FAQ's
Frequently Asked Questions
Are all cities in the Coachella Valley Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan?
Yes. The City of Desert Hot Springs and Mission Springs Water District were added to the CVMSHCP through a Major Amendment completed on August 24, 2016.
Do local governments have any control?
Yes. Now that the CVMSHCP is approved, the state and federal wildlife agencies have transferred their authority under the Endangered Species Act to participating local governments, thus providing local rather than state and federal control.
Does the CVMSHCP comply with the state and federal Endangered Species Acts?
Yes. The CVMSHCP complies with Endangered Species Acts for land in the Coachella Valley under a single permit, a significant departure from the status quo process that requires permits for each individual property on which development is proposed.
Does the CVMSHCP only conserve and protect habitat in the area?
No. The CVMSHCP does more than just protect the natural habitat and the plants and animals that call the Coachella Valley home. It protects scenic vistas and cultural resources, while safeguarding new areas for recreational use.
How does the CVMSHCP benefit the local economy?
By providing development certainty the CVMSHCP makes the desert region an attractive destination for new businesses that will bring new jobs and tax revenue to the Coachella Valley, bolstering the local economy. Additionally, the Plan provides opportunities for outdoor recreation and ecotourism, enhancing one of the fastest growing sectors of the tourism market.
How does the CVMSHCP enhance the quality of life in the Valley?
The CVMSHCP conserves significant areas throughout the Coachella Valley, protecting the Valley’s scenic and open space qualities, allowing for the timely construction of roads and providing recreational amenities including additional trails. Open space enhances property values and supports the Coachella Valley’s tourism economy.
How is the plan funded?
The CVMSHCP is funded through a combination of development impact fees, open space trust funds, and funding from some permittees for infrastructure projects. Currently there is about $50 million available for land acquisition and CVCC will be able to leverage an additional $50 million in partner agency dollars for acquisitions in the early years of Plan implementation.
Is eminent domain involved in the acquisition of conservation property?
No. Property is only purchased from willing sellers at fair market value, based on an appraisal using comparable sales of like properties.
Is land in the conservation area un-developable and un-sellable?
Some development is permitted on private property in conservation areas. In addition, over 74% of the land the Plan proposed for inclusion in the conservation areas would be unaffected because it has already been set aside for protection. Within conservation areas, 95% of the land could develop to current general plan designation.
What are the CVMSHCP’s infrastructure benefits?
The CVMSHCP opens the door for timely construction of much needed roads, freeway interchanges, road widening, and bridge improvement projects to help prevent traffic gridlock in the Coachella Valley. The CVMSHCP allows 75 years of Caltrans projects to be permitted and constructed without costly delays and helps expedite construction of all currently planned road projects in the next 25 years. The CVMSHCP also provides for critical flood control and water infrastructure.
What are the environmental benefits of the CVMSHCP?
Not only does the CVMSHCP protect 27 species of plants and animals that are threatened or facing extinction, including the Desert Tortoise, Peninsular bighorn sheep, and Desert Pupfish but it also safeguards natural wonders in the Coachella Valley such as Whitewater Canyon, the link between Joshua Tree National Park and the Indio Hills, and opportunities for new trails. These protected wonders are now be part of a growing system of open space, parks, trails and reserves.
What happens to property located in the conservation area?
Private property owners inside the conservation area have the option to pursue development consistent with the Plan or offer their land for sale at fair market value. Significant funds to acquire land from willing sellers are available in the early years of the Plan.
What is the Coachella Valley Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan?
The CVMSHCP is a conservation plan that will conserve over 240,000 acres of open space and protect 27 species, safeguarding the desert’s natural heritage for future generations. The CVMSHCP provides a regional vision for balanced growth to meet the requirements of federal and state endangered species laws and helps to expedite transportation improvement projects, while promoting enhanced opportunities for recreation, tourism and job growth.
Who administers the CVMSHCP?
The Coachella Valley Conservation Commission (CVCC), a joint powers authority of elected representatives, will oversea and manage the Plan. The CVCC has no regulatory powers and no land use authority. Its primary purpose is to buy land from willing sellers in the conservation areas and to manage that land. CVCC meetings are open to the public and held on the second Thursday of every month.