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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006-05-17 STAFF REPORTS 1F Jay Thompson From: Craig Ewing Sent: Wednesday, May 24, 2006 12:01 PM To: Tom Wilson; Loretta Moffett; Jay Thompson Subject: MSHCP Documents Tom/ Loretta, The Council's approval of the MSHCP requires that the final resolution and two environmental documents—a CEQA Notice of Determination and a Cal Fish & Game Finding of De Minimus Impact be filed TODAY (Wednesday, the 20). 1 learned this yesterday from CVAG staff and have tried to pull together the information. I've also spoken to Jay Thompson, who is getting the final resolution signed by David. The two forms are attached, but the Fish and Game form needs corrected findings, as noted. I've put a call into Linda Rogers at CVAG (346-1127, ext. 113),who can assist with correcting the findings, but have not reached but her voicemail. These: all need to be postmarked today, including a check for$64 payable to the County Clerk of Riverside County. I'll be in the Planning Commission meeting this afternoon, so need Tom and Loretta (or others)to follow up. - Craig 5/24/2006 e_a a _,�e s a k - 5151 " CITY OF PALM SPRINGSI CITY TREASURERS REVOLVING FUND, 16-66/1220 CA - --- PALM SPRINGS,CA 92262 - - --DATE MAY 24 2006 14a1 �I . $ 64.00 PAY II To THE: RTVERSID ORDER OF - DOLLARS BankofAmerica CA VtMvddle Market �I� �,+' � �•��,� �". 333 South Hope Street - L ae Angelcs GA ap FOR Notice of Determination filine fee ' for MSHGP11400575Lill 1: 12200066L�: - L43L2��18.2 311' 1 NOTICE OF DETERMINATION To: County Clerk's Office From: City of Palm Springs County of Riverside 3200 E. Tahquitz Cyn. Way 2720 Gateway Drive Palm Springs, CA 92262 Riverside, CA 92507 Phone: (760) 323-8245 Fax: (760) 322-8360 Office of Planning and Research 1400 Tenth Street, Room 222 Sacramento, CA 95814 Attn: State Clearinghouse Subject. Filing of Notice of Detennination for Final Environmental Impact Report in Compliance with State CEQA Guidelines Sections 15096(i). Project Title: Coachella Valley Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan("MSHCP") State Clearinghouse Number: SCH#2000061079 Contact Person & Telephone Number: Thomas J. Wilson, Assistant City Manager (760) 323-8245 Project Location (include county): The boundaries of the MSHCP encompass approximately 1,850 square miles, consisting of approximately 1.1 million acres, extending eastward from the Western Riverside County Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan boundary line in Cabazon where it is bounded by the range line common to Range 1 East and Range 2 East, bounded by the San Bernardino County line and the Little San Bernardino Mountains on the north and northeast; the ridgeline of the San Jacinto and Santa Rosa Mountains on the west and southwest; the boundary line with San Diego and Imperial Counties to the south; and bounded by the Chocolate Mountains Aerial Gunnery Range and the range line common to Range 13 East and Range 14 East on the east; and containing the cities of. Cathedral City, Coachella, Desert Hot Springs, Indian Wells, Indio, La Quinta, Palm Desert, Palm Springs, and Rancho Mirage. ProjectDescription: The MSHCP is a comprehensive plan that provides for the assembly and management of a conservation area that protects and manages approximately 747,400 acres of habitat for 27 species pursuant to state and federal laws over the next 75 years. The MSHCP will serve as a habitat conservation plan pursuant to Section 10(a)(1)(B) of the Federal Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended, as well as a Natural Community Conservation Plan under the Natural Community Conservation Plan Act. The MSHCP will be used to allow, through the local land use planning process, the"Take" of the plant and animal species identified in the Plan. Covered Activities would include, but are not limited to, public and private development within the Coachella Valley, maintenance of and safety improvements on existing roads, construction and maintenance of trails and public access facilities, and expansion of certain mining operations. City of Palm Spaings—Notice of Determination May 17,2006 Coachella Valley Multi-species Habitat Conservation Plan Page 2 of 2 The Coachella Valley Association of Governments will act as Lead Agency for the MSHCP pursuant to CEQA and the City of Palm Springs will act as a responsible agency. This notice is filed, in compliance with State CEQA Guidelines Section 15096, to advise that the City Council of the City of Palm Springs, acting in its capacity as a Responsible Agency under CEQA, considered the Environmental Irnpact Report as prepared by the Coachella Valley Association of Governments, approved the MSHCP and authorized the City Manager of the City Manager to execute the Implementing Agreement at a regularly scheduled meeting on May 17, 2006 and made the following determinations: 1. The Project will not have a significant effect on the environment. 2. An Environmental Impact Report was prepared for the Project pursuant to the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act (Public Resources Code, § 21000 et seq.) 3. Mitigation measures were made a condition of the Project approval. 4. A statement of overriding considerations was not adopted for this Project. 5. A Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Plan was adopted for this Project. 6. Findings were made pursuant to the provisions of CEQA. This is to certify that the documents which comprise the record of proceedings for the Project, including the administrative record, with cormnents received, are available to the general public at: Custodian: Jay Thompson, City Clerk Location: 3200 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs, CA 92262 Date Signature --11 Q Date Received for Filing {� eaT „fib �l / 1 STATE OF CALIFORNIA-THE RESOURCES AGENCY DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND GAME ENVIRONMENTAL FILING FEE CASH RECEIPT Receipt# 200600667 Lead Agency CITY OF PALM SPRINGS Date 05/30/2006 County Agency of Filing Riverside Document No: 200600667 Project Tale COACHELLA VALLEY MULTIPLE SPECIES HABITAT CONSERVATION PLAN("MSHCP") Protect Apphcant Marne CITY OF PALM SPRINGS Phone Number. 760-323-8245 Project Applicant Address. 3200 E. TAHQUITZ CYN. WAY PALM SPRINGS, CA 92262 Project Applicant Local Public Agency CHECK APPLICABLE FEES: Environmental Impact Report Negative Declaration ❑Application Fee Water Diversion(State Wale?Resources Control Board Only) Project Subject to Certified Regulatory Programs ®County Administration Fee $64.00 0 Project that is exempt from fees(DeMininns Exemption) ❑Project that;s exempt from fees(Notice ofExempnon) Total Received $64.00 Signature and title of person receiving payment r-a Notes FEES PREV. PAID RECPT#200600129 02/07/2006 TM a� r _ Fn T v C�4 NOTICE OF DETERMINATION To: County Clerk's Office From: City of Palm Springs County of Riverside 3200 E. Tahquitz Cyn. Way 2720 Gateway Drive U L - O Palm Springs, CA 92262 Riverside, CA 92507 RIVERSIUL•"COUNTY Phone: (760) 323-8245 0 2006Fax: (760) 322-8360 Office of Planning and Research MAY 1400 Tenth Street, Room 222 LARRY VV.VVARD,CLI PK Sacramento, CA 95814 y y!t � M^^� 'r.MDeputy a Attn: State Clearinghouse Subject: Filing of Notice of Determination for Final Environmental Impact Report in Compliance with State CEQA Guidelines Sections 15096(i). Project Title: Coachella Valley Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan("MSHCP") State Clearinghouse Number: SCH#2000061079 Contact Person & Telephone Number. Thomas J. Wilson, Assistant City Manager (760) 323-8245 Project Location (include county): The boundaries of the MSHCP encompass approximately 1,850 square miles, consisting of approximately 1.1 million acres, extending eastward from the Western Riverside County Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan boundary line in Cabazon where it is bounded by the range line common to Range 1 East and Range 2 East, bounded by the San Bernardino County line and the Little San Bernardino Mountains on the north and northeast; the ridgeline of the San Jacinto and Santa Rosa Mountains on the west and southwest; the boundary line with San Diego and Imperial Counties to the south; and bounded by the Chocolate Mountains Aerial Gunnery Range and the range line common to Range 13 East and Range 14 East on the east; and containing the cities of: Cathedral City, Coachella, Desert Hot Springs, Indian Wells, Indio, La Quinta, Palm Desert, Palm Springs, and Rancho Mirage. Project Description: The MSHCP is a comprehensive plan that provides for the assembly and management of a conservation area that protects and manages approximately 747,400 acres of habitat for 27 species pursuant to state and federal laws over the next 75 years. The MSHCP will serve as a habitat conservation plan pursuant to Section 10(a)(1)(B) of the Federal Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended, as well as a Natural Community Conservation Plan under the Natural Commmunity Conservation Plan Act. The MSHCP will be used to allow, through the local land use planning process, the "Take" of the plant and animal species identified in the Plan. r Covered Activities would include, but are not limited to, public and private development within the Coachella Valley, maintenance of and ,s�afety improvements on existing roads, construction and maintenance of trails and I,puy�l cCactYor- `-�eififiesl.Y1eand expansion of certain mining operations. Filed per P.I R.G. 21152 POSTED r Removed Or City of Palm Springs—Notice of Determination May 17,2006 Coachella Valley Multi-species Habitat Conservation Plan Page 2 of 2 The Coachella Valley Association of Governments will act as Lead Agency for the MSHCP pursuant to CEQA and the City of Palm Springs will act as a responsible agency. This notice is filed, in compliance with State CEQA Guidelines Section 15096, to advise that the City Council of the City of Palm Springs, acting in its capacity as a Responsible Agency under CEQA, considered the Environmental Impact Report as prepared by the Coachella Valley Association of Governments, approved the MSHCP and authorized the City Manager of the City Manager to execute the hnplementing Agreement at a regularly scheduled meeting on May 17, 2006 and made the following determinations: 1. The Project will not have a significant effect on the environment. 2. An Environmental Impact Report was prepared for the Project pursuant to the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act(Public Resources Code, § 21000 et seq.) 3. Mitigation measures were made a condition of the Project approval. 4. A statement of overriding considerations was not adopted for this Project. 5. A Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Plan was adopted for this Project. 6. Findings were made pursuant to the provisions of CEQA. This is to certify that the documents which comprise the record of proceedings for the Project, including the administrative record, with comments received, are available to the general public at: Custodian: Jay Thompson, City Clerk Location: 3200 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs, CA 92262 Date Signature Date Received for Filing 6014/2006 15:06 7603405949 CVAG PAGE 01 STATE OF CALIFORNIA-THE RESOURCES AGENCY DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND GAME ENVIRONMENTAL FILING FFE CASH RECEIPT Receipt# 200600129 Leaddgeaey: COA.CHELLA VALLEY ASSOC.OF GOVERMAENTS Dater 0210717.006 CoamyAgencyofFtltng.• Riverside Dxmnont No: 200600129 Projaa title: COACULLA VALLEY MULMLE SPECIES CONSERVATION PLAN,NATURAL COMMUNITY PrdjeaApphrawr Nanre: COACHELLA VALLEY ASSOC.OF GOVERNA•fEN1'S Phony Nrmi6er: Project Applicant Address: 73-710 FRED WARING M.STE 200 PALM DESERT,CA 92260 Projew,4ppltaam: Local Public Agency c1lawAPPLICAmE FEES En*+tromncnrallmpaatRepor7 $950.00 ©Negattm Declaration 0 dPplicodan Fee IfawDtversim(State Water Rosomm Control Board On(y) Q•Prajea Sabfcet to Ceritj9ed)legula,"Programs �JComayAdmtntatradonroe $ .00 ❑Project that a exemptfm-fogs(De,Nintm,rmnpum) 0 Projea that is ammpifrmafecs(Notice ofr=mpttan) Tote!Received S914.00 Signamro and fide afperson reeetcing paymom. Notes: t a RESOLUTION NO. 21582 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA, MAKING RESPONSIBLE AGENCY FINDINGS PURSUANT TO THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT FOR THE MULTIPLE SPECIES HABITAT CONSERVATION PLAN; APPROVING THE COACHELLA VALLEY MULTIPLE SPECIES HABITAT CONSERVATION PLAN; IMPLEMENTING AGREEMENT, AND MEMORANDA OF UNDERSTANDING WITH THE COACHELLA VALLEY ASSOCIATION OF GOVERN-MENTS; AND ADOPTING ENVIRONMENTAL FINDINGS PURSUANT TO THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT. The City Council of the City of Palm Springs finds: A. The Coachella Valley Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan (the "MSHCP" or 'Project') is a regional, comprehensive, multi jurisdictional habitat conservation plan focusing on the conservation of both sensitive species and their associated habitats in order to address biological and ecological diversity and conservation needs in the Coachella Valley; sets aside significant areas of undisturbed land for the conservation of sensitive habitat; maintains opportunities for recreation; preserves open space; and maintains a strong and sustainable environment for economic Development in the region. B. The MSHCP establishes a framework for compliance with State and Federal Endangered Species regulations while accommodating future growth in the MSHCP Plan Area, including issuance of "Take" Permits for certain species pursuant to Section 10(a)(1)(B) of the Federal Endangered Species Act ("ESA") and Section 2800, et sec. of the California Fish and Game Code (otherwise known as the "Natural Community Conservation Planning Act' or "NCCP Act of 2001"). C. The Coachella Valley Association of Governments ("CVAG) is the lead agency pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act ("CEQA") (Public Res, Code, § 21000 et seq.) and the State CEQA Guidelines (14 CCR § 15000 et seq.). D. A joint Environmental Impact Report/Statement ("EIR/EIS") has been prepared pursuant to CEQA and the National Environmental Policy Act (°NEPA") in order to analyze all potential adverse environmental impacts of the Project. f E. CVAG, at a public meeting on February 6, 2006, reviewed the Final EIR/EIS, MSHCP/Natural Communities Conservation Plan ("NCCP"), Implementation Agreement, Mitigation, Monitoring and Reporting Program ("MkRP") and other related documents in the record before it and by Resolution No. 06-002, certified the Final EIR/EIS, selected the Preferred Alternative and approved the IVISHCP/NCCP, Implementation Agreement and MkARP. Resolution No. 21582 Page 3 lessen or avoid any significant effects that the MSHCP would have on the environment. 3. The City Council approves the MSHCP, on file in the Office of the City Clerk and deemed attached to this Resolution as Exhibit C, and authorizes the Mayor to execute the Implementation Agreement, subject to CVAG executing Memoranda of Understanding with the City of Palm Springs related to the funding of the Gene Autry Drive bridge improvements and the transfer of"take" rights under certain circumstances. 4. The City Manager is authorized to execute the Memoranda of Understanding in a form approved by the City Attorney. 5. The City Council hereby authorizes and directs that a Notice of Determination shall be filed with the Clerk of the County of Riverside within five (5) working days of approval of the Project. ADOPTED this 17" day of May, 2006. David H. Ready, City n ATTEST: ' J,#es Thompson, City Cler CERTIFICATION STATE OF CALIFORNIA ) COUNTY OF RIVERSIDE ) ss. CITY OF PALM SPRINGS ) I, JAMES THOMPSON, City Clerk of the City of Palm Springs, hereby certify that Resolution No. 21582 is a full, true and correct copy as was duly adopted at a regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Palm Springs on May,17, 2006, by the following vote: AYES: Councilmember Mills, Councilmember Pougnet;,Mayor Pro Tem Foat and Mayor Oden NOES: Councilmember McCulloch ABSENT: None ABSTAIN: None CERTIFIED COPY certify that this is a true and eom3ct copy of the document on file in the official ce %CPalm Springs. J2 es Thompson, City Clerk Ity of Palm Springs, California Deputy City Clerk This certification must appear In blue with an original signature. 04/14/2006 15:06 7603405949 CVAG PAGE 01 STATE OF CALIFORNIA-THE RESOURCES AGENCY DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND GAME ENVIRONMENTAL FILING FEE CASH RECEIPT Recelpt# 200800129 LeadAgmey: COACHEILLA VALLEY AS50C,OF GOVERNMENTS Pats: 02/07/2006 Counry.AgcacynfFtbng: Rivendde DocamemNo: 200600129 Project 1Ytle: COACULLA VALLEY MULTIPLE SPECIES CONSERVATION PLAN,NATURAL COMMUNITY ProjectAppticame Name: COACHMLLA VALLEY ASSOC.OF GOVERNMENTS Phone Member: Prajear Applicant Add=v 73-710 MD WARING DR,.STE 200 PALM DESERT,CA 92260 PrajecfApptcanr: Local Public Agency . CHECKAPPLICABLE FF,ES' VA Envpamnental Impact Report $350.00 Negative Declaration ❑Applicarlon Fee,Water Diwmon(State Water Resources Comrol Band Only) ❑Project Subject to CertfiadRegalotoryProgrowa �]CowetyAdmtnleltatlon Fee $64,00 ❑Projem rhat u ex vtfram few mcuintnav Exemption) ❑Project riot is ememprfrwnfees(Notice ofF.zemprian) TomrRecalved S914A0 SYgnah+re and title afperson mutving payment: Norm: ;o?ALM SA4 �2 V N c eo4nO ` R R�iE��,' a``FN,P CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT DATE: May 17, 2006 PUBLIC HEARING SUBJECT: APPROVAL OF THE COACHELLA VALLEY MULTIPLE SPECIES HABITAT CONSERVATION PLAN ("MSHCP") SUBJECT TO CERTAIN FINDINGS AND RELATED CEQA DETERMINATIONS; APPROVING THE IMPLEMENTING AGREEMENT FOR THE MSHCP; AND APPROVING A MEMORANDA OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN CVAG AND THE CITY FROM: David H. Ready, City Manager BY: Douglas Holland, City Attorney SUMMARY On February 6, 2006, the Executive Committee for the Coachella Valley Association of Governments ("CVAG") certified the Final Environmental Impact Report/Statement ("EIR/EIS") for the Coachella Valley Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan ("MSHCP"). CVAG has requested that the City of Palm Springs as well as the other Permitees under the MSHCP, make the requisite CEQA findings necessary to allow the City to approve and effectuate the MSHCP, approve the MSHCP, and approve the Implementing Agreement. RECOMMENDATION: 1. Open the public hearing and received public testimony. 2. Adopt Resolution No. , "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA, MAKING RESPONSIBLE AGENCY FINDINGS PURSUANT TO THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT FOR THE MULTIPLE SPECIES HABITAT CONSERVATION PLAN; APPROVING THE COACHELLA VALLEY MULTIPLE SPECIES HABITAT CONSERVATION PLAN; IMPLEMENTING AGREEMENT, AND MEMORANDA OF UNDERSTANDING WITH THE COACHELLA VALLEY ASSOCIATION OF GOVERNMENTS; AND ADOPTING ENVIRONMENTAL FINDINGS PURSUANT TO THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT' which conditionally approves the MSHCP subject to CVAG approval of Memoranda of Understanding regarding the funding of Gene Autry Drive bridge improvements and the establishment of transfer of "take" rights under certain circumstances. A Item No. 1 a City Council Staff Report May 17, 2006 -- Page 2 MSHCP Approval 3. Authorize the Mayor to execute the Implementing Agreement, subject to final approval by the City Attorney. 4. Authorize the City Manager to execute the Memorandum of Understandings with the Coachella Valley Association of Governments (CVAG), subject to final approval by the City Attorney. STAFF ANALYSIS: Project Description and Location Coachella Valley Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan/Natural Community Conservation Plan (MSHCP) is a comprehensive, regional approach to compliance with the state and federal Endangered Species Acts and also provides biological mitigation under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). The MSHCP seeks to provide conservation and incidental take coverage for 27 sensitive and endangered species under the Federal Endangered Species Act and 27 natural communities (vegetation/habitat types) under California' s Natural Community Conservation Planning Act through creation of a 725,000-acre Reserve System within a 1.1 million acre plan area--exclusive of Native American reservation land (Attachment A). Approximately 74% of the Reserve System (as of June 2003) is public land managed by various local, state and federal agencies or owned by non-governmental conservation organizations. Some of the remaining 26% is land already owned by Permittees, but not previously permanently committed to conservation. The proposed Conservation Areas within the City of Coachella total 362 acres of which 301 acres are privately owned. CVAG is the lead agency and the other Permittees under the MSHCP will be asked to approve the MSHCP EIR as responsible agencies. Permittees include the 9 cities of the Coachella Valley, the County of Riverside, Coachella Valley Water District, Imperial Irrigation District, California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), California Department of Parks and Recreation, Coachella Valley Mountains Conservancy County, (Riverside County Flood Control and Water Conservation District, Riverside County Regional Parks and Open Space District, Riverside County Waste Resources Management District. The Coachella Valley Conservation Commission, a joint powers authority formed to implement the MSHCP, is also a Permittee. [Background (Planning for MSHCP has been in progress for over a decade. The MSHCP was first conceived in a feasibility study presented to CVAG in 1994. The purpose of the Multiple Species Plan is to comprehensively address state and federal Endangered Species Act issues in the Coachella Valley. The state and federal permits provided by the MSHCP would facilitate public and private development of land without requiring a project by project review for endangered species impacts along with the conservation of habitat for City Council Staff Report May 17, 2006 -- Page 3 MSHCP Approval sensitive species. Public and private development outside of Conservation Areas would no longer require biological surveys as part of CEQA. In late 1995 and early 1996, the Coachella Valley cities, the County and various state and federal agencies entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to prepare the MSHCP. The MOU was amended shortly thereafter to include the Plan as part of the California Natural Community Conservation Plan (NCCP) process. The Plan has been prepared at the direction of CVAG contracting with the Coachella Valley Mountains Conservancy (CVMC). A Project Advisory Group (PAG) was formed in 1994 to represent the parties of the MOU, other public agencies and key private sector groups. The PAG has been holding public meetings since 1994 to provide direction to the Plan's preparation and the opportunity for public input during the process. Public forums were held in 1998, 1999 and 2000 to offer potentially affected landowners and other members of the public an opportunity to input into the planning process. A Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC) was also formed to provide technical expertise on biological issues. The SAC was comprised of biologists from the University of California, the Center for Natural Lands Management, Bureau of Land Management, National Park Service, California Department of Fish and Game, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Coachella Valley Water District. Three conservation alternatives were initially developed by the SAC, with input from the PAG, for consideration. The alternatives essentially represented a "least to most" range of conservation. To assist in the selection of the preferred alternative, a review panel of independent scientists that included internationally renowned biologists Michael Soule and Reed Noss analyzed the alternatives and commented that the MSHCP "is sure to The one of the most scientifically defensible and through Habitat Conservation Plans or (Natural Community Conservation Plans ever developed." Modifications to the mid-level alternative based on land use, economic and biological considerations were made to develop the preferred alternative. A public review draft of the MSHCP, a draft Environmental Impact Report/Environmental impact Statement (EIR/EIS) and associated documents were released by CVAG on November 5, 2004. The comment period on the Plan was extended to March 7, 2005. Five public meetings, including a hearing before the CVAG Executive Committee, were held during the comment period. Over 300 individual written comments and verbal comments at the public meetings were submitted. The Final EIR includes responses to 1) all written comments received from agencies, private organizations, and the public during the entire extended public comment period; and, (2) to all verbal comments submitted at the four public comment meetings and the Executive Committee public hearing of January 24, 2005. On March 7, 2005 the City of Coachella comments on the MSHCP. A copy of that letter is attached to this report. (See Attachment "Y.) The City's comments related primarily to the Plan's recommendations for trail restrictions and the process for determining the boundaries of the Conservation Area within the city. City Council Staff Report May 17, 2006 -- Page 4 MSHCP Approval The final MSHCP and EIR/EIS was distributed to CVAG members and other Plan Permittees during the week of December 5, 2005. The Final EIR/EIS includes responses to comments made by every agency, private organization and member of the public during the November 5, 2004-March 7, 2005 comment period. All those who submitted comments were notified of the availability of the Final EIR and of the February 6, 2006 hearing of the CVAG Executive Committee to consider certification of the Final EIR. After more than four hours of testimony from 95 speakers at the February 6, 2006 hearing, the CVAG Executive Committee voted 10-1 to certify the Final EIR, approve the MSHCP and its Implementing Agreement, and to extend the date by which the Permittees must act on the Plan to June 1, 2006. Covered Activities The plan will provide permits for the incidental take for both listed and non-listed species for a period of 75 years. The permits will provide take authorization for the following types of covered activities outside Conservation Areas: • Development permitted or approved by local agencies • Public facility construction, operation and maintenance. • Emergency response activities. The permits will provide coverage for Caltrans projects including future 1-10 interchanges in the City of Coachella. Widening of local arterial streets associated with interchange projects are also Covered Activities. The CVAG Transportation Project Prioritization Study (TPPS) projects are Covered Activities. All anticipated roads and public infrastructure projects by the City of Coachella are outside of Conservation Areas and are therefore receive blanket coverage. In Conservation Areas the permits will provide take authorization for the following covered activities: • Development permitted or approved by local jurisdictions that is consistent with the Plan's limitations. • Operation and maintenance of existing legal private uses as of the date of Plan approval. • Construction and maintenance of trails consistent with the Plan's guidelines, except those portions on federal lands. 'Trails One of the most controversial elements of the MSHCP has been its provisions and restrictions on trails. Following the receipt of many comments and criticisms of the Plan's trail provisions, CVAG conferred with state and federal wildlife agencies to prepare revisions to the trails plan element. The Final MSHCP provides for an unlimited City Council Staff Report May 17, 2006 -- Page 5 MSHCP Approval number of self-issue permits on some trails in the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains and a five year research program to determine the impact of recreational trail use on bighorn sheep. The MSHCP is now supported by all the major hiking, equestrian and trail user groups in the Coachella Valley. Reserve System The Plan includes the establishment of a Reserve System from lands within 21 Conservation Areas. When assembled, the Reserve System will provide for the conservation of the Covered Species in the Plan area. A total of 747,400 acres are to be included in the Conservation Areas. Of that amount, 534,200 acres are existing conservation lands in public or private ownership managed for the protection of open space as of June 2003. 22,660 acres within Conservation Areas may be subject to development. Conservation Areas within the City of Coachella total 362 acres of which 301 acres are in private ownership. Plan Implementation Implementation of the Plan will be administered by the Coachella Valley Conservation Commission (CVCC), a joint powers authority formed by the local Permittees. The CVCC would analyze and assist in determining if a land use project within a designated conservation area is consistent or inconsistent with the CVMSHCP. Within a 30-day timeframe, the CVCC would coordinate with the local jurisdiction to determine the proper course of action on a case-by-case basis. The jurisdiction would factor this information into its land use decision-making process. Ultimately, it would be incumbent upon the City to approve land use projects consistent with the requirements of the MSHCP. The CVCC has been formed and is meeting monthly in anticipation of the adoption of the MSHCP by all jurisdictions. In addition to acquisition as a means of protecting listed species' habitat, the Plan includes requirements in Conservation Areas to avoid, minimize and mitigate impacts From activities otherwise allowed in these areas. Guidelines to avoid or minimize indirect effects from the development of lands adjacent to Conservation Areas are also included in the Plan. Implementation of these guidelines is solely at the discretion of the City. The MSHCP identifies a Rough Step process that tracks the amount of incidental take within Conservation Areas with the amount of conservation that occurs within the same area. It should be noted that the 10% take allocated to each of the 21 conservation areas cannot be taken until it is proportionally conserved within the same conservation area. However, there is a mechanism in the MSHCP which allows for the movement of take allocations among the conservation areas and jurisdictions. The CVCC, not the City or developer, is responsible for acquisition of land for conservation and maintaining Rough Step. City Council Staff Report May 17, 2006 -- Page 6 MSHCP Approval As part of the implementation of the MSHCP, the City will be expected to adopt an ordinance imposing a new MSHCP Development Mitigation Fee. This mitigation fee will be solely used for land acquisition and costs related to land acquisition. CVAG has (performed an updated nexus study, and has proposed that a fee of $5,270 per acre for commercial and industrial property. The residential fee would be a per unit fee that varies with the density of development as follows: 0-8 units per acre $1,180 per unit 8.1-14 units per acre $490 per unit 14.1+ units per acre $216 per unit The MSHCP mitigation fee will replace the current Fringe-toed lizard fee of $600 per acre in those areas of the Coachella Valley currently covered by the Coachella Valley Fringe-toed Lizard Habitat Conservation Plan (CVFTL HCP). The CVFTL HCP will be subsumed into the MSHCP. 'The proposed fee ordinance will be presented to the City Council at a future date, when there is sufficient time in which to provide the requisite public notice for the adoption of new fees. Cities shall also pass a resolution that adopts the MSHCP and establishes procedural requirements for the implementation of its terms and conditions as further described in the Implementation Agreement. Conditional Approval The approval of the MSHCP is conditional upon CVAG approval and execution of certain Memoranda of Understanding that will provide for the funding of the Gene Autry Drive bridge improvements and the transfer of "take' within the City of Palm Springs under certain circumstances. FISCAL IMPACT: IFinance Director Review: A i J �r"= L_� ,y Implementation of the MSHCP is expected to cost $645,242,00 (2006 dollars) over the 75 year period of the permits for the entire area covered by they SHCP, including Palm Springs. Implementation of the MSHCP is designed to be self-funding and no assessments are required of the Permittees. The MSHCP is to be funded from the Development Mitigation Fee, tipping fees, and infrastructure mitigation payments from CVAG, Coachella Valley Water District, Caltrans, and Imperial Irrigation District. While the City would incur some degree of cost in staff time in implementing the MSHCP, this is expected to be more than offset by savings in staff time on project reviews, including CEQA review. \.Ro Douglas Holland, City Attoq�Mey Thomas Wilso Assistant City Manager David H. Ready, City ana r RESOLUTION NO. