CVAG-Other Agencies/Multiple Species Habitat MOU 072
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MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING
Between
COACHELLA VALLEY ASSOCIATION OF GOVERNMENTS, COACHELLA VALLEY CONSERVATION
-OMMISSION, COUNTY OF RIVERSIDE, CITY OF CATHEDRAL CITY, CITY OF COACHELLA, CITY OF
ERT, CITY OF PALM
SPRINGS CIITY OF RANCHOLLS, CITY OF DIO, CITY MIRA E,OF LA COACHELLA VALLEY WATER DISA, CITY OF PALM TRICT, CENTER OR
NATURAL LANDS MANAGEMENT AND CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND GAME
Regarding
THE COACHELLA VALLEY MULTIPLE SPECIES HABITAT CONSERVATION PLAN/NATURAL
COMMUNITYCTINUED CONSERVATION OFNSERVATION PLAN NTHE COACHELLA VALLD MEASURES TO EY FRINGE -TOED LIZARE AND MITIGATE D AND
PURPOSE
The Cites of Cathedral City, Coachella, Indian Wells, Indio, La Quinta, Palm Desert, Palm Springs, Rancho
Mirage, all municipal corporations of the State of California ("Cities"), the County of Riverside, a political
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subdivision of the State of California ("County"); the Coachella Valley Association of Governments ("CVAG");
the Coachella Valley Conservation Commission ("CVCC'); the Coachella Valley Water District ("CVWD" ); the
California Department of Fish and Game ("CDFG"), a subdivision of the California Resources Agency; and the
Center for Natural Lands Management collectively referred to as "the Parties", enter into this Memorandum of
Understanding ("MOU) for the purpose of establishing the obligations of each of the Parties towards the
completion of the Coachella Valley Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan/Natural Community Conservation
Plan ("MSHCP") and the continued conservation of the Coachella Valley Fringe -toed Lizard ("CVFTL") in
compliance with both the federal Endangered Species Act, 16 U.S.C. Section 1531 et seq., as amended ("ESA"),
the California Endangered Species Act, California Fish and Game Code Section 2050 et seq., as amended
("CESA"), and the California Natural Community Conservation Planning Act, California Fish and Game Code
Section 2800 et seq.
II.
RECITALS
A. WHEREAS, the Parties agree that a permitted Coachella Valley Multiple Species Habitat Conservation
Plan ("MSHCP") is the appropriate course of action to provide long term regional conservation for the
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Coachella Valley fringe -toed lizard, and support a concerted effort to complete the MSHCP by January 15,
2008;
B. WHEREAS, the Parties entered into a Memorandum of Understanding on March 21, 2001, and CDFG
subsequently made a determination pursuant to Section 2080.1 of the California Fish and Game Code
("Consistency Determination") finding that the USFWS Section 10(a) Incidental Take Permit authorizing take
of the CVFTL in combination with the mitigation provided in the Memorandum of Understanding and other
documents is consistent with CESA;
C. WHEREAS, that Memorandum of Understanding, as subsequently amended, expires August 31, 2007;
D. WHEREAS, the Parties to that Memorandum of Understanding have complied with its terms and
conditions, including good faith efforts to complete the MSHCP, but desire that additional conservation
measures be implemented on an interim basis to protect the CVFTL until the MSHCP is in place; and
E. WHEREAS, the Parties desire to maintain take authorization for the CVFTL while the MSHCP permitting
process continues.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE PARTIES AGREE TO THE FOLLOWING:
1. The Memorandum of Understanding dated March 21, 2001, as subsequently amended, and the
Consistency Determination currently expire on August 31, 2007. Based on the Local Agency
commitments in this MOU, CDFG agrees to extend the Consistency Determination to September 10,
2007, as long as there are no other events that would legally require CDFG to re-examine whether the
Consistency Determination is still appropriate. The CVAG Executive Committee and CVCC shall
consider approval of the MSHCP as well as the provisions contained in this MOU at their September
10, 2007 special joint meeting, and if the MSHCP and MOU are approved, the Consistency
Determination shall be extended until October 31, 2007, as long as there are no other events that would
legally require CDFG to re-examine whether the Consistency Determination is still appropriate.
Thereafter, if the Cities, County and CVWD consider and approve the MSHCP and this MOU prior to
October 31, 2007, the Consistency Determination shall be extended to March 15, 2008. It is
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anticipated that the MSHCP will be approved and state and federal permits will be issued on or before
March 15, 2008.
2. The Parties agree that the provisions of the Memorandum of Understanding dated March 21, 2001, as
subsequently amended in August of 2006, are hereby incorporated by reference subject to the specific
modifications and/or additions contained in this MOU. Section III.D. of the August 2006 MOU is not
incorporated by reference into this MOU.
3. CVAG and CVCC, on behalf of the Local Permittees identified in the Final Recirculated MSHCP dated
September 2007, shall acquire 100 acres of land between August 31, 2007 and March 15, 2008 to
protect CVFTL habitat, and the sand source and sand transport areas required for the maintenance of
CVFTL habitat. CVAG and CVCC shall use available funding sources, including but not limited to
CVFTL fees, transportation funds, and grants. A monthly accounting of the status of the acquisition
effort shall be provided to CDFG and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. By September 30, 2007,
CVAG and CVCC in consultation with the Coachella Valley Mountains Conservancy, CDFG and the
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service shall set acquisition priorities.
4. CVAG and CVCC shall initiate by October 31, 2007 and complete by January 30, 2008 a financial
audit of the CVFTL fees collected by the Center for Natural Lands Management since 2001. The audit
will examine the number of disturbed acres for which construction permits were issued and the
corresponding amount of fees paid and collected. If the amount is not accurate, the Consistency
Determination shall terminate until the fee collection is brought into compliance.
5. The Cities and County shall continue to require payment of the CVFTL fee from September 1, 2007
through March 15, 2008.
6. CVAG and CVCC shall submit an initial draft of the Implementation Manual sections which address
CVFTL conservation to CDFG and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service by October 31, 2007.
7. Public projects shall pay the CVFTL fee. Public projects include roads, schools, and flood control
facilities. From September 1, 2007 through March 15, 2008, all public projects shall either: a) pay the
CVFTL fee or b) provide conservation land acceptable to CDFG in an amount equivalent in value to
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the CVFTL fee amount. It is understood that the Cities, County and CVWD have no enforcement
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authority with regard to this provision for public projects not within their jurisdiction.
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8. CVAG and CVCC, on behalf of the Local Permittees identified in the Final Recirculated MSHCP dated
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September 2007, shall provide a Rough Step analysis and status update for the CVFTL to CDFG and
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the U.S. Fish and Wildlife as described in Section 6.5 of the MSHCP monthly.
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9. The Cities and County shall implement, to the extent allowed by law, through the Interim Project
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Review Process, all of the conservation measures and provisions in the attached Appendix A, which
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excerpts those measures that apply to CVFTL from the Final Recirculated MSHCP dated September
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2007.
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10. This MOU may be amended with the written consent of each of the Parties to this MOU.
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11. Without limiting the applicability of the rights granted to the public pursuant to the provisions of 16
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U.S. C. Section 1540(g) and under California law, this MOU shall not create any right or interest in the
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public, or any member thereof, as a third party beneficiary hereof, nor shall it authorize anyone not a
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party to the MOU to maintain a suit for personal injuries or property damages pursuant to the
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provisions of this MOU. The duties, obligations, and responsibilities of the Parties to this MOU with
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respect to third parties shall remain as imposed under existing Federal or California law.
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12. The terms of this MOU shall be governed by and considered in accordance with ESA, CESA, and other
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applicable laws. In particular, nothing in this MOU is intended to limit the authority of the U.S. Fish
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and Wildlife Service to seek penalties or otherwise fulfill its responsibilities under ESA, or to limit the
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authority of CDFG to seek penalties or otherwise fulfill its responsibilities under CESA. Nothing in
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this MOU is intended to limit or diminish the legal obligations and responsibilities of the U.S. Fish and
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Wildlife Service as an agency of the Federal government or of CDFG as an agency of the State of
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California.
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13. Implementation of this MOU by CDFG is subject to the availability of appropriated funds. Nothing in
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this MOU shall be construed by the Parties to require the obligation, appropriation, or expenditure of
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any money from the Treasury of the State of California. The Parties acknowledge and agree that
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I CDFG shall not be required to expend any state appropriated funds unless and until an authorized
2 official of that agency affirmatively acts to commit such expenditure as evidenced in writing.
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r
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CALIFORNIA DEPAVMENIT OF FISH AND GAME
Date:
Reg%n Manager
Inland Deserts Region
California Department of Fish and Game
Los Alamitos, California
COACHELLA VALLEY ASSOCIATION OF GOVERNMENTS
Chair of the Executive Committee
Coachella Valley Association of Governments
Palm Desert, California
COACHELLA VALLEY CONSERVATION COMMISSION
Chair
Coachella Valley Conservation Commission
Palm Desert, California
RIVERSIDE COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
Chair of the Board of Supervisors
Riverside County Board of Supervisors
Riverside, California
CITY OF CATHEDRAL CITY
Mayor
City of Cathedral City
Cathedral City, California
Date:
Date:
Date:
Date:
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CDFG shall not be required to expend any state appropriated funds unless and until an authorized
official of that agency affirmatively acts to commit such expenditure as evidenced in writing
CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND GAME
Date:
Regional Manager
Inland Deserts Region
California Department of Fish and Game
Los Alamitos, California
COACHELLA V Y ASSOCIATION OF GOVERNMENTS /
Date: 9/ / o /b 7
Chair of the Executive Committee
Coachella Valley Association of Governments
Palm Desert, California
COACHELLA V Y CONSERVATION COMMISSION
Date:
Chair
Coachella Valley Conservation Commission
Palm Desert, California
RIVERSIDE COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
Chair of the Board of Supervisors
Riverside County Board of Supervisors
Riverside, California
CITY OF CATHEDRAL CITY
Mayor .
