2021-08-13 CA Wildlife DEIR Comment ExtensionRE: Coral Mountain Resort DEIR - request for late submittal of comments
Beck, Carly@Wildlife <Carly.Beck@wildlife.ca.gov>
Fri 8/13/2021 4:31 PM
To:Consulting Planner <ConsultingPlanner@laquintaca.gov>
Cc:Pert, Heather@Wildlife <Heather.Pert@wildlife.ca.gov>;White, Rollie <rollie_white@fws.gov>;ddortiz@blm.gov
<ddortiz@blm.gov>
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Hello Nicole Sauviat Criste,
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife have completed our review of the DraH Environmental Impact
Report for the Coral Mountain Resort Development. A=ached you will find a le=er outlining our comments
and concerns, we appreciate the addi;onal ;me extension provided to complete our review of the DEIR.
Cheers,
Carly Beck
Senior Environmental Scientist (Specialist)
Inland Deserts Region
California Department of Fish and Wildlife
3602 Inland Empire Blvd., Suite C-220
Ontario, CA 91764
951-218-2940
From: Consul;ng Planner <Consul;ngPlanner@laquintaca.gov>
Sent: Monday, August 9, 2021 8:29 AM
To: Pert, Heather@Wildlife <Heather.Pert@wildlife.ca.gov>
Cc: Beck, Carly@Wildlife <Carly.Beck@wildlife.ca.gov>
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Subject: Re: Coral Mountain Resort DEIR - request for late submi=al of comments
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Heather,
Please provide your comments before 5 PM on Friday, July 13th.
Nicole Sauviat Criste
Consul;ng Planner
City of La Quinta
From: Pert, Heather@Wildlife <Heather.Pert@wildlife.ca.gov>
Sent: Monday, August 9, 2021 8:25 AM
To: Consul;ng Planner <Consul;ngPlanner@laquintaca.gov>
Cc: Beck, Carly@Wildlife <Carly.Beck@wildlife.ca.gov>
Subject: Coral Mountain Resort DEIR - request for late submi=al of comments
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Hello Nicole Sauviat Criste,
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife is reques;ng an extension to submit comments to 8/13/21 on
the draH EIR for Coral Mountain Resort DEIR. We had some staffing changes around the ;me of release for
this document and in combina;on with a heavy workload were not aware of the release of the draH EIR.
Our specific concerns are that the draH 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 Mul;ple Species Habitat Conserva;on Plan. The draH 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 prepara;on of the draH EIR. In addi;on, 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 respec;ve areas. However,
our ini;al request is consulta;on with CDFW staff to discuss presence of PBS and develop appropriate
avoidance and minimiza;on measures. Given the adjacency of the project site to PBS habitat, avoidance and
minimiza;on measures should be included in the draH EIR that are consistent with the Coachella Valley
MSHCP.
We would appreciate addi;onal ;me to provide a more detailed response.
Sincerely,
Heather
Heather A. Pert
Senior Environmental Scien;st (Supervisor)
California Department of Fish and Wildlife
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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.**
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