mary Stephens
City of Indian Wells
Mayor Ed Monarch
Mayor Pro Tem Conrad Negron, Sr.
Councilmember Rob Bernheimer
Councilmember Mary T. Roche
Councilmember Larry Spicer
City of Indio
Mayor Gene Gilbert
Mayor Pro Tem Ben Godfrey
Councilmember Melanie Fesmire
Councilmember Lupe Ramos Watson
2
Councilmember Michael Wilson
City of La Quinta
Mayor Don Adolph
Mayor Pro Tem Stanley Sniff
Councilmember Terry Henderson
Councilmember Lee Osborne
Councilmember Ron Perkins
City of Rancho Mirage
Mayor Alan Seman
Mayor Pro Tem Richard W. Kite
Councilmember G. Dana Hobart
Councilmember Ron Meepos
City of Palm Desert
Mayor Jim Ferguson
Mayor Pro Tem Richard S. Kelly
Councilmember Jean M. Benson
Councilmember Buford A. Crites
Councilmember Robert A. Spiegel
City of Palm Springs
Mayor Ron Oden
Mayor Pro Tem Ginny Foat
Councilmember Michael McCulloch
Councilmember Chris Mills
Councilmember Stephen Pougnet
County of Riverside
Supervisor Bob Buster, 1st District
Supervisor John Tavaglione, 2nd District
Supervisor Jeff Stone, 3rd District
Supervisor Roy Wilson, 4th District
3
Hon. Gale Norton , Secretary, Department of Interior
Jim Bartel, United States Fish & Wildlife Service
L. Ryan Broddrick, Director, California Department of Fish & Game
Coalition for Smart Conservation
4
Klassen, Rachelle
From:
Sent:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
Sneha Gandhi Dawgan@aol.com]
Monday, February 20, 2006 3:57 PM
Supervisor Marion Ashley
director@dfg.ca.gov; Jim_Bartel@fws.gov; Information Mail; Klassen, Rachelle;
jwohlmuth@cvag.org; Mayor@Coachella.org; jdelara@dc.rr.com;
pbyrd@cityofindianwells.org; ed@edmonarch.net; rbernheimer@cityofindianwells.org;
marytroche@aol.com; cnegron@cityofindianwells.org; Ron0@c!.palm-springs.ca.us;
ginnyf@ci.palm-springs.ca.us; michaelm@ci.palm-springs.ca.us; chrism@ci.palm-
springs.ca.us; stevep@ci.palm-springs.ca.us; districtl @rcbos.org; district2@rcbos.org;
district3@rcbos.org; district4@rcbos.org; Tmckeating@cathedralcity.gov;
citycouncil@indio.org; alans@ci.rancho-mirage.ca.us; richardk@ci.rancho-mirage.ca.us;
danah@ci.rancho-mirage.ca.us; ronm@ci.rancho-mirage.ca.us; madolph@la-quinta.org;
ssniff@la-quinta.org; thenderson@la-quinta.org; losborne@la-quinta.org; rperkins@la-
quinta.org
The MSHCP Needs Revision!
Dear Supervisor Marion Ashley,
As a landowner in the Coachella Valley, I urge the directors of the Coachella Valley
Association of Governments to delay approval of the Coachella Valley Multiple Species
Habitat Conservation Plan (MSHCP).
Under the current proposal, local landowners will suffer a dramatic decrease in the value
of property they own within or adjacent to the Conservation Areas. Other Habitat
Conservation Plans do not place such an extreme burden on property owners, and the
Coachella Valley plan needs to be revised to avoid impacts like these.
We need a new and better MSHCP: One that is based on sound biological science, not shakey
computer models; one that gives landowners more flexibility and protection; one that
shares burdens more evenly. The CVAG should not rush into a decision that will
detrimentally impact the Coachella Valley for 75 years - we need to take our time and do
it right.
Sincerely,
Sneha Gandhi
Little Ferry
CC:
CVAG Executive Director John Wohlmuth
City of Blythe
Mayor Robert Crain
Vice Mayor Chuck Grotke
Cal r
Councilmember Joseph De Coninck
�
Councilmember Alfonso Hernandez
..�
MI
..�.�
Councilmember Beverly Mays
rz�
C"9 -wrt
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1
City of Cathedral City
Mayor Kathy De Rosa
Mayor Pro Tem Greg Pettis
Councilmember Paul S. Marchand
Councilmember Chuck Vasquez
Councilmember Bud England
City of Coachella
Mayor Jesse Villarreal
Mayor Pro Tem Juan De Lara
Councilmember Eduardo Garcia
Councilmember Richard Macknicki
Councilmember Gilbert Ramirez, Jr
City of Desert Hot Springs
Mayor Alex Bias
Mayor Pro Tem Gary Bosworth
Councilmember Yvonne Parks
Councilmember Henry Hohenstein
Councilmember Mary Stephens
City of Indian Wells
Mayor Ed Monarch
Mayor Pro Tem Conrad Negron, Sr.
Councilmember Rob Bernheimer
Councilmember Mary T. Roche
Councilmember Larry Spicer
City of Indio
Mayor Gene Gilbert
Mayor Pro Tem Ben Godfrey
Councilmember Melanie Fesmire
Councilmember Lupe Ramos Watson
r.