City of Cathedral City
Cathedral City, California
Date:
Date:
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CDFG shall not be required to expend any state appropriated funds unless and until an authorized
official of that agency affirmatively acts to commit such expenditure as evidenced in writing.
CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND GAME
Regional Manager
Inland Deserts Region
California Department of Fish and Game
Los Alamitos, California
Date:
COACHELLA VALLEY ASSOCIATION OF GOVERNMENTS
Date:
Chair of the Executive Committee
Coachella Valley Association of Governments
Palm Desert, California
COACHELLA VALLEY CONSERVATION COMMISSION
Chair
Coachella Valley Conservation Commission
Palm Desert, California
RIVERSIDE
of the $oard of
CITY OF CATHEDRAL CITY
Mayor
City of Cathedral City
Cathedral City, California
Date:
SUPERVISORS
e-41,
1D OCT - 2 2007
Date:
ATTEST:
NANLMROYE1 o, Clerk /
B DEPUTY
Date:
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CDFG shall not be required to expend any state appropriated funds unless and until an authorized
official of that agency affirmatively acts to commit such expenditure as evidenced in writing.
CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND GAME
Date:
Regional Manager
Inland Deserts Region
California Department of Fish and Game
Los Alamitos, California
COACHELLA VALLEY ASSOCIATION OF GOVERNMENTS
Date:
Chair of the Executive Committee
Coachella Valley Association of Governments
Palm Desert, California
COACHELLA VALLEY CONSERVATION COMMISSION
Chair
Coachella Valley Conservation Commission
Palm Desert, California
RIVERSIDE COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
Chair of the Board of Supervisors
Riverside County Board of Supervisors
Riverside, California
CITY OF CATHEDRAL CITY
City of Ca'thedi
Cathedral City,
Date:
Date:
Date: Zd AeZ6 '7
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CITY OF COA LLA
C-1
Mayor
City of Coachella
Coachella, California
CITY OF INDIAN WELLS
Mayor
City of Indian Wells
Indian Wells, California
CITY OF INDIO
Mayor
City of Indio
Indio, California
CITY OF LA QUINTA
Mayor
City of La Quinta
La Quinta, California
CITY OF PALM DESERT
Mayor
City of Palm Desert
Palm Desert, California
CITY OF PALM SPRINGS
Mayor
City of Palm Springs
Pahn Springs, California
L-/r-' %
Date:
Date:
Date:
Date:
Date:
Date:
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CITY OF COACHELLA
Mayor
City of Coachella
Coachella, California
CITY OF INDIAN WELLS
Mayor Pr9ftern
City of Indikin Wells
Indian Wells, California
CITY OF INDIO
Mayor
City of Indio
Indio, California
CITY OF LA QUINTA
Mayor
City of La Quinta
La Quinta, California
CITY OF PALM DESERT
Mayor
City of Palm Desert
Palm Desert, California
CITY OF PALM SPRINGS
Mayor
City of Palm Springs
Palm Springs, California
Date:
Date:
ATTEST:
Ckf4f Depu loYO O
Date:
Date:
Date:
Date:
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CITY OF COACHELLA
Mayor
City of Coachella
Coachella, Califorma
CITY OF INDIAN WELLS
Mayor
City of Indian Wells
Indian Wells, California
CITY
City of Indio
Indio, California
CITY OF LA QUINTA
Mayor
City of La Quinta
La Quinta, California
CITY OF PALM DESERT
Mayor
City of Palm Desert
Palm Desert, California
CITY OF PALM SPRINGS
Mayor
City of Pahn Springs
Palm Springs, California
Date:
Date:
Date:
Date:
Date:
Date:
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CITY OF COACHELLA
Mayor
City of Coachella
Coachella, California
CITY OF INDIAN WELLS
Mayor
City of Indian Wells
Indian Wells, California
CITY OF INDIO
Mayor
City of Indio
Indio, California
CITY OF LA QUINT41ze
A
Ah4.'�
Mayor
City of La Quinta
La Quinta, California
CITY OF PALM DESERT
Mayor
City of Palm Desert
Palm Desert, California
CITY OF PALM SPRINGS
Mayor
City of Palm Springs
Palm Springs, California
Date:
Date:
Date:
Date: /0 //j� /O 7
Date:
Date:
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CITY OF COACHELLA
Mayor
City of Coachella
Coachella, California
CITY OF INDIAN WELLS
Mayor
City of Indian Wells
Indian Wells, California
CITY OF INDIO
Mayor
City of Indio
Indio, California
CITY OF LA QUINTA
Mayor
City of La Quinta
La Quinta, California
CITY OF PALM DESERT
C /
r
City of Palm Desert
Palm Desert, California
CITY OF PALM SPRINGS
Mayor
City of Palm Springs
Palm Springs, California
Date:
Date:
Date:
Date:
Date: October 11. 2007
Date:
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CITY OF COACHELLA
Mayor
City of Coachella
Coachella, California
CITY OF INDIAN WELLS
Mayor
City of Indian Wells
Indian Wells, California
CITY OF INDIO
Mayor
City of Indio
Indio, California
CITY OF LA QUINTA
Mayor
City of La Quinta
La Quinta, California
CITY OF PALM DESERT
Mayor
City of Pahn Desert
Palm Desert, California
CITY m �M SPRINGS
Mayor
City of Palm Springs
Palm Springs, California
Date:
Date:
Date:
Date:
Date:
APPROVED BY CITY COUNCIL
lo• � •01 A666o
Date:
Attest:
y Clerk 6
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CITY OF • MIRAGE
ICI
mayor
City of Rancho Mirage
Rancho Mirage, California
COACHELLA VALLEY WATER DISTRICT
Chair
Coachella Valley Water District
Coachella, California
CENTER FOR NATURAL LANDS MANAGEMENT
Executive Director
Center for Natural Lands Management
Fallbrook, California
Date: D �C
Date:
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CITY OF RANCHO MIRAGE
Mayor
City of Rancho Mirage
Rancho Mirage, California
COACHELL ALLEY WATER DISTRICT
Chair
Coachella Valley Water District
Coachella, California
CENTER FOR NATURAL LANDS MANAGEMENT
Executive Director
Center for Natural Lands Management
Fallbrook, California
Date:
Date: 4 07
Date:
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2 CITY OF RANCHO MIRAGE
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Date:
4 Mayor -
City of Rancho Mirage
5 Rancho Mirage, California
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7 COACHELLA VALLEY WATER DISTRICT
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Chair
Coachella Valley Water District
Coachella, California
CENTER
Date: —4 — 2 1�— Or-7
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COACHELLA VALLEY FRINGE -TOED LIZARD MOU - Appendix A
Note: These conditions are excerpted directlyfrom the Final Recirculated Coachella ValleyMSHCP—September
2007. The numbers for Conservation Objectives and Required Measures are as they appear in the MSHCP.
1. Permittees will maintain the fluvial sand transport Essential Ecological
Process in the Cabazon, Long Canyon, and West Deception Canyon
Conservation Areas as described in Section 4.2.2.2.4.
2. The undeveloped portions of parcels in Conservation Areas on which
Development is approved by a Permittee shall count toward meeting the
MSHCP's Conservation Objectives only when the undeveloped portion of the
parcel is legally described and permanently protected through an appropriate
Legal Instrument, and provision is made for the land to be monitored and
managed pursuant to the MSHCP's Monitoring Program and Management
Program. Review of individual Development projects will occur in accordance
with the Implementation Manual.
3. Permittees will protect the fluvial sand transport Essential Ecological Process
in the Cabazon, Long Canyon, and West Deception Canyon Conservation
Areas to ensure no net reduction in fluvial sand transport in these areas.
Figure 4-5 of the MSHCP depicts these areas. The Permittees will require
that natural flows onto parcels in the fluvial sand transport areas shall be
conveyed offsite in the natural pre -disturbance direction of flow. This ensures
that Development on the property shall not impede water -borne sand
transport across the parcel in its natural direction of flow. In addition, water-
borne sediments and floodwaters shall not be artificially retained onsite.
Concentration of flows and increase in flow velocity offsite shall be minimized
to avoid downstream erosion and scour. Alternatively, a flood control structure
for the area that is designed to ensure no net reduction of sediment transport
from the sand source area to the sand deposition area where aeolian sand
transport processes are active may be used to achieve the Conservation
Objective of fluvial sand transport. Construction of such flood control
structures, unless identified as Covered Activities in Section 7.3 of the
MSHCP, will require Wildlife Agencies' concurrence.
4. Covered Activities described in Section 7.3 of the MSHCP will adhere to the
required Avoidance/Minimization Measures for aeolian and fluvial Sand
Transport.
5. Permittees shall submit all development projects proposed in the
Conservation Areas as described in the MSHCP to the Coachella Valley
Conservation Commission (CVCC) for the Interim Project Review process as
described in Section 6.6.1.1 of the CVMSHCP.
6. Permittees will adhere to the Measures below as excerpted from the MSHCP:
A-1
4.3.1 Cabazon Conservation Area
Conservation Objectives. The Conservation Objectives for this
Conservation Area are:
1. In total, 2,340 acres of the Cabazon Conservation Area shall be
conserved. (This may be less than the sum of acres indicated in the
following objectives because there can be overlap among areas covered
by the objectives. For example, Core Habitat for two or more species may
overlap, or Core Habitat and an Essential Ecological Process area may
overlap. The individual acreage figures will be used in compliance
monitoring.)
2. Conserve at least 1,629 acres of the sand source areas.
5. Maintain the current capacity for fluvial (water -borne) sand transport along
4,496 acres of the San Gorgonio River and its tributaries.
6. Maintain functional Biological Corridors under 1-10 by conserving at least
631 acres in the Fornat Wash Biological Corridor to maintain ecosystem
function for Covered Species. Aside from the freeway culvert, which is an
unavoidably narrow segment, the Biological Corridor shall be one mile
wide, except where Existing Uses or Indian reservation lands not subject
to the Plan preclude this width, to minimize edge effects. It should also be
noted that portions of the corridor cross Indian reservation land, which is
not a part of the Plan and over which the Plan exerts no control.