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA, MAKING RESPONSIBLE AGENCY FINDINGS PURSUANT TO THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT FOR THE MULTIPLE SPECIES HABITAT CONSERVATION PLAN; APPROVING THE COACHELLA VALLEY MULTIPLE SPECIES HABITAT CONSERVATION PLAN, IMPLEMENTING AGREEMENT, AND MEMORANDA OF UNDERSTANDING WITH THE COACHELLA VALLEY ASSOCIATION OF GOVERNMENTS; AND ADOPTING ENVIRONMENTAL FINDINGS PURSUANT TO THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT The City Council of the City of Palm Springs finds: A. The Coachella Valley Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan (the "MSHCP" or 'Project') is a regional, comprehensive, multi-jurisdictional habitat conservation plan focusing on the conservation of both sensitive species and their associated habitats in order to address biological and ecological diversity and conservation needs in the Coachella Valley; sets aside significant areas of undisturbed hand for the conservation of sensitive habitat; maintains opportunities for recreation; (preserves open space; and maintains a strong and sustainable environment for economic Development in the region. B. The MSHCP establishes a framework for compliance with State and Federal Endangered Species regulations while accommodating future growth in the MSHCP Plan Area, including issuance of "Take" Permits for certain species pursuant to Section 10(a)(1)(B) of the Federal Endangered Species Act ("ESA") and Section 2800, et seq. of the California Fish and Game Code (otherwise known as the "Natural Community Conservation Planning Act' or "NCCP Act of 2001"). C. The Coachella Valley Association of Governments ("CVAG") is the lead agency pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act ("CEQA") (Public Res. Code, § 21000 et seq.) and the State CEQA Guidelines (14 CCR § 15000 et seq.). D. A joint Environmental Impact Report/Statement ("EIR/EIS") has been prepared pursuant to CEQA and the National Environmental Policy Act ("NEPA") in order to analyze all potential adverse environmental impacts of the Project. E. CVAG, at a public meeting on February 6, 2006, reviewed the Final EIR/EIS, MSHCP/Natural Communities Conservation Plan ("NCCP"), Implementation Agreement, Mitigation, Monitoring and Reporting Program ("MMRP") and other related documents in the record before it and by Resolution No. 06-002, certified the Final RVPUB\7ACKERMAN\712231.1 -1- EIR/EIS, selected the Preferred Alternative and approved the MSHCP/NCCP, Implementation Agreement and MMRP. F. Pursuant to State CEQA Guidelines sections 15091, 15096(h), 15381, and other provisions of CEQA, the City of Palm Springs ("City") is a responsible agency for the Project and must therefore make certain findings prior to the approval of the MSHCP. G. The City Council of the City, at its regularly scheduled public meeting on May 18, 2006, independently reviewed and considered the Final EIR/EIS and other related documents in the record before it. I. All the procedures of CEQA and the State CEQA Guidelines have been met, and the Final EIR/EIS, prepared in connection with the Project, is sufficiently detailed so that all the potentially significant effects of the Project on the environment and measures necessary to avoid or substantially lessen such effects have been evaluated in accordance with the above-referenced Act and Guidelines. J. As contained herein, the City has endeavored in good faith to set forth the oasis for its decision on the Project. K. All of the findings and conclusions made by the City Council pursuant to this Resolution are based upon the oral and written evidence presented to it as a whole and not based solely on the information provided in this Resolution. L. Prior to taking action, the City Council has heard, been presented with, reviewed and considered all of the information and data presented to it, including the Draft EIR/EIS, Final EIR/EIS, the MSHCP, and other documentation relating to the Project, and all oral and written evidence presented to it. M. All other legal prerequisites to the adoption of this Resolution have occurred except the approval of appropriate memoranda of understandings necessary to provide assurances to the City regarding funding for Gene Autry Drive bridge improvements and the ability of the City to transfer "take" interests under certain circumstances. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF THE CITY OF PALM SPRINGS, AS FOLLOWS: 1. The Final EIR/EIS prepared for the MSHCP has been received by the City Council in the form on file in the Office of the City Clerk and is deemed attached to this Resolution as Exhibit A, The City Council finds and determines that the Final EIR/EIS has been completed in compliance with CEQA and the State CEQA Guidelines and, as the decision-making body for the City of City of Palm Springs, the City Council has reviewed and considered the information contained in the Final EIR/EIS and related documents before it and all of the environmental effects of the MSHCP. RVPUMVACKERMANW12231.1 -2- 2. The City Council concurs with and adopts the environmental findings in CVAG Resolution No. 06-002, on file in the Office of the City Clerk and deemed attached to this Resolution as Exhibit B. The City Council also finds that there are no additional feasible mitigation measures or alternatives within its powers that would substantially lessen or avoid any significant effects that the MSHCP would have on the Environment. 3. The City Council approves the MSHCP, on file in the Office of the City Clerk and deemed attached to this Resolution as Exhibit C, and authorizes the Mayor to execute the Implementation Agreement, subject to CVAG executing Memoranda of Understanding with the City of Palm Springs related to the funding of the Gene Autry Drive bridge improvements and the transfer of"take" rights under certain circumstances. 4. The City Manager is authorized to execute the Memoranda of Understanding in a form approved by the City Attorney. 5. The City Council hereby authorizes and directs that a Notice of Determination shall be filed with the Clerk of the County of Riverside within five (5) working days of approval of the Project. PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED this 17th day of May, 2006. AYES: NOES: ABSTAIN: Ron Oden, Mayor City of Palm Springs ATTEST: James Thompson, City Clerk City of Palm Springs APPROVED AS TO FORM: Douglas Holland, City Attorney RVPUB\SACKERMAN\712231.1 -3- ------------------------------------------------------------------------ I, James Thompson, City Clerk of the City of Palm Springs, do hereby certify that the foregoing Resolution No. _was duly and regularly adopted by the City Council at a regular meeting thereof, held on the 17th day of May, 2006, and that the foregoing is a true and correct copy of said Resolution. James Thompson, City Clerk RVPUBVACKERMAN\712231.1 -4- Coachella Valley Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan and Natural Community Conservation Plan Final Implementing Agreement February 2006 TABLE OF CONTENTS Pa e s 1 PARTIES .................................................................................................................1 2 DEFINED TERMS..................................................................................................1 2.1 Acceptable Biologist....................................................................................1 2.2 Acquisition and Funding Coordinating Committee.....................................1 2.3 Adaptive Management.................................................................................I 2.4 Additional Conservation Lands...................................................................1 2.5 Agreement....................................................................................................1 2.6 Allowable Uses............................................................................................2 2.7 Annual Report(s)..........................................................................................2 2.8 Area Plan......................................................................................................2 2.9 Biological Corridor.:....................................................................................2 2.10 Caltrans........................................................................................................2 2.11 Candidate Species........................................................................................2 2.12 CDFG...........................................................................................................2 2.13 CEQA...........................................................................................................2 2.14 Certificate of Inclusion ................................................................................2 2.15 CESA...........................................................................................................2 2.16 Changed Circumstances.............................................:.................................2 2.17 Cities............................................................................................................2 2.18 Coachella Valley Fringe-Toed Lizard Habitat Conservation Plan or- CVFTLHCP................................................................................................3 2.19 Complementary Conservation.....................................................................3 -i- TABLE OF CONTENTS Pa e s 2.20 Conservation................................................................................................3 2.21 Conservation Areas......................................................................................3 2.22 Conservation Goal(s)...................................................................................3 2.23 Conservation Level......................................................................................3 2.24 Conservation Objective................................................................................3 2.25 Conservation Strategy..................................................................................3 2.26 Conserved Habitat........................................................................................3 2.27 Core Habitat.................................................................................................3 2.28 County..........................................................................................................3 2.29 County Flood Control..................................................................................4 2.30- County Parks................................................................................................4 2.31 County Waste...............................................................................................4 2.32 Covered Activities.......................................................................................4 2.33 Covered Species...........................................................................................4 2.34 Critical Habitat.............................................................................................4 2.35 CVAG..........................................................................................................4 2.36 CVCC...........................................................................................................4 2.37 CVMC..........................................................................................................4 2.38 CVWD .........................................................................................................4 2.39 Development................................................................................................4 2.40 Discretionary Project ...................................................................................4 2.41 Effective Date..............................................................................................4 2.42 Emergency...................................................................................................5 -ii- TABLE OF CONTENTS Pa e s 2.43 Endangered Species.....................................................................................5 2.44 Environmental Laws....................................................................................5 2.45 Essential Ecological Processes....................................................................5 2.46 Essential Habitat..........................................................................................5 2.47 Executive Director.......................................................................................5 2.48 Existing Conservation Lands.......................................................................5 2.49 Existing Uses ...............................................................................................5 2.50 FESA............................................................................................................5 2.51 Feasible........................................................................................................5 2.52 Habitat..........................................................................................................5 2.53 HabiTrak......................................................................................................6 2.54 IID................................................................................................................6 2.55 Implementing Agreement or IA...................................................................6 2.56 Implementation Mechanism.........................................................................6 2.57 Independent Science Advisors.....................................................................6 2.58 Joint Project Review Process.......................................................................6 2.59 Land Manager..............................................................................................6 2.60 Land Use Adjacency Guidelines..................................................................6 2.61 Linkage ........................................................................................................6 2.62 Listed Species ..............................................................................................6 2.63 Local Development Mitigation Fee.............................................................6 2.64 Local Permittees...........................................................................................6 2.65 Maintenance Activities ................................................................................6 -iii- TABLE OF CONTENTS Page(s) 2.66 Major Amendments .....................................................................................6 2.67 Management Program..................................................................................7 2.68 MBTA..........................................................................................................7 2.69 MBTA Special Purpose Permit....................................................................7 2.70 Minor Amendments.....................................................................................7 2.71 Mitigation Lands..........................................................................................7 2.72 Monitoring Program.....................................................................................7 2.73 Monitoring Program Administrator.............................................................7 2.74 Monitoring Report(s)...................................................................................7 2.75 MSHCP........................................................................................................7 2.76 MSHCP Reserve System.............................................................................7 2.77 NCCP Act....................................................................................................7 2.78 NCCP Permit...............................................................................................7 2.79 NEPA...........................................................................................................7 2.80 No Surprises Assurances..............................................................................8 2.81 Organizational Structure..............................................................................8 2.82 Operation and Maintenance Activities or O&M..........................................8 2.83 Other Conserved Habitat..............................................................................8 2.84 Participating Special Entity..........................................................................8 2.85 Party and Parties ..........................................................................................8 2.86 Pennit(s).......................................................................................................8 2.87 Peimittees.....................................................................................................8 2.88 Plan..............................................................................................................8 -iv- TABLE OF CONTENTS Pa e s 2.89 Plan Area......................................................................................................8 2.90 Plan Participants...........................................................................................9 2.91 Planning Agreement.....................................................................................9 2.92 Private Conservation Land...........................................................................9 2.93 Reserve Lands..............................................................................................9 2.94 Reserve Management Oversight Committee or RMOC..............................9 2.95 Reserve Management Unit or RMU............................................................9 2.96 Reserve Management Unit Committee or RMUC.......................................9 2.97 Reserve Management Unit Plan or RMUP..................................................9 2.98 Reserve System Assembly...........................................................................9 2.99 Rough Step...................................................................................................9 2.100 Rough Step Analysis Unit............................................................................9 2.101 Scientific Advisory Committee....................................................................9 2.102 Section 10(a) Permit....................................................................................9 2.103 Species Conservation Goal(s)......................................................................9 2.104 State Assurances ........................................................................................10 2.105 State Parks..................................................................................................10 2.106 State Permittee(s).......................................................................................10 2.107 Take............................................................................................................10 2.108 Take Authorization....................................................................................10 2.109 Third Party Granted Take Authorization...................................................10 2.110 Third Party Take Authorization.................................................................10 2.111 Threatened Species ....................................................................................10 -v- TABLE OF CONTENTS Page(s) 2.112 Unforeseen Circumstances.........................................................................10 2.113 Unlisted Species.........................................................................................10 2.114 USFWS......................................................................................................10 2.115 Wildlife Agencies......................................................................................10 3 RECITALS ............................................................................................................11 4 PURPOSES............................................................................................................13 5 INCORPORATION OF THE MSHCP .................................................................14 6 CONSERVATION STRATEGY ..........................................................................14 7 MSHCP RESERVE SYSTEM ASSEMBLY........................................................15 7.1 Overview....................................................................................................15 7.2 Contribution of Existing Conservation Lands ...........................................15 7.3 Complementary Conservation...................................................................15 7.4 Contribution of Additional Conservation Lands........................................15 7.5 Review of Development Proposals in Conservation Areas.......................16 7.6 Reserve Assembly Accounting..................................................................16 8 MSHCP RESERVE SYSTEM MANAGEMENT REQUIREMENTS.................16 8.1 Overview....................................................................................................16 8.2 Management Activities..............................................................................16 8.3 Management Program................................................................................16 9.0 MSHCP RESERVE SYSTEM MONITORING REQUIREMENTS....................16 9.1 Monitoring Program...................................................................................16 9.2 Monitoring Program Administrator...........................................................17 9.3 Monitoring Reporting Requirements.........................................................17 -vi- TABLE OF CONTENTS Pa e s 10 REPORTING REQUIREMENTS.........................................................................17 10.1 Annual Reporting.......................................................................................17 10.2 Certificate of Reports.................................................................................18 11 MSHCP IMPLEMENTATION STRUCTURE ....................................................18 11.1 Permittee Implementation Mechanisms.....................................................18 11.1.1 The Cities.......................................................................................18 11.1.2 The County.....................................................................................19 11.1.3 County Flood Control....................................................................19 ILIACounty Parks..................................................................................19 11.1.5 County Waste.................................................................................19 ILL6CVCC.............................................................................................19 ILL7CVAG............................................................................................20 11.1.8 CVMC............................................................................................20 11.1.9 Caltrans..........................................................................................20 11.1.10 State Parks....................................................................................20 11.1.II CVWD.........................................................................................20 11.1.12 IID................................................................................................20 11.2 Organizational Structure............................................................................20 11.2.1 Overview........................................................................................20 11.2.2 CVCC Organization.......................................................................20 A. Overview............................................................................20 B. Duties and Responsibilities................................................20 11.2.3 Acquisition and Funding Coordinating Committee.......................21 -vii- TABLE OF CONTENTS Pa e s 11.2.4 Joint Project Review Process.........................................................21 11.2.5 CVCC Executive Director.............................................................21 A. Selection.............................................................................21 B. Duties and Responsibilities................................................21 11.2.6 Reserve Management Oversight Conunittee.................................21 A. Formation and Representation...........................................21 B. Duties and Responsibilities................................................22 11.2.7 Reserve Management Unit Committees........................................22 11.2.8 Land Manager................................................................................22 11.2.9 Monitoring Program Administrator...............................................22 11.2.10 MSHCP Reserve Management Unit Plan....................................22 11.3 Changed Circumstances.............................................................................22 11.3.1 General Terms................................................................................22 11.3.2 Permittees-Initiated Response to Changed Circumstances............23 11.3.3 Wildlife Agency-Initiated Response to Changed Circumstances................................................................................23 11.3.4 Condemnation of Lands Providing Conservation Benefits ...........23 11.3.5 New Listings of Species Not Covered by the MSHCP..................24 11.4 Annexation and Deatmexation of Lands....................................................24 11.5 Incorporation of New Cities within MSHCP Boundaries..........................25 11.6 Growth-Inducing Effects ...........................................................................25 11.7 Participating Special Entity........................................................................25 11.7.1 Take Authorization for Participating Special Entities...................25 11.7.2 Grant of Take Authorization to Participating Special Entity.........25 -viii- TABLE OF CONTENTS Page(s) 11.7.3 Requirements for Participating Special Entities............................26 12 FUNDING OF THE MSHCP................................................................................27 12.1 Local Obligations.......................................................................................27 12.1.1 Local Permittee Additional Conservation Lands Obligations.......27 12.1.2 Administration Costs .....................................................................27 12.1.3 Local Permittee Monitoring and Management Obligations...........27 12.2 Local Funding Sources ..............................................................................27 12.2.1 Local Development Mitigation Fees..............................................27 12.2.2 Transportation and Other Regional Infrastructure Project Contributions..................................................................................28 12.2.3 Landfill Tipping Fees.....................................................................28 12.2.4 Eagle Mountain Landfill Environmental Mitigation Trust Fund. ..............................................................................................28 12.2.5 Additional Funding........................................................................28 12.3 Annual Evaluation of Funding...................................................................28 13 PERMITTEES'TAKE AUTHORIZATION AND OBLIGATIONS ...................29 13.1 Permittees'Take Authorization..................................................................29 13.2 County and Cities Obligations...................................................................29 13.3 CVCC Obligations.....................................................................................30 13.4 CVAG Obligations.....................................................................................31 13.5 County Flood Control Obligations ............................................................31 13 6 County Parks Obligations..........................................................................32 13.7 County Waste Obligations.........................................................................33 13.8 CVWD Obligations....................................................................................33 -ix- TABLE OF CONTENTS Pa e s 13.9 III) Obligations..........................................................................................34 13.10 Caltrans Obligations...................................................................................35 13.11 State Parks Obligations..............................................................................36 13.12 CVMC Obligations....................................................................................36 14 USFWS OBLIGATIONS AND ASSURANCES..................................................37 14.1 Take Authorization for Covered Activities................................................37 14.2 USFWS Findings - Covered Species.........................................................37 14.3 Section 10(a) Permit Coverage..................................................................37 14.4 Implementation Assistance........................................................................37 14.5 Assurances Regarding MSHCP.................................................................38 14.6 Take Authorization for Newly Regulated Covered Species; Savings Provision....................................................................................................3 8 14.7 Changes in the Environmental Laws .........................................................38 14.8 Section 7 Consultations..............................................................................38 14.9 Critical Habitat Designation for Covered Species.....................................39 14.10 Future Recovery Plans...............................................................................39 14.11 No Surprises Assurances and Unforeseen Circumstances.........................40 14.11.1 No Surprises Assurances..............................................................40 14.12 Migratory Bird Treaty Act.........................................................................41 14.13 Management of Land.................................................................................41 15 CDFG OBLIGATIONS AND ASSURANCES ....................................................42 15.1 Issuance of NCCP Permit. .........................................................................42 15.2 NCCP Permit Findings ..............................................................................42 -x- TABLE OF CONTENTS Pa e s 15.3 State Assurances. .......................................................................................42 15.4 Implementation Assistance........................................................................43 15.5 Fully Protected Species..............................................................................43 15.6 Changes in the Environmental Laws.........................................................43 15.7 Consultations by CDFG.............................................................................43 15.8 Management of Land.................................................................................44 16 RELATIONSHIP TO OTHER EXISTING HABITAT CONSERVATION PLANS, NCCP PERMITS AND SECTION 2081 PERMITS.............................44 16.1 General.......................................................................................................44 16.2 Coachella Valley Fringe-Toed Lizard Take Authorization.......................44 17 THIRD PARTY TAKE AUTHORIZATION .......................................................44 17.1 Authorization. ............................................................................................44 17.2 Timing of Take Authorization...................................................................45 17.3 Effect of MSHCP Amendments on Third Parties......................................45 17.4 Effect of Revocation or Suspension of Permits on Third Parties. .............45 17.5 Effect of No Surprises Assurances on Third Parties..................................46 17.6 Retention of Enforcement Authority Over Third Parties...........................46 18 COOPERATIVE EFFORT....................................................................................46 19 TERM....................................................................................................................46 19.1 Effective Date. ...........................................................................................46 19.2 Term of the Agreement..............................................................................46 19.3 Term of the Permits. ..................................................................................46 19.4 Extension of the Permit..............................................................................47 19.5 Permanent Preservation. ............................................................................47 ;ci- TABLE OF CONTENTS Pa e s 20 MODIFICATIONS AND AMENDMENTS TO THE MSHCP ...........................47 20.1 Clerical Changes........................................................................................47 20.2 Land Use Changes. ....................................................................................47 20.3 Adaptive Management Changes................................................................47 20.4 Minor Amendments...................................................................................47 20.4.1 List of Minor Amendments............................................................48 20.4.2 Minor Amendments not Requiring Wildlife Agencies Concurrence...................................................................................48 20.4.3 Minor Amendments Requiring Wildlife Agencies Concurrence...................................................................................49 20.4.4 Procedure. ......................................................................................49 20.5 Major Amendments. ..................................................................................50 20.5.1 List of Major Amendments............................................................50 20.5.2 Procedure.......................................................................................50 20.6 Like Exchanges in Conservation Areas.....................................................51 21 TERMINATION OF