Councilmember Michael Wilson
City of La Quinta
Mayor Don Adolph
Mayor Pro Tem Stanley Sniff
Councilmember Terry Henderson
Councilmember Lee Osborne
Councilmember Ron Perkins
City of Rancho Mirage
Mayor Alan Seman
Mayor Pro Tem Richard W. Kite
Councilmember G. Dana Hobart
Councilmember Ron Meepos
City of Palm Desert
Mayor Jim Ferguson
Mayor Pro Tem Richard S. Kelly
Councilmember Jean M. Benson
Councilmember Buford A. Crites
Councilmember Robert A. Spiegel
City of Palm Springs
Mayor Ron Oden
Mayor Pro Tem Ginny Foat
Councilmember Michael McCulloch
Councilmember Chris Mills
Councilmember Stephen Pougnet
County of Riverside
Supervisor Bob Buster, 1st District
Supervisor John Tavaglione, 2nd District
Supervisor Jeff Stone, 3rd District
Supervisor Roy Wilson, 4th District
3
Hon. Gale Norton , Secretary, Department of Interior
Jim Bartel, United States Fish & Wildlife Service
L. Ryan Broddrick, Director, California Department of Fish & Game
Coalition for Smart Conservation
4
Klassen, Rachelle
From:
Sent:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
Tzeyang Jao [samueljao@sbcglobal.net]
Wednesday, February 22, 2006 8:34 AM
Supervisor Marion Ashley
director@dfg.ca.gov; Jim_Bartel@fws.gov; Information Mail; Klassen, Rachelle;
jwohlmuth@cvag.org; Mayor@Coachella.org; jdelara@dc.rr.com;
pbyrd@cityofindianwells.org; ed@edmonarch.net; rbernheimer@cityofindianwells.org;
marytroche@aol.com; cnegron@cityofindianwells.org; RonO@ci.palm-springs.ca.us;
ginnyf@ci.palm-springs.ca.us; michaelm@ci.palm-springs.ca.us; chrism@ci.palm-
springs.ca.us; stevep@ci.palm-springs.ca.us; district1 @rcbos.org; district2@rcbos.org;
district3@rcbos.org; district4@rcbos.org; Tmckeating@cathedralcity.gov;
citycouncil@ind!o.org; alans@ci.rancho-mirage.ca.us; richardk@ci.rancho-mirage.ca.us;
danah@ci.rancho-mirage.ca.us; ronm@ci.rancho-mirage.ca.us; madolph@la-quinta.org;
ssniff@la-quinta.org; thenderson@la-quinta.org; losborne@la-quinta.org; rperkins@ja-
quinta.org
The MSHCP Needs Revision!
Dear Supervisor Marion Ashley,
As a landowner in the Coachella Valley, I urge the directors of the Coachella Valley
Association of Governments to delay approval of the Coachella Valley Multiple Species
Habitat Conservation Plan (MSHCP).
Under the current proposal, local landowners will suffer a dramatic decrease in the value
of property they own within or adjacent to the Conservation Areas. Other Habitat
Conservation Plans do not place such an extreme burden on property owners, and the
Coachella Valley plan needs to be revised to avoid impacts like these.
We need a new and better MSHCP: One that is based on sound biological science, not shakey
computer models; one that gives landowners more flexibility and protection; one that
shares burdens more evenly. The CVAG should not rush into a decision that will
detrimentally impact the Coachella Valley for 75 years - we need to take our time and do
it right.
Sincerely,
Tzeyang Jao
0
Saugus
..V
CC:M
CVAG Executive Director John Wohlmuth
3V
4,71"o-rl
(A
City of Blythe
••y.
Mayor Robert Crain
rat
Vice Mayor Chuck Grotke
Councilmember Joseph De Coninck
Councilmember Alfonso Hernandez
Councilmember Beverly Mays
1
City of Cathedral City
Mayor Kathy De Rosa
Mayor Pro Tem Greg Pettis
Councilmember Paul S. Marchand
Councilmember Chuck Vasquez
Councilmember Bud England
City of Coachella
Mayor Jesse Villarreal
Mayor Pro Tem Juan De Lara
Councilmember Eduardo Garcia
Councilmember Richard Macknicki
Councilmember Gilbert Ramirez, Jr
City of Desert Hot Springs
Mayor Alex Bias
Mayor Pro Tem Gary Bosworth
Councilmember Yvonne Parks
Councilmember Henry Hohenstein
Councilmember Mary Stephens
City of Indian Wells
Mayor Ed Monarch
Mayor Pro Tem Conrad Negron, Sr.
Councilmember Rob Bernheimer
Councilmember Mary T. Roche
Councilmember Larry Spicer
City of Indio
Mayor Gene Gilbert
Mayor Pro Tem Ben Godfrey
Councilmember Melanie Fesmire
Councilmember Lupe Ramos Watson
2
Councilmember Michael Wilson
City of La Quinta
Mayor Don Adolph
Mayor Pro Tem Stanley Sniff
Councilmember Terry Henderson
Councilmember Lee Osborne
Councilmember Ron Perkins
City of Rancho Mirage
Mayor Alan Seman
Mayor Pro Tem Richard W. Kite
Councilmember G. Dana Hobart
Councilmember Ron Meepos
City of Palm Desert
Mayor Jim Ferguson
Mayor Pro Tem Richard S. Kelly
Councilmember Jean M. Benson
Councilmember Buford A. Crites
Councilmember Robert A. Spiegel
City of Palm Springs
Mayor Ron Oden
Mayor Pro Tem Ginny Foat
Councilmember Michael McCulloch
Councilmember Chris Mills
Councilmember Stephen Pougnet
County of Riverside
Supervisor Bob Buster, 1st District
Supervisor John Tavaglione, 2nd District
Supervisor Jeff Stone, 3rd District
Supervisor Roy Wilson, 4th District
3
Hon. Gale Norton , Secretary, Department of Interior
Jim Bartel, United States Fish & Wildlife Service
L. Ryan Broddrick, Director, California Department of Fish & Game
Coalition for Smart Conservation
4