7. Coordinate with the Western Riverside County MSHCP Regional
Conservation Authority to ensure that fluvial sand transport along the San
Gorgonio River west of the Cabazon Conservation Area and functionality
of the San Gorgonio River as a Biological Corridor are maintained.
In this Conservation Area, the Essential Ecological Process of fluvial sand
transportis to be maintained on 4,496 acres through flood control guidelines and
land use regulation only. Of the remaining area in this Conservation Area, 47% of
the land is currently in public or non-profit conservation organization ownership.
Current conservation ranges from Level 1 to Level 3.
Required Measures for the Conservation Area. Table 4-12 shows how
many acres of Existing Conservation Lands are in this Conservation Area and
how many acres of Additional Conservation Lands will need to be acquired or
otherwise conserved through acquisition or other means. The following measures
will be imposed to achieve the Conservation Objectives in this Conservation
Area.
1. Conservation of the identified fluvial sand transport process areas will be
achieved through application of the general plan land use designations
and policies. In the fluvial sand transport areas, the Permittees will require
that natural flows onto a parcel on which Development is proposed shall
A-2
be conveyed offsite in the natural pre -disturbance direction of flow, and
will require that Development on the property shall not impede water-
borne sand transport across the parcel in its natural direction of flow. In
addition, water -borne sediments and floodwaters shall not be artificially
retained onsite. Concentration of flows and increase in flow velocity offsite
shall be minimized to the maximum extent Feasible to avoid downstream
erosion and scour. Alternatively, a flood control structure for the area that
is designed to ensure no reduction in sediment transport from the sand
source area to the sand deposition area where aeolian sand transport
processes are active may be used to achieve the Conservation Objective
of fluvial sand transport.
2. The culvert conveying Fornat Wash under 1-10 shall be maintained by
Caltrans at no less than its current size, with a soft -bottom, to maintain
current levels of sand transport and wildlife movement under 1-10.
3. Outside of the fluvial sand transport Essential Ecological Process area,
the Permittees shall comply with applicable avoidance, minimization, and
mitigation measures described in Section 4.4 and the Land Use Adjacency
Guidelines as described in Section 4.5.
5. Within one year of Permit issuance, CVCC and the applicable Local
Permittee will coordinate with the Western Riverside County MSHCP
Regional Conservation Authority to ensure that fluvial sand transport along
the San Gorgonio River west of the Cabazon Conservation Area and
functionality of the San Gorgonio River as a Biological Corridor are
maintained.
Table 4-12:-Conservation and Take Authorization for
Cabazon Conservation Area
(All acreages are based on 1996 pre -Planning Agreement information.)
Total Acres
Existing
Acres of
Remaining
in
Conservation
Disturbance
Acres to
Conservation
Lands
Authorized
be
Conservation Objective
Area
Conserved
Conserve sand
7,683
5,873
181
1,629
source areas
Conserve fluvial
4,538
42
N/A
N/A
sand transport areas
3 Conservation of the identified fluvial sand transport process areas will be achieved through application of the
general plan land use designations and policies, not through acquisition.
A-3
4.3.2 Stubbe and Cottonwood Canyons Conservation Area
Conservation Objectives. The Conservation Objectives for this
Conservation Area are:
1. In total, 2,430 acres of the Stubbe and Cottonwood Canyons Conservation
Area shall be conserved. (This may be less than the sum of acres
indicated in the following objectives because there can be overlap among
areas covered by the objectives. For example, Core Habitat for two or
more species may overlap, or Core Habitat and an Essential Ecological
Process area may overlap. The individual acreage figures will be used in
compliance monitoring.)
4. Conserve at least 1,241 acres of the sand source area in the San
Bernardino Mountains to maintain the natural erosion processes that
provide sediment for the blowsand ecosystem.
5. Conserve at least 1,129 acres in the fluvial (water -borne) sand transport
area. Maintain the current capacity for fluvial sand transport in Stubbe
Canyon Wash.
8. Maintain functional Biological Corridors under 1-10 by conserving at least
1,058 acres in the Stubbe Canyon Wash Biological Corridor north of the
freeway to maintain potential Habitat connectivity for desert tortoise,
Coachella Valley round -tailed ground squirrel, and Palm Springs pocket
mouse, and a wildlife movement corridor to maintain ecosystem function
for Covered Species. Aside from the freeway culverts and any Existing
Use areas, which are unavoidably narrow segments, the Biological
Corridor shall expand to one mile wide to minimize edge effects.
Required Measures for the Conservation Area. Table 4-17 shows how
many acres of Existing Conservation Lands are in this Conservation Area and
how many acres of Additional Conservation Lands will need to be conserved
through acquisition or other means. The following measures will be imposed to
achieve the Conservation Objectives in this Conservation Area.
1. Existing culverts under 1-10 at West Stubbe and East Stubbe will be
maintained by Caltrans at no less than their current size, with soft -
bottoms, to maintain current levels of sand transport and wildlife
movement under 1-10.
3. The Permittees shall comply with applicable avoidance, minimization, and
mitigation measures described in Section 4.4 and the Land Use Adjacency
Guidelines as described in Section 4.5.
A-4
Table 4-17: Conservation and Take Authorization for
Stubbe and Cottonwood Canyons Conservation Area
(All acreages are based on 1996 pre -Planning Agreement information.)
Total Acres
Existing
Acres of
Remaining
Acres to
in
Conservation
Disturbance
be
Conservation Objective
Conservation
Area
Lands
Authorized
Conserved
Conserve sand
8,402
7,023
138
1,241
source areas
Conservefluvial sand
1,375
121
125
1,129
transport areas
Conserve Stubbe Canyon
1,181
6
117
1,058
Wash Bio. Corridor
fha}
The nn net Inns
Disturbance of no more tnan mree acres may uoouq W., I\'/'IV
occurs and the Conservation Objective is achieved.
4.3.3 Snow CreeklWindy Point Conservation Area
Conservation Objectives. The Conservation Objectives for this
Conservation Area are:
1. In total, 2,340 acres of the Snow CreeklWindy Point Conservation Area
shall be conserved. (This may be less than the sum of acres indicated in
the following objectives because there can be overlap among areas
covered by the objectives. For example, Core Habitat for two or more
species -may overlap, or Core Habitat and an Essential Ecological Process
area may overlap. The individual acreage figures will be used in
compliance monitoring.)
2. Conserve Core Habitat and associated Essential Ecological Processes (as
set forth.below) for Coachella Valley milkvetch, Coachella Valley giant
sand -treader cricket, Coachella Valley Jerusalem cricket, Coachella Valley
fringe -toed lizard, Coachella Valley round -tailed ground squirrel, and Palm
Springs pocket mouse, allowing evolutionary processes and natural
population fluctuations to occur. Minimize fragmentation, human -caused
disturbance, and edge effects to Core Habitat by conserving contiguous
Habitat and effective Linkages between patches of Core Habitat.
d. Conserve at least 672 acres of Core Habitat for the Coachella Valley
fringe -toed lizard in the City of Palm Springs portion of the area and at
least 501 acres of Core Habitat in the unincorporated portion of the
area.
g. Conserve at least 838 acres of the fluvial and aeolian sand transport
area in the City of Palm Springs portion of the area and at least 1,482
acres in the unincorporated portion of the area. Maintain the current
capacity for fluvial sand transport in the San Gorgonio River floodplain
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7. Conserve at least 62 acres of the active desert dunes and at least 610
acres of the ephemeral desert sand fields in the City of Palm Springs
portion of the area, and at least 409 acres of the ephemeral desert sand
fields and at least 93 acres of the stabilized and partially stabilized desert
sand rfields in the unincorporated portion of the area to provide for the
conservation of these natural communities. As these conserved natural
communities are all part of the Core Habitat areas identified in
Conservation Objective 2 for this area, attainment of that objective will
also achieve this objective.
8. Maintain functional Biological Corridors and Linkages under 1-10 and
Highway 111 by conserving at least 415 acres of identified Biological
Corridor in the unincorporated portion of the Conservation Area and at
least 247 acres identified Biological Corridor in the City of Palm Springs'
portion, such that the functionality of each individual Biological Corridor
listed below is not compromised:
a. Conserve the Stubbe Canyon Wash Biological Corridor south of the I-
10 to maintain potential Habitat connectivity for desert tortoise,
Coachella Valley round -tailed ground squirrel, and Palm Springs
pocket mouse, and to maintain ecosystem function for Covered
Species. Aside from the freeway culverts and any Existing Use areas,
which are unavoidably narrow segments, the Biological Corridor shall
expand to one mile wide to minimize edge effects.
b. Conserve, the Whitewater Floodplain Biological Corridor south of
Highway 111 to maintain potential Habitat connectivity for Coachella
Valley Jerusalem cricket, Coachella Valley round -tailed ground
squirrel, and Palm Springs pocket mouse, and to maintain ecosystem
function for Covered Species. Aside from the highway culverts and any
Existing Use areas, which are unavoidably narrow segments, the
Biological Corridor shall expand to one mile wide to minimize edge
effects.
Required Measures for the Conservation Area. Table 4-22 shows how
many acres of Existing Conservation Lands are in this Conservation Area and
how many acres of Additional Conservation Lands will need to be conserved
through acquisition or other means. The following measures will be imposed to
achieve the Conservation Objectives in this Conservation Area.
1. The culvert under Highway 111 west of Windy Point and the bridge over
the San Gorgonio River at Windy Point will be maintained by Caltrans at
no less than their current size, with soft -bottoms, to maintain current levels
of sand transport and potential wildlife movement under Highway 111.
2. The Permittees shall comply with applicable avoidance, minimization, and
mitigation measures described in Section 4.4 and the Land Use Adjacency
Guidelines as described in Section 4.5.
A-6
Table 4-22a: Conservation and Take Authorization for
Snow Creek/Windy Point Conservation Area -
City of Palm Springs Area
(All acreages are based on 1996 pre -Planning Agreement information.)