PERMITS............................................................................51 21.1 Termination in General..............................................................................51 21.2 Continuing Obligations..............................................................................51 21.3 Final Accounting........................................................................................51 21.4 Dissolution of the CVCC...........................................................................52 22 WITHDRAWAL OF PERMITTEE(S)..................................................................52 22.1 Withdrawal in General...............................................................................52 22.2 Mitigation Responsibilities........................................................................52 22.3 Termination of Permittee Take Authorization...........................................52 -xii- TABLE OF CONTENTS Pa e s 22.4 Evaluation of Remaining Permits. .............................................................52 23 REMEDIES AND ENFORCEMENT...................................................................53 23.1 Remedies in General..................................................................................53 23.1.1 No Monetary Damages.................................................................53 23.2 Default........................................................................................................53 23.2.1 Notice and Opportunity to Cure Default.......................................53 23.3 Injunctive and Temporary Relief...............................................................54 23.4 Limitation and Extent of Enforceability....................................................54 23.5 Revocation or Suspension of the Permits. .................................................54 23.6 Informal Meet and Confer Process for Disputes Concerning Covered Activities, State Streambed Alteration Agreements, Federal 404 Permits, and ESA Section 7 Consistency Consultation.............................55 23.7 Continuation Of Take Authorization after Revocation, Suspension or Permitiee Withdrawal................................................................................56 24 FORCE MAJEURE...............................................................................................56 25 LEGAL AUTHORITY OF THE USFWS.............................................................57 26 LEGAL AUTHORITY OF THE CDFG................................................................57 27 MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS......................................................................57 27.1 Response Times. ........................................................................................57 27.2 No Partnership. ..........................................................................................57 27.3 Nullification of Agreement........................................................................57 27.4 Notices. ......................................................................................................57 27.5 Entire Agreement.......................................................................................64 27.6 Assignment or Transfer..............................................................................64 -xiii- TABLE OF CONTENTS Pa e s 27.7 Defense. .....................................................................................................64 27.8 Attorneys' Fees...........................................................................................64 27.9 Elected Officials Not to Benefit.................................................................64 27.10 Availability of Funds. ................................................................................64 27.11 Governing Law. .........................................................................................65 27.12 Duplicate Originals....................................................................................65 27.13 Relationship to the FESA, CESA,NCCP Act and Other Authorities. ......65 27.14 No Third Parry Beneficiaries. ....................................................................65 27.15 References to Regulations..........................................................................66 27.16 Applicable Laws. .......................................................................................66 27.17 Severability,................................................................................................66 27.18 Headings ....................................................................................................66 27.19 Due Authorization......................................................................................66 27.20 Faxed Signatures........................................................................................66 27.21 Calculation of Dates and Dates of Performance........................................66 27.22 Further Instruments....................................................................................66 RVPUB\7084I 1.1 -Xiv- IMPLEMENTING AGREEMENT for the COACHELLA VALLEY MULTIPLE SPECIES HABITAT CONSERVATION PLAN/ NATURAL COMMUNITY CONSERVATION PLAN by and between COACHELLA VALLEY ASSOCIATION OF GOVERNMENTS, COACHELLA VALLEY CONSERVATION COMMISSION, COUNTY OF RIVERSIDE, RIVERSIDE COUNTY FLOOD CONTROL AND WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT, RIVERSIDE COUNTY WASTE RESOURCES MANAGEMENT DISTRICT, RIVERSIDE COUNTY REGIONAL PARKS AND OPEN SPACE DISTRICT, CITY OF CATHEDRAL CITY, CITY OF COACHELLA, CITY OF DESERT HOT SPRINGS, CITY OF INDIAN WELLS, CITY OF INDIO, CITY OF LA QUINTA, CITY OF PALM DESERT, CITY OF PALM SPRINGS, CITY OF RANCHO MIRAGE, COACHELLA VALLEY WATER DISTRICT, IMPERIAL IRRIGATION DISTRICT, COACHELLA VALLEY MOUNTAINS CONSERVANCY, CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND GAME, CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION, CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION, AND UNITED STATES FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE I.- PARTIES This Implementing Agreement("Agreement"),made and entered into as of this day of, 2006, by and among the Coachella Valley Association of Governments, Coachella Valley Conservation Commission, County of Riverside, Riverside County Flood Control and Water Conservation District, Riverside County Regional Parks and Open Space District, Riverside County Waste Resources Management District, City of Cathedral City, City of Coachella, City of Desert Hot Springs, City of Indian Wells, City of Indio, City of La Quinta, City of Palm Desert, City of Palm Springs, City of Rancho Mirage, Coachella Valley Water District, Imperial Irrigation District, Coachella Valley Mountains Conservancy, California Department of Transportation, California Department of Parks and Recreation (together with their successors and assigns collectively, the "Permittees"), California Department of Fish and Game and United States Fish and Wildlife Service (collectively, the "Parties"), defines the Parties' roles and responsibilities and provides a common understanding of the actions that will be undertaken to implement the Coachella Valley Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan/Natural Community Conservation Plan ("MSHCP" or "Plan"). The United States Fish and Wildlife Service and the California Department of Fish and Game may be referred to collectively herein as the "Wildlife Agencies." 2. DEFINED TERMS Terms used in this Agreement and specifically defined in the Federal Endangered Species Act, California Endangered Species Act, the California Natural Community Conservation Planning Act or the MSHCP shall have the same meaning when utilized in this Agreement, unless this Agreement expressly provides otherwise. The following terms used in this Agreement shall have the meanings set forth below: 2.1 "Acceptable Biologist" means a biologist whose name is on a list maintained by the Coachella Valley Conservation Commission of biologists who are acceptable to the California Department of Fish and Game and the United States Fish and Wildlife Service for purposes of conducting surveys of Covered Species. 2.2 "Acquisition and Funding Coordinating Committee" means a committee formed by the Coachella Valley Conservation Commmission to provide input on local funding priorities and Additional Conservation Land acquisitions. 2.3 "Adaptive Management" means to use the results of new information gathered through the Monitoring Program of the Plan and from other sources to adjust management strategies and practices to assist in providing for the Conservation of Covered Species. 2.4 "Additional Conservation Lands" means Conserved Habitat that will contribute to Reserve System Assembly, consisting of state and federal acquisition and mitigation for Permittees, as described in Sections 4.1 and 4.2.2 of the MSHCP. 2.5 "Agreement" means this Implementing Agreement. -I- 2.6 "Allowable Uses" means uses allowed within the MSHCP Reserve System, as defined in Section 7.3.2 of the MSHCP. 2.7 "Annual Report(s)" means the report(s) prepared pursuant to the requirements of Section 6.4 of the MSHCP. 2.8 "Area Plan" means a community planning area defined in the County of Riverside General Plan. Four County of Riverside Area Plans are located within the MSHCP Plan Area. 2.9 'Biological Corridor" means the wildlife movement area that is constrained by existing development, freeways, or other impediments. [See also "Linkage"] 2.10 "Caltrans" means the California Department of Transportation, a department of the California Business, Transportation, and Housing Agency. 2.11 "Candidate Species" means both (1) a species formally noticed by the California Fish and Game Commission as under review for listing as threatened or endangered, or a species for which the Fish and Game Commission has published a notice of proposed regulation to add a species as threatened or endangered, and(2) a species which the USFWS has identified as being a candidate for listing, but for which development of a listing regulation is precluded by other higher priority listing activities. 2.12 "CDFG" means the California Department of Fish and Game, a department of the California Resources Agency. 2.13 "CEQA" means the California Environmental Quality Act (California Public Resources Code §§ 21000 et seq.) and all guidelines promulgated thereunder, as amended. For the MSHCP, CVAG shall be the lead agency under CEQA, as defined under State CEQA Guidelines section 15367. 2.14 "Certificate of Inclusion" means the document attached as Exhibit "G" to this Agreement that would be required to be executed prior to an applicant receiving Take Authorization pursuant to Section 11.7 of this Agreement. 2.15 "CESA" means the California Endangered Species Act(California Fish and Game Code, §§ 2050 el seq.) and all rules, regulations and guidelines promulgated thereunder, as amended. 2.16 "Changed Circumstances" means changes in circumstances affecting a Covered Species or geographic area covered by the MSHCP that can reasonably be anticipated by the Parties and that can reasonably be planned for in the MSHCP. Changed Circumstances and the planned responses to those circumstances are more particularly described in Section 6.8.3 of the MSHCP. Changed Circumstances do not include Unforeseen Circumstances. 2.17 "Cities" means collectively the Cities of Cathedral City, Coachella, Desert Hot Springs, Indian Wells, Indio, La Quints, Palm Desert, Palm Springs and Rancho Mirage. - 2 - 2.18 "Coachella Valley Fringe-Toed Lizard Habitat Conservation Plan" or "CVFTL HCP" means the Habitat Conservation Plan, dated April 21, 1986, more particularly described in Section 16.2 of this Agreement. 2.19 "Complementary Conservation" means the land projected to be acquired in the Conservation Areas for Conservation purposes independent of, but compatible with, the MSHCP as described in Sections 4.1 and 4.2.1 of the MSHCP. 2.20 "Conservation" means to use, and the use of, methods and procedures within the MSHCP Reserve System and within the Plan Area as set forth in the MSHCP, that are necessary to bring any species to the point at which the measures provided pursuant to FESA and the California Fish and Game Code arc no longer necessary. However, Permittees will have no duty to enhance, restore, or revegetate MSHCP Reserve System lands unless required by the Plan, this Agreement or Permits or agreed to through implementation of the Plan. 2.21 "Conservation Areas" means a system of lands described in Section 4.3 of the MSHCP that provides Core Habitat and Other Conserved Habitat for the Covered Species, conserves natural communities, conserves Essential Ecological Processes, and secures Biological Corridors and Linkages between major Habitat areas. There are 21 Conservation Areas from which the MSHCP Reserve System will be assembled. 2.22 "Conservation Goal(s)" means a broad statement of intent that describes how the Plan will accomplish the protection of Core Habitat, Essential Ecological Processes, Biological Corridors, and Linkages in the MSHCP Reserve System to ensure that the Covered Species are adequately conserved. Conservation Goals are also designed to ensure the persistence of natural communities. 2.23 "Conservation Level' means a numerical designation, as described in Section 2.4 of the MSHCP, assigned to all land within the Plan Area. 2.24 "Conservation Objective(s)" means measurable statements of actions or measures that will lead to attainment of the Conservation Goals. 2.25 "Conservation Strategy" means the overall approach to assure Conservation of Covered Species within the Plan Area. 2.26 "Conserved Habitat' means land that is permanently protected and managed for the benefit of the Covered Species under the institutional arrangements that provide for its ongoing management, and under the legal arrangements that prevent its conversion to other uses. 2.27 "Core Habitat" means the areas identified in the Plan for a given species that are composed of a Habitat patch or aggregation of Habitat patches that (1) are of sufficient size to support a self-sustaining population of that species, (2) are not fragmented in a way to cause separation into isolated populations, (3) have functional Essential Ecological Processes, and (4) have effective Biological Corridors and/or Linkages to other Habitats, where feasible, to allow gene flow among populations and to promote movement of large predators. 2.28 "County" means the County of Riverside. - 3 - 2.29 "County Flood Control' means the Riverside County Flood Control and Water Conservation District. 2.30 "County Parks" means the Riverside County Regional Parks and Open Space District. 2.31 "County Waste" means the Riverside County Waste Resources Management District. 2.32 "Covered Activities" means certain activities carried out or conducted by Per mittees, Participating Special Entities, Third Parties Granted Take Authorization and others within the MSHCP Plan Area, as described in Section 7 of the MSHCP, that will receive Take Authorization under the Section 10(a) Permit and the NCCP Permit,provided these activities are otherwise lawful. 2.33 "Covered Species" means the species for which Take Authorization is provided through the Permits issued in conjunction with this Agreement. These species are discussed in Section 9 of the MSHCP and listed in Exhibit "C" to this Agreement. 2.34 "Critical Habitat" means Habitat for species listed under FESA that has been designated pursuant to section 4 of FESA and identified in 50 Code of Federal Regulations sections 17.95 and 17.96. 2.35 "CVAG" means the Coachella Valley Association of Governments, a joint powers authority comprised of the Cities of Cathedral City, Coachella, Desert Hot Springs, Indian Wells, Indio, La Quinta, Palm Desert, Palm Springs, Rancho Mirage, the County of Riverside and non- Parties the City of Blythe, the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, the Cabazon Band of Mission Indians and the Tones Martinez Band of Cahuilla Indians, that functions as the lead agency for the preparation of the MSHCP. 2.36 "CVCC" means the Coachella Valley Conservation Commission, a joint powers authority formed by the Local Pernrittees to provide primary policy direction for implementation of the MSHCP, as set forth in Section 6.1.1 of the MSHCP and Section 11.2.2 of this Agreement. 2.37 "CVMC" means the Coachella Valley Mountains Conservancy, a state agency within the California Resources Agency. 2.38 "CVWD" means the Coachella Valley Water District. 2.39 'Development" means the uses to which land shall be put, including construction of buildings, structures, infrastructure and all associated alterations of the land. 2.40 'Discretionary Project" means a proposed project requiring discretionary action by a Pernittee, as that tern is used in CEQA and defined in State CEQA Guidelines section 15357, including issuance of a grading permit for County projects. 2.41 "Effective Date" means the date on which this Agreement takes effect, as set forth in Section 19.1 of this Agreement. -4 - 2.42 'Emergency" means a sudden, unexpected occurrence, involving a clear and imminent danger, demanding immediate action to prevent or mitigate the loss of, or damage to, life, health, property, or essential public services. Emergency includes such occurrences as fire, flood, earthquake, or other soils or geologic movements, as well as such occurrences as riot, accident, or sabotage. 2.43 'Endangered Species" means those species listed as endangered under FESA and/or CESA. 2.44 'Environmental Laws" means state and federal laws governing or regulating the impact of Development activities on land, water or biological resources as they relate to Covered Species, including but not limited to CESA, FESA, the NCCP Act, CEQA, NEPA, the META, the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act, the Fish and Wildlife Act of 1956, the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. §§ 1251 et seq.), the Native Plant Protection Act (California Fish and Game Code, §§ 1900 et seq.), Fish and Game Code sections 1801, 1802, 3511, 4700, 5050 and 5515 and includes any regulations promulgated pursuant to such laws. 2.45 'Essential Ecological Processes" means processes that maintain specific Habitat types and are necessary to sustain the Habitat (in a state usable by Covered Species). Essential Ecological Processes may include abiotic hydrological processes (both subsurface and surface), erosion, deposition, blowsand movement, substrate development and soil formation, disturbance regimes such as flooding and fire, and biotic processes such as reproduction, pollination, dispersal, and migration. 2.46 'Essential Habitat" means certain lands delineated in the Recovery Plan for Bighorn Sheep in the Peninsular Ranges, California(USFWS 2000). 2.47 'Executive Director" means the Director of the CVCC. 2.48 'Existing Conservation Lands" means a subset of the MSHCP Reserve System lands consisting of lands in public or private ownership and managed for Conservation and/or open space values that contribute to the Conservation of Covered Species, as generally depicted in Figure 4-2 of the MSHCP. 2.49 'Existing Uses" means an existing use, such as a home or sand and gravel mine, which is the dominant use on the property. 2.50 "FESA" means the Federal Endangered Species Act (16 U.S.C. §§ 1531 et seq.) and all rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, as amended. 2.51 "Feasible" means capable of being accomplished in a successful manner within a reasonable period of time, taking into account economic, enviromnental, legal, social, and technological factors. 2.52 "Habitat" means the combination of environmental conditions of a specific place providing for the needs of a species or a population of such species. - 5 - 2.53 "HabiTrak" means a GIS application to provide data on Habitat loss and Conservation, which occurs under the Permits. 2.54 "IID"means the Imperial Irrigation District. 2.55 "Implementing Agreement" or "IA" means this Agreement, which implements the terms and conditions of the MSHCP. 2.56 "Implementation Mechanism" means the method selected by the Permittees to ensure implementation of the MSHCP. 2.57 "Independent Science Advisors" means the qualified biologists, conservation experts and others that provide scientific input to assist in the planning and implementation of the MSHCP for the benefit of the Covered Species, as set forth in Section 3.1.2 of the MSHCP. 2.58 "Joint Project Review Process" means the review process described in Section 6.6.1.1 of the MSHCP for public and private Development proposed in Conservation Areas. 2.59 "Land Manager" means the entity or entities which have the responsibility to manage land acquired by the Permittees as set forth in Section 6.1.5 of the MSHCP. 2.60 "Land Use Adjacency Guidelines" means standards delineated in Section 4.5 of the MSHCP for land uses adjacent to or within Conservation Areas that are necessary to avoid or minimize edge effects. "Adjacent' means that a parcel shares a common boundary with a parcel in a Conservation Area. 2.61 "Linkage" means Habitat that provides for the occupancy of Covered Species and their movement between larger blocks of Habitat over time, potentially over a period of generations. In general, Linkages are large enough to include adequate Habitat to support small populations of the species and, thus, do not require that an individual of the species transit the entire Linkage to maintain gene flow between populations. What functions as a Linkage for one species may provide only a Biological Corridor or no value for other species. [See also "Biological Corridor"] 2.62 "Listed Species" means a species that is listed under FESA and/or CESA. 2.63 "Local Development Mitigation Fee" means the fee imposed by applicable Local Permittees on new Development pursuant to Goverment Code sections 66000 et seq. 2.64 "Local Permittees" means CVAG, CVCC, County, County Flood Control, County Parks, County Waste, CVWD, IID, and the Cities. 2.65 "Maintenance Activities" means those Covered Activities that include the ongoing maintenance of public facilities as described in Section 7.1 of the MSHCP. 2.66 "Major Amendments" means those proposed amendments to the MSHCP and this Agreement as described in Section 20.5 of this Agreement and Section 6.12.4 of the MSHCP. - 6 - 2.67 "Management Program" means the MSHCP's management actions as described in Section 8 of the MSHCP. 2.68 "MBTA" means the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act (50 C.F.R. §§ 21 et seq.) and all rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, as amended. 2.69 "MBTA Special Purpose Permit" means a permit issued by the USFWS under 50 Code of Federal Regulations, section 21.27, authorizing Take, in connection with Covered Activities, under the MBTA of the Covered Species listed in 50 Code of Federal Regulations section 10.13 that are also listed as endangered or threatened under FESA. 2.70 "Minor Amendments" means minor changes to the MSHCP and this Agreement as defined in Section 20.4 of this Agreement and Section 6.12.3 of the MSHCP. 2.71 "Mitigation Lands" means a subset of Additional Conservation Lands as described in Sections 4.1 and 4.2.2.2 of the MSHCP. 2.72 "Monitoring Program" means the monitoring programs and activities set forth in Section 8 of the MSHCP. 2.73 "Monitoring Program Administrator" means the individual or entity responsible for administering the monitoring program, as described in Section 6.1.6 of the MSHCP. 2.74 "Monitoring Report(s)" means the report(s) prepared pursuant to the requirements of Section 8.7 of the MSHCP. 2.75 "MSHCP" means the Coachella Valley Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan/Natural Community Conservation Plan, a comprehensive multiple species habitat conservation planning program that addresses multiple species' needs, including habitat, and the preservation of natural communities in the Coachella Valley area of Riverside County, California, as depicted in Figure 4-1 of the MSHCP and Exhibit"A" of this Agreement. 2.76 "MSHCP Reserve System" means a reserve that will total approximately 725,000 acres. The MSHCP Reserve System will provide for the Conservation of the Covered Species. 2.77 "NCCP Act" means the California Natural Community Conservation Planning Act (California Fish and Game Code §§ 2800 et seq.), including all regulations promulgated thereunder, as amended. 2.78 "NCCP Permit" means the Permit issued under the NCCP Act for the MSHCP to permit the Take of identified species listed under CESA as threatened or endangered, a species that is a candidate for listing, and Non-listed species. 2.79 "NEPA" means the National Environmental Policy Act (42 U.S.C. §§ 4321 - 4335) and all rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, as amended. For the purposes of the MSHCP, the USFWS is the lead agency under NEPA as defined in 40 Code of Federal Regulations section 1508.16. - 7 - 2.80 "No Surprises Assurances" means that provided Permittees are properly implementing the terms and conditions of the MSHCP, the Agreement and the Permit(s), the USFWS can only require additional mitigation for Covered Species beyond that provided for in the MSHCP as a result of Unforeseen Circumstances in accordance with the "No Surprises" regulations at 50 Code of Federal Regulations sections 17.22(b)(5) and 17.32(b)(5) and as discussed in Section 6.8 of the MSHCP and Section 14.11 of this Agreement. 2.81 "Organizational Structure" means the local administrative structure for implementation and management of the MSHCP, as set forth in Section 6.1 of the MSHCP. 2.82 "Operation and Maintenance Activities" or "O&M" means those Covered Activities that include the ongoing operation and maintenance of public facilities, as described in Section 7.3.1.1 of the MSHCP. 2.83 "Other Conserved Habitat" means part of a Conservation Area that does not contain Core Habitat for a given species, but which still has Conservation value. These values may include Essential Ecological Processes, Biological Corridors, Linkages, buffering from edge effects, enhanced species persistence probability in proximate Core Habitat, genetic diversity, recolonization potential, and flexibility in the event of long-term Habitat change. 2.84 "Participating Special Entity" means any regional public service provider, such as a utility company or a public district or agency, that operates and/or owns land within the Plan Area and that applies for and receives Take Authorization pursuant to Section 7.4 of the MSHCP and Section 11.7 of this Agreement. 2.85 "Party" and "Parties" mean the signatories to this Agreement, namely CVCC, CVAG, County, County Flood Control, County Parks, County Waste, the Cities, CVWD, IID, Caltrans, State Parks, CVMC, CDFG, USFWS and any other City within the Plan Area that incorporates after the Effective Date and complies with Section 11.5 of this Agreement. 2.86 "Pennit(s)" means, collectively, the Section 10(a)(1) Permit and NCCP Permit issued by the Wildlife Agencies to Permittees for Take of Covered Species pursuant to FESA and the NCCP Act and in conformance with the MSHCP and this Agreement. 2.87 "Permittees" means CVAG, CVCC, County, County Flood Control, County Parks, County Waste, the Cities, CVWD, IID, Caltrans, State Parks and CVMC. 2.88 "Plan" means the Coachella Valley Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan/Natural Community Conservation Plan, a comprehensive multiple species habitat conservation planning program that addresses multiple species' needs, including Habitat and the preservation of natural communities in the Coachella Valley area of Riverside County, California, as depicted in Figure 4-1 of the MSHCP and Exhibit "A" of this Agreement. 2.89 "Plan Area" means the boundaries of the MSHCP, consisting of approximately 1.1 million acres in the Coachella Valley area of Riverside County, California, as depicted in Figure 2-2 of the MSHCP and Exhibit "B" to this Agreement. - 8 - 2.90 "Plan Participants" means CVAG, CVCC, County, County Flood Control, County Parks, County Waste, the Cities, CVWD, IID, CVMC, Caltrans, State Parks and others receiving Take Authorization under the Permits. 2.91 "Planning Agreement" means the Memorandum of Understanding prepared consistent with the NCCP Act to guide development of the MSHCP that is contained in Appendix II of the MSHCP. 2.92 "Private Conservation Land" means land owned by a non-governmental entity conmiitted to Conservation in perpetuity through deed restriction, conservation easement, or other binding agreement satisfactory to CDFG and USFWS. 2.93 'Reserve Lands" means Existing Conservation Lands, Additional Conservation Lands, and Complementary Conservation. 2.94 'Reserve Management Oversight Committee" or 'BMOC" means the connrnittee established by the CVCC to provide biological, technical, and operational expertise for implementation of the MSHCP, including oversight of the MSHCP Reserve System, as described in Section 6.1.3 of the MSHCP. 2.95 'Reserve Management Unit" or "RMU" means the geographic areas within the MSHCP Reserve System identified in Section 6.1.4 of the MSHCP. 2.96 'Reserve Management Unit Committee" or"RMUC" means a committee that will be established for each Reserve Management Unit as set forth in Section 6.1.4 of the MSHCP. 2.97 'Reserve Management Unit Plan" or "RMUP" means the plan setting forth management practices for identified portions of the MSHCP Reserve System Area, prepared and adopted as described in Section 6.2 of the MSHCP. 2.98 'Reserve System Assembly" means the process of conserving lands within the Conservation Area through acquisition or other means to assemble the MSHCP Reserve System. 2.99 'Rough Step" means the Reserve System Assembly accounting process to monitor Conservation and loss of specified Habitats within the Plan Area 2.100 'Rough Step Analysis Unit" means a geographic unit within which Rough Step is tracked. The Conservation Areas are the Rough Step Analysis Units. 2.101 "Scientific Advisory Conunittee" means the committee of scientists that provided scientific input into the development of the Plan, as described in Section 3.1.1. 2.102 "Section 10(a) Permit" means the permit issued by the USFWS to Pennittees pursuant to 16 U.S.C. section 1539(a), authorizing Take of Covered Species. 2.103 "Species Conservation Goal(s)" means the Goals for the Conservation of each Covered Species described in Section 9 of the MSHCP. - 9 - 2.104 "State Assurances" means, except as provided in Section 15.5 of this Agreement, provided Permittees are implementing the terms and conditions of the MSHCP, the Agreement, and the Permits, if there are Unforeseen Circumstances, CDFG shall not require additional land, water or financial compensation or additional restrictions on the use of land, water or other natural resources for the life of the NCCP Permit without the consent of the Permittees, unless CDFG determines that continued implementation of this Agreement, the MSHCP, and/or the Permits would jeopardize the continued existence of a Covered Species, or as required by law and would therefore lead to NCCP Permit revocation or suspension. 2.105 "State Parks" means the California Department of Parks and Recreation, a department of the California Resources Agency. 2.106 "State Permittee(s)" means Caltrans, State Parks, and CVMC. 2.107 "Take" means the definition of such term in FESA and the California Fish and Game Code. Section 9 of FESA does not prohibit Take of Federally Listed plants. 2.108 "Take Authorization" means the ability to incidentally Take species pursuant to the Section 10(a)(1) Permit and/or the NCCP Permit. 2.109 "Third Party Granted Take Authorization" means any Third Parry that receives Third Party Take Authorization in compliance with Section 17 of this Agreement. 2.110 "Third Party Take Authorization" means Take Authorization received by a landowner, developer, or other public or private entity from the Permittees pursuant to Section 17 of this Agreement, thereby receiving Take Authorization for Covered Species pursuant to the Permits. 2.111 "Threatened Species" means those species listed as threatened under FESA and/or CESA. 2.112 "Unforeseen Circumstances" means changes in circumstances affecting a Covered Species or geographic area covered by the MSHCP that could not reasonably have been anticipated by the Parties at the time of the MSHCP's negotiation and development, and that result in a substantial and adverse change in the status of the Covered Species. As defined, the term is intended to have the same meaning as it is used: (1) to define the limit of the Pernittees' obligation on the "No Surprises" regulations set forth in 50 Code of Federal Regulations, sections 17.22(b)(5) and 17.32(b)(5); and(2) in California Fish and Game Code section 2805(k). 2.113 "Unlisted Species" means a species that is not listed as rare, endangered or threatened under FESA, CESA or other applicable state or federal law. 2.114 "USFWS" means the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, an agency of the United States Department of the Interior. 