2021-08-09 CDFWMonday, August 9, 2021 at 08:30:11 Pacific Daylight Time
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Subject:Coral Mountain Resort DEIR - request for late submi7al of comments
Date:Monday, August 9, 2021 at 8:25:32 AM Pacific Daylight Time
From:Pert, Heather@Wildlife
To:consulMngplanner@laquintaca.gov
CC:Beck, Carly@Wildlife
AFachments:image001.png
Hello Nicole Sauviat Criste,
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife is requesMng an extension to submit comments to 8/13/21 on
the draX EIR for Coral Mountain Resort DEIR. We had some staffing changes around the Mme of release for
this document and in combinaMon with a heavy workload were not aware of the release of the draX EIR.
Our specific concerns are that the draX EIR does not adequately address the documented presence of
Peninsular bighorn sheep (PBS) on the project site, PBS are a California fully-protected species and a covered
species under the Coachella Valley MulMple Species Habitat ConservaMon Plan. The draX EIR states
"this species [Peninsular Bighorn Sheep] is not present at the site due to the absence of suitable habitat" (EIR
page 231), however, CDFW wildlife biologist have documented use of the area by PBS. It appears that CDFW
wildlife biologist were not consulted in preparaMon of the draX EIR. In addiMon, this project is adjacent to the
east side of the mountain (map on EIR page 16) where sheep are present. If the project moves forward,
CDFW recommends fencing around the property to keep both sheep and people in their respecMve areas.
However, our iniMal request is consultaMon with CDFW staff to discuss presence of PBS and develop
appropriate avoidance and minimizaMon measures. Given the adjacency of the project site to PBS habitat,
avoidance and minimizaMon measures should be included in the draX EIR that are consistent with the
Coachella Valley MSHCP.
We would appreciate addiMonal Mme to provide a more detailed response.
Sincerely,
Heather
Heather A. Pert
Senior Environmental ScienMst (Supervisor)
California Department of Fish and Wildlife
Inland Deserts Region
3602 Inland Empire Boulevard, Suite C-220
Ontario, CA 91764
858-395-9692
**Please note that due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, I will be working remotely until further notice.**