Total Acres
Existing
Acres of
Remaining
in
Conservation
Disturbance
Acres to be
Conservation Objective
Conservation
Lands
Authorized
Conserved
Area
Conserve Core Habitat
749
2
75
672
for CV fringe -toed lizard
Conserve active desert
69
0
7
62
dunes
Conserve ephemeral
680
2
68
610
desert sand fields
Conserve fluvial and
934
3
93
838
aeolian sand transport
Conserve Hwy 111 —
276
2
27
247
WWR Biological Corridor
Table 4-22b: Conservation and Take Authorization for
Snow Creek/Windy Point Conservation Area -
Riverside County Area
(All acreages are based on 1996 pre -Planning Agreement information.)
Total Acres
Existing
Acres of
Remaining
in
Conservation
Disturbance
acres to be
Conservation Objective
Conservation
Lands
Authorized
conserved
Area
Conserve Core Habitat
625
68
55
502
for CV fringe -toed lizard
4.3.4 Whitewater Canyon Conservation Area
Conservation Objectives. The Conservation Objectives for this .
Conservation Area are:
In total, 1,440 acres of the Whitewater Canyon Conservation Area shall be
conserved. (This may be less than the sum of acres indicated in the
following objectives because there can be overlap among areas covered
by the objectives. For example, Core Habitat for two or more species may
overlap, or Core Habitat and an Essential Ecological Process area may
overlap. The individual acreage figures will be used in compliance
monitoring.)
A-7
3. Conserve at least 850 acres of the sand source area in the San
Bernardino Mountains in the unincorporated portion of the area to
maintain the natural erosion processes that provide sediment for the
blowsand ecosystem.
4. Conserve at least 435 acres in the fluvial (water -borne) sand transport
area in the Riverside County portion of the area. Maintain the current
capacity for fluvial sand transport in the Whitewater River.
Required Measures for the Conservation Area. Tables 4-27a and 4-27b
show how many acres of Existing Conservation Lands are in this Conservation
Area and how many acres of the Additional Conservation Lands will need to be
conserved through acquisition or other means. The following measures will be
imposed to achieve the Conservation Objectives in this Conservation Area.
1. The existing bridge over the Whitewater River on 1-10 will be maintained
by Caltrans at no less than its current size, with a soft -bottom, to maintain
at least current levels of sand transport and potential wildlife movement
under 1-10.
3. The Permittees shall comply with applicable avoidance, minimization, and
mitigation measures described in Section 4.4 and the Land Use Adjacency
Guidelines as described in Section 4.5.
Table 4-27b: Conservation and Take Authorization for
Whitewater Canyon Conservation Area -
Riverside County Area
(All acreages are based -on 1996 pre -Planning Agreement information.)
Total Acres
Existing
Acres of
Remaining
in
Conservation
Disturbance
Acres to
be
Conservation
Conservation
Lands
Authorized
Conserved
Objective
Area
Conserve sand source
12,616
11,672
94
850
areas
Conserve fluvial sand
1,392
909
48
435
transport areas
Disturbance of no more than 11 acres may occur, but it would be replaced to ensure that the no net loss
occurs and the Conservation Objective is achieved.
4.3.6 Whitewater Floodplain Conservation Area
Conservation Obiectives. The Conservation Objectives for this
Conservation Area are:
1. In total, 4,140 acres of the Whitewater Floodplain Conservation Area shall
be conserved. (This may be less than the sum of acres indicated in the
A-8
following objectives because there can be overlap among areas covered
by the objectives. For example, Core Habitat for two or more species may
overlap, or Core Habitat and an Essential Ecological Process area may
overlap. The individual acreage figures will be used in compliance
monitoring.)
2. Conserve Core Habitat and associated ecological processes (as set forth
below) for Coachella Valley milkvetch, Coachella Valley giant sand -treader
cricket, Coachella Valley fringe -toed lizard, Coachella Valley round -tailed
ground squirrel, and Palm Springs pocket mouse, allowing evolutionary
processes and natural population fluctuations to occur. Minimize
fragmentation, human -caused disturbance, and edge effects to Core
Habitat by conserving contiguous Habitat and effective Linkages between
patches of Core Habitat.
c. Conserve at least 2,659 acres of Core Habitat for the Coachella Valley
fringe -toed lizard in the Palm Springs portion of the area, at least 61
acres in the Cathedral City portion of the area, and at least 57 acres in
the unincorporated Riverside County portion of the area.
f. Conserve at least 3,484 acres of the fluvial and aeolian sand transport
area in the Palm Springs portion of the area, at least 61 acres in the
Cathedral City portion of the area, and at least 481 acres in the
unincorporated Riverside County portion of the area. Maintain the
current capacity for fluvial sand transport in the Whitewater River
floodplain.
5. Conserve at least 392 acres of the active desert sand fields in the Palm
Springs, portion of the area; at least 43 acres of the active desert sand
fields in the Cathedral City portion of the area; at least 1,185 acres of the
ephemeral desert sand fields in the Palm Springs portion of the area and
at least 52 acres in the unincorporated Riverside County portion of the
area for the conservation of these natural communities; at least 394 acres
of the stabilized and partially stabilized desert sand fields in the Palm
Springs portion of the area and at least 4 acres of the stabilized and
partially stabilized desert sand fields in the unincorporated Riverside
County portion of the area. As these conserved natural communities are
all pail of the Core Habitat areas identified in Conservation Objective 2 for
this area, attainment of that objective will also achieve this objective.
6. Maintain functional Biological Corridors and Linkages by conserving at
least 475 acres of identified Biological Corridor in the unincorporated
portion of the Conservation Area, at least 809 acres of identified Biological
Corridor in the City of Palm Springs' portion, and at least 18 acres of
identified Biological Corridor in the City of Cathedral City portion, such that
the functionality of each individual Biological Corridor listed below is not
compromised:
a. Conserve the Whitewater River Biological Corridor south of 1-10 in the
unincorporated area to maintain potential Habitat connectivity for
A-9
desert tortoise, Coachella Valley round -tailed ground squirrel, and
Palm Springs pocket mouse, and to maintain ecosystem function for
Covered Species. Aside from the freeway bridge and any Existing Use
areas; which are unavoidably narrow segments, the Biological Corridor
shall expand to one mile wide to minimize edge effects.
b. Conserve the Mission Creek Biological Corridor south of the freeway in
the Palm Springs portion of the Conservation Area to maintain
potential Habitat connectivity for Coachella Valley round -tailed ground
squirrel, and Palm Springs pocket mouse, and to maintain ecosystem
function for Covered Species. Aside from the freeway culvert and any
Existing Use areas, which are unavoidably narrow segments, the
Biological Corridor shall expand to one mile wide to minimize edge
effects.
d. Maintain the ability of wildlife to cross Indian Avenue and Gene Autry
Trail by providing undercrossings for Coachella Valley fringe -toed
lizard, flat -tailed horned lizard, Coachella Valley round -tailed ground
squirrel, and Palm Springs pocket mouse if these roads are widened to
six lanes or more.
Required Measures for the Conservation Area. Tables 4-37a, 4-37b,
and 4-37c show how many acres of Existing Conservation Lands are in this
Conservation Area and how many acres of Additional Conservation Lands will
need to be acquired or otherwise conserved through acquisition or other means.
The following measures will be imposed to achieve the Conservation Objectives
in this Conservation Area.
1. The appropriate Local Permittee for the project will ensure that when
Gene Autry Trait and Indian Avenue are widened to six lanes, or in 2038-
39, whichever comes first, fluvial and aeolian sand transport capacity is
not reduced. Roadway design will facilitate aeolian sand transport. Sand
that accumulates upwind of either road will be deposited on the downwind
side of the road to address potential impacts to aeolian sand transport. At
the same time, the appropriate Local Permittee will also ensure that
wildlife underpasses of sufficient size, to be determined in consultation
with the Wildlife Agencies, are installed to provide for the movement of
Coachella Valley round -tailed ground squirrel, Palm Springs pocket
mouse, Coachella Valley fringe -toed lizard, and other species.
2. In the future, the Salvia Road (Micro Place) and Garnet Avenue Extension
together may create a frontage road on the south side of 1-10 connecting
Indian Avenue and Gene Autry Trail. Where the road would cross Mission
Creek it must provide for fluvial sand transport along Mission Creek.
Additionally, the bridge structure or culvert must provide for the movement
of wildlife under the road.
3. CVWD will deposit sand removed from the groundwater recharge basins
during maintenance operations in the fluvial and aeolian sand transport
A-10
area on available Reserve Lands in a manner that downwind habitat
would receive appreciable inputs of aeolian sand from the deposits, as
determined in consultation with the RMOC. It is understood that CVWD
has a sediment relocation experiment underway and that the results of the
experiment will be considered when they are available.
4. The Permittees shall comply with applicable avoidance, minimization, and
mitigation measures described in Section 4.4 and the Land Use Adjacency
Guidelines as described in Section 4.5.
Table 4-37a: Conservation and Take Authorization for
Whitewater Floodplain Conservation Area -
City of Palm Springs Area
(All acreages are based on 1996 pre -Planning Agreement information.)
Total Acres
in
Existing
Acres of
Remaining
Conservation
Conservation
Conservation
Disturbance
Acres to be
Objective
Area
Lands
Authorized
Conserved
Conserve Core
Habitat for CV fringe-
5,418
2,464
295
2,659
toed lizard
Conserve active
436
0
44
392
desert sand fields
Conserve ephemeral
2,873
1,556
132
1,185
desert sand fields
Conserve stabilized
& partially stabilized
577
139
44
394
desert sand fields
Conserve fluvial &
aeolian sand
6,590
2,719
387
3,484
transport
Conserve Biological
1,183
284
90
809
Corridors'
Includes Whitewater River at Interstate 10, Mission Creek, and wnlowvvasn erorogicai wrnaurs
A-11
Table 4-37b: Conservation and Take Authorization for
Whitewater Floodplain Conservation Area -
City of Cathedral City Area
(All acreages are based on 1996 pre -Planning Agreement information.)