2.115 "Wildlife Agencies" means USFWS and CDFG, collectively. - 10 - 3. RECITALS This Agreement is entered into with regard to the following facts: WHEREAS, CVAG is a joint powers authority, created pursuant to the provisions of Government Code section 6500; and WHEREAS, CVCC is a joint powers authority, created pursuant to the provisions of Government Code section 6500; and WHEREAS, CVWD is a governmental agency, created pursuant to the provisions of California Water Code section 30000; and WHEREAS, IID is a governmental agency, created pursuant to the provisions of California Water Code section 20500; and WHEREAS, the County is a governmental agency, created pursuant to the provisions of the California Government Code, Title 3, Div. 1, Chapter 3, Article 1, section 23300; and WHEREAS, County Flood Control is a governmental agency, created pursuant to the provisions of the California Water Appendix, Chapter 48-1; and WHEREAS, County Parks is a governmental agency, created pursuant to the provisions of Public Resources Code section 5506.7; and WHEREAS, County Waste is a governmental agency, created pursuant to the provisions of the Health and Safety Code sections 4700 et seq.; and WHEREAS, the Cities are California municipal corporations located within the Coachella Valley of Riverside County, California; and WHEREAS, Caltrans is a department of the California Business, Transportation and Housing Agency, created pursuant to the provisions of the California Government Code sections 14000 et seq.; and WHEREAS, State Parks is a department of the California Resources Agency, created pursuant to the provisions of the California Government Code sections 14000 et seq.; and WHEREAS, CVMC is a state agency within the California Resources Agency, created pursuant to the provisions of Public Resources Code sections 33500 et seq.; and WHEREAS, CDFG is a department of the California Resources Agency with jurisdiction over the conservation, protection, restoration, enhancement and management of fish, wildlife, native plants and habitat necessary for biologically sustainable populations of those species under the California Endangered Species Act (California Fish and Game Code sections 2050 et seq.), the California Native Plant Protection Act (California Fish and Game Code sections 1900 et seq.), the California Natural Community Conservation Planning Act (California Fish and Game Code sections 2800 et seq.) and other relevant state laws; and - 11 - WHEREAS, USFWS is an agency of the United States Department of the Interior and has jurisdiction over the conservation, protection, restoration, enhancement and management of fish,wildlife,native plants and habitat necessary for biologically sustainable populations of those species to the extent set forth in FESA and other relevant federal laws; and WHEREAS, the MSHCP is a multi jurisdictional habitat conservation plan focusing on the conservation of both sensitive species and associated habitats to address biological and ecological diversity conservation needs in the Coachella Valley and surrounding mountains located in Central Riverside County, setting aside significant areas of undisturbed land for the conservation of sensitive habitat while preserving open space and recreational opportunities; and WHEREAS, the MSHCP's external boundaries encompass approximately 1.2 million acres, which extend to include the Coachella Valley watershed; and WHEREAS, certain plant and animal species and habitat have been identified that exist, or may exist, within the Coachella Valley and surrounding mountains, and which have been: 1) state or federally listed as threatened or endangered; 2)proposed for listing as threatened or endangered; or 3) identified as a CDFG Species of Special Concern, a California Fully Protected Species, a California Specially Protected Species, a sensitive plait species as determined by the California Native Plant Society or other unlisted wildlife considered sensitive within the Plan Area; and WHEREAS, future growth and land development within the Plan Area, including both public and private projects, may result in the "taking" of such species as defined in state and federal law, thus requiring Take Authorization prior to the carrying out of otherwise lawful activities; and WHEREAS, the MSHCP will give the County,the Cities and other Permittees the ability to control local land use decisions and maintain economic development flexibility while providing a coordinated reserve system and implementation program that will facilitate the preservation of biological diversity, as well as enhancing the region's quality of life. Such planning is an effective tool in protecting the region's biodiversity while reducing conflicts between protection of wildlife and plants and the reasonable use of natural resources for economic development; and WHEREAS, the MSHCP addresses the potential impacts of urban growth, natural habitat loss and species endangerment, and creates a plan to mitigate for the potential loss of Covered Species and their habitats due to the direct and indirect impacts of future development of both private and public lands within the Plan Area; and WIIE+REAS, the MSHCP, this Agreement and the Permits establish the conditions under which the Permittees will receive from the USFWS and CDFG certain long-term Take Authorizations and other assurances that will allow the taking of Covered Species incidental to lawful uses authorized by the Permittees; and WHEREAS, Pennittees will, for the benefit of public and private property owners and other project proponents within the MSHCP boundaries, transfer Take Authorization received from the Wildlife Agencies through the land use entitlement process, issuance of Certificate of - 12 - Inclusion or other appropriate mechanism as set forth in the MSHCP and this Agreement; and WHEREAS, Permittees, with technical assistance from the USFWS and CDFG, have prepared the MSHCP as part of their application for Take Authorization for Covered Species, as defined below, to the Wildlife Agencies under FESA and the NCCP Act, which describes the biological impacts of the MSHCP on the Covered Species and their habitats, and defines the comprehensive avoidance, minimization, conservation and mitigation measures required to avoid and mitigate effects of Take of Covered Species from Permittees'Covered Activities; and WHEREAS, the MSHCP has been developed through a cooperative effort involving USFWS, CDFG, local governmental agencies, property owners, development interests, environmental interest groups and other members of the public. AGREEMENT THEREFORE, the Parties do hereby understand and agree as follows: 4. PURPOSES The purposes of this Agreement are: 4.1 To ensure implementation of each of the terms of the MSHCP and this Agreement for the benefit of the Covered Species and Natural Communities, while allowing well managed and planned future economic growth; 4.2 To describe remedies and recourse should any Party fail to perform its obligations, responsibilities and tasks as set forth in the MSHCP, the Permits and this Agreement; and 4.3 To provide assurances to Permittees and others participating in the MSHCP that: A. With respect to Covered Species, compliance with the terms of the MSHCP, the Permits and this Agreement constitutes compliance with the provisions of FESA, CESA and the NCCP Act; B. Implementation of this Agreement and the MSHCP will adequately provide for the Conservation and protection of the Covered Species and their Habitats in the Plan Area; and C. Pursuant to the federal "No Surprises" provisions of 50 Code of Federal Regulations, section 17.22(b)(5) and 17.32(b)(5) and State Assurances pursuant to Fish and Game Code section 2820(f) and Sections 14.11 and 15.3 of this Agreement, respectively, as long as the terms of the MSHCP, this Agreement and the Permits are properly implemented, the Wildlife Agencies will not require additional mitigation from Pernittees, with respect to Covered Species, except as provided for in this Agreement or as required by law. - 13 - 5. INCORPORATION OF THE MSHCP The MSHCP and each of its provisions are intended to be, and by this reference are, incorporated herein. In the event of any direct contradiction between the terms of this Agreement and the MSHCP, the terms of this Agreement will control. In all other cases, the terms of this Agreement and the terms of the MSHCP will be interpreted to be supplementary to each other. 6. CONSERVATION STRATEGY The MSHCP is intended to conserve adequate habitat in an unfragmented manner to provide for the protection and security of long-term viable populations of the species that are either currently listed as threatened or endangered, are proposed for listing, or are believed to have a high probability of being proposed for listing in the future if not protected by the Plan. The MSHCP is intended to preserve biological diversity as well as maintain the quality of life within the Coachella Valley and surrounding mountains by conserving species and their associated habitats and coordinating, streamlining and planning Development. By adopting this regional approach, the MSHCP will result in much greater and more biologically effective Habitat and species Conservation than a project-by-project approach could produce. The MSHCP is intended to proactively address requirements of the state and federal ESAs to avoid disruption of economic development activities in the Plan Area. The MSHCP provides a broad Conservation Strategy, which will be implemented generally through the following: A. As set forth in Section 4.0 of the MSHCP, the MSHCP Reserve System shall be approximately 725,000 acres and will consist of Existing Conservation Lands, " lands conserved through Complementary Conservation and Additional Conservation Lands. The MSHCP Reserve System is divided into 21 Conservation Areas that provide Core and other Conserved Habitat for Covered Species, conserve the natural communities included in the Plan and Essential Ecological Processes essential to sustain the Core Habitat and secure Biological Corridors and Linkages between major Habitat areas. B. For each of the Conservation Areas, Conservation Objectives and required measures shall be implemented as set forth in Section 4.3 of the MSHCP. C. New land uses adjacent to or within the MSHCP Conservation Areas shall implement the Land Use Adjacency Guidelines set forth in Section 4.5 of the MSHCP, as applicable. D. The Avoidance, Minimization and Mitigation Measures set forth in Section 4.4 of the MSHCP shall be implemented. E. Monitoring and management activities will be undertaken for each of the MSHCP Covered Species. Monitoring and management activities are described in Section 8 of the MSHCP. - 14 - F. Species-specific Conservation Goals and Objectives shall be implemented for each of the Covered Species in the MSHCP and are set forth in Section 9 of the MSHCP. G. Natural Communities Conservation Goals and Objectives have been developed and shall be implemented for each of the Covered Natural Communities in the MSHCP and are set forth in Section 10 of the MSHCP. 7. MSHCP RESERVE SYSTEM ASSEMBLY 7.1 Overview. As set forth in Section 4 of the MSHCP, the MSHCP Reserve System will consist of approximately 725,000 acres and will consist of Existing Conservation Lands, lands conserved through Complementary Conservation and Additional Conservation Lands. The MSHCP Reserve System is divided into 21 Conservation Areas that provide Core and other Conserved Habitat for Covered Species, conserve the natural communities included in the Plan and Essential Ecological Processes essential to sustain the Core Habitat and secure Biological Corridors and Linkages between major habitat areas. 7.2 Contribution of Existing Conservation Lands. As described in Section 4.1 of the MSHCP, the MSHCP Reserve System will include Existing Conservation Lands. As of 1996, these lands were comprised of approximately 482,000 acres. Because of acquisitions, the acreage had increased to 534,200 by 2003. Of this acreage, 477,100 acres (as of 1996), or 515,800 acres (as of 2003) are federal and state Existing Conservation Lands. Approximately 900 acres (as of 1996), or 11,900 acres (as of 2003) are non-profit organization Existing Conservation Lands. Approximately 4,000 acres (as of 1996) or 6,500 acres (as of 2003) are Local Permittee Existing Conservation Lands. 7.3 Complementary Conservation. As described in Sections 4.1 and 4.2.1 of the MSHCP, the MSHCP Reserve System will include approximately 83,880 acres (as of 1996), or 42,590 acres (as of 2003) through Complementary Conservation efforts. Such efforts include BLM and United States Forest Service acquisition programs in the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument, BLM Wilderness in-holding acquisitions, including Mecca Hills and Orocopia Mountains Wilderness Areas, and Joshua Tree National Park. 7.4 Contribution of Additional Conservation Lands. As described in Sections 4.1 and 4.2.2 of the MSHCP, the MSHCP Reserve System will include Additional Conservation Lands comprised of approximately 151,250 acres as of 1996, that will be acquired or otherwise conserved. Of this acreage, approximately 100,600 acres (as of 1996) will be acquired or otherwise conserved as the Local Permittees' share of Plan implementation. As a result of acquisitions, this acreage was 98,100 acres as of 2003. Approximately 39,850 acres (as of 1996) or 31,250 acres (as of 2003) will be acquired or otherwise conserved as the state and federal contribution to Plan implementation. Approximately 10,800 acres of public and quasi- public lands are also projected to be conserved. In addition, as described in Section 4.2.2.2.4 of the MSHCP, the Local Permittees will protect the fluvial sand transport Essential Ecological Process in the Cabazon, Long Canyon, and West Deception Canyon Conservation Areas to - 15 - ensure no net reduction in fluvial sand transport in these areas, which comprise approximately 7,800 acres. 7.5 Review of Development Proposals in Conservation Areas. As set forth in Section 4.3 of the MSHCP, Development in Conservation Areas will be limited to uses that are compatible with the Conservation Objectives for the specific Conservation Area. Discretionary Projects in Conservation Areas, other than second units on parcels with an existing residence, shall be required to assess the project's ability to meet the Conservation Objectives in the Conservation Area. Additionally, the Permittees will participate in the Joint Project Review Process set forth in Section 6.6.1.1 of the MSHCP. 7.6 Reserve Assembly Accounting. In order to ensure that the MSHCP Reserve System is established, all Permittees will be required to maintain a record of total acres and location of Development within their jurisdiction within the Plan boundaries and submit this information to the CVCC on a monthly basis. However, Caltrans must submit such infonnation on a bi-annual basis. As set forth in Section 6.4 of the MSHCP, annual reports will be prepared in order to account for Habitat losses and gains associated with public and private Development projects. The annual reports will be used to demonstrate that Conservation is occurring in rough proportionality with Development, reflect that the MSHCP Reserve System is being assembled as contemplated in the MSHCP and ensure that Habitat Conservation Goals and Objectives and required measures are being implemented. 8. MSHCP RESERVE SYSTEM MANAGEMENT REQUIREMENTS 8.1 Overview. The MSHCP Reserve System will be managed pursuant to Section 8 of the MSHCP. The Plan establishes RMUs to ensure coordinated management in order to achieve the Conservation Goals and Objectives. Additionally, within three (3) years of Permit issuance, the RMUCs and the Land Manager will develop a Reserve System Management Plan. The elements of this plan are described in Section 6.2 of the MSHCP and will include ongoing management measures and Adaptive Management actions. 8.2 Management Activities. Management activities pursuant to the MSHCP are set forth in Section 8 of the MSHCP. As set forth in Sections 6.1.3 and 8.2.2 of the MSHCP, such activities will be overseen by the RMOC and implemented by the RMUCs, in coordination with the Land Manager and Monitoring Program Administrator. 8.3 Management Program. Section 8 of the MSHCP sets forth the Management Program, allowing flexibility to ensure protection of species for which current scientific data is currently lacking. Consistent with an Adaptive Management approach, the Parties agree that the methods and means of implementing the Management Program shall be changed as necessary to respond to species'needs and new scientific data as these items may change over time. 9. MSHCP RESERVE SYSTEM MONITORING REQUIREMENTS 9.1 Monitoring Program. Monitoring of the MSHCP Reserve System will be instituted pursuant to Section 8.3 of the MSHCP. Implementation of the long-tern Monitoring Program includes an initial inventory and assessment period. - 16 - 9.2 Monitoring Program Administrator. A Monitoring Program Administrator shall be selected by the CVCC and shall be responsible for implementing the Monitoring Program with oversight from the BMOC. The Monitoring Program Administrator's duties are set forth in Section 6.1.6 of the MSHCP. 9.3 Monitoring Reporting Requirements. Pursuant to Section 8.7 of the MSHCP, the Monitoring Program Administrator shall prepare annual monitoring reports that provide an analysis of the monitoring results and any implications for the Management Program and Reserve System Assembly. These reports will be submitted to the RMOC, the R vWCs and the Land Manager and will include, at a minimum,the items listed in Section 8.7 of the MSHCP. 10. REPORTING REQUIREMENTS 10.1 Annual Reporting. As described in Section 6.4 of the MSHCP, the CVCC will prepare au annual report that will be submitted to the Wildlife Agencies and Permittees. The annual report for the preceding calendar year shall be submitted by March 30. The annual report shall be presented at a CVCC public workshop and copies made available to the public. The annual report shall include, at a minimum, the following information: A. An overview of the status of the Conservation Areas. B. Results of monitoring as described in Section 8.7 of the MSHCP. C. Identification of Adaptive Management actions indicated and whether or not such actions were implemented. D. A description of Reserve Management activities for the previous year. E. An accounting of the number of acres acquired, conserved through cooperative management agreements or otherwise protected during the previous year to quantify the progress achieved towards identified Conservation Objectives. F. An accounting of the number of acres of Core Habitat, Essential Ecological Processes, Biological Corridors and Linkages and natural communities conserved within each Conservation Area developed or impacted by Covered Activities during the previous year. G. An accounting of the number of acres of habitat for the species and natural communities outside the MSHCP Conservation Areas in the Plan Area developed during the previous year. H. An evaluation of any significant issues encountered in Plan implementation during the previous year and proposed resolution. L Expenditures for acquisition and MSHCP Reserve System management over the previous year and applicable budgets for the upcoming fiscal year. - 17 - J. Summary of compliance activities required of Permittees. K. A copy of the audit of CVCC finances for the most recent fiscal year. 10.2 Certification of Reports. All reports shall include the following certification from the responsible entity official that supervised or directed preparation of the report: I certify that, to the best of my knowledge, after appropriate inquiries of those involved in the preparation of the report, the information submitted is appropriate and complete. 11. MSHCP IMPLEMENTATION STRUCTURE 11.1 Permittee Implementation Mechanisms. As set forth below, the Permittees have selected legal mechanisms to ensure implementation of the terms of the MSHCP and this Agreement ("Implementation Mechanism"). The Permits shall be effective upon issuance. If, however, within six (6) months of execution of this Agreement, the County and Cities have not adopted an appropriate Implementation Mechanism, the Wildlife Agencies may initiate suspension or revocation proceedings pursuant to Section 23.5 of this Agreement. The Permittees' obligations to fully implement the terms and conditions of the MSHCP and this Agreement commence upon execution of this Agreement. After adoption of an Implementation Mechanism, the Local Permittees shall submit a copy of the appropriate documents to the CVCC and the Wildlife Agencies substantially in the form addressed below, or take such other actions that will ensure effective MSHCP implementation. 11.1.1 The Cities A. The Cities shall adopt an ordinance imposing the Local Development Mitigation Fee as analyzed in the Nexus Fee Report. A model ordinance imposing such fees is attached to this Agreement as Exhibit "D." The Cities shall adopt ordinances in substantially the same form or at a minimum, containing the same requirements as the model ordinance. B. The Cities shall adopt a resolution that adopts the MSHCP and establishes procedures and requirements for the implementation of its terms and conditions. A model resolution is attached to this Agreement as Exhibit "E." The Cities shall adopt a resolution in substantially the same form or at a minimum, containing the same requirements as the model resolution. The resolution shall contain at least the following conditions: 1. Commitment to ensure compliance with the Conservation Area requirements and measures set forth in Section 4 of the MSHCP, including but not limited to the Properly Owner Initiated Habitat Evaluation and Acquisition Negotiation Strategy(HANS), if HANS is applicable. - 18 - 2. Imposition of all other terms of the MSHCP, this Agreement and the Permits including but not limited to participation in the Joint Project Review Process set forth in Section 6.6.1.1 of the MSHCP, and compliance with the applicable Land Use Adjacency Guidelines set forth in Section 4.5 of the MSHCP. 3. Agreement to enforce all terms and conditions of the MSHCP, this Agreement and the Permits. 11.1.2 The County. A. The County shall establish a development mitigation fee for the unincorporated area of the County to specifically provide for habitat acquisition pursuant to the MSHCP. B. The County shall implement the MSHCP through incorporation of the relevant terms and requirements into its General Plan, including but not limited to the following: 1. Commitment to ensure compliance with the Conservation Area requirements and measures set forth in Section 4.0 of the MSHCP, including but not limited to the Property Owner Initiated Habitat Evaluation and Acquisition Negotiation Strategy, if applicable. 2. Imposition of all other terms of the MSHCP, this Agreement and the Permits including but not limited to participation in the Joint Project Review Process set forth in Section 6.6.1.1 of the MSHCP, and compliance with the applicable Land Use Adjacency Guidelines set forth in Section 4.5 of the MSHCP. 3. Agreement to enforce all other terns and conditions of the MSHCP, this Agreement and the Permits. 11.1.3 County Flood Control. County Flood Control shall implement the MSHCP and this Agreement through execution of this Agreement. 11.1.4 County Parks. County Parks shall implement the MSHCP and this Agreement through execution of this Agreement. 11.1.5 County Waste. County Waste shall implement the MSHCP and this Agreement through execution of this Agreement. 11.1.6 CVCC. CVCC shall implement the MSHCP and this Agreement through approval of a resolution that adopts the MSHCP and establishes procedures and requirements for the implementation of its - 19 - terms and conditions for any Covered Activities. The CVCC shall adopt a resolution in substantially the same form as the Model Resolution attached as Exhibit"E." 11.1.7 CVAG. CVAG shall implement the MSHCP and this Agreement through execution of this Agreement. 11.1.8 CVMC. CVMC shall implement the MSHCP and this Agreement through execution of this Agreement. 11.1.9 Caltrans. Caltrans shall implement the MSHCP and this Agreement through execution of this Agreement. 11.1.10 State Parks. State Parks shall implement the MSHCP and this Agreement through execution of this Agreement. 11.1.11 CVWD. CVWD shall implement the MSHCP and this Agreement through execution of this Agreement. 11.1.12 IID. IID shall implement the MSHCP and this Agreement through execution of this Agreement. 11.2 Organizational Structure 11.2.1 Overview. Successful implementation of the MSHCP requires both a local administrative structure and effective coordination with state and federal partners. The Parties have therefore established an Organizational Structure for implementation and management of the MSHCP described in Section 6.1 of the MSHCP. 11.2.2 CVCC Organization A. Overview. As set forth in Section 6.1 of the MSHCP, implementation of the MSHCP will be overseen and administered by the CVCC, a joint regional authority formed by the County, the Cities, CVWD and IID. The CVCC shall sign this Agreement and shall be a Permittee under the Permits. However, the CVCC shall not limit County or City local land use authority or prevent a Permittee from approving a Discretionary Project. As set forth in Section 6.1.1 of the Plan, the CVCC shall be formed prior to issuance of the Permits, as a separate and independent joint powers authority. B. Duties and Responsibilities. The CVCC shall provide the primary policy direction for the implementation of the MSHCP and will provide opportunities for public participation in the decision-making process. The CVCC shall have, at a minimum, - 20 - the powers and duties as set forth in Section 6.1.1.2 of the MSHCP. 11.2.3 Acquisition and Funding Coordinating Committee. To assist in implementing its duties under the MSHCP, the CVCC shall form the Acquisition and Funding Coordinating Committee to provide input on local funding priorities and Additional Conservation Lands acquisition priorities. As set forth in Section 6.1.2 of the MSHCP, the Acquisition and Funding Coordinating Committee shall be formed within one hundred twenty (120) days of the issuance of the Permits. Permittee representatives on the Acquisition and Funding Coordinating Committee shall be appointed by the CVCC and shall include any Permittee requesting membership. The Wildlife Agencies shall be ex officio members of the Acquisition and Funding Coordinating Committee: The Acquisition and Funding Coordinating Committee shall advise the CVCC on local funding priorities and Additional Conservation Lands acquisitions as set forth in Section 6.1.2 of the MSHCP. However, the CVCC will have final decision making authority in establishing and implementing these local priorities. 11.2.4 Joint Project Review Process. To ensure that the requirements of the Permits, the MSHCP and this Agreement are properly met, a Joint Project Review Process for projects within the Conservation Areas shall be instituted by the CVCC. The process for the Joint Project Review Process is set forth in Section 6.6.1.1 of the MSHCP. 11.2.5 CVCCExecutive Director. A. Selection. An appropriate individual shall be selected as the CVCC Executive Director by the CVCC to administer the Plan. The Executive Director shall implement the duties and responsibilities of the CVCC. During tine first five (5) years, the CVCC shall initially contract with CVAG for the Executive Director within thirty (30) days of the formation of the CVCC. B. Duties and Responsibilities. The Executive Director shall have the powers and duties as set forth in Section 6.1.1.3 of the MSHCP. 11.2.6 Reserve Management Oversight Committee. A. Formation and Representation. As described in Section 6.1.3 of the MSHCP, the RMOC is the primary interagency group that will coordinate implementation of the Plan. The CVCC Executive Director shall appoint the chair of the BMOC from those entities identified below. The RMOC shall be assembled within one hundred twenty (120) days of Permit issuance and shall report to - 21 - the CVCC. The RMOC shall be composed of one representative from USFWS, CDFG, BLM, State Parks, CVCC, the County and up to five other representatives, as appointed by the CVCC, of private and public agencies or entities that hold land dedicated to Conservation within the MSHCP Reserve System. National Park Service (designated by NPS) and U.S. Forest Service (designated by USFS)will be ex ofcio members. B. Duties and Responsibilities. The RMOC shall have the duties and responsibilities as set forth in Section 6.1.3 of the MSHCP. 11.2.7 Reserve Management Unit Committees. To coordinate management of lands owned by different entities in the MSHCP Reserve System, RMUCs will be established for each of the six Reserve Management Units ("RMU"). The RMUs are described in Section 6.1.4 of the MSHCP. The RMUCs shall be established within one hundred twenty (120) days of Permit issuance. RMUC composition and duties and responsibilities are set forth in Section 6.1.4 of the MSHCP. 11.2.8 Land Manager. As described in Section 6.1.5 of the MSHCP, the CVCC may retain or contract with a person or entity to manage Local Permitiee RMU lands and coordinate through the RMUCs with the entities managing Conservation land in the RMUs. The required qualifications, duties and responsibilities of the Land Manager are set forth in Section 6.1.5 of the MSHCP. 11.2.9 Monitoring Program Administrator. A Monitoring Program Administrator selected by the CVCC shall be responsible for implementing the Monitoring Program contained in Section 8 of the MSHCP. The duties of the Monitoring Program Administrator are set forth in Section 6.1.6 of the MSHCP. 11.2.10 MSHCP Reserve Management Unit Plan. As described in Section 6.2 of the MSHCP, the CVCC shall work with each RMUC to develop a Reserve Management Unit Plan ("RMUP"). The RM1 I?s will define specific management actions, schedules and responsibilities for Plan implementation. The RMUPs shall be prepared within three (3) years of Permit issuance and revised as necessary as lands are added to the MSHCP Reserve System. The RMUPs shall contain, at a minimum, the elements set forth in Section 6.2 of the MSHCP. 11.3 Changed Circumstances. 11.3.1 General Terms. Consistent with USFWS regulations regarding Habitat Conservation Plan assurances, Section 6.8.3 of the MSHCP identifies changes in the circumstances affecting the MSHCP Reserve System and/or Covered Species which can be reasonably anticipated - 22 - and planned for in the MSHCP and describes the responses to such changes that will be carried out by the Parties. Since the MSHCP includes an Adaptive Management approach to reserve management, changes over time and adaptive responses are already contemplated and do not therefore require amendments to the MSHCP or the Permits. The Parties agree that this Section and Section 6.8.3 of the MSHCP address all reasonably foreseeable Changed Circumstances and describe specific responses for them; other changes not identified as Changed Circumstances will be treated as Unforeseen Circumstances. 11.3.2 Permittee-Initiated Response to Changed Circumstances. Permittee(s) will give notice to the Wildlife Agencies within sixty(60) calendar days after learning that any of the Changed Circumstances listed in Section 6.8.3 of the MSHCP have occurred. As soon as practicable thereafter, but no later than sixty(60) days after learning of the Changed Circumstances, Permittee(s) will modify its/their activities in the manner described in Section 6.8.3 of the MSHCP, to the extent necessary to address the effects of the Changed Circumstances on the Covered Species, and will report to the Wildlife Agencies on its/their actions. Permittee(s) will undertake such modifications without awaiting notice from the Wildlife Agencies. 11.3.3 Wildlife Agency-Initiated Response to Changed Circumstances. If the Wildlife Agencies determine that Changed Circumstances have occurred, they shall notify Permittee(s) in writing within sixty (60) calendar days. Within sixty (60) days after' receiving such notice, Permittee(s) will begin implementation of the required changes and report to the Wildlife Agencies on its/their actions. If the USFWS and/or CDFG determine that Changed Circumstances have occurred and that a Pennittee has not responded in accordance with Section 6.8.3 of the MSHCP, the Wildlife Agency or Agencies will so notify the affected Pennittee and the CVCC and will direct Pennittee to make the required changes. 11.3.4 Condemnation of Lands Providing Conservation Benefits. In the event that an authority with eminent domain powers condemns part of the lands to which the MSHCP's Conservation and mitigation measures apply, the applicable Permittee shall seek full reimbursement for fragmentation, and increased management and monitoring costs. The applicable Pennittee shall use all funds provided to the Pennittee through the condemnation proceedings to provide additional Conservation and mitigation measures that will replace the Conservation benefits that would have been provided by the condemned lands. - 23 - 11.3.5 New Listings of Species Not Covered by the MSHCP. The USFWS or CDFG may list additional species under FESA and/or CESA as threatened or endangered, delist species that are currently listed, or declare listed species as extinct. In the event of a new listing of one or more species not covered by the MSHCP, the following steps will be taken. If a species not covered by the MSHCP is listed as threatened or endangered under FESA and/or CESA during the Permit application process or during the life of the Permits, the USFWS and/or CDFG and the Permittee(s) will identify actions that may cause Take, jeopardy or adverse modification of Critical Habitat, and the Permittee(s) will avoid such actions in the implementation of their Covered Activities until approval of an amendment to the MSHCP to address the newly listed species in accordance with the Modifications and Amendments Procedures described in Section 6.12 of the MSHCP. Such avoidance measures will include the following: 1) evaluation of applications for proposed Covered Activities with respect to potential effects on the newly listed species; such evaluations will include assessment of the presence of suitable habitat for the newly listed species within the areas potentially affected by the proposed Covered Activity and surveys for the newly listed species, as appropriate, using accepted protocols; and 2) implementation of measures to avoid impacts to the newly listed species based on the results of the data collected in item 1) above and the evaluation of those data in the context of the design of the proposed Covered Activity. Alternatively, a Plan amendment may not be pursued and Take Authorization may be sought separately. 