Total Acres
in
Existing
Acres of
Remaining
Conservation
Conservation
Conservation
Disturbance
Acres to be
Objective
Area
Lands
Authorized
Conserved
Conserve Core Habitat
107
39
7
61
for CV fringe -toed lizard
Conserve active desert
49
1
5
43
sand fields
Conserve fluvial &
107
39
7
61
aeolian sand transport
Conserve Biological
28
8
2
18
Corridors'
Includes Willow Wasn biologicai t,umuor
Table 4-37c: Conservation and Take Authorization for
Whitewater Floodplain Conservation Area -
Riverside County Area
(All acreages are based on 1996 pre -Planning Agreement information.)
Total Acres
In
Existing
Acres of
Remaining
Conservation
Conservation
Conservation
Disturbance
Acres to be
Objective
Area
Lands
Authorized
Conserved
Conserve Core
Habitat for CV
92
29
6
57
fringe -toed lizard
Conserve
ephemeral desert
86
28
6
52
sand fields
Conserve stabilized
& partially stabilized
5
0
1
4
desert sand fields
Conserve fluvial &
aeolian sand
707
173
53
481
transport
Conserve Biological
701
173
53
475
Corridors'
I nclUdes Whitewater Klver at Ihiersime -iu, NOssiun �,uum, anv vvnwrr .. o�.+....y....-.-•--•-.
A-12
4.3.7 Upper Mission Creek/Big Morongo Canyon Conservation Area
Conservation Objectives. The Conservation Objectives for this
Conservation Area are:
1. In total', 11,037 acres of the Upper Mission Creek/Big Morongo Canyon
Conservation Area shall be conserved. (This may be less than the sum of
acres indicated in the following objectives because there can be overlap
among areas covered by the objectives. For example, Core Habitat for two
or more species may overlap, or Core Habitat and an Essential Ecological
Process area may overlap. The individual acreage figures will be used in
compliance monitoring.) If through means not under the control of the
Permittees this Conservation Objective cannot be achieved within the
Desert Hot Springs or Riverside County portions of the Conservation Area,
the acreage not conserved per this Conservation Objective shall be
conserved in or adjacent to this Conservation Area or the Willow Hole,
Whitewater Canyon, or Snow Creek/Windy Point Conservation Areas as
described below for the individual species. The Wildlife Agencies shall
review impacts and conservation pursuant to the requirements above
annually during the Rough Step review. If, as described below, the
maximum impacts are exceeded or the minimum required conservation is
not occurring, coverage for Palm Springs pocket mouse and/or Little San
Bernardino Mountains linanthus shall automatically terminate and the
CVCC and Permittees will be given written notice acknowledging the
termination of coverage for the above -referenced species 30 days prior to
coverage terminating.
2. Conserve Core Habitat and associated ecological processes (as set forth
below) for Little San Bernardino Mountains linanthus, triple -ribbed
milkvetch, desert tortoise, and Palm Springs pocket mouse, allowing
evolutionary processes and natural population fluctuations to occur.
Minimize fragmentation, human -caused disturbance, and edge effects to
Core, Habitat by conserving contiguous Habitat and effective Linkages
between patches of Core Habitat.
e. Conserve at least 6 acres of the sand source areas in the Desert Hot
Springs portion of the area and at least 6,488 acres in the Riverside
County portion subject to natural erosion processes.
f. Conserve at least 1,399 acres of the fluvial sand transport areas in the
Desert Hot Springs portion of the area, at least 22 acres in the Palm
Springs portion, and at least 1,509 acres in the Riverside County
portion. Maintain the current capacity for fluvial sand transport in
Mission Creek and Morongo Wash.
7. Maintain the two bridges on Highway 62 over Mission Creek so as not to
affect the existing sediment transport and Biological Corridor. Maintain
functional Biological Corridors under Highway 62 by conserving at least
A-13
715 acres in the Riverside County portion to maintain potential Habitat
connectivity for desert tortoise and Palm Springs pocket mouse, and to
maintain ecosystem function for Covered Species. Aside from the highway
bridges , and any Existing Use areas, which are unavoidably narrow
segments, the Biological Corridor shall expand to one mile wide to
minimize edge effects.
8. Maintain the fluvial sand transport along the existing Mission Creek
Channel.
Required Measures for the Conservation Area. Tables 4-42a, 4-42b,
and 4-42c show how many acres of Existing Conservation Lands are in this
Conservation Area and how many acres of Additional Conservation Lands will
need to be conserved through acquisition or other means for each jurisdiction.
The following measures will be imposed to achieve the Conservation Objectives
in this Conservation Area.
Any improvements to Highway 62 by Caltrans will not reduce the size,
openness, and existing natural character of the bridges over Mission
Creek so as not to impede fluvial sand transport and wildlife movement.
3. For proposed Development in Little San Bernardino Mountains linanthus
modeled Habitat, Development in Essential Ecological Process fluvial
sand.transport areas shall not obstruct natural watercourses, and the rate
of flow. and sediment transport shall not be impeded.
4. The Per mittees shall comply with applicable avoidance, minimization, and
mitigation measures described in Section 4.4 and the Land Use Adjacency
Guidelines as described in Section 4.5.
A-14
Table 4-42a: Conservation for
Upper Mission Creek/Big Morongo Canyon
Conservation Area - City of Desert Hot Springs Area (No
Covered Activities)
(All acreages are based on 1996 pre -Planning Agreement information.)
Total Acres
Existing
Acres Not
Remaining
in
Conservation
Conserved
Acres to be
Conservation
Conservation
Lands
Conserved
Objective
Area'
Conserve sand
source
343
337
6
Areas
Conserve fluvial sand
1,869
184
1,399
transport areas
Conserve Hwy 62
73
0
66
Biological Corridor
'Acreages for the Morongo Wash Special Provisions Area are included in this
table. See Table 4-42d for the total and conservation acreages for the Desert Hot
Springs portion of the Special Provisions Area.
Table 4-42b: Conservation and Take Authorization for
Upper Mission Creek/Big Morongo Canyon
Conservation Area - City of Palm Springs Area
(All acreages are based on 1996 pre -Planning Agreement information.)
Total Acres in
Existing
Acres of
Remaining
Acres to
Conservation
Conservation
Disturbance
be
Conservation
Area
Lands
Authorized
Conserved
Objective
Conserve fluvial sand
24
0
2
22
transport
A-15
Table 4-42c: Conservation and Take Authorization for
Upper Mission Creek/Big Morongo Canyon
Conservation Area - Riverside County Area
(Ali acreages are based on 1996 pre -Planning Agreement information.)
Remaining
Total Acres in
Existing
Acres of
Acres to
Conservation
Conservation
Disturbance
be
Conservation
Area'
Lands
Authorized
Conserved
Objective
Conserve sand
19,789
12,580
721
6,488
source areas
Conserve fluvial sand
2,279
602
168
1,509
transport areas
Conserve Hwy. 62
907
113
79
715
Biological Corridor
d t re that
the no net
Disturbance of no more than eight acres may occur, but it would be replace cansu
loss occurs and the Conservation Objective is achieved.
' Acreages for the Morongo Wash Special Provisions Area are included in this table. See Table 442e for
the total and conservation acreages for the Riverside County portion of the Special Provisions
Area.
4.3.8 Willow Hole Conservation Area
Conservation Clbiectives. The Conservation Objectives for this
Conservation Area are:
1. In total, 4,920 acres of the Willow Hole Conservation Area shall be
conserved. (This may be less than the sum of acres indicated in the
following objectives because there can be overlap among areas covered
by the objectives. For example, Core Habitat for two or more species may
overlap, or Core Habitat and an Essential Ecological Process area may
overlap. The individual acreage figures will be used in compliance
monitoring.)
2. Conserve Core Habitat and associated ecological processes (as set forth
below) for Coachella Valley milkvetch, Coachella Valley fringe -toed lizard,
Coachella Valley round -tailed ground squirrel, and Palm Springs pocket
mouse, allowing evolutionary processes and natural population
fluctuations to occur. Minimize fragmentation, human -caused disturbance,
and edge effects to Core. Habitat by conserving contiguous Habitat
patches and effective Linkages between patches of Core Habitat.
b. Conserve at least 211 acres of Core Habitat for the Coachella Valley
fringe -toed lizard in the Cathedral City portion of the area and at least
454 acres in the Riverside County portion.
e. Conserve at least 710 acres of the sand source area in the Cathedral
City portion of the area and at least 17 acres in the Riverside County
A-16
portion to maintain the natural erosion processes that provide sediment
for the blowsand ecosystem.
3. Conserve at least 798 acres in the fluvial (water -borne) and aeolian (air-
borne) sand transport area in the Cathedral City portion of the area and at
least 2,734 acres in the Riverside County portion. Maintain the current
capacity for fluvial sand transport in Mission Creek and Morongo Wash for
sand transport to the Willow Hole/Edom Hill Reserve.
4. Conserve at least 319 acres of stabilized & partially stabilized desert
dunes in the Riverside County portion; at least 33 acres of active desert
sand fields in the Cathedral City portion of the area; at least 178 acres of
ephemeral desert sand fields in the Cathedral City portion of the area and
at least 728 acres in the Riverside County portion; at least 51 acres of
stabilized and partially stabilized desert sand fields in the Cathedral City
portion of the area and at least 128 acres in the Riverside County portion;
and at least 152 acres of desert saltbush scrub in the Riverside County
portion of the area to conserve these natural communities.
5. Maintain functional Biological Corridors between this area and the
Whitewater Floodplain Conservation Area by maintaining the culverts
conveying Mission Creek and Willow Wash under 1-10 at no less than their
current size and character. Maintain functional Biological Corridors under
1-10 by conserving at least 397 acres total, such that the functionality of
each individual Biological Corridor listed below is not compromised:
a.' Conserve the Mission Creek Biological Corridor north of the freeway to
maintain potential Habitat connectivity for Coachella Valley round -
tailed ground squirrel, and Palm Springs pocket mouse, and to
maintain ecosystem function for Covered Species. Aside from the
freeway culvert and any Existing Use areas, which are unavoidably
narrow segments, the Biological Corridor shall expand to one mile wide
to minimize edge effects.
b. Conserve , the. Willow Wash area north of the freeway in the
unincorporated county portion to maintain potential Habitat connectivity
for Coachella Valley round -tailed ground squirrel, and Palm Springs
pocket mouse, and to maintain ecosystem function for Covered
Species. Aside from the freeway culverts and any Existing Use areas,
which are unavoidably narrow segments, the Biological Corridor shall
expand to one mile wide to minimize edge effects.
6. Maintain the ability of wildlife to cross Mountain View Road, Varner Road, 18th
Avenue, and Dillon Road by providing culverts or undercrossings for
Coachella Valley fringe -toed lizard, Coachella Valley giant sand -treader
cricket, Coachella Valley round -tailed ground squirrel, Palm Springs pocket
mouse, and other species if these roads are widened beyond two lanes.
7. Maintain the fluvial sand transport along the existing Mission Creek Channel.
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Reguired Measures for the Conservation Areas. Tables 4-47a and 4-
47b show how many acres of Existing Conservation Lands are in this
Conservation Area and how many acres of Additional Conservation Lands will
need to be conserved through acquisition or other means. The following
measures will be imposed to achieve the Conservation Objectives in this
Conservation Area.
1. At such time as those portions of Little Morongo Road, Mountain View
Road, Dillon Road, Ieh Avenue, and Varner Road within the Conservation
Area are widened to four or more lanes, the appropriate Local Permittee
for the project will ensure that culverts or undercrossings of adequate size
and design to maintain ecosystem function for Covered Species are
constructed under the road. Widening projects will undergo the Joint
Project Review Process set forth in Section 6.6.1.1 to determine the
dimensions of the culverts or undercrossings based on site specific
conditions and best available science.
Table 4-47a: Conservation and Take Authorization
for Willow Hole
(All acreages are.based on 1996 pre -Planning Agreement information.)
Total Acres
Existing
Acres of
Remaining
in
Conservation
Disturbance
Acres to
be
Conservation Objective
Conservation
Area
Lands
Authorized
Conserved
Conserve Core Habitat
264
29
24
211
for CV fringe -toed lizard
Conserve active desert
37
0
4
33
sand fields
Conserve ephemeral
desert
227
29
20
178
sand fields,
Conserve stabilized &
partially stabilized desert
1
0
0
1
dunes
Conserve stabilized &
partially stabilized desert
57
0
g
51
sand fields
Conserve sand
833
44
79
710
source areas
Conserve fluvial& aeolian
g66
79
89
798
sand transport areas
A-18
Table 4-47b: Conservation and Take Authorization for Willow
Hole Conservation Area - Riverside County Area
(All, acreages are based on 1996 pre -Planning Agreement information.)
Total Acres
Existing
ng
m
Conservation
o
be
Conservation Objective
Conservation
Lands
tT
ed
Area
Conserve Core Habitat for
633
128
CV fringe -toed lizard
Conserve ephemeral desert
906
97
sand fields
Conserve stabilized &
29
35
319
partially stabilized'desert
383
dunes
Conserve stabilized &
2
14
128
partially stabilized desert
144
sand fields
Conserve mesquite
125
16
11'
98
Hummocks
Conserve sand source
186
167
2
17
Areas
Conserve fluvial & aeolian
3,500
462
304
2,734
sand transport areas
Conserve Mission Creek (I-
44
397
1o), willow Wash Biological
509
68
Corridors
Pursuant to the avoidance, minimization, and mitigation measures in Section 4.4, mesquite hummocks will
be avoided to the maximum extent Feasible.
2. The, appropriate Local Permittee shall maintain existing 36" culverts under
Palm Drive at no less than their current width to provide for movement of
Coachella Valley fringe -toed lizard, Coachella Valley round -tailed ground
squirrel, and Palm Springs pocket mouse.
3. Existing culverts under 1-10 for Mission Creek, and Willow Wash will be
maintained by Caltrans at no less than their current size, with soft -bottoms
to maintain the potential for sand transport and biological connectivity.
4. A Conservation to Development ratio of 9:1 shall be maintained within the
portion of the north half of Section 24, T3S R4E that is in the Conservation
Area to maintain the functionality of the fluvial and aeolian sand transport
systems. The Local Permittee(s) shall incorporate feasible design,
orientation, or other criteria in the Implementation Manual. The 9:1 criteria
would not apply to single-family homes, emergency response activities, or
any non-commercial accessory uses and structures including but not
limited to second units on an existing legal lot. If it appears that the ratio
may not be maintained, the appropriate Local Permittee(s) will meet with
the Wildlife Agencies and identify additional means or alternative methods
A-19
that will be implemented to achieve these goals and objectives, including
an accelerated acquisition program and/or Development standards to
maintain fluvial sand transport. The requirements for Development in
floodplains also help ensure that sand transport capacity is maintained.
(See Figure 4-13f.) Special Site Planning Standards apply in this area,
and with a Rural Residential general plan land use designation as of June
2004. To implement these standards the Board of Supervisors must
approve an overlay zone. The standards are described below.
5. A Conservation to Development ratio of 9:1 shall be maintained within the
north half of Section 19, T3S R5E; within the portion of the south half of
the northwest quarter of Section 20, T3S R5E that is in the Conservation
Area; and within a portion of the northwest quarter of Section 29, T3S
R5E; to maintain the functionality of the fluvial and aeolian sand transport
systems{ The Local Permittee(s) shall incorporate feasible design,
orientation, or other criteria in the Implementation Manual. The 9:1 criteria
would not apply to single-family homes, emergency response activities, or
any non-commercial accessory uses and structures including but not
limited to second units on an existing legal lot. If it appears that the ratio
may not be maintained, the appropriate Local Permittee(s) will meet with
the Wildlife Agencies and identify additional means or alternative methods
that will be implemented to achieve these goals and objectives, including
an, accelerated acquisition program and/or Development standards to
maintain fluvial and aeolian sand transport. The requirements for
Development in floodplains also help ensure that sand transport capacity
is maintained. (See Figure 4-13f.) Special Site Planning Standards apply
in this area, and with a Rural Residential general plan land use
designation as of June 2004. To implement these standards the Board of
Supervisors must approve an overlay zone. The standards are described
below.
6. A Conservation to Development ratio of 9:1 shall be maintained within the
south half of the south half of Section 28, T3S R5E to maintain the
functionality of the aeolian sand transport system and the Biological
Corridor. The Local Permittee(s) shall incorporate feasible design,
orientation, or other criteria in the Implementation Manual. The 9:1 criteria
would not apply to single-family homes, emergency response activities, or
any non-commercial accessory uses and structures including but not
limited to second units on an existing legal lot. If it appears that the ratio
may not be maintained, the appropriate Local Permittee(s) will meet with
the Wildlife Agencies and identify additional means or alternative methods
that will be implemented to achieve these goals and objectives, including
an accelerated acquisition program and/or Development standards to
maintain aeolian sand transport capacity and Development standards to
restrict fencing that would impede wildlife movement. (See Figure 4-13f.)
Special Site Planning Standards apply in this area, and with a Rural
Residential general plan land use designation as of June 2004. To
A-20
implement these standards the Board of Supervisors must approve an
overlay zone. The standards are described below.
7. The Permittees shall comply with applicable avoidance, minimization, and
mitigation measures described in Section 4.4 and the Land Use Adjacency
Guidelines as described in Section 4.5.
8. For construction of a frontage road north of and parallel to 1-10, the
appropriate Local Permittee shall ensure that project design provides for
fluvial sand transport along Salvia, Edom, and Willow Washes to allow
sand to be transported under 1-10. Additionally, any future bridge structure
over -Willow Wash must provide for the movement of the Coachella Valley
roundtaided ground squirrel under the road.
9. The`a'ppropriate Local Permittee for any Development or flood control
structures along' Long Canyon Wash south of Varner Road in the
Conservation Area will ensure that the project does not impede fluvial and
aeolian sand transport along the wash to provide sand to the Stebbins'
dune area.
11. The portion of Section 3, T4S RSE, in the Conservation Area is a Special
Provisions area as follows:
a. Take Authorization is provided for Development in the area depicted in
Figure 4-13g. This Take Authorization becomes effective only upon the
permanent Conservation of the area depicted in Figure 4-13g for
Conservation.
b. The Local Development Mitigation Fee will not be assessed in the
Take Authorization area delineated in Figure 4-13g.
c. At, such time as the Take Authorization becomes effective, the
Conservation Objectives for affected species, conserved natural
communities, and ecological processes shall be adjusted to reflect the
Take .Authorization and Conservation in Section 2 provided through
this measure., The,Take Authorization does not count against the acres
Of Teke/disturbance identified in the Plan prior to the implementation of
these Special Provisions.
12. At such time as those portions of Long Canyon Channel within the Willow
Hole Conservation Area are built, the appropriate Local Permittee for the
project will design the facility to maintain the current sand transport
process for the Conservation Area. The appropriate Local Permittee for
the project will initiate a Joint Project Review Process set forth in Section
6.6.1.1 to maintain the current sand transport process for the Willow Hole
Conservation Area.
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4.3.9 Long Canyon Conservation Area
Conservation Objectives. The Conservation Objective for this
Conservation Area is:
1. Maintain the fluvial (water-bome) transport of sediment through the Long
Canyon floodplain area. Maintain the current capacity for fluvial sand
transport in Long Canyon wash.
4.3.10 Edom Hill Conservation Area
Conservation Objectives. The Conservation Objectives for this
Conservation Area are:
1. In total, 3,060 acres of the Edom Hill Conservation Area shall be
conserved. (This may be less than the sum of acres indicated in the
following objectives because there can be overlap among areas covered
by the objectives. For example, Core Habitat for two or more species may
overlap, or Core Habitat and an Essential Ecological Process area may
overlap. The individual acreage figures will be used in compliance
monitoring.)