11.4 Annexation and Deannexation of Lands. Each of the Permittees shall enforce the terms of the Plan,the Permits and this Agreement as to all individuals or entities subject to its jurisdiction, including lands in the Plan Area annexed into the Permittees'jurisdictions after the Effective Date of this Agreement, provided the Minor Amendment requirements of Section 6.12.3 of the MSHCP and Section 20.4 of this Agreement have been met. If the Minor Amendment requirements cannot be met, a Major Amendment will be required. In the event of the annexation or dearmexation of any land within the Plan Area to another jurisdiction that is not a Permittee, the Parties shall seek to enter into an agreement between the Permittees, the Local Agency Formation Commission ("LAFCO"), the annexing or deannexing jurisdiction and the Wildlife Agencies as part of the annexation process to ensure that any Development of the annexed lands proceeds in accordance with the Conservation Goals and Objectives of the MSHCP. If an agreement can be reached, that jurisdiction shall become a Pennittee after executing an addendum to this Agreement. If an agreement cannot be reached, or if the MSHCP requirements are not imposed as a condition of annexation by LAFCO, then the annexed or deannexed land will not receive Take Authorization pursuant to the Permits. Additionally, such annexation or deannexation may result in the revocation or suspension of the Permits pursuant to Section 23.5 of this Agreement. Parties within such annexed or dearmexed _ 24 _ land that qualify as Participating Special Entities may receive Take Authorization as set forth in Section 11.7 of this Agreement. 11.5 Incorporation of New Cities within MSHCP Boundaries. The Parties anticipate that during the term of the MSHCP, and after the Effective Date, one or more new cities may be incorporated within the Plan Area. Such newly incorporated cities, upon adoption of an appropriate Implementation Mechanism and execution of an Implementing Agreement with the.Wildlife Agencies substantially similar in form to this Agreement, shall receive Take Authorization pursuant to the Permits and all other rights and obligations granted by the Permits, the MSHCP and this Agreement. Incorporation of a new city within the Plan Area shall constitute a Minor Amendment and shall be processed as such pursuant to Section 20.4 of this Agreement and Section 6.12.3 of the MSHCP. In the event a newly incorporated city fails to participate in the MSHCP, the Permits may be revoked or suspended as set forth in Section 23.5 of this Agreement. 11.6 Growth-Inducing Effects. Once, mitigation has been imposed upon the Penmittees, Participating Special Entity, or Third Party Granted Take Authorization for a proposed project in conformance with the requirements of the MSHCP and the Permits, Permittees shall not be required to provide or impose any additional mitigation for any growth- inducing effects that such project may have on a Covered Species and/or its Habitat within the Plan Area. 11.7 Participating Special Entity. 11.7.1 Take Authorization for Participating Special Entities. Any public service provider, such as a utility company or a public district, including, but not limited to, a school, water, or irrigation district, that operates facilities and/or owns land within the Plan Area may request Take Authorization for its activities pursuant to the Permits as a Participating Special Entity. As set forth below, such activities must comply with all of the terms and requirements of the Permits, the MSHCP and this Agreement. 11.7.2 Grant of Take Authorization to Participating Special Entity. The CVCC may grant Take Authorization to a Participating Special Entity for its activities upon compliance with this Section. The Participating Special Entity shall submit a complete application for the proposed activity to the CVCC containing a detailed description of the proposed activity, a map indicating the location of the proposed activity and an analysis of its potential impacts to Covered Species and their Habitats and to the MSHCP Reserve System. Within thirty (30) days of receipt of the complete application, CVCC and Wildlife Agency staff shall review the application. If CVCC staff, with the concurrence of the Wildlife Agencies, finds that the proposed activity complies with all terns and requirements of the MSHCP, the Permits and this Agreement and does not compromise the viability of - 25 - the Permits or the MSHCP Reserve System, the CVCC shall issue a Certificate of Inclusion upon completion or fulfillment in full of all appropriate requirements as set forth below and the proposed activity shall be deemed a Covered Activity. In the event the proposed activity crosses the MSHCP Reserve System, CVCC staff must make a finding supported by adequate evidence that the activity will result in a biologically equivalent or superior alternative to the MSHCP Reserve System prior to execution of a Certificate of Inclusion. The Certificate of Inclusion shall depict on an attached map the lands by parcel number, acreage and owner to which the proposed Take Authorization(s) would apply. In the event that the proposed activity does not comply with the terms and requirements of the Permits, the MSHCP and this Agreement, and/or compromises the viability of the MSHCP Reserve System, CVCC and Wildlife Agency staff shall meet with the proposed Participating Special Entity representatives to attempt to reach a mutually agreeable solution. 11.7.3 Requirements for Participating Special Entities. In addition to complying with applicable sections of the MSHCP, Participating Special Entities shall also contribute to Plan implementation through payment of a fee based upon the type of proposed activity, which shall be applicable to all activities in the Plan Area. For regional utility projects that will be constructed to serve Development, such as major truck lines, Participating Special Entities shall pay a fee in the amount of 5% of total capital costs or make other contributions to the Plan as may be agreed to by the CVCC and the Wildlife Agencies. For such activities that will result in only temporary impacts (impacts that generally last for less than five years) and disturbance, Participating Special Entities shall pay a fee in the amount of 3% of total capital costs or other appropriate measures as may be agreed to by the CVCC and the Wildlife Agencies. Additionally, the Participating Special Entities will be charged appropriate administration fees to process the application. Public district or agency projects that will be constructed to serve Development, such as new schools and treatment plants, inside the Conservation Areas shall be designed and implemented pursuant to the requirements of Section 4.0 of the MSHCP and all other requirements of the MSHCP, including payment of Local Development Mitigation Fees as adopted for commercial and industrial Development. For such activities outside of the Conservation Areas, contribution will consist of payment of Local Development Mitigation Fees as adopted for cormercial and industrial Development and any other applicable requirements. All fees shall be collected by, or submitted to, the CVCC. All obligations must be satisfied prior to impacts to Covered Species and their Habitats. - 26 - 12. FUNDING OF THE MSHCP The funding of the MSHCP, including financing of Reserve System Assembly, and management and monitoring will occur pursuant to Section 5.0 of the MSHCP. 12.1 Local Obligations. 12.1.1 Local Permittee Additional Conservation Lands Obligations. As described in Sections 4.2 and 5.1.1 of the MSHCP, Local Permittees are responsible for the Conservation of 100,600 acres of Additional Conservation Lands (as of 1996) and 98,100 acres (as of 2003). Approximately 90,000 acres will be conserved through acquisition or other means. The projected cost in 2005 dollars for this acreage is approximately $288 million. The related transaction costs for appraisals, escrow fees, etc. are estimated to be approximately $14.4 million. 12.1.2 Administration Costs. The Local Permittees will be responsible for certain Plan administration costs necessary to implement the terms and conditions of the Plan, including staffing for the CVCC. As described in Sections 5.1.2.3 and 5,13 of the MSHCP, the Local Permittee obligation for Plan administration costs for the acquisition program is approximately $411,000 in the first year, increasing by 3% annually to offset inflation. Non-acquisition program administration costs are estimated to be approximately $42,000 in the first year and $77,544,000 over the life of the Plan. 12.1.3 Local Permittee Monitoring and Management Obligations. As described in Sections 5 and 8 of the MSHCP, Local Permittees are responsible under the Plan for monitoring, land management and Adaptive Management costs on lands managed by the Local Permittees. In addition, an endowment would be established to fund monitoring, land management and Adaptive Management. 12.2 Local Funding Sources. The local funding program will fiord the Local Pennittees' obligations under the MSHCP as set forth in Section 5.2 of the Plan. The primary components are as follows: 12.2.1 Local Development Mitigation Fees. As further described in Section 5.2.1.1 of the MSHCP, the County and the Cities shall adopt fee ordinances establishing a Local Development Mitigation Fee to partially fund Plan implementation. The projected revenues from the Local Development Mitigation Fees are anticipated to be approximately $503 million over the first fifty (50) years of Plan implementation. The County and the Cities shall transmit all collected Local Development Mitigation Fees to the CVCC, at least quarterly, to be expended to fulfill the terms of the MSHCP. - 27 - 12.2.2 Transportation and Other Regional Infrastructure Project Contribution. Permittees' transportation and other regional infrastructure projects will contribute to Plan implementation. For transportation infrastructure, the local funding program will provide approximately $30 mullion in contribution from Measure A funds. Additionally, CVWD will acquire 550 acres in the Thousand Palms Conservation Area to mitigate for the Whitewater Flood Control project. CVWD and IID will also make contributions to the management and monitoring endowment. These total contributions are estimated at approximately $4,108,400. Other regional utility and local public capital construction projects will mitigate their impacts, in whole or in part, under the MSHCP through payment of a per-acre mitigation fee or other appropriate method. As described in Section 6.6.2 of the Plan, Caltrans will acquire or fund the acquisition of 5,791 acres. Caltrans will also contribute $7.6 million to CVCC for monitoring, management and Adaptive Management. Caltrans and CVAG will also acquire 1,795 acres as mitigation for freeway interchanges and associated arterials and contribute $1,077,000 towards monitoring, management and Adaptive Management endowment fund. 12.2.3 Landfill Tipping Fees. Landfill tipping fees in the Plan Area are estimated to generate approximately $575,000 in 2006 from County landfills,with a projected rate increase of 4% annually thereafter. 12.2.4 Eagle Mountain Landfill Environmental Mitigation Trust Fund. Eagle Mountain Landfill tipping fees are estimated to generate $234 million dollars over the next seventy-five (75) years. Should the availability of this funding source become unreliable, Section 5.2.2.4 of the MSHCP provides potential alternative funding sources. 12.2.5 Additional Funding. As further described in Section 5.2.1.6 of the MSHCP, the Parties shall seek additional funding from private, local, state and federal sources including grants. Additionally, funds may be received from Participating Special Entities. In addition, should certain funding sources become unreliable, Section 5.2.2.4 of the MSHCP provides potential alternative funding sources. 12.3 Annual Evaluation of Funding. On an annual basis, the Penmittees and the Wildlife Agencies will evaluate the performance of the funding mechanisms and develop any necessary modifications to address possible shortfalls. Additionally, this annual evaluation will include an assessment of the funding plan and anticipate funding needs over the next eighteen (18) months for the purpose of identifying any potential deficiencies in cash flow. If deficiencies are identified through this evaluation, the Permittees and the Wildlife Agencies will develop strategies to address any additional funding needs consistent with the terms and conditions of the Plan. Additional funding needs will be addressed as set forth in Section 5.2.2 of the MSHCP. - 28 - 13. PERMITTEES' TAKE AUTHORIZATION AND OBLIGATIONS 13.1 Permittees' Take Authorization. Each Permittee may engage in, and receive Take Authorization for, Covered Activities as set forth in Section 7 of the MSHCP. The County and Cities may also confer Take Authorization and approve projects proposed within their respective jurisdictions, as set forth in Sections 7.1 and 7.2 of the MSHCP. The County, Cities and the CVCC may also confer Take Authorization through the issuance of a Certificate of Inclusion or other written mechanism or instrument as set forth in Section 11.7 of this Agreement. 13.2 County and Cities Obligations. The County and the Cities have the following obligations under the MSHCP and this Agreement: A. Adopt and maintain ordinances or resolutions as necessary, and amend their general plans as appropriate, to implement the requirements and to fulfill the purposes of the Pernuts, the MSHCP and this Agreement for private and public projects. Such requirements and policies include: 1) compliance with relevant processes to ensure application of the Conservation Area requirements set forth in Section 4.0 of the MSHCP and thus, satisfaction of the local acquisition obligation; 2) require compliance with the applicable Land Use Adjacency Guidelines set forth in Section 4.5 of the MSHCP; 3) maintain a record of total acres developed and their location within its jurisdiction and transmit such information monthly to the CVCC; 4) convey any changes in County or city boundaries or general plan land use designations to CVCC at the end of each calendar year; 5) ensure compliance with the Avoidance, Minimization and Mitigation Measures in Section 4.4 of the MSHCP; 6) ensure implementation consistent with the Species Conservation Goals and Objectives in Section 9; and 7) permanently protect and manage Mitigation Land within the reserve system legally owned and/or controlled by the entity unless conveyed to the CVCC. B. Transmit any collected Local Development Mitigation Fees, other appropriate fees and associated interest as described in Section 5.2.1.1 of the MSHCP to the CVCC at least quarterly. C. Contribute appropriate mitigation as determined by the affected Permittee for County and City public projects, including, but not limited to, any one or any combination of the following: 1) acquisition of replacement habitat at a 1:1 ratio that is biologically equivalent or superior to the property being disturbed; or 2) payment of the Local Development Mitigation Fees as established for commercial and industrial Development. Such contributions shall occur prior to impacts to Covered Species and their Habitats. D. Participate as a member agency in the CVCC as set forth in Section 6.1.1 of the MSHCP. -29 - E. Participate as a member of the RMOC as set forth in Section 6.1.3 of the MSHCP, as appropriate. F. Participate in the Joint Project Review Process set forth in Section 6.6.1.1 of the MSHCP for projects in the Conservation Areas. G. Take all necessary and appropriate actions, following applicable land use permit enforcement procedures and practices, to enforce the terms of project approvals for public and private projects, including compliance with the MSHCP,the Permits and this Agreement. H. Manage MSHCP Reserve System lands or conservation easements owned or leased by the County or respective City pursuant to Sections 8 and 9 of the MSHCP. 1. Carry out all other applicable requirements of the MSHCP, this Agreement and the Permits. Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing within this Agreement shall be construed to require the County or the Cities to provide funding, or any other form of compensation, beyond the fees collected or dedicated lands required pursuant to the Permits, this Agreement and the MSHCP or other mitigation agreed to by the appropriate Parties. 13.3 CVCC Obligations. CVCC has the following obligations under the MSHCP and this Agreement: A. Implement the necessary requirements to fulfill the purposes of the Permits, the MSHCP and this Agreement, for projects for which it issues Take Authorization such as for Participating Special Entities. Such requirements include: 1) ensuring compliance with relevant processes to ensure application of the Conservation Area requirements set forth in Section 4 of the MSHCP; 2) ensuring compliance with the applicable Land Use Adjacency Guidelines as set forth hi Section 4.5 of the MSHCP; 3) compliance with the Avoidance, Minimization and Mitigation Measures in Section 4.4 of the MSHCP; 4) ensure implementation consistent with the Species Conservation Goals and Objectives in Section 9; and 5) permanently protect and manage Mitigation Land within the reserve system legally owned and/or controlled by the entity unless conveyed to the CVCC. S. Administer and oversee implementation of the MSHCP as set forth in Section 6.1 of the MSHCP. C. Collect and expend Local Development Mitigation Fees and other applicable funds as described in Section 5 of the MSHCP. D. Transfer Take Authorization to Participating Special Entities pursuant to Section 11.7 of this Agreement. - 30 - E. Accept and manage MSHCP Reserve System property including conservation easements that have been conveyed to it by the County, Cities or other entity, agency or individual, pursuant to Section 6.1.1.2 of the MSHCP. F. Carry out all other applicable requirements of the MSHCP, this Agreement, and the Permits. Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing within this Agreement shall be construed to require the CVCC to provide funding, or any other form of compensation, beyond the fees collected or dedicated lands required pursuant to the Permits, this Agreement and the MSHCP. 13.4 CVAG Obligations. CVAG has the following obligations under the MSHCP and this Agreement: A. Implement the necessary requirements to fulfill the purposes of the Permits, the MSHCP and this Agreement for its Covered Activities. B. Contribute $30 million from Measure A or other funds as set forth in Section 6.6.1 of the Plan. C. Carry out all other applicable requirements of the MSHCP, this Agreement and the Permits. Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing within this Agreement shall be construed to require CVAG to provide Raiding, or any other form of compensation, beyond the fees collected or dedicated lands required pursuant to the Permits, this Agreement and the MSHCP or other funding mechanisms identified in the Plan. 13.5 County Flood Control Obligations. County Flood Control has the following obligations under the MSHCP and this Agreement: A. Implement the necessary requirements to fulfill the purposes of the Permits, the MSHCP and this Agreement for its Covered Activities. Such requirements include: 1) compliance with relevant processes and measures to ensure application of the Conservation Area requirements set forth in Section 4 of the MSHCP; 2) compliance with the applicable Land Use Adjacency Guidelines as set forth in Section 4.5 of the MSHCP; 3) compliance with the Avoidance, Minimization and Mitigation Measures in Section 4.4 of the MSHCP; 4) ensure implementation consistent with the Species Conservation Goals and Objectives in Section 9; and 5) permanently protect and manage Mitigation Land within the reserve system legally owned and/or controlled by the entity unless conveyed to the CVCC. B. Contribute mitigation through payment of 3% of total capital costs for its Covered Activities. Such payment may be offset through acquisition of replacement Habitat or creation of new Habitat for the benefit of Covered - 31 - Species, as appropriate. Such mitigation shall be implemented prior to impacts to Covered Species and their Habitats. C. Manage land owned or leased within the MSHCP Reserve System that has been set aside for Conservation purposes in accordance with Sections 8 and 9 of the MSHCP. D. Participate in the Joint Project Review Process for its projects within the Conservation Areas as described in Section 6.6.1.1 of the Plan. E. Carry out all other applicable requirements of the MSHCP, this Agreement and the Permits. Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing in this Agreement shall be construed to require County Flood Control to provide funding, or any other form of compensation, beyond the fees collected, mitigation payments of 3% of capital costs pursuant to Section 13.5 above, dedicated lands required pursuant to the Permits or other MSHCP requirements, this Agreement and the MSHCP. 13.6 County Parks Obligations. County Parks has the following obligations under the MSHCP and this Agreement: A. Implement the necessary requirements to fulfill the purposes of the Permits, the MSHCP and this Agreement for its Covered Activities. Such requirements include: 1) compliance with relevant processes and measures to ensure application of the Conservation Area requirements set forth in Section 4.0 of the MSHCP; 2) compliance with the applicable Land Use Adjacency Guidelines as set forth in Section 4.5 of the MSHCP; 3) compliance with the Avoidance, Minimization and Mitigation Measures in Section 4.4 of the MSHCP; 4) ensure implementation consistent with the Species Conservation Goals and Objectives in Section 9; and 5) permanently protect and manage Mitigation Land within the reserve system legally owned and/or controlled by the entity unless conveyed to the CVCC. B. Contribute appropriate mitigation as determined by County Parks for its projects, including, but not limited to, any one or any combination of the following: 1) acquisition of replacement habitat at a 1:1 ratio that is biologically equivalent or superior to the property being disturbed; or 2) payment of the Local Development Mitigation Fees as established for cormnercial and industrial Development. Such contribution shall occur prior to impacts to Covered Species and their Habitats. C. Manage and monitor land owned or leased within the MSHCP Reserve System that has been set aside for Conservation purposes in accordance with Sections 8 and 9 of the MSHCP. D. Participate in the Joint Project Review Process for its projects, if any, within the Conservation Areas as described in Section 6.6.1.1 of the Plan. - 32 - E. Carry out all other applicable requirements of the MSHCP, this Agreement and the Permits. Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing in this Agreement shall be construed to require County Parks to provide funding, or any other form of compensation, beyond the fees collected or dedicated lands required pursuant to the Permits or other MSHCP requirements, this Agreement and the MSHCP. 13.7 County Waste Obligations. County Waste has the following obligations under the MSHCP and this Agreement: A. Implement the necessary requirements to fulfill the purposes of the Permits, the MSHCP and this Agreement for its Covered Activities. Such requirements include: 1) compliance with relevant processes and measures to ensure application of the Conservation Area requirements set forth ui Section 4.0 of the MSHCP; 2) compliance with the applicable Land Use Adjacency Guidelines as set forth in Section 4.5 of the MSHCP; 3) compliance with the Avoidance, Minimization and Mitigation Measures in Section 4.4 of the MSHCP; 4) ensure implementation consistent with the Species Conservation Goals and Objectives in Section 9; and 5) permanently protect and manage Mitigation Land within the reserve system legally owned and/or controlled by the entity unless conveyed to the CVCC. B. Manage and monitor land owned within the MSHCP Reserve System that has been set aside for Conservation purposes in accordance with Sections 8 and 9 of the MSHCP. C. Participate in the Joint Project Review Process for its projects, if any, within the Conservation Areas as described in Section 6.6.1.1 of the Plan. D. Carry out all other applicable requirements of the MSHCP, this Agreement, and the Permits. Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing within this Agreement shall be construed to require County Waste to provide funding, or any other form of compensation, beyond the requirements of the Pennits, this Agreement and the MSHCP. 13.8 CVWD Obligations. CVWD has the following obligations under the MSHCP and this Agreement: A. Implement the necessary requirements to fulfill the purposes of the Permits, the MSHCP and this Agreement, for its Covered Activities. Such requirements include: 1) compliance with relevant processes and measures to ensure application of the Conservation Area requirements set forth in Section 4.0 of the MSHCP; 2) compliance with the applicable Land Use Adjacency Guidelines as set forth in Section 4.5 of the MSHCP; 3) compliance with the Avoidance, Minimization and Mitigation Measures in Section 4.4 of the MSHCP; 4) ensure implementation consistent with the - 33 - Species Conservation Goals and Objectives in Section 9; and 5) permanently protect and manage Mitigation Land within the reserve system legally owned and/or controlled by the entity unless conveyed to the CVCC. B. As set forth in Section 6.6.1 of the Plan, cooperate with CVCC towards Conservation of a portion of the 7,000 acres CVWD owns in the Conservation Area. C. Contribute $3,583,400 towards the Endowment Fund for the Monitoring Program, the Management Program and Adaptive Management. D. Additional contributions as set forth in the Plan. E. Participate as a member of the CVCC as set forth in Section 6.1.1 of the MSHCP. F. Participate in the Joint Project Review Process for its projects within the Conservation Areas as described in Section 6.6.1.1 of the Plan. G. Carry out all other applicable requirements of the MSHCP, this Agreement, and the Permits. Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing within this Agreement shall be construed to require CVWD to provide funding, or any other form of compensation, beyond the requirements of the Permits,this Agreement and the MSHCP. 13.9 IID Obligations. IID has the following obligations under the MSHCP and this Agreement: A. Implement the necessary requirements to fulfill the purposes of the Permits, the MSHCP and this Agreement for its Covered Activities. Such requirements include: 1) compliance with relevant processes and measures to ensure application of the Conservation Area requirements set forth in Section 4 of the MSHCP; 2) compliance with the applicable Land Use Adjacency Guidelines as set forth in Section 4.5 of the MSHCP; 3) compliance with the Avoidance, Minimization and Mitigation Measures in Section 4.4 of the MSHCP; 4) ensure implementation consistent with the Species Conservation Goals and Objectives in Section 9; and 5) permanently protect and manage Mitigation Land within the reserve system legally owned and/or controlled by the entity unless conveyed to the CVCC. B. As set forth in Section 6.6.1 of the Plan, cooperate with CVCC towards the Conservation of a portion of the land it owns in the Conservation Areas. C. Contribute $525,000 towards the Endowment Fund for the Monitoring Program, the Management Program and Adaptive Management. - 34 - D. Participate as a member of the CVCC as set forth in Section 6.1.1.1 of the MSHCP. E. Participate in the Joint Project Review Process for its projects within the Conservation Areas as described in Section 6.6.1.1 of the Plan. F. Carry out all other applicable requirements of the MSHCP, this Agreement, and the Permits. Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing within this Agreement shall be 'construed to require IID to provide funding, or any other form of compensation, beyond the requirements of the Permits, this Agreement and the MSHCP. 13.10 Caltrans Obligations. Caltrans has the following obligations under the MSHCP and this Agreement: A. Implement the necessary requirements to fulfill the purposes of the Permits, the MSHCP and this Agreement for its Covered Activities. Such requirements include: 1) compliance with relevant processes and measures to ensure application of the Conservation Area requirements set forth in Section 4 of the MSHCP; 2) compliance with the applicable Land Use Adjacency Guidelines as set forth in Section 4.5 of the MSHCP; 3) compliance with the Avoidance, Minimization and Mitigation Measures in Section 4.4 of the MSHCP; 4) ensure implementation consistent with the Species Conservation Goals and Objectives in Section 9; and 5) permanently protect and manage Mitigation Land within the reserve system legally owned and/or controlled by the entity unless conveyed to the CVCC. B. As set forth in Section 6.6.2 of the Plan, acquire and convey to CVCC or provide funding to the CVCC sufficient to acquire 5,791 acres of Additional Conservation Lands in the Conservation Areas as a contribution to Plan implementation for the Covered Activities described in Section 7.2.2 of the Plan. Within five (5) years of Permit issuance, Caltrans will provide $7.6 million to CVCC for the monitoring, management, and Adaptive Management of the 5,791 acres. C. Within one year of Permit issuance, CVCC and Caltrans shall prepare an agreement that specifies that if the MSHCP Permits are ever revoked, a conservation bank shall be established whereby the contributed lands are conveyed to CDFG with an endowment sufficient to provide for the permanent monitoring, land management, and Adaptive Management of the land. CVCC, the Wildlife Agencies, and Caltrans will enter into a Conservation Bank Agreement once a portion or all of the 5,791 acres are acquired. D. As described in Section 6.6.1 of the Plan, cooperate with CVAG and CVCC in the acquisition of 1,795 acres to mitigate the interchange and - 35 - associated arterial projects, and the contribution of $1,077,000 to the endowment for the Monitoring Program, Management Program, and Adaptive Management of those lands. E. Carry out all other applicable requirements of the MSHCP, this Agreement, and the Permits. 13.11 State Parks Obligations. State Parks has the following obligations under the MSHCP and this Agreement: A. Implement the necessary requirements to fulfill the purposes of the Permits, the MSHCP and this Agreement for its Covered Activities. Such requirements include: 1) compliance with relevant processes and measures to ensure application of the Conservation Area requirements set forth in Section 4 of the MSHCP; 2) compliance with the applicable Land Use Adjacency Guidelines as set forth in Section 4.5 of the MSHCP; 3) compliance with the Avoidance, Minimization and Mitigation Measures in Section 4.4 of the MSHCP; 4) ensure.implementation consistent with the Species Conservation Goals and Objectives in Section 9; and 5) permanently protect and manage Mitigation Land within the reserve system legally owned and/or controlled by the entity unless conveyed to the CVCC. B. As set forth in Section 6.6.2 of the Plan, prior to construction of camping, trailhead, and trail facilities as a Covered Activity in the Indio Hills/Joshua Tree National Park Linkage Conservation Area, acquire a minimum of 640 acres in the Conservation Area, of which a maximum of 100 acres may be developed as a Covered Activity. Development of the camping and trailhead facility must be consistent with the Conservation Objectives for the Conservation Area. C. Carry out all other applicable requirements of the MSHCP, this Agreement, and the Permits. 13.12 CVMC Obligations. CVMC has the following obligations under the MSHCP and this Agreement: A. Implement the necessary requirements to fulfill the purposes of the Permits, the MSHCP and this Agreement for its Covered Activities, if any. Such requirements include: 1) compliance with relevant processes and measures to ensure application of the Conservation Area requirements set forth in Section 4 of the MSHCP; 2) compliance with the applicable Land Use Adjacency Guidelines as set forth in Section 4.5 of the MSHCP; 3) compliance with the Avoidance, Minimization and Mitigation Measures in Section 4.4 of the MSHCP; 4) ensure implementation consistent with the Species Conservation Goals and Objectives in Section 9; and 5) permanently protect and manage Mitigation Land within the reserve - 36 - system legally owned and/or controlled by the entity unless conveyed to the CVCC. B. Manage easements and land owned or leased within the MSHCP Reserve System that have been set aside for Conservation purposes in accordance with Sections 8 and 9 of the MSHCP. C. Carry out all other applicable requirements of the MSHCP, this Agreement, and the Permits. Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing within this Agreement shall be construed to require CVMC to provide funding, or any other form of compensation, beyond the fees collected or dedicated lands required pursuant to the Permits, this Agreement and the MSHCP. 14. USFWS OBLIGATIONS AND ASSURANCES 14.1 Take Authorization for Covered Activities. Upon execution of this Agreement by all Parties, and satisfaction of all other applicable legal requirements, the USFWS will issue Peimittees a permit under section 10(a)(1)(B) of FESA authorizing incidental Take by Permittees of the Covered wildlife Species resulting from Covered Activities within the Plan Area, subject to and in accordance with,the MSHCP, the Permits and this Agreement. 