2. To maintain connectivity,,. conserve the Other Conserved Habitat patches
for the', ,Coachella Valley milkvetch, Coachella Valley giant sand -treader
cricket, Coachella Valley fringe -toed lizard, Coachella Valley round -tailed
ground squirrel, and Palm Springs pocket mouse between the Thousand
Palms Conservation Area and the Willow Hole Conservation Area.
Maintain the Other Conserved Habitat patches, allowing evolutionary
processes and natural population fluctuations to occur. Minimize
fragmentation, human -caused disturbance, and edge effects to the Habitat
by conserving effective Linkages between patches of Core Habitat.
3. Conserve ecological processes (as set forth below) for the Willow Hole
Conservation Area and the Thousand Palms Conservation Area.
a. Conserve at least 310 acres of the sand source area for the Willow
Hole Conservation Area in the Cathedral City portion of the area and at
least 1,770 acres in the Riverside County portion to maintain the
natural erosion processes that provide sediment for the blowsand
ecosystem.
b. Conserve at least 565 acres in the fluvial sand transport area in the
Riverside County portion of the area for the Willow Hole Conservation
Area. Maintaint1he, current capacity for fluvial sand transport in the
washes emanating from the Indio Hills that carry sand to the Willow
Hole Conservation Area.
c. Conserve that portion of the sand source area for the Thousand Palms
Conservation Area in the Riverside County portion of the Conservation
A-22
Area to maintain the natural erosion processes that provide sediment
for the blowsand ecosystem.
6. Conserve at least 3 acres of the stabilized and partially stabilized desert
sand., fields, and at least 37 acres of active desert sand fields in the
Riverside County portion of the area to ensure the conservation of these
conserved natural communities.
Required Measures for the Conservation Area. Tables 4-56a and 4-56b
show how many acres of Existing Conservation Lands are in this Conservation
Area and how many acres of Additional Conservation Lands will need to be
conserved through acquisition or other means. The following measures will be
imposed to :achieve the Conservation Objectives in this Conservation Area.
1. In its activities on the Edom Hill Landfill well parcel, County Waste will not
significantly reduce fluvial sand transport along the wash that crosses the
parcel and will not fence the property in a manner that prevents wildlife
movement across the parcel.
2. The Permittees shalt comply with applicable avoidance, minimization, and
mitigation measures described in Section 4.4 and the Land Use Adjacency
Guidelines as described in Section 4.5.
Table 4-56a: Conservation and Take Authorization for
Edom Hill Conservation Area - City of Cathedral City Area
iw n �.. L.......1 ..., 4006t nrn-D/mnninn Anrp arnpnt information.)
Remaining
Total Acres in
Existing
Acres of
Acres to
Conservation
Conservation
Disturbance
be
Conservation' -
Area
Lands
Authorized
Conserved
rved
Conserve sandsource.
345
0
35
310
areas ., 1
A-23
Table 4-56b:. Conservation and Take Authorization for
Edom Hill Conservation Area - Riverside County Area
(All acreages are based on 1996 pre -Planning Agreement information.)
Existing
Acres of
Remaining
Total Acres in
Conservation
Disturbance
Acres to be
Conservation
Conse
Conse
Conservation
Lands
Authorized
Conserved
Objective
Area
Conserve Other Cons.
Habitat for CV fringe-
103
58
5
40
toed lizard
Conserve active desert
73
32
4
37
sand fields
Conserve stabilized &
partially stabilized
29
25
1
3
desert sand fields
Conserve sand source
2,665
698
197
1,770
areas
Conserve fluvial sand
628
0
63
565
trans ort areas
4.3.11 Thousand Palms Conservation Area
Conservation Objectives. The Conservation Objectives for this
Conservation Area are:
1. In total, 8,040 additional acres of the Thousand Palms Conservation Area
shall be conserved. (This may be less than the sum of acres indicated in
the following objectives because there can be overlap among areas
covered by the objectives. For example, Core Habitat for two or more
species may overlap, or Core Habitat and an Essential Ecological Process
area may overlap. The individual acreage figures will be used in
compliance monitoring.)
2. Conserve Core Habitat and associated ecological processes (as set forth
below) for Coachella Valley milkvetch, Mecca aster, Coachella Valley
giant sand -treader cricket, Coachella Valley fringe -toed lizard, flat -tailed
horned lizard, Coachella Valley round -tailed ground squirrel, and Palm
Springs pocket mouse, allowing evolutionary processes and natural
population fluctuations to occur. Minimize fragmentation, human -caused
disturbance, and edge effects to Core Habitat by conserving contiguous
Habitat patches and effective Linkages between patches of Core Habitat.
This will also help maintain connectivity with Habitat at Willow Hole
through the Edom Hill Conservation Area.
A-24
d. Conserve at least 818 acres of Core Habitat for the Coachella Valley
fringe -toed lizard.
h. Conserve at least 3,712 acres of the sand source area to maintain the
natural erosion processes that provide sediment for the blowsand
ecosystem. This also maintains Linkages for wildlife to the Edom Hill
Conservation Area.
i. Conserve at least 4,206 acres in the fluvial and aeolian sand transport
area to maintain the sand transport system. Maintain the current
capacity for fluvial sand transport in the washes emanating from the
Indio Hills that provide sand for the Thousand Palms Conservation
Area. This also maintains Linkages for wildlife to the Edom Hill
Conservation Area.
7. Conserve at least 14 acres of active desert dunes and at least 804 acres
of active desert sand fields to provide for the Conservation of these
conserved natural communities. This goal will be attained through
attaining Goal 2 for the species that inhabit these conserved natural
communities.
9. Maintain the ability of wildlife to cross Ramon Road, Washington Street,
and Thousand Palms Canyon Road by providing undercrossings for
Coachella Valley fringe -toed lizard, flat -tailed horned lizard, Coachella
Valley round -tailed ground squirrel, and Palm Springs pocket mouse if
these roads are widened. These undercrossings should also provide for
seed,dispersal.
Required Measures for the Conservation Area. Table 4.61 shows how
many acres of Existing Conservation Lands are in this Conservation Area and
how many acres of Additional Conservation Lands will need to be conserved
through acquisition or other means. The following measures will be imposed to
achieve the; Conservation Objectives in this Conservation Area.
1. The planned Whitewater Flood Control Project in this area consists of a
series of levees to, provide flood protection for the Thousand Palms
community artd.1,10 areas. A Section 7 consultation has been completed
on this project and a No Jeopardy determination made through the
Biological Opinion. The approved project's levees would define the
southern edge of this Conservation Area. Final project design has not
been completed, so the precise alignment has not been determined. The
final alignment may cause a minor adjustment of the Conservation Area
boundary such that the levees will not be in the Conservation Area, but will
define the edge of the area. The project includes the protection of a 550
acre floodway within the Conservation Area. The levee system will help
direct fluvial -borne sand into the depositional area where aeolian sand
transport processes will sort and transport sand downwind. O&M of the
levees will be in conformance with an 0&M Manual to be developed with
the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in consultation with the Wildlife
A-25
Agencies. Take associated with operation and maintenance by CVWD can
be authorized pursuant to a Minor Amendment with Wildlife Agency
concurrence.
2. If Ramon Road, Washington Street, and Thousand Palms Canyon Road
are ' widened to four lanes or more, the County will install wildlife
undercrossings for Coachella Valley fringe -toed lizard, flat -tailed horned
lizard, Coachella Valley round -tailed ground squirrel, Palm Springs pocket
mouse, and other species. Widening projects will undergo the Joint
Project Review Process set forth in Section 6.6.1.1 to determine the
dimensions of the culverts or undercrossings based on site -specific
conditions and best available science.
3. Special Site Planning Standards apply in those portions of Sections 7 and
8, T4S R6E, located in the Conservation Area and with a Rural Residential
and Light Industrial general plan land use designation as of June 2004. It
is estimated that the implementation of the standards would conserve over
80% of the vacant parcels as of June 2004. To implement these
standards the Board of Supervisors must approve an overlay zone. The
standards are described below.
Site Planning Standard 1: Development on the property shall not impede
water -borne sand, transport across the parcel in its natural direction of
flow.,A drainage plan for the site shall be required and demonstrate that
natural flows onto the parcel shall be conveyed offsite in the natural pre-
disturdance direction of flow. Water -borne sediments shall not be
artificially retained onsite.
Site Planning Standard 2: Development shall be limited to 50% of the
parcel for parcels smaller than 4 acres in size. Development shall be
limited to 2 acres on parcels 4 acres or larger in size. The portion of each
parcel that is not Developed shall be permanently conserved as natural
open space through conveyance of fee title or conservation easement, or
through deed restriction prior to issuance of any grading permit. The
owner will be compensated by CVCC for the market value of the portion of
the parcel required to be conserved. The Local Permittee(s) shall
incorporate feasible design, orientation, or other criteria in the
Implementation Manual. The portion of the site to be conserved shall be
determined consistent with attainment of Site Planning Standard 1 and the
maximization of aeolian sand transport relative to adjacent parcels to the
extent" Feasible. This portion of the property shall not be fenced.
Site Planning Standard 3: Onsite driveways shall be at grade, without
gutters, curbs, berms, or other elevated areas that may impede or divert
the passage of water -borne or wind-borne sand.
4. CVCC-shall continue the acquisition of vacant parcels in those portions of
Sections 7 and 8, T4S R6E, located in the Conservation Area at market
value from willing sellers as a high priority so long as vacant parcels
remain.' CVCC shall maintain $500,000 available at all times for
A-26
acquisitions in Sections 7 and 8 until all vacant land has been acquired or
Developed consistent with the Conservation Objectives and required
measures.