14.2 USFWS Findings - Covered Species. The USFWS has found, following opportunity for public comment, that: 1) the taking of Covered Species within the Plan Area in accordance with the MSHCP as implemented will be incidental to the carrying out of otherwise lawful activities; 2) the MSHCP as implemented will, to the maximum extent practicable, minimize and mitigate the impacts of such incidental taking; 3) the funding sources identified and provided for herein will ensure that adequate funding for the MSHCP will be provided; 4) the requested taking of Covered wildlife Species will not appreciably reduce the likelihood of survival and recovery of such species in the wild; and 5) the MSHCP, as implemented, will satisfy and fulfill all measures agreed upon by the Parties for the purposes of the MSHCP (including procedures determined by the USFWS to be necessary to address Unforeseen Circumstances). 14.3 Section 10(a) Permit Coverage. The Section 10(a) Permit will identify all Covered Species. The Permit will take effect for FESA listed Covered Species at the time that the Section 10(a) Permit is issued. For currently Unlisted Species, the Permit will take effect when such species are Listed. 14.4 Implementation Assistance. Subject to Section 27.10 of this Agreement, USFWS shall provide staff to serve on all appropriate cormnittees and shall ensure, to the extent possible, staff participation in discussions and meetings with the other Parties to ensure that the implementation of this Agreement is consistent with any findings upon which the Section 10(a) Permit is based. The USFWS shall, to the extent appropriate, cooperate with the Permittees in obtaining additional funding from sources including, but not limited to, existing and future state and federal grant programs and existing and future bond issues. - 37 - 14.5 Assurances Regarding MSHCP. After opportunity for public review and comment, based on the best available current scientific and commercial data, the USFWS has found that the MSHCP, as implemented by this Agreement: 1) is consistent with and will complement other applicable Conservation planning and regulatory programs and efforts addressing wildlife within the region, 2) minimizes and mitigates the potential significant adverse impacts of the Covered Activities on the Covered Species, 3) will ensure that the measures agreed upon by the Permittees and the USFWS will be met, and 4) will be implemented. The USFWS shall not take a position inconsistent with the acknowledgments set forth in this Section, including, without limitation, in the form of comments offered by the USFWS in the context of any CEQA or NEPA process associated with approvals for Covered Activities, with regard to effects on Covered Species. 14.6 Take Authorization for Newly Regulated Covered Species; Savings Provision. Subject to compliance with all other terms of this Agreement, the Section 10(a) Permit will automatically become effective for each Unlisted Covered Species upon the listing of such species as endangered or threatened under FESA. If it is judicially determined that the USFWS was not authorized to cause the Section 10(a) Permit to become effective automatically as to Covered Species as they become listed pursuant to FESA, the USFWS shall accept the minimization and mitigation measures in the MSHCP and this Agreement as the basis for an application for a section 10(a) amendment or separate Section 10(a) Permits, MBTA Permits, and/or other Take Authorizations. The USFWS shall use reasonable efforts to review and process the application expeditiously so as to ensure, provided the Permit amendment or application meets the requirements of FESA and other applicable federal laws, that the Take Authorization is effective concurrently with the listing of the Covered Species under FESA. In issuing such Permits, amendments and/or Take Authorizations, and to the extent that such judicial determination creating the circumstances requiring such additional review and processing allows, the USFWS shall not request, impose, recommend or require further mitigation, Conservation, compensation, enhancement or other protection for such Covered Species except as expressly provided in this Agreement. 14.7 Changes in the Environmental Laws. It is acknowledged and agreed by the USFWS that the Permittees are agreeing to perform substantial avoidance, minimization, mitigation, Conservation and management measures as set forth in this Agreement. If a change in, or an addition to, any federal law governing or regulating the impacts of Development on land, water or biological resources as they relate to Covered Species, including, but not limited to, FESA and NEPA, the USFWS shall give due consideration to the measures required under the MSHCP in applying the new laws and regulations to the Permittees. 14.8 Section 7 Consultations. The USFWS will evaluate the direct, indirect, and cumulative effects of the Covered Activities in its internal FESA biological opinion issued in connection with the MSHCP and issuance of the Section 10(a) Permit. As a result, and to the maximum extent allowable, in any consultation under section 7 of FESA subsequent to the Effective Date involving the Pennittee(s) or entity with Third Party Take Authorization with regard to Covered Species and Covered Activities, the USFWS shall ensure that the FESA biological opinion issued in connection with the proposed project that is the subject of the consultation is consistent with the internal FESA biological opinion. Such projects must be consistent with the terms and conditions of the MSHCP and this Agreement. Any terms and - 38 - conditions included under the reasonable and prudent measures of a FESA biological opinion issued subsequent to the Effective Date with regard to the Covered Species and Covered Activities shall, to the maximum extent appropriate, be consistent with the implementation measures of the MSHCP and this Agreement. The USFWS shall not impose measures in excess of those that have been or will be required by the Permittee(s) or entity with Third Party Take Authorization pursuant to the MSHCP and this Agreement. The USFWS shall process subsequent FESA consultations for Covered Activities in accordance with the process and time periods set forth in 50 Code of Federal Regulations, section 402.14. The Parties agree that this section does not create an independent cause of action. 14.9 Critical Habitat Designation for Covered Species. The USFWS acknowledges and agrees that the MSHCP and this Agreement provide a comprehensive, habitat-based approach to the protection of Covered Species by focusing on the lands essential for the long- term Conservation of the Covered Species and appropriate management for those lands. This approach is consistent with the overall purposes of FESA to provide a means whereby the ecosystems upon which endangered and threatened species depend may be conserved. FESA regulations specify that the criteria to be used in designating critical habitat include "those physical and biological features that are essential to the Conservation of a given species and that may require special management considerations or protection." (50 C.P.R. § 424.12(b).) The MSHCP and this Agreement provide for the protection of those physical and biological features essential to the Conservation of the Covered Species in a mariner consistent with USFWS regulations concerning the designation of Critical Habitat. The USFWS agrees that, to the maximum extent allowable after public review and comment, in the event that a Critical Habitat detemunation is made for any Covered Species, and unless the USFWS finds that the MSHCP is not being implemented, lands within the boundaries of the MSHCP will not be designated as Critical Habitat. In addition, if Critical Habitat is designated within the MSHCP boundaries, pursuant to Section 14.11 of this Agreement and except as expressly provided in Section 14.11 of this Agreement and Section 6.8 of the MSHCP regarding Unforeseen Circumstances, no subsequent evaluation of the Covered Species, nor any mitigation, compensation, Conservation enhancement or other protective measures other than those set forth in the MSHCP will be required. Moreover, to the maximum extent allowable after public review and comment, the USFWS agrees to reassess and revise the boundaries of existing designated and proposed Critical Habitat of Covered Species within the MSHCP boundaries after its approval, although the Parties recognize that funding constraints may influence the timing of such regulatory action. 14.10 Future Recovery Plans. Recovery plans under FESA delineate actions necessary to recover and protect federally Listed Species. These plans frequently include information, or may lead to the development of information, that can contribute to the development of an adaptive management program. However, recovery plans do not obligate any Pernittee, individual or entity to undertake specific tasks. The Parties acknowledge that FESA recovery plans have no effect on the implementation of this MSHCP, except to the extent that they may contribute information to, or assist in achieving the goals of, the Management Program. Any recovery plan applicable to any Covered Species found in the Plan Area that is developed after the Effective Date shall: - 39 - A. Not require any additional land or financial compensation by Permittees; B. Be finalized only after the USFWS has consulted with and requested input from the CVCC and made reasonable attempts to give notice to Plan Participants of the preparation of the recovery plan; and C. Not in any way diminish the Take Authorization for Covered Species granted to Permittees pursuant to the MSHCP, this Agreement, or the Section 10(a) Permit. 14.11 No Surprises Assurances and Unforeseen Circumstances. 14.11.1 No Surprises Assurances. The USFWS has promulgated the Habitat Conservation Plan Assurances Rule, published in the Federal Register on February 23, 1998 (63 Federal Register 8859), and codified at 50 Code of Federal Regulations, sections 17.3, 17.22(b) and 17.32(b) ("No Surprises Rule"). 14.11.2 Pursuant to the No Surprise Rule,the assurances by the USFWS in this Section shall apply so long as the commitments and provisions of the MSHCP, this Agreement and the Section 10(a) Permit are properly implemented. 14.11.3 As set forth in Section 6.8.1 of the MSHCP, pursuant to the No Surprises Rule, as long as the MSHCP is being properly implemented, the USFWS will not require from Permittees, Third Parties Granted Take Authorization, Participating Special Entities or other individuals or entities receiving Take Authorization under the Permits the commitment of additional land, or financial compensation or additional restrictions on the use of land or other natural resources with regard to Covered Activities and their impact on the Covered Species beyond the level and/or amounts specified in the MSHCP, the Permits and this Agreement. 14.11.4 As set forth in Section 6.8.1 of the MSHCP, pursuant to the No Surprises Rule, the USFWS has the burden of making a finding that Unforeseen Circumstances exist with regard to any Covered Species, using the best scientific and commercial data available. The findings must be clearly docurmented and based upon reliable technical information regarding the status and habitat requirements of the affected species. In deciding whether any Unforeseen Circumstances exist, the USFWS shall consider, but not be limited to the following factors: A. The extent of the current range of the Covered Species; B. The percentage of the range of Covered Species and Habitat that has been adversely affected by the Covered Activities; -40 - C. The percentage of the range of the Covered Species and Habitat that has been conserved by the MSHCP; D. The ecological significance of that portion of the range or Habitat of the Covered Species; E. The level of knowledge about the Covered Species and Habitat and the degree of specificity of the species Conservation program under the MSHCP; and F. Whether failure to adopt additional Conservation measures would appreciably reduce the likelihood of survival and recovery of the Covered Species in the wild. 14.11.5 In the event the USFWS makes a finding of Unforeseen Circumstances and such Unforeseen Circumstances warrant the requirement of additional mitigation, enhancement or compensation measures, any such additional measures shall be restricted to modification of the management of the MSHCP Reserve System, and shall be the least burdensome measures available to address the Unforeseen Circumstances. 14.11.6 Changed Circumstances, as described in 50 Code of Federal Regulations section 17.22(b)(5)(i), are adequately addressed in Section 6.8.3 of the MSHCP, and Permittees shall implement any measures for such circumstances as called for in the MSHCP, as described in Section 11.3 of this Agreement. 14.12 Migratory Bird Treaty Act. The Section 10(a) Permit shall constitute a Special Purpose Permit under 50 Code of Federal Regulations section 21.27, for the Take of Covered Species listed under FESA and which are also listed under the MBTA(16 U.S.C. §§ 703-712), in the amount and/or number specified in the MSHCP, subject to the terms and conditions specified in the Section 10(a) Permit. Any such Take will not be in violation of the MBTA. The MBTA Special Purpose Permit will extend to Covered Species listed under FESA and also under the MBTA after the Effective Date of the Section 10(a) Permit. This Special Purpose Permit shall be valid for a period of three (3) years from its Effective Date, provided the Section 10(a) Permit remains in effect for such period. The Special Purpose Permit shall be renewed pursuant to the requirements of the MBTA, provided the Permittees remain in compliance with the terms of this Agreement and the Section 10(a) Permit. Each such renewal shall be valid for a period of three (3) years, provided that the Section 10(a) Permit remains in effect for such period. 14.13 Management of Land. USFWS agrees to manage its land within the MSHCP Reserve System pursuant to the provisions of the Plan. - 41 - 15. CDFG OBLIGATIONS AND ASSURANCES 15.1 Issuance of NCCP Permit. 15.1.1 Concurrent with the execution of this Agreement, CDFG has issued an NCCP Permit to the Permittees authorizing the Take of Covered Species, subject to and in accordance with the MSHCP and this Agreement. 15.1.2 Except as set forth in Section 15.5 of this Agreement, as to each Covered Species, including both Listed and Unlisted Species, that Take Authorization shall become effective upon issuance of the NCCP Permit. 15.2 NCCP Permit Findings. In separate findings, CDFG has found, following opportunity for public comment, that the MSHCP and this Agreement: 1) adequately provide for the Conservation and management of the Covered Species and their Habitat within the MSHCP and 2) satisfy all legal requirements under the NCCP Act necessary for CDFG to issue an NCCP Permit for such species. CDFG has found that the MSHCP meets the requirements of the NCCP Act for an NCCP Plan, and has approved the MSHCP as an NCCP Plan. In separate findings, CDFG has further found that the MSHCP and this Agreement adequately provide for the mitigation of potential "significant effects on the environment" (as defined in California Public Resources Code section 21068) which may result to Covered Species and their Habitat from the Covered Activities in the Plan Area. 15.3 State Assurances. Except for the provisions in Section 15.5,provided Permittees are implementing the terms and conditions of the MSHCP, this Agreement and the Permits, if there are Unforeseen Circumstances, CDFG shall not require additional land, water or financial compensation or additional restrictions on the use of land,water or other natural resources for the life of the NCCP Permit without the consent of the Permittees, unless CDFG determines that continued implementation of this Agreement, the MSHCP, and/or the Permits would jeopardize the continued existence of a Covered Species, or as required by law and would therefore lead to NCCP Permit revocation or suspension. The Parties acknowledge that, notwithstanding the assurances provided by this Section, fixture modifications to mitigation that are specifically contemplated under the MSHCP and this Agreement may require adjustments in the mitigation set forth in the MSHCP as of the Effective Date, including, but not limited to, Take minimization measures and MSHCP Reserve System management. Such changes are part of the MSHCP's operating Conservation program and are not precluded by the assurances provided in this Section. In particular, this Section shall not be construed to diminish the obligation of the Pernrittees, Third Parties Granted Take Authorization or Participating Special Entities to undertake mitigation actions in response to Changed Circumstances and to revise mitigation measures under the Management Program. However, CDFG acknowledges that neither the Management Program, nor the MSHCP's provisions concerning Changed Circumstances, are intended to require modifications to the MSHCP's mitigation program that would require additional funding nor to impose significant - 42 - additional burdens on Permittees, discretionary approvals issued by Permittees, or on Participating Special Entities with respect to Take minimization measures. 15A Implementation Assistance. Subject to Section 27.10 of this Agreement, CDFG shall provide staff to serve on appropriate committees and shall ensure the availability of staff for informal discussions and meetings with the other Parties to ensure that the implementation of this Agreement is consistent with, and will not render invalid, any findings upon which the NCCP Permit is based. To the extent consistent with its legal authorities, CDFG shall cooperate with the Permittees in obtaining additional funding from sources including, but not limited to, existing and future state and federal grant programs and existing and future bond issues. 15.5 Fully Protected Species. The following Covered Species listed in the MSHCP are fully protected under California Fish and Game Code sections 3511 and 4700: 1) Peninsular bighorn sheep; 2) Yuma clapper rail; and 3) California black rail. Take of these species is prohibited under the California Fish and Game Code except as specifically provided in section 2081.7 of that Code. Under the NCCP permit, only CVWD is authorized to Take fully protected species, as described in that permit. Under Fish and Game Code section 2081.7, CDFG may authorize CVWD to take Yuma clapper rail and California black rail, if the requirements of that section are met. CDFG acknowledges and agrees that if the measures set forth in the MSHCP are fully complied with, the Covered Activities are not likely to result in Take of fully protected species, except by CVWD. If CDFG determines that such measures are not adequate to prevent Take of one of the Fully Protected Species, CDFG shall notify the CVCC, USFWS and other affected Permittees in writing of such discovery and propose new, additional, or different Conservation measures that it believes are necessary to avoid Take of these species. The affected Permittees shall implement measures proposed by CDFG or such other measures agreed to by the Parties as adequate to avoid Take of Fully Protected Species. If at any time there is a change in state law such that CDFG may issue a section 2081(b) Permit or Take Authorization under Fish and Game Code section 2835, other permit, or authorization allowing the Take of any species subject to California Fish and Game Code sections 3511, 4700, 4800, 5050 or 5515, the Permittees may apply for an amendment of the MSHCP and NCCP Permit or for a new permit for such species. In processing any such application, CDFG shall give good faith consideration to Take avoidance and mitigation measures already provided in the MSHCP and shall issue the amendment or Permit under the same terms and conditions as the existing NCCP Permit, to the extent permitted by law. 15.6 Changes in the Environmental Laws. It is acknowledged and agreed by CDFG that the Permittees are agreeing to perform substantial avoidance, minimization, mitigation, Conservation and management measures set forth in this Agreement and the MSHCP. If a change in, or addition to, the Environmental Laws takes place, CDFG shall give good faith consideration to the measures required under the MSHCP in applying the new laws and regulations to the Permittees. 15.7 Consultations by CDFG. Except as otherwise required by law, CDFG shall not recommend or otherwise seek to impose through consultation with other public agencies any mitigation, compensation or habitat enhancement requirements regarding impacts to Covered Species that exceed the 'requirements prescribed in and pursuant to the MSHCP and this -43 - I i I I Agreement, including, without limitation, in the form of comments offered by CDFG in the i context of any CFQA process associated with approvals for Covered Activities with regard to effects on Covered Species. 15.8 Management of Land. CDFG agrees to manage its land within the MSHCP Reserve System consistent with the MSHCP, along with other legal mandates and management I objectives. 16. RELATIONSHIP TO OTHER EXISTING HABITAT CONSERVATION PLANS, NCCP PERMITS AND SECTION 2081 PERMITS 16.1 General. The Parties acknowledge that there are Habitat Conservation Plans, biological opinions issued pursuant to section 7 and section 2081 Permits, currently in existence for projects in the Coachella Valley and surrounding mountains within Riverside County. The Parties agree that the MSHCP is not incompatible with nor does it negate these existing plans and Permits. Upon request, the Parties may consider consolidation of these Permits and plans into the MSHCP. i 16.2 Coachella Valley Fringe-Toed Lizard Take Authorization. The Permitees will relinquish the Coachella Valley Fringe-Toed Lizard("CVFTL") Section 10(a) Permit pursuant to 50 CFR 13.26 within six months of issuance of the MSHCP Section 10(a) Permit, which will allow for final accounting and completion of other administrative activities under the CVFTL HCP. Upon relinquishment of the CVFTL permit, Take Authorization for the CVFTL for Covered Activities will be provided pursuant to the MSHCP Section 10(a) Permit. Because the CVFTL Section 10(a) Permit will no longer exist, the consistency determination (under Fish and Game Code section 2080.1) which was based on such permit will also terminate. Upon issuance of the MSHCP Section 10(a) Permit, the current fees required under the CVFTL HCP will no longer be imposed. 17. THIRD PARTY TAKE AUTHORIZATION 17.1 Authorization. Upon execution of this Agreement by the Parties and the issuance of the Permits by the Wildlife Agencies, the Permittees may allow the Take of Covered Species by landowners, developers, and other private and public entities undertaking Covered Activities. Such Covered Activities must be under the direct control of the Permittees in conformance with approvals granted by the Permittees, or carried out in conformity with a Certificate of Inclusion or other written mechanism or instrument, and in compliance with this Agreement, the Permits and the MSHCP. As set forth in Section 11.1.1 of this Agreement, Permittees shall include as a part of any discretionary or certain City ministerial approvals, a Certificate of Inclusion or other written mechanism, a condition requiring compliance with the Permits, the MSHCP and this Agreement, that describes the Take Authorization to be granted pursuant to Section 17.2 of this Agreement. Such property owners, developers, and private and public entities shall receive Take Authorization provided they are in full compliance with all requirements of this Agreement, the MSHCP, the Permits, the Implementation Mechanism adopted by Permittees, issued entitlements and all other applicable requirements. - 44 - ' 17.2 Timing of Take Authorization. Authorization of Take for Third Parties shall occur upon issuance of a grading permit by a Local Permittee or issuance of a Certificate of Inclusion by the CVCC or other Local Permince. Alternatively, as an incentive to convey property needed for inclusion in the MSHCP Reserve System and for which monetary compensation will not be provided, Third Party Take Authorization may be granted upon project approval and property conveyance. In order to obtain this early Take Authorization, the conveyance must occur within forty-five (45) days of project approval. Any subsequent suspension or revocation of Permits terminating Third Party Take Authorization will not be applicable to the Take Authorization granted upon the projects approval, provided the property has been conveyed and all other mitigation obligations have been satisfied, except where such Take Authorization will jeopardize a Covered Species listed under FESA and/or CESA. In this event, the provisions of Section 17.4 of this Agreement would be triggered. No grading permit or Certificate of Inclusion shall be issued by a Local Pennittee until all mitigation requirements imposed by the Permittees through the Implementation Mechanism have been fully satisfied or are guaranteed to occur within a set time frame as approved by the Permittee. In the event that such mitigation requirements have not been satisfied prior to issuance of grading permit or Certificate of Inclusion, the applicant and the Pennittee shall enter into an agreement setting forth the terms and conditions of MSHCP compliance and appropriate remedies for non- compliance. The Take Authorization conferred by the Permittees to the Third Parties shall be for the length of time, and run concurrently with, the specific land development approval or other entitlement or approval granted by the Permittees and the term of the Permits. 17.3 Effect of MSHCP Amendments on Third Parties. Amendments or other revisions to the MSHCP, subsequent to the granting of Take to a Third Party by a Permittee, shall not affect the Take conferred upon a Third Parry or the level of compensation required unless the Third Party, the Wildlife Agencies and the affected Permittee all agree to such amendments or revisions. 17.4 Effect of Revocation or Suspension of Permits on Third Parties. In the event that one or both of the Wildlife Agencies revoke or suspend all or a portion of the Take Authorization allowed under the Permits, and provided the affected Permittee continues to carry out its obligations under the MSHCP, this Agreement and the Permits, the Take Authorization and other assurances granted to Third Parties Granted Take Authorization by the Pennittees will remain in effect as to each individual Third Party project that received Take Authorization prior to the revocation or suspension unless USFWS or CDFG determines that continuation of the Permits with regard to Take by Third Parties Granted Take Authorization would likely jeopardize a species listed under FESA and/or CESA. In this event, the CVCC, applicable Penmittee(s), Third Parties Granted Take Authorization and Wildlife Agencies, shall meet and confer pursuant to the provisions in Section 23.6 of this Agreement. If these Parties cannot reach a mutually satisfactory resolution, the Wildlife Agencies may revoke or suspend all Take Authorization under the MSHCP for that listed species. In this event, all Local Pernnittees, Third Parties Granted Take Authorization and Participating Special Entities would be eligible for full or partial refund from the CVCC or other appropriate Permittees of any mitigation contribution, as appropriate, except to the extent that Take had already occurred. The CVCC or other applicable Permittee will issue a notice to all potentially affected property owners that Take Authorization for that listed species is no longer valid under the Plan. -45 - 17.5 Effect of No Surprises Assurances on Third Parties. Pursuant to the No Surprises Rule, the Wildlife Agencies shall not require the commitment of additional land or financial compensation or other mitigation from the Permittees, and the Permittees will not require such commitments from a Third Party pursuant to the Permits, the MSHCP or this Agreement beyond those measures imposed on the Third Party by the Local Permittee in accordance with the Permit, the MSHCP and this Agreement, unless agreed to by the Third Party. The Parties acknowledge that additional measures may be required for a species that is not a Covered Species, as described in Section 11.3.5 of this Agreement. 17.6 Retention of Enforcement Authority Over Third Parties. The Parties reserve the right to enforce all applicable federal, state, or local laws against persons or entities which engage in unlawful land development activity without obtaining proper permits and approvals. The Parties further reserve the right to enforce all applicable federal, state, or local laws against Third Parties conducting land development activities within the Plan Area not in compliance with project approvals pursuant to the MSHCP. Local Permittees have the obligation to enforce conditions of project approval as described in Section 13.0 of this Agreement. 18. COOPERATIVE EFFORT In order to ensure that the legal requirements set forth in this Agreement are fulfilled, each of the Parties to this Agreement must perform certain specified tasks as set forth in this Agreement and the MSHCP. The MSHCP and this Agreement thus describe a cooperative effort by federal, state and local agencies to implement a program of Conservation for the Covered Species. Additionally, the Parties shall work cooperatively to enter into appropriate Memoranda of Understanding or other appropriate agreements with any non-Party managing land within the MSHCP Reserve System to manage lands in conformance and compliance with the MSHCP. A draft Model Memorandum of Understanding is attached hereto as Exhibit"F." 19. TERM 19.1 Effective Date. This Agreement shall be effective upon issuance of the Permits. Any Permittee executing this Agreement after the Effective Date shall, upon execution, become a Party to this Agreement, with all the rights and obligations of Parties defined herein, and this Agreement shall be enforceable between each later executing Permittee and all prior signing Parties. 19.2 Terri of the Agreement. This Agreement shall run for a term of seventy-five (75) years from the Effective Date, unless terminated in accordance with Section 21 of this Agreement or unless extended by agreement of all of the Parties hereto. 19.3 Term of the Permits. The Permits shall run for a tern of seventy-five (75) years from the Effective Date unless terminated as provided in this Agreement, provided the requirements of Section 11.1 of this Agreement have been met. This term was selected as reasonable due to the scope and breadth of the Plan, the need to establish an adequate endowment to manage and monitor the MSHCP Reserve System and the projected growth and planned infrastructure within the Plan Area. -46 - 19.4 Extension of the Permit. Upon agreement of the Parties and in compliance with all applicable laws, the Wildlife Agencies may, with respect to the Permits under their respective jurisdiction, extend the Permits beyond their initial terms under the applicable regulations in force on the date of such extension. If Permittees desire to extend the Permits, they will so notify the Wildlife Agencies at least twelve (12) months before the then-current tern is scheduled to expire and submit an application to renew the Permits. Extension of the Permits constitutes extension of the MSHCP and this Agreement for the same amount of time, subject to any modifications agreed to by the Parties at the time of extension. 19.5 Permanent Preservation. Notwithstanding the stated tern as herein set forth, the Parties agree and recognize that once Take of a Covered Species and/or their habitat modified within the Plan Area, such Take and habitat modification will be permanent. The Parties therefore agree that obligations regarding the preservation and maintenance of the habitat provided for under the Permits, the MSHCP and this Agreement is likewise intended to be permanent and to extend beyond the term of this Agreement. 20. MODIFICATIONS AND AMENDMENTS TO THE MSHCP 20.1 Clerical Changes. Clerical changes to the MSHCP shall be made by the CVCC of its own initiative or in response to a written request submitted by any Permittee or Wildlife Agency, which includes documentation supporting the proposed clerical change. Clerical changes shall not require any amendment to the MSHCP, the Permits or this Agreement. Clerical changes include corrections of typographical, grammatical, and similar editing errors that do not change the intended meaning as well as corrections of any maps or exhibits to correct insignificant errors in mapping. The Parties anticipate that most clerical changes to the MSHCP will occur during the first ten(10) years of the Permits. Annual reports shall include a summary of clerical changes made to the MSHCP in the preceding calendar year. 20.2 Land Use Changes. The Parties agree that the adoption and amendment of general plans, specific plans, community plans, zoning ordinances and similar land use ordinances, and the granting of implementing land use entitlements by the County and the Cities are matters within the sole discretion of the County and Cities and shall not require amendments to this Agreement or the approval of other Parties to this Agreement. However, the Parties agree that: 1) no such action by the County or the Cities shall in any way alter or diminish their obligations under this Agreement, the MSHCP, or the Permits, and 2) approval of certain projects may lead to revocation or suspension of the Permits pursuant to Section 23.5 of this Agreement. 20.3 Adaptive Management Changes. Except as otherwise provided, changes to avoidance measures, minimization, mitigation, compensation and MSHCP Reserve System management strategies developed through and consistent with the Management Program described in Section 8.0 of the MSHCP shall not require any amendment to the MSHCP, this Agreement or the Permits. 20.4 Minor Amendments. Minor Amendments are amendments to the MSHCP of a minor or technical nature where the effect on Covered Species, levels of Take and Permittees' ability to implement the MSHCP are not significantly different than those described in the -47 - MSHCP as originally adopted. Minor Amendments to the MSHCP shall not require amendments to this Agreement or the Permits. 20.4.1 List of Minor Amendments. As set forth in Section 6.12.3 of the MSHCP, the following are contemplated as Minor Amendments to the MSHCP and therefore, will be administratively implemented pursuant to the procedures below. Minor Amendments processed pursuant to this subsection are limited to those listed in Sections 20.4.2 and 20.4.3 of this Agreement. 20.4.2 Minor Amendments not Requiring Wildlife Agencies Concurrence. A. Minor corrections to land ownership; B. Adjustment of land ownership and Conservation acreages in the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains Conservation Area upon completion of a land exchange between the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla.Indians and BLM, as discussed in Section 4.2.1.1 of the Final MSHCP; C. Minor revisions to survey, monitoring, reporting and/or management protocols that clearly do not affect Covered Species or overall MSHCP Reserve System functions and values; D. Application of Take Authorization to Development within cities incorporated within the MSHCP boundaries after the Effective Date of this Agreement, pursuant to Section 11.5 of this Agreement, provided such inclusion does not preclude Reserve Assembly, significantly increase the cost of MSHCP Reserve System Assembly or management or preclude achieving Conservation Area Conservation Objectives or Species Conservation Goals; E. Armexation or deannexation of property within the Plan Area pursuant to Section 11.4 of this Agreement, provided such inclusion does not preclude Reserve Assembly, significantly increase the cost of MSHCP Additional Conservation Lands management or assembly, or preclude achieving Conservation Area Conservation Objectives or Species Conservation Goals; F. Updates/corrections to the natural communities map and/or species occurrence data; and G. Changes to the RMU boundaries. -48 - 20.4.3 Minor Amendments Requiring Wildlife Agencies Concurrence. A. Conservation Area boundary adjustments as set forth in Section 6.12.2 of the MSHCP. B. Construction and operation of CVWD water recharge and storage and other water related facilities as set forth in Section 7.3 of the MSHCP. C. Modifications of the alignment of the Palm Desert to La Quinta Connector Trail from the alignment in the Trails Plan in the Final MSHCP. D. Transfer of Conservation Objectives for conserved natural coarmunities and/or identified Covered Species between Conservation Areas or between Recovery Zones in the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains Conservation Area may occur if the following is demonstrated: 1. The transfer does not reduce the number of acres anticipated by the Plan of the natural community or the species' habitat conserved. 2. The transfer does not reduce the Conservation value of the lands that will be conserved based on natural community patch size, configuration, and juxtaposition within the matrix of Conserved Habitat and is of greater or equal habitat value. 3. There is no reduction in Conservation and no increase in Take. 4. Transfers must be within kind (for a Covered Species or natural commnunity). Any shifts must be species-specific and meet the above criteria. F. Changes to the list of exotic species in Table 4-112 of the MSHCP. F. Future proposals for new trails on Reserve Lands in the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains Conservation Area, other than the identified new trails (including perimeter trails) 20.4.4 Procedure. Any Party may propose Minor Amendments to the MSHCP or this Agreement by providing written notice to all other affected Parties. Such notice shall include a description of the proposed Minor Amendment, an explanation of the reason for the proposed Minor Amendment, an analysis of its environmental effects including any impacts to the Conservation of Covered Species and a -49 - description of why that Party believes the effects of the proposed Minor Amendment: 1) are not significantly different from, and are biologically equivalent to, the terms in the MSHCP as originally adopted; 2) substantially conform to the terms in the MSHCP as originally adopted; and 3) will not significantly reduce the ability to acquire the Additional Conservation Lands. The Wildlife Agencies and affected parties shall submit any comments on the proposed Minor Amendment in writing within sixty(60) days of receipt of such notice. Any Party can institute the informal meet and confer process set forth in Section 23.6 of this Agreement to resolve disagreements concerning Minor Amendments. For the minor amendments requiring Wildlife Agencies' concurrence, any non-concurrence must occur within sixty (60) days of receipt of the written notice as referenced above. If the Wildlife Agencies concur or if they fail to respond within the sixty (60) clays period, the Minor Amendment may be approved. If the Wildlife Agencies do not concur with the analysis supporting the Minor Amendment in writing within the 60-day period, the project will be subject to a Major Amendment. 20.5 Major Amendments. Major Amendments are those proposed changes to the MSHCP and the Permits that are not clerical or Minor Amendments. Major Amendments to the MSHCP shall require a subsequent amendment to this Agreement and the Permits, and public notice as required by applicable laws and regulations. The CVCC shall submit any proposed Major Amendments to the Wildlife Agencies. 20.5.1 List of Major Amendments. Major Amendments include, but are not limited to, any of the following: A. All amendments not contemplated in this Agreement as clerical or Minor Amendments to the MSHCP, except subsequent minor changes which are not specifically listed as a Minor Amendment in this Agreement that the Wildlife Agencies have determined to be insubstantial and appropriate for implementation as a Minor Amendment; B. Changes to the boundary of the Plan Area; C. Addition of species to the Covered Species list; and D. Changes in anticipated Deserve Assembly or funding strategies and schedules that would have substantial adverse effects on the Covered Species. 20.5.2 Procedure. Major Amendments shall be processed as set forth in Section 6.12.4 of the MSHCP and require the same process followed for the original MSHCP approval. A Major Amendment will require - 50 - an amendment to the MSHCP and this Agreement addressing the new circumstances, subsequent publication and public notification, CEQA/NEPA compliance and intra-Service section 7 Consultation, if one is deemed necessary. Major Amendments shall be subject to review and approval by the CVCC and other Permittees as appropriate, at a noticed public hearing. The Wildlife Agencies will use reasonable efforts to process proposed Major Amendments within one hundred twenty (120) days after publication in the Federal Register of the proposed Major Amendment. 20.6 Like Exchanges in Conservation Areas. Like exchanges in Conservation Areas may be implemented pursuant to Section 6.12.2 of the MSHCP. 21. TERMINATION OF PERMITS 21.1 Termination in General. The Permittees may unanimously elect to terminate the MSHCP and the Permits. In order to terminate, the CVCC shall make written findings at a noticed public hearing that further compliance with this Agreement, and implementation of the MSHCP, are either not feasible or no longer in the best interest of the County, the Cities and the other Permittees. Termination by the Permittees shall not be effective until sixty (60) days after the CVCC has provided written notice to the Wildlife Agencies of the adoption of termination findings. 21.2 Continuing Obligations. In the event of termination, consistent with the requirements of 50 Code of Federal Regulations sections 17.32(b)(7) and 17.22(b)(7), the Permittees will remain obligated to fulfill any existing and outstanding minimization and mitigation measures required under the terms of the Permits for Take that occurs prior to such termination and such minimization and mitigation measures as may be required pursuant to the terms of this Agreement and the MSHCP. With the consent of the Wildlife Agencies, the CVCC may transfer its obligations to a professional land manager approved by the Wildlife Agencies or to the Wildlife Agencies directly, or to another appropriate entity and/or entities acceptable to the Wildlife Agencies. All Local Development Mitigation Fees that have been collected and held by the CVCC, the County and the Cities shall be placed in an interest bearing account governed by the CVCC, and shall be transferred to a professional land manager, the Wildlife Agencies directly, or other appropriate entity and/or entities acceptable to the Wildlife Agencies. 21.3 Final Accounting. At the time of termination, the CVCC shall provide to the Wildlife Agencies a final accounting of management activities and monitoring information. Such final accounting shall include, at a minimum, all of the information contained in the Annual Report described in Section 6.4 of the MSHCP and all outstanding obligations for future actions regarding implementation of the MSHCP. The final accounting shall specify the Permittees' specific responsibilities and time frames for carrying out such obligations to ensure Rough Step requirements are met by the Permittees. - 51 - 21.4 Dissolution of the CVCC. In the event the CVCC disbands or is otherwise dissolved at the time of termination, the CVCC's obligations under this Agreement shall be carried out by the County or other appropriate entity and/or entities acceptable to the Wildlife Agencies. 22. WITHDRAWAL OF PERMITTEE(S) 22.1 Withdrawal in General. A Permittee may terminate its participation in the MSHCP and abandon its Take Authorization set forth in the Permits by notifying the Parties hereto in writing of its intent to terminate its participation. Any Permittee that elects to terminate participation in the MSHCP shall provide at least ninety (90) days written notice to all Parties. Prior to any such termination, the Permittee shall provide to the CVCC a final accounting of any information gathered by the Permittee with respect to implementation of the MSHCP, and shall transfer to the CVCC any Local Development Mitigation Fees or other funds related to the MSHCP that have been collected. 22.2 Mitigation Responsibilities. Consistent with the requirements of 50 Code of Federal Regulations sections 17.32(b)(7) and 17.22(b)(7), the withdrawing Permittee remains responsible for any existing and outstanding minimization and mitigation measures required under the terms of the Permits for Take that occurs prior to such withdrawal, and such minimization and mitigation measures as may be required pursuant to the terms of this Agreement and the MSHCP. 22.3 Termination of Permittee Take Authorization. Termination of participation by any Permittee will automatically terminate Take Authorization for Covered Activities within that Permittee's jurisdiction. However, for those Covered Activities within that Permittee's jurisdiction that have been issued a grading permit or, if a grading permit is not required, have commenced grading activities or have been issued a Certificate of Inclusion prior to the notification or the Permittee's formal decision to terminate, Take Authorization shall continue under the remaining Permits provided all relevant obligations have been met pursuant to the MSHCP, this Agreement and the Permittee's land use entitlements. In this event, the withdrawing Permittee may elect to continue enforcement of the Plan for the Covered Activities. Otherwise, the CVCC or other appropriate remaining Permittee shall enter into a Certificate of Inclusion or other written mechanism or instrument with the Third Party Granted Take Authorization or Participating Special Entity. The Certificate of Inclusion or other written mechanism shall be automatically issued provided the applicable Parties are in compliance with the MSHCP, this Agreement and the Permits. 22.4 Evaluation of Remaining Permits. In the event of termination by any Permittee, the CVCC shall meet and confer with the Wildlife Agencies to determine to what extent, if any, Take Authorization may continue to be provided to the remaining Permittees. In malting this determination, the Wildlife Agencies shall evaluate the benefits to Covered Species resulting from the participation of the remaining Permittees, the extent to which the withdrawing Permittee has outstanding obligations for compliance with Take minimization and mitigation measures, an evaluation of whether the Permits continue to meet issuance criteria pursuant to FESA and the NCCP Act, and any other relevant information. Such evaluation shall include an analysis of the viability of the MSHCP Reserve System without the participation of the - 52 - Penmittee, including whether adequate funding will be available to implement the terms of the MSHCP. 23. REMEDIES AND ENFORCEMENT 23.1 Remedies in General. Except as set forth below, each Party shall have all remedies otherwise available to enforce the terms of the MSHCP, this Agreement and the Permits, and to seek remedies for any breach hereof, subject to the following limitations: 23.1.1 No Monetary Damages. No Party shall be liable in money damages to any other Parry or any other person for any breach of this Agreement, any performance or failure to perform a mandatory or discretionary obligation imposed by this Agreement or any other cause of action arising from this Agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing: A. All Parties shall retain whatever liability they would possess for their present and future acts, or failure to act, without existence of this Agreement. B. All Parties shall retain whatever liability they possess as an owner of interests in land. C. Nothing contained in this Agreement is intended to limit the authority of the United States government or the government of the State of California to seek civil or criminal penalties or otherwise fulfill its/their enforcement responsibilities under FESA, CESA, the NCCP Act, or other applicable law. 23.2 Default. Any material breach or violation of this Agreement, the MSHCP, or the Permits shall be deemed a default under this Agreement. 23.2.1 Notice and Opportunity to Cure Default. If any Party determines that one of the other Parties is in violation of the terms of this Agreement, or that a violation is threatened, that Party shall give written notice to the violating Party of such violation and demand in writing the cure of such violation. If the violating Party fails to cure the violation within forty-five (45) days after receipt of said written notice and demand from the notifying Party, or said cure reasonably requires more than forty-five (45) days to complete and the violating Party fails to begin the cure within the forty-five (45) day period or fails to continue diligently to complete the cure, the notifying Party may bring an action at law or in equity in a court of competent jurisdiction to: 1) enforce compliance by the defaulting Party with the terms of this Agreement, 2) recover actual damages to which the notifying Party may be entitled for violation by the defaulting Party of the terms of this Agreement subject to the limitations stated in Section 23.1 above, and/or 3) enjoin the violation, ex parte as necessary, by temporary or permanent injunction without the necessity of proving - 53 - either actual damages or the inadequacy of otherwise available legal remedies, or for other equitable relief. The notifying Party may apply any damages recovered to the cost of undertaking any corrective action. 23.3 Injunctive and Temporary Relief. The Parties acknowledge that the Covered • Species are unique and that their loss as species would result in irreparable damage to the environment and therefore injunctive and temporary relief may be appropriate to ensure compliance with the terms of this Agreement. 23.4 Limitation and Extent of Enforceability. Except as otherwise specifically provided herein, nothing in this Agreement shall be deemed to restrict the rights of the Pennittees to the use of those lands, or interest in lands, constituting the Plan Area, provided that nothing in this Agreement shall absolve the Perraittees from such other limitations as may apply to such lands, or interest in lands, tinder other laws or regulations of the United States, the State of California, or any local agency with jurisdiction over those lands. 23.5 Revocation or Suspension of the Permits. The Wildlife Agencies shall have the right to revoke or suspend all or portions of the Permits, in accordance with the laws and regulations in force at the time of such revocation or suspension. Such action may also be triggered by: 1) failure of a Permittee to implement the Implementation Mechanisms adopted by that agency; 2) approval of a proposed Development or public project that significantly compromises the viability of the MSHCP Reserve System; 3) failure to comply with Rough Step requirements set forth in Section 6.5 of the MSHCP; and/or 4) withdrawal of a Permittee. Such suspension or revocation may apply to the entire applicable Permit, or only to a portion such as specified Conservation Area, specified Covered Species, or specified Covered Activities. Such action may also be triggered if the Wildlife Agencies determine that land within the Conservation Areas is annexed to a non-participating public agency and thus, development of such land could significantly compromise the viability of the MSHCP Reserve System. Except as otherwise required by law, prior to taking action to revoke or suspend the Permits, the Wildlife Agencies, as applicable, shall: 1) provide thirty (30) day prior written notification to the relevant Pernittee(s) and the CVCC of the proposed revocation or suspension, and 2)meet and confer with the relevant Permittee(s) and the CVCC to attempt to avoid the need to revoke or suspend all or a portion of the Permits. The Parties may rely upon the informal meet and confer process set forth in Section 23.6 of this Agreement for disputes concerning potential Permit revocation or suspension. If the Permits are suspended or revoked, Permittees shall not have the authority to rely upon the Permits to approve or carry out any actions which would violate FESA or CESA in the absence of such Permits. In the event of suspension or revocation of the Permits, Permittees' obligations under this Agreement and the MSHCP to carry out all of their responsibilities under the MSHCP, the Permits and this Agreement arising from any Covered Activity approved, authorized or carried out by the Permittees between the Effective Date of the Agreement and the date the Permits are revoked or suspended will continue until the USFWS and/or the CDFG determines that all Take of Covered Species that occurred under the Permits has been addressed pursuant to the terms of the Permits. Provided the suspension or revocation is not the result of - 54 - the Permittee(s)' failure to properly implement the MSHCP, no additional mitigation beyond that contemplated in the MSHCP and this Agreement will be required. As to any Covered Activity of a Third Party that is approved or authorized by a Local Permittee and for which Take is authorized prior to the suspension or revocation or for Caltrans Covered Activities for which mitigation has already been contributed, so long as the Local Permittee and Third Party continue to fulfill their obligations under the Permits, the Take Authorization shall continue in effect for that project until completion pursuant to Section 23.7 of this Agreement, except where such Take Authorization will jeopardize a Species listed under FESA or CESA. 23.6 Informal Meet and Confer Process for Disputes Concerning Covered Activities, State Streambed Alteration Agreements, Federal 404 Permits, and ESA Section 7 Consistency Consultation. Concerning Covered Activities, state streambed alteration agreements, federal 404 permits, and section 7 consistency consultations, the Parties agree to work together in good faith to resolve disagreements using the informal dispute resolution procedures set forth in this Section, or such other procedures upon which the Parties may later agree. However, if at any time a Party determines that circumstances so warrant, such Party may seek any available remedy without waiting to complete this informal meet and confer process. Unless the Parties agree upon another dispute resolution process, or unless the CDFG or the USFWS has initiated administrative proceedings or litigation in federal or state court, the Parties may use the following process to attempt to resolve disputes concerning Covered Activities, state streambed alteration agreements, federal 404 permits, and ESA section 7 consistency consultations; A. The CDFG and/or the USFWS will notify the CVCC in writing of: 1. disagreements they may have with the impact of a proposed Covered Activity on a covered species, 2. the basis for CDFG's and/or USFWS's contention that the MSHCP lacks certain identified measures necessary to the continued existence of the identified species, or that the MSHCP contains measures that may be detrimental to the continued existence of the impacted Covered Species. 3. the basis for contending that the proposed Covered Activity is not consistent with the MSHCP and the Permits. 4. concerns they may have regarding the issuance of a state streambed alteration agreement, a federal 404 permit, or a section 7 consistency determination. B. The CVCC, in coordination with the project applicant(s), will have sixty (60) days, or such other time as may be agreed upon, to respond. During this time, the CVCC, in coordination with the project applicant(s), may seek clarification of the information provided in the initial notice. The CDFG and/or the USFWS will use reasonable efforts to provide all information available to them that may be responsive to such inquiries. - 55 - II C. Within sixty (60) days after such response was provided or was due, representatives of the Parties (and the project applicant(s) if the project applicant(s) so chooses) having authority to resolve the dispute will meet and negotiate in good faith toward a mutually satisfactory solution. D. If any disagreement cannot be resolved through such negotiations, the Parties will consider other alternative dispute resolution processes and, if a dispute resolution process is agreed upon, will make good faith efforts to resolve those remaining disagreements through that process. 23.7 Continuation Of Take Authorization after Revocation, Suspension or Permittee Withdrawal. In the event of revocation or suspension of the Permits pursuant to Section 23.5 of this Agreement or withdrawal of a Permittee pursuant to Section 22 of this Agreement, any Third Party Granted Take Authorization or Participating Special Entity who is in compliance with the terms and conditions of the MSHCP, this Agreement and the Permits can automatically continue to receive Take Authorization from the CVCC or other remaining Permittee upon execution of a Certificate of Inclusion or other written mechanism or instrument issued by the CVCC or other remaining Permittee, except as otherwise required by law. 24. FORCE MAJEURE In the event that the Permittees are wholly or partially prevented from performing obligations under this Agreement because of unforeseeable causes beyond the reasonable control of and without the fault or negligence of the Permittees ("Force Majeure"), including, but not limited to, acts of God, labor disputes, sudden actions of the elements, or actions of non- participating federal or state agencies or local jurisdictions, the Permittees shall be excused from whatever performance is affected by such unforeseeable cause to the extent so affected, and such failure to perform shall not be considered a material violation or breach, provided that nothing in this Section shall be deemed to authorize any Party to violate FESA, CESA or the NCCP Act, and provided further that: A. The suspension of performance is of no greater scope and no longer duration than is required by the Force Majeure; B. Within fifteen (15) days after the occurrence of the Force Majeure, affected Pennittees shall give the Wildlife Agencies written notice describing the particulars of the occurrence; C. Pennittees shall use their best efforts to remedy their inability to perform (however, this paragraph shall not require the settlement of any strike, walk-out, lock-out or other labor dispute on terms which in the sole judgment of the Permittees are contrary to their interest); and D. When Permittees are able to resume performance of their obligations, the affected Permittees shall give the Wildlife Agencies written notice to that effect. - 56 - i I 25. LEGAL AUTHORITY OF THE USFWS The USFWS enters into this Agreement pursuant to FESA, the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act (16 U.S.C. sections 661-666(c)), and the Fish and Wildlife Act of 1956 (16 U.S.C. sections 742(b) et seq.). Section 10(a)(1)(B) of FESA expressly authorizes the USFWS to issue a Section 10(a) Permit to allow the Incidental Take of animal species listed as threatened or endangered under FESA. The legislative history of section 10(a)(1)(B) clearly indicates that Congress also contemplated that the USFWS would approve a habitat conservation plan that protects Unlisted Species as if they were listed under FESA, and that in doing so, the USFWS would provide assurances for such Unlisted Species. The USFWS routinely approves habitat conservation plans that address both listed and unlisted Species. 26. LEGAL AUTHORITY OF THE CDFG CDFG enters into this Agreement pursuant to its separate and independent authority under the NCCP Act (California Fish and Game Code sections 2800 et seq.). CDFG may authorize the Take of Covered Species, other than fully protected species, pursuant to California Fish and Game Code section 2835. 27. MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS 27.1 Response Times. The Parties agree that time is of the essence in performance of the obligations of this Agreement. Except as otherwise set forth herein or as statutorily required by CEQA, NEPA, CESA, FESA, the NCCP Act or any other laws or regulations, the Wildlife Agencies and the Pernuttees shall use reasonable efforts to respond to written requests within a forty-five(45) day time period. 27.2 No Partnership. Except as otherwise expressly set forth herein, neither this Agreement nor the MSHCP shall make, or be deemed to make, any Party to this Agreement the agent for, or the partner or joint venturer of any other Party. 27.3 Nullification of Agreement. In the event that the Permits are not issued, this Agreement shall be null and void and no Party shall be bound by its terms. 27.4 Notices. Any notice permitted or required by this Agreement shall be in writing, delivered personally, by overnight mail, or by United States mail, certified and postage prepaid, rerun receipt requested to the persons listed below and addressed as follows, or at such other address as any Party may from time to time specify to the other Parties in writing, Notices may be delivered by facsimile or other electronic means, provided that they are also delivered personally or by overnight or certified mail. Notices shall be transmitted so that they are received within the specified deadlines. Notice delivered via certified mail, return receipt requested, shall be deemed given five (5) days after deposit in the United States mail. Notices delivered personally shall be deemed given on the date they are delivered. Notices delivered via overnight delivery shall be deemed given on the next business day after deposit with the overnight mail delivery service. The CVCC shall maintain a list of individuals responsible for ensuring Plan compliance for each of the Parties which may change. The following are the individuals currently responsible for ensuring Plan compliance: - 57 - i Executive Director Coachella Valley Association of Governments 73-710 Fred Waring Drive, Suite 200 Palm Desert, California 92260 Telephone: 760-346-1127 Telefax: 760-340-5949 Executive Director Coachella Valley Conservation Commission 73-710 Fred Waring Drive, Suite 200 Palm Desert, California 92260 Telephone: 760-346-1127 Telefax: 760-3 40-5949 Executive Director Coachella Valley Mountains Conservancy 73-710 Fred Waring Drive, Suite 205 Palm Desert, CA 92260 Telephone: 909-790-3405 Telefax: 909-790-7596 District Director District 8 California Department of Transportation 464 West 4th Street San Bernardino, California 92401-1400 Telephone: 909-3 83-4561 Telefax: 909-383-6899 Deputy Director Habitat Conservation Division California Department of Fish and Game 1416 Ninth Street, 13th Floor Sacramento, California 95814 Telephone: 916-653-1070 Telefax: 916-653-3673 Regional Manager Eastern Sierra and Inland Deserts Region California Department of Fish and Game 4665 Lampson Ave. Suite J Los Alamitos, California 90720 Telephone: 562-430-7212 Telefax: 562-799-8427 - 58 - City Manager City of Cathedral City 68-700 Avenida Lalo Guerrero Cathedral City, California 92234 Telephone: 760-770-0372 Telefax: 760-770-0399 City Manager City of Coachella 1515 6th Street Coachella, California 92236 Telephone: 760-398-3502 Telefax: 760-398-8117 City Manager City of Desert Hot Springs 65950 Pierson Blvd. Desert Hot Springs, California 92240 Telephone: 760-329-6411 Telefax: 760-251-2072 City Manager City of Indian Wells 44-950 Eldorado Drive Indian Wells, California 92210 Telephone: 760-346-2489 Telefax: 760-346-0407 City Manager City of Indio 100 Civic Center Mall Indio, California 92201 Telephone: 760-342-6580 Telefax: 760-342-6597 City Manager City of La Quinta 78-495 Calle Tampico La Quints, California 92253 Telephone: 760-777-7100 Telefax: 760-777-7101 - 59 - I� City Manager City of Palm Desert 73-510 Fred Waring Drive Palm Desert, California 92260 Telephone: 760-346-0611 Telefax: 760-340-0574 City Manager City of Pahn Springs 3200 Tahquitz Canyon Way Palm Springs, California 92263 Telephone: 760-323-8250 Telefax: 760-3 23-8207 City Manager City of Rancho Mirage 69-825 Highway III Rancho Mirage, California 92270 Telephone: 760-324-4511 Telefax: 760-324-8830 General Manager Coachella Valley Water District Highway 111 and Avenue 52 Coachella, California 92236 Telephone: 760-398-2651 Telefax: 760-398-3711 General Manager Imperial Irrigation District 333 East Barioni Boulevard Imperial, California 92251 Telephone: 760-339-9219 Telefax: 760-339-9414 or 760-339-9392 Chief Executive Officer County of Riverside County Administrative Center P.O. Box 1605 Riverside, California 92502-1605 Telephone: 951-955-1100 Telefax: 951-955-1105 - 60 - i General Manager/Chief Engineer Riverside County Flood Control and Water Conservation District 1995 Market Street Riverside, California 92501 Telephone: 951-955-1200 Telefax: 951-788-9965 General Manager Riverside County Regional Park and Open Space District 4600 Crestmore Road Riverside, California 92519-3507 Telephone: 951-955-4310 Telefax: 951-955-4305 Chief Executive Officer Riverside County Waste Resources Management District 14310 Frederick Street Moreno Valley, California 92553 Telephone: 951-486-3200 Telefax: 951-486-3205 Deputy Operations Manager United States Fish and Wildlife Service Califomia/Nevada Operations Office 2800 Cottage Way, Room W-2606 Sacramento, California 95825-1846 Telephone: 916-414-6464 Telefax: 916-414-6486 In addition to the above list, the following individuals will also he provided all notices as set forth in this Section: Chair Coachella Valley Conservation Commission 73-710 Fred Waring Drive, Suite 200 Palm Desert, California 92260 Telephone: 760-346-1127 Telefax: 760-340-5949 Chair Coachella Valley Association of Governments 73-710 Fred Waring Drive, Suite 200 Palm Desert, California 92260 Telephone: 760-346-1127 Telefax: 760-340-5949 - 61 - Director California Department of Parks and Recreation 1416 Ninth Street, Room 1405 Sacramento, CA 95814 Telephone: 916-653-8380 Telefax: 916-657-3909 Board of Supervisors County of Riverside P.O. Box 1605 4080 Lemon Street, 5th Floor Riverside, California 92502-1605 Telephone: 951-955-1050 Telefax: 951-955-1071 Mayor City of Cathedral City 68-700 Avenida Lalo Guerrero Cathedral City, California 92234 Telephone: 760-770-0342 Telefax: 760-770-0399 Mayor City of Coachella 1515 6th Street Coachella, California 92236 Telephone: 760-398-3502 Telefax: 760-398-8117 Mayor City of Indian Wells 44-950 Eldorado Drive Indian Wells, California 92210 Telephone: 760-346-2489 Telefax: 760-346-0407 Mayor City of Indio 100 Civic Center Mall Indio, California 92201 Telephone: 760-342-6500 Telefax: 760-342-6597 - 62 - Mayor City of La Quinta 78-495 Calle Tampico La Quinta, California Telephone: 760-777-7030 Telefax: 760-777-7101 Mayor City of Palm Desert 73-510 Fred Waring Drive Palm Desert, Califomia 92260 Telephone: 760-346-0611 Telefax: 760-340-0574 Mayor City of Palm Springs 3200 Tahquitz Canyon Way Palm Springs, California 92263 Telephone: 760-323-8200 Telefax: 760-322-8207 Mayor City of Rancho Mirage 69-825 Highway 111 Rancho Mirage, California 92270 Telephone: 760-324-4511 Telefax: 760-324-8830 Mayor City of Desert Hot Springs 65950 Pierson Blvd. Desert Hot Springs, California 92240 Telephone: 760-329-6411 Telefax: 760-251-2072 Field Supervisor United States Fish and Wildlife Service 6010 Hidden Valley Road Carlsbad, California 92009 Telephone: 760-431-9440 Telefax: 760-431-9618 - 63 - County Counsel County of Riverside 3535 loth Street Riverside, California 92501-3624 Telephone: 951-955-6301 Telefax: 951-955-6363 General Counsel Office of the General Counsel California Department of Fish and Game 1416 Ninth Street, 12th Floor Sacramento, California 95814 Telephone: 916-654-3 821 Telefax: 916-654-3 805 27.5 Entire Agreement. This Agreement, together with the MSHCP and the Permits, constitutes the entire Agreement among the Parties. This Agreement supersedes any and all other agreements, either oral or in writing, among the Parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and contains all of the covenants and agreements among them with respect to said matters, and each Party acknowledges that no representation, inducement, promise of agreement, oral or otherwise, has been made by any other Party or anyone acting on behalf of any other Party that is not embodied herein. This Agreement shall not be construed as if it had been prepared by any one Party,but rather as if all Parties had prepared the Agreement. 