5. CVCC and the County shall develop and implement a land exchange
program within Sections 7 and 8, T4S R6E, which will maximize
attainment of the Conservation Objectives by encouraging Development to
occur in the least sensitive portions of the sections or outside the
Conservation Area. CVCC and the County shall consult with the Wildlife
Agencies and ISAs to determine the least sensitive portions of the area
and the highest priority parcels for Conservation. As appropriate, the land
exchange program will include incentives to encourage landowners to
exchange parcels with high priority for Conservation for parcels in the
least sensitive portions of the sections or outside the Conservation Area.
6. A Conservation to Development ratio of 9:1 shall be maintained within
Section `21, T4S R6E, south of Ramon Road to maintain the functionality
of the fluvial and aeolian sand transport systems. The Local Permittee(s)
shall incorporate feasible design, orientation, or other criteria in the
Implementation Manual. The 9:1 criteria would not apply to single-family
homes, emergency response activities, or any non-commercial accessory
uses and structures including but not limited to second units on an existing
legal lot. If it appears that the ratio may not be maintained, the appropriate
Local Permittee(s) will meet with the Wildlife Agencies and identify
additional means or alternative methods that will be implemented to
achieve these objectives, including an accelerated acquisition program
and%or; Development standards to maintain fluvial and aeolian sand
transport. The requirements for Development in floodplains also help
ensure that sand transport capacity is maintained. See Figure 4-16f.
Special Site Planning Standards apply in this area located in the
Conservation Area and with a Rural Residential and Light Industrial
general plan land use designation as of June 2004. To implement these
standards the Board of Supervisors must approve an overlay zone. The
standards are described below.
7. The alignment for Rio Del Sol from approximately Vista Chino to 20`n
Avenue in this Conservation Area identified in the Circulation Element of
the Riverside County General Plan could create significant Habitat
fragmentation, impact fluvial sand transport, and disrupt a Biological
Corridor. Therefore, construction of Rio Del Sol through the Conservation
Area from approximately Vista Chino to 2dh Avenue would require a Major
Amendment to the Plan.
8. The alignment for 22Id Avenue from Rio Del Sol to Sky Ridge in this
Conservation Area identified in the Circulation Element of the Riverside
County General Plan could create significant Habitat fragmentation,
impact fluvial sand transport, and disrupt a Linkage between Conservation
Areas. Therefore, construction of 22"d Avenue through the Conservation
A-27
Area from Rio Del Sol to Sky Ridge would require a Major Amendment to
the Plan.
9. If an extension of Chase School Road is constructed in the future,
Riverside County will realign the proposed extension of Chase School
Road, also known as Chocktaw Rd. and Vista del Pajaro, to an alignment
outside the Conservation Area.
10. The Permittees shall comply with applicable avoidance, minimization, and
mitigation measures described in Section 4.4 and the Land Use Adjacency
Guidelines as described in Section 4.5.
11. If the Monitoring Program for the Conservation Area indicates that bird
predation of Coachella Valley fringe -toed lizards or flat -tailed horned
lizards is a problem because of the use of IID overhead power lines and
poles, IID will consult with the Reserve Unit Management Committee to
identify appropriate Adaptive Management measures for it to implement.
Table 4-61: Conservation and Take Authorization
for Thousand Palms Conservation Area
Wl acreaaes are based on 1996 ore -Planning Agreement information.)
Total Acres
Acres of
Existing
Acres of
Remaining
in
Conservation
Disturbance
res to
Acbe
Conservation Objective
Conservation
Area
Lands
Authorized
Conserved
Conserve Core Habitat
3,962
3,053
91
818
for CV fringe -toed lizard
Conserve active desert
421
405
2
14
dunes
Conserve active desert
3,543
2,650
89
804
sand fields
Conserve mesquite
58
58
0
0
hummocks
Conserve sand source
13,056
8,932
412
3,712
areas
Conserve fluvial & aeolian
12,550
7,877
467'
4,206
sand transport areas
Conserve Linkages
25,607
16,808
880'
7,919
Of this Authorized Take, 147 acres can be used only in Section 6, T4S R6E. The acres of disturbance
authorized were calculated using private land in 1996 in the Thousand Palms Conservation Area and do
not include the 147 acres of disturbance authorized for Section 6. Therefore, to obtain the total authorized
disturbance for the Thousand Palms Conservation Area for these species, the 147 acres of disturbance
authorized for Section 6 should be added.
A-28
4.3.12 West Deception Canyon Conservation Area
Conservation Obiectives. The Conservation Objectives for this
Conservation Area are:
Conserve at least 1,063 acres of the sand source area to maintain the natural
erosion processes that provide sediment for the blowsand ecosystem.
2. Maintain the current capacity for fluvial sand transport in the West Deception
Canyon fluvial sand transport system.
Required Measures for the Conservation Area. Table 4-66 shows how
many acres of Existing Conservation Lands are in this Conservation Area and
how many acres of Additional Conservation Lands will need to be conserved
through acquisition or other means. The following measures will be imposed to
achieve the Conservation Objectives in this Conservation Area.
1. Development requirements imposed in floodplains will ensure that sand
transport capacity is maintained.
2. If flood control structures are built in the West Deception Canyon
Conservation Area, the appropriate Local Permittee for the project will
ensure that such structures avoid adverse impacts to the sand transport
process for the Thousand Palms Conservation Area. A Major Plan
Amendment will be required for such flood control structures, unless such
a flood control structure is determined to be beneficial to the sand
transport process. In that instance, a Minor Amendment to the Plan can be
approved with Wildlife Agency concurrence.
4.3.13 Indio Hills/Joshua Tree National Park Linkage Conservation Area
Conservation Objectives. The Conservation Objectives for this
Conservation Area are:
1. In total, 10,530 acres of the Indio Hills/Joshua Tree National Park Linkage
Conservation Area shall be conserved. (This may be less than the sum of
acres indicated in the following objectives because there can be overlap
among areas covered by the objectives. For example, Core Habitat for two
or more species may overlap, or Core Habitat and an Essential Ecological
Process area may overlap. The individual acreage figures will be used in
compliance monitoring.)
2. Conserve ecological processes for the Thousand Palms Conservation
Area that occur in the Indio Hills/Joshua Tree National Park Linkage
rdz9
Conservation Area and Core Habitat for the desert tortoise as set forth
below:
b. Conserve at least 4,135 acres of the sand source area to maintain the
natural erosion processes that provide sediment for the blowsand
ecosystem.
c. Conserve at least 6,132 acres in the fluvial sand transport area.
Maintain the current capacity for fluvial sand transport in the washes
emanating from the Little San Bernardino Mountains that flow into
Thousand Palms Canyon.
Required Measures for the Conservation Area. Table 4-71 shows how
many acres of Existing Conservation Lands are in this Conservation Area and
how many acres of Additional Conservation Lands will need to be conserved
through acquisition or other means. The following measures will be imposed to
achieve the Conservation Objectives in this Conservation Area.
2. A Conservation to Development ratio of 9:1 shall be maintained within
Section 30, T3S WE to maintain the functionality of the fluvial sand
transport systems. The Local Permittee(s) shall incorporate feasible
design, orientation, or other criteria in the Implementation Manual. If it
appears that the ratio may not be maintained, the appropriate Local
Permittee(s) will meet with the Wildlife Agencies and identify additional
means or alternative methods that will be implemented to achieve these
goals and objectives, including an accelerated acquisition program and/or
Development standards to maintain fluvial sand transport. The
requirements for Development in floodplains also help ensure that sand
transport capacity is maintained (See Figure 4-1 Bf).
Table 4-71: Conservation and Take Authorization for
Indio Hills/Joshua Tree National Park Linkage Conservation Area
(All acreages are based on 1996 pre -Planning Agreement information.)
Total Acres
Existing
Acres of
Remaining
in
Conservation
Disturbance
Acres to
Conservation Objective
Conservation
Lands
Authorized
be
Area
Conserved
Conserve sand source
5,823
1,228
460
4,135
areas
Conserve fluvial sand
7,304
491
681
6,132
transport areas
A-30
>�w w
4.3.15 East Indio Hills Conservation Area
Conservation Objectives. The Conservation Objectives for this
Conservation Area are:
3. Conserve at least 4 acres of active desert dunes in the Riverside County
portion; at least 295 acres of stabilized and partially stabilized desert sand
fields in the Riverside County portion of the area; at least 100 acres of
stabilized shielded desert sand fields in the City of Indio portion of the area
and at least 256 acres in the Riverside County portion; at least 2 acres of
mesquite hummocks in the City of Indio portion of the area and at least 39
acres in the Riverside County portion; and at least 7 acres of desert
saltbush scrub in the Riverside County portion of the area to conserve
these natural communities. Conservation of natural communities in the
City of Indio is subject to the conditions in measure 1 of the Required
Measures for the Conservation Area section below.
4.3.16 Joshua Tree National Park Conservation Area
Conservation Objectives. The Conservation Objectives for this
Conservation Area are:
2. Conserve Core Habitat for desert tortoise, potential Habitat for gray vireo,
and ecological processes for the Joshua Tree National Park Conservation
Area ,(as set forth below), allowing evolutionary processes and natural
population fluctuations to occur. Minimize fragmentation, human -caused
disturbance, and edge effects to Core Habitat by conserving contiguous
Habitat patches and effective Linkages between patches of Core Habitat.
d. Maintain the current capacity for fluvial sand transport in the washes
eManating from the Little San Bernardino Mountains that provide sand
for the Thousand Palms Conservation Area.
Avoidance'and Minimization Measure
Fluvial Sand Transport. Activities, including O&M of facilities and
construction of permitted new projects, in fluvial sand transport areas in the
Cabazon, Stubbe and Cottonwood Canyons, Snow Creek/Windy Point,
Whitewater Canyon, Whitewater Floodplain, Upper Mission Creek/Big Morongo
Canyon, Mission Creek/Morongo Wash, Willow Hole, Long Canyon, Edom Hill,
Thousand Palms, West Deception Canyon, and Indio Hills/Joshua Tree National
Park Linkage Conservation Areas will be conducted in a manner to maintain the
fluvial sand transport capacity of the system.
A-31