27.6 Assignment or Transfer. This Agreement and each of its covenants and conditions shall be binding on and inure to the benefit of the Parties and their respective successors and assigns. Assignment or other transfer of the Permits shall be governed by the Wildlife Agencies regulations in force at the time. 27.7 Defense. Upon request, the CDFG will, to the extent authorized by California law, provide appropriate support to the Permittees in defending, consistent with the terms of the MSHCP, lawsuits arising out of the Permittees'adoption of the MSHCP and/or this Agreement. 2T8 Attorneys' Fees. If any action at law or equity, including any action for declaratory relief is brought to enforce or interpret the provisions of this Agreement, each Party to the litigation shall bear its own attorneys' fees and costs,provided that attorneys' fees and costs recoverable against the United States shall be governed by applicable federal law. 27.9 Elected Officials Not to Benefit. No member of, or delegate to, the California State Legislature, the United States Congress, the Riverside County Board of Supervisors, or City Council of the Permittees shall be entitled to any share or part of this Agreement or to any benefit that may arise from it. 27.10 Availability of Funds. Implementation of this Agreement and the MSHCP by the USFWS is subject to the requirements of the Anti-Deficiency Act and the availability of appropriated finds. Nothing in this Agreement will be construed by the Parties to require the obligation, appropriation, or expenditure of any money from the United States Treasury. The - 64 - Parties acknowledge and agree that the USFWS will not be required under this Agreement to expend any federal agency's appropriated funds unless and until an authorized official of that agency affirmatively acts to commit to such expenditures as evidenced in writing. Implementation of this Agreement and the MSHCP by the CDFG is subject to the availability of appropriated funds. Nothing in this Agreement shall be construed by the Parties to require the obligation, appropriation, or expenditure of any money from the Treasury of the State of California. The Parties acknowledge and agree that the CDFG shall not be required under this Agreement to expend any State appropriated funds unless and until an authorized official of that agency affirmatively acts to cormnit such expenditure as evidenced in writing. Implementation of this Agreement and the MSHCP by the CVCC, the County and the Cities is subject to the availability of appropriated funds. Nothing in this Agreement will be construed by the Parties to require the obligation, appropriation, or expenditure of any money from the general funds of the County or Cities unless expressly authorized by the County Board of Supervisors and/or appropriate City Councils. The obligations of the County, County Parks, County Waste, County Flood Control, CVWD, and IID are limited to those specifically set forth in the MSHCP, the Permits and this Agreement. Implementation of this Agreement and the MSHCP by Caltrans is subject to the availability of appropriated funds. Nothing in this Agreement shall be construed by the Parties to require the obligation, appropriation, or expenditure of any money from the Treasury of the State of California. The Parties acknowledge and agree that Caltrans shall not be required under this Agreement 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. 27.11 Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the United States and the State of California, as applicable. 27.12 Duplicate Originals. This Agreement may be executed in any number of duplicate originals. A complete original of this Agreement shall be maintained in the official records of each of the Pal-ties hereto. 27.13 Relationship to the FESA, CESA, NCCP Act and Other Authorities. The terms of this Agreement are consistent with and shall be governed by and construed in accordance with FESA, CESA, the NCCP Act and other applicable state and federal haw. In particular, nothing in this Agreement is intended to limit the authority of the USFWS and CDFG to seek penalties or otherwise fulfill its responsibilities under FESA, CESA and the NCCP Act. Moreover, nothing in this Agreement is intended to limit or diminish the legal obligations and responsibilities of the USFWS as an agency of the federal government or CDFG as an agency of the State of California. 27.14 No Third Party Beneficiaries. Without limiting the applicability of rights granted to the public pursuant to FESA, CESA, the NCCP Act or other applicable law, this Agreement shall not create any right or interest in the public, or any member thereof, as a third parry beneficiary hereof, nor shall it authorize anyone not a Party to this Agreement to maintain a suit for personal injuries or property damages under the provisions of this Agreement. The - 65 - duties, obligations, and responsibilities of the Parties to this Agreement with respect to third party beneficiaries shall remain as imposed under existing state and federal law. 27.15 References to Regulations. Any reference in this Agreement, the MSHCP, or the Permits to any regulation or rule of the Wildlife Agencies shall be deemed to be a reference to such regulation or rule in existence at the time an action is taken. 27.16 Applicable Laws. All activities undertaken pursuant to this Agreement, the MSHCP or Permits must be in compliance with all applicable state and federal laws and regulations. 27.17 Severability. In the event one or more of the provisions contained in this Agreement is held invalid, illegal or unenforceable by any court of competent jurisdiction, such portion shall be deemed severed from this Agreement and the remaining parts of this Agreement shall remain in full force and effect as though such invalid, illegal, or unenforceable portion had never been a part of this Agreement. The Permits are severable such that revocation of one does not automatically cause revocation of the other. 27.18 Headings. The paragraph headings used in this Agreement are for the convenience of the Parties and are not intended to be used as an aid to interpretation. 27.19 Due Authorization. The USFWS and CDFG each represent and warrant for the benefit of the Pernuttees and their successors and assign that: 1) the execution and delivery of this Agreement has been duly authorized and approved by all requisite action; 2) no other authorization or approval, whether of governmental bodies or otherwise, will be necessary in order to enable the USFWS and CDFG to enter into and comply with the terms of this Agreement; and 3) the person executing this Agreement on behalf of the USFWS and CDFG has the authority to bind the USFWS and CDFG respectively. 27.20 Faxed Signatures. Any Parry may deliver its signed duplicate of this Agreement to any other Party by facsimile transmission, and such delivery shall be deemed made and completed upon receipt of such facsimile transmission by such other Party. Any Party delivering a signed duplicate by facsimile transmission shall promptly send the duplicate original bearing its original signature to such other Party, provided that a delay or failure to do so shall not negate the effectiveness of the delivery made by the facsimile transmission. 27.21 Calculation of Dates and Dates of Performance. Where periods of time of forty-five (45) days or more are used in this Agreement, calculation of dates of performance shall be by calendar days, (e.g., where the text reads sixty(60) days, it shall be read to mean sixty (60) calendar days). Where periods of time are used in this Agreement of less than forty-five (45) days, calculation of date or performance shall be by business or working days. In the event that the date of performance is not a business day, due to falling on a Saturday, Sunday, or observed state or federal holiday, the date of performance shall be construed to be the next business day subsequent to the calculated date of performance. 27.22 Further Instruments. Each of the Parties shall, promptly upon the request of the others, execute, acknowledge, and deliver to the others any and all further instruments and shall - 66 - give such further assurances as are reasonably requested or appropriate to evidence or give effect to the provisions of this Agreement. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, THE PARTIES HERETO have executed this Implementing Agreement to be in effect as of the date last signed below. UNITED STATES FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE Date: Deputy Manager United States Fish and Wildlife Service California/Nevada Operations Office Sacramento, California CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND GAME Date: Deputy Director Habitat Conservation Division California Department of Fish and Game Sacramento, California CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND GAME Date: Regional Manager Eastern Sierra and Inland Deserts Region California Department of Fish and Game Los Alamitos, California CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND GAME Date: General Counsel (approval as to form) California Department of Fish and Game Sacramento, California - 67 - COACHELLA VALLEY ASSOCIATION OF GOVERNMENTS Date: Chair of the Executive Committee Coachella Valley Association of Governments Palm Desert, California COACHELLA VALLEY CONSERVATION COMMISSION Date: Chair Coachella Valley Conservation Commission Palm Desert, California COACHELLA VALLEY MOUNTAINS CONSERVANCY Date: Chair Coachella Valley Mountains Conservancy Pahn Desert, California RIVERSIDE COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS Date: Chair of the Board of Supervisors Riverside County Board of Supervisors Riverside, California RIVERSIDE COUNTY FLOOD CONTROL AND WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT Date: Chair Riverside County Flood Control and Water Conservation District Riverside, California - 68 - CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION Date: Director of State Parks California Department of Parks and Recreation Sacramento, California RIVERSIDE COUNTY REGIONAL PARK AND OPEN SPACE DISTRICT Date: Chair Riverside County Regional Park and Open Space District Riverside, California RIVERSIDE COUNTY WASTE RESOURCES MANAGEMENT DISTRICT Date: Chair Riverside County Waste Resources Management District Riverside, California CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Date: Director California Department of Transportation Sacramento, California CITY OF CATHEDRAL CITY Date: Mayor City of Cathedral City Cathedral City, California - 69 - CITY OF COACHELLA Date: Mayor City of Coachella Coachella, California CITY OF DESERT HOT SPRINGS Date: Mayor City of Desert Hot Springs Desert Hot Springs, California CITY OF INDIAN WELLS Date: Mayor City of Indian Wells Indian Wells, California CITY OF INDIO Date: Mayor City of Indio Indio, California CITY OF LA QUINTA Date: Mayor City of La Quinta La Quinta, California - 70 - CITY OF PALM DESERT Date: Mayor City of Pahn Desert Patin Desert, California CITY OF PALM SPRINGS Date: Mayor City of Palm Springs Pahn Springs, California CITY OF RANCHO MIRAGE Date: Mayor City of Rancho Mirage Rancho Mirage, California IMPERIAL IRRIGATION DISTRICT Date: Chair Imperial Irrigation District Imperial, California COACHELLA VALLEY WATER DISTRICT Date: Chair Coachella Valley Water District Coachella, California - 71 - LIST OF EXHIBITS COACHELLA VALLEY ASSOCIATION OF GOVERNMENTS MSHCP IMPLEMENTING AGREEMENT Exhibit A - Map of MSHCP Exhibit B - Map of MSHCP Area Exhibit C - List of Covered Species and Natural Conummities Exhibit D - Model Ordinance Adopting Local Development Mitigation Fee Exhibit E - Model Resolution Adopting MSHCP Exhibit F - Model Memorandum of Understanding for the Cooperation in Habitat Conservation Planning and Management for the Coachella Valley Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan/Natural Community Conservation Plan Exhibit G - Model Certificate of Inclusion Exhibit H - Model Conservation Easement EXHIBIT"A" M` r. C-OU1711t r 'S, cvMSFhCP/1vC CP e",... Area California No Scale Lr; L CVMSHCP OCPArea Q The folialving antffles PmVeirmts to a c,.ppiueava effoatterni the CWSHOPPOSable, ........... Coachella Valki.yAleow(ron o[Sovomments The Conly afRIaersdo DISCLNMER,CvAG and The courifyof Revedoidd,assume no ivarranlya, The Clachatio valtayMomia"qs cophowlaill' rosnonsr on has also, Dahl,,od "'Iffasuaftaild0danagonvat",U.S.For and Wkyua nfonnakon represented on if,,$map is sldjeG4 to upda(asVialvedxafferm The Cakhana.Department of Fle),and C;..o and may net be ,erdslehl or approplude for A puraoses.CVAG and The US rarest Slu,*,& Ccloply Ch 3 most other sources should be qromid for the maM wroof Tire N.a."al Pork Sar,,ce(Joshua Tale National Park) hafienrafan,Nmfianiel accnreoy Parof data is of=,phop grade The CeNroh,Department ofPsad,eadRovenua,l (qinody)only and does not niaesenfrehable fe.flars or legal boundaries I U.,ahsuemd,all risk of use cWthis product Damutlopy.rnmaillhismalp. Figure 1-1: Regional Context Map Coachella Valley MSHCP/NCCP Exhibit A EXHIBIT"B" Draft Coachella Valley Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan and Natural Community Conservation Plan San Bamardino CtlCInP ..,,.....,.M.,,,ma_....e,�...�.,�.,....:.... Riverside County v s , RiverSiBe Cowvf »... .�. .w. `+` ..... San CNcya C¢anq, dmporiaf Crououy Figure 1 -2: Plan Area Exhibit B EXHIIBIT"C" LIST OF COVERED SPECIES AND NATURAL COMMUNITIES INVERTEBRATES/INSECTS Coachella Valley giant sand-treader cricket Macrobaenetes val um Coachella Valley Jerusalem cricket Steno elmatus cahuilaensis FISH Desert pupfish Cyarinodon macularius AMPHIBIANS Arroyo toad Bufo californicus REPTILES Desert tortoise Go herus a assizii Flat-tailed horned lizard Phtynosoma mcallii Coachella Valley fringe-toed lizard Uma inornata BIRDS Yuma clapper rail Rallus lon irostris yumanensis California black rail Laterallus 'amaicensis Burrowing owl thene cunicularia Southwestern willow flycatcher Em idonax traillii extimus Crissal thrasher Toxostoma crissale Le Conte's thrasher Toxostoma lecontei Least Bell's vireo Vireo bellii pusillus Gray vireo Vireo vicinior Yellow warbler Dendroica petechia brewsted Yellow-breasted chat Icteria vixens Summer tanager Piran a rubra MAMMALS Southern yellow bat Lasiurus e a or xanthinus Exhibit C—Page 1 Coachella Valley round-tailed ground squirrel Spermophilus tereticaudus chlorus MAMMALS Continued Palm Springs pocket mouse Pero nathus lon imembris ban si Peninsular bighorn sheep Ovis canadensis nelsoni PLANTS Mecca aster lorhiza cognate Coachella Valley milkvetch stra alus lenti inosus var. coachellae Triple-ribbed milkvetch stra alus tricarinatus Orocopia sage Salvia greatae Little San Bernardino Mountains linanthus Linanthus maculatus or Gilia maculata NATURAL COMMUNITIES Active desert dunes Stabilized and partially stabilized desert dunes Active desert sand fields Ephemeral desert sand fields Stabilized and partially stabilized desert sand fields Stabilized shielded desert sand fields Mesquite hummocks Sonoran creosote bush scrub Sonoran mixed woody and succulent scrub Mojave mixed woody scrub Desert saltbush scrub Desert sink scrub Chamise chaparral Red shank chaparral Semi-desert chaparral Interior live oak chaparral Cismontane alkali marsh Coastal and valley freshwater marsh Southern arroyo willow riparian forest Sonoran cottonwood-willow riparian forest Mesquite bos ue Desert dry wash woodland Desert fan palm oasis woodland Southern s camore-alder riparian woodland rrowweed scrub Mo'avean pinyon and juniper woodland Peninsular juniper woodlandandscrub Exhibit C—Page 2 EXHIBIT L°D" AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF [ ] TO ESTABLISH A LOCAL DEVELOPMENT MITIGATION FEE FOR FUNDING THE PRESERVATION OF NATURAL ECOSYSTEMS IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE COACHELLA VALLEY MULTIPLE SPECIES HABITAT CONSERVATION PLAN WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of[ ] ("City") finds that the ecosystems of the City, Coachella Valley and surrounding mountains located in central Riverside County, and the vegetation communities and sensitive species they support are fragile, irreplaceable resources that are vital to the general welfare of all residents; WHEREAS, these vegetation communities and natural areas contain habitat value which contributes to the City's and the region's environmental resources; WHEREAS, special protections for these vegetation communities and natural areas must be established to prevent future endangerment of the plant and animal species that are dependent upon them; WHEREAS, adoption and implementation of this Ordinance will help to enable the City to achieve the conservation goals set forth in the Coachella Valley Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan/Natural Community Conservation Plan ("MSHCP"), adopted by the City Council on 2005, to implement the associated Implementing Agreement executed by the City Council on 2005, and to preserve the ability of affected property owners to make reasonable use of their land consistent with the requirements of applicable laws, which could include the National Environmental Policy Act ("NEPA"), the California Environmental Quality Act ("CEQA"), the Federal Endangered Species Act ("FESA"), the California Endangered Species Act ("CESA") and the California Natural Community Conservation Planning Act("NCCP Act"); WHEREAS, the purpose and intent of this Ordinance is to establish a Local Development Mitigation Fee to assist in the maintenance of biological diversity and the natural ecosystem processes that support this diversity; the protection of vegetation communities and natural areas within the City, Coachella Valley and surrounding mountains located in central Riverside County which are known to support threatened, endangered or key sensitive populations of plant and wildlife species; the maintenance of economic development within the City by providing a streamlined regulatory process from which development can proceed in an orderly process; and the protection of the existing character of the City and the region through the implementation of a system of reserves which will provide for permanent open space, community edges and habitat conservation for species covered by the MSHCP; WHEREAS, the findings set forth herein are based on the MSHCP and the studies referenced therein, and the estimated acquisition costs for such property as set forth in the MSHCP, a copy of which is on file in the City Clerk's office; Exhibit D—Page I WHEREAS, pursuant to Article 11, Section 7 of the California Constitution, the City is authorized to enact measures that protect the health, safety and welfare of its citizens; WHEREAS, pursuant to Government Code sections 66000 et seq., the City is empowered to impose fees and other exactions to provide necessary funding and public facilities required to mitigate the negative effect of new development projects; WHEREAS, on , 2005 the City Council took action on the MSHCP and the associated Implementing Agreement, and made appropriate findings pursuant to CEQA; and WHEREAS, pursuant to Government Code sections 66016, 66017 and 66018, the City has: (a) made available to the public, at least ten (10) days prior to its public hearing, data indicating the estimated cost required to provide the facilities and infrastructure for which these development fees are levied and the revenue sources anticipated to provide those facilities and infrastructure; (b) mailed notice at least fourteen (14) days prior to this meeting to all interested parties that have requested notice of new or increased development fees; and (c) held a duly noticed, regularly scheduled public hearing at which oral and written testimony was received regarding the proposed fees. NOW THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF [ ] DOES ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS: Ordinance No. and Chapter_, Section(s)_of the City Code is hereby amended in its entirety to read as follows: SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This ordinance shall be known as the"Coachella Valley Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan/Natural Community Conservation Plan Mitigation Fee Ordinance." SECTION 2. FINDINGS. City Council finds and determines as follows: A. In order to implement the goals and objectives of the Coachella Valley Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan/Natural Community Conservation Plan ("MSHCP") and to mitigate the impacts caused by new development in the City, lands supporting species covered by the MSHCP must be acquired and conserved. B. A development mitigation fee (Fee) is necessary in order to supplement the financing of the acquisition of lands supporting species covered by the MSHCP and to pay for new development's fair share of this cost. C. The appropriate source of funding for the costs associated with mitigating the impacts of new development to the natural ecosystems and covered species within the City, as identified in the MSHCP, is a Fee for residential, commercial and industrial development. The amount of the Fee is determined by the nature and extent of the impacts from the development to the identified natural ecosystems and the relative cost of mitigating such impacts. Exhibit D—Page 2 D. The Fee set forth herein does not reflect the entire cost of the lands which need to be acquired in order to implement the MSHCP and mitigate the impact caused by new development. Additional revenues will be required from other sources. The City finds that the benefit to each development project is greater than the amount of the Fee to be paid by that project. E. The MSHCP and Mitigation Fee Nexus Report, a copy of which is on file in the City Clerk's office, provide the basis for the imposition of the Fee on new developments. F. The use of the Fee to mitigate the impacts to the City's natural ecosystems and covered species identified in the MSHCP which are impacted by new development are apportioned relative to the type and extent of impacts caused by the development. G. The costs of funding the proper mitigation for natural ecosystems and covered species identified in the MSHCP which are impacted by new development are apportioned relative to the type and extent of impacts caused by the development. H. The facts and evidence provided to and considered by the City Council establish that there is a reasonable relationship between the need for preserving the natural ecosystems and covered species identified in the MSHCP, and the impacts to such natural ecosystems and species created by the types of development on which the Fee will be imposed; and that there is a reasonable relationship between the Fee's use and the types of development for which the Fee is charged. This reasonable relationship is described in more detail in the MSHCP and Mitigation Fee Nexus Report. L The fees collected pursuant to this Ordinance shall be used to finance the acquisition of the natural ecosystems and covered species, as set forth in the MSHCP, are reasonable and will not exceed the reasonably estimated total of these costs. J. The Fees collected pursuant to, this Ordinance shall be used to finance the acquisition of lands and certain improvements necessary to implement the goals and objectives of the MSHCP. K. To ensure fair implementation of the development impact fees established in this Ordinance, it may be necessary for the City to defer or waive such fees in special cases as may be permitted in accordance with procedures and guidelines established by the Coachella Valley Conservation Commission. L. Even though second units on existing single family lots may also contribute to the need for acquisition of lands necessary to implement the MSHCP, the City refrains from imposing the Fee on such development at this time, and in this regard finds that second units: (1) provide a cost effective means of serving development through the use of existing infrastructure, as contrasted to requiring the construction of new costly infrastructure to serve development in undeveloped areas; and (2) provide relatively affordable housing for low and moderate income households without public subsidy. SECTION 3. ADMINISTRATIVE RESPONSIBILITY. The of the City shall be responsible for the administration of this Ordinance. Detailed administrative Exhibit D—Page 3 procedures concerning the implementation of this Ordinance may be established and set forth in a resolution adopted by the City Council. SECTION 4. DEFINITIONS. As used in this Ordinance, the following terms shall have the following meanings: "City" means the City of[ ], California. "City Council" means the City Council of the City of[ ], California. "Certificate of Occupancy" means a certificate of occupancy issued by the City in accordance with all applicable ordinances, regulations, and rules of the City and state law. "Credit" means a credit allowed pursuant to Section 12 of this Ordinance, which may be applied against the Fee paid. "Development Project" means any project undertaken for the purpose of development pursuant to the issuance of a building permit by the City pursuant to all applicable ordinances, regulations, and rules of the City and state law. "Final Inspection" means a final inspection of a project as defined by the building codes of the City. "Gross Acreage" means the total property area as shown on a land division map of record, or described through a recorded legal description of the property. This area shall be bounded by road right-of-way and/or legal property lines. "Local Development Mitigation Fee" or "Fee" means the development impact fee imposed pursuant to the provisions of this Ordinance. "Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan" or "MSHCP" means the Coachella Valley Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan/Natural Community Conservation Plan, adopted by the City Council on 2005. "Conservation Areas" has the same meaning and intent as such term is defined and utilized in the MSHCP. "Ordinance" means this Ordinance No._of the City of[ ], California. "Project Area" means the area, measured in acres, from the adjacent road right-of-way line to the limits of project improvements. Project Area includes all project improvements and areas that are disturbed as a result of the project improvements on an owner's Gross Acreage, including all areas depicted on the forms required to be submitted to the City pursuant to this Ordinance and/or other applicable development ordinance or regulation of the City Except as otherwise provided herein. The Project Area is the area upon which the project will be assessed the Local Development Mitigation Fee. "Residential Unit" means a building or portion thereof used by one family and containing Exhibit D—Page 4 but one kitchen, which unit is designed or occupied for residential purposes, including single- family dwelling, multiple-family dwellings, and mobile homes on permanent foundations, but not including hotels and motels. "Revenue" or "Revenues" means any funds received by the City pursuant to the provisions of this Ordinance for the purpose of defraying all or a portion of the cost of acquiring and preserving vegetation communities and natural areas within the City and the region which are known to support threatened, endangered or key sensitive populations of plant and wildlife species. "Coachella Valley Conservation Connnission " means the governing body established pursuant to the MSHCP that is delegated the authority to oversee and implement the provisions of the MSHCP. SECTION 5. LOCAL DEVELOPMENT MITIGATION FEE. To assist in providing Revenue to acquire and conserve lands necessary to implement the MSHCP, a Mitigation Fee shall be paid for each residential unit, Development Project or portion thereof to be constructed within the City. Five categories of the Fee are defined and include: (1) residential units, density less that 8.0 dwelling units per acre; (2) residential units, density between 8.1 and 14.0 dwelling units per acre; (3) residential units, density greater than 14.1 dwelling unites per acre; (4) commercial acreage; and (5) industrial acreage. Because there can be mixed traditional commercial, industrial and residential uses within the same project, for Fee assessment purposes only, the commercial or industrial acreage Fee shall be applied to the whole project based upon the existing underlying zoning classification of the property at the time of issuance of a building permit. The following Fee shall be paid for each Development Project to be constructed within the City. The fees are calculated using an Equivalent Benefit Unit methodology: Residential, density less than 8.0 dwelling units per acre- $XXX per dwelling unit Residential, density between 8.1 and 14.0 dwelling units per acre - $XXX per dwelling unit Residential, density greater than 14.1 dwelling units per acre - $XXX per dwelling unit • Commercial - $XXX per acre Industrial- $XXX per acre A. The amount of the Local Development Mitigation Fee for a cominercial or industrial development project required to be paid shall be based on the acreage to be developed and shall be calculated on the basis of the Project Area, in accordance with the following: 1. The Project Area shall be determined by City staff based on the subdivision map, plot plan, and other information submitted to or required by the City. 2. If the difference between the net acreage, as exhibited on the plot plan, and the Project Area is less than one-quarter acre, the Fee shall be paid on the full gross acreage. 3. An applicant may elect, at his or her own expense, to have a Project Area dimensioned, calculated, and certified by a registered civil engineer or licensed land surveyor. The engineer or land surveyor shall prepare a wet-stamped letter of certification of the Project Area dimensions and a plot plan exhibit thereto that clearly delineates the Project Area. Upon Exhibit D—Page 5 receipt of the letter of certification and plot plan exhibit, the City shall calculate the Local Development Mitigation Fee required to be paid based on the certified Project Area. 4. Where construction or other improvements on Project Area are prohibited due to legal restrictions on the Project Area, such as Federal Emergency Management Agency designated floodways or areas legally required to remain in their natural state, that portion of the Project Area so restricted shall be excluded for the purpose of calculating the Local Development Mitigation Fee. SECTION 6. IMPOSITION OF TIDE LOCAL DEVELOPMENT MITIGATION FEE. Notwithstanding any other provision of the City's Municipal Code, no permit shall be issued for any Development Project except upon the condition that the Local Development Mitigation Fee applicable to such Development Project has been paid. SECTION 7. PAYMENT OF LOCAL DEVELOPMENT MITIGATION FEE. A. The Local Development Mitigation Fee shall be paid in full at the time a certificate of occupancy is issued for the residential unit or development project or upon final inspection, whichever occurs first. No final inspection shall be made, and no certificate of occupancy shall be issued, prior to full payment of the Fee. However, this section shall not be construed to prevent payment of the Fee prior to the issuance of an occupancy permit or final inspection. B. The Local Development Mitigation Fee shall be assessed one time per lot or parcel, except in cases of changes in land use. The Fee required to be paid when there is a change in land use shall be reduced by the amount of any previously paid fee for that property. No refunds shall be provided for changes in land use to a lower fee category. It shall be the responsibility of the applicant to provide documentation of any previously paid Fee. C. The Local Development Mitigation Fee for commercial and industrial development projects shall be paid in its entirety for the Project Area and shall not be prorated. D. The Local Development Mitigation Fee required to be paid under this Ordinance shall be the Fee in effect at the time of payment. E. There shall be no deferment of the Fee beyond final inspection or issuance of certificate(s) of occupancy. F. Notwithstanding anything in the City's Municipal Code, or any other written documentation to the contrary, the Local Development Mitigation Fee shall be paid whether or not the Development Project is subject to conditions of approval by the City imposing the requirement to pay the Fee. G. If all or part of the Development Project is sold prior to payment of the Local Development Mitigation Fee, the Project shall continue to be subject to the requirement to pay the Fee as provided herein. Exhibit D—Page 6 H. For development projects which the City does not require a final inspection or issuance of a certificate of occupancy, the Fee shall be paid prior to any use or occupancy. I. For purposes of this Ordinance, congregate care residential facilities and recreational vehicle parks shall pay the conmiercial acreage Fee. SECTION 8. REFUNDS. There shall be no refund of all or part of any Local Development Mitigation Fee paid under this Ordinance, except in cases of overpayment or miscalculation of the applicable Fee. Only in cases of overpayment or miscalculation of the Fee will the person or entity that paid the Local Development Mitigation Fee be entitled to a refund. SECTION 9. ACCOUNTING AND DISBURSEMENT OF COLLECTED LOCAL DEVELOPMENT MITIGATION FEES. A. All fees paid pursuant to this Ordinance shall be deposited, accounted for, and expended in accordance with section 66006 of the Government Code and all other applicable provisions of law. B. Subject to the provisions of this section, all Fees collected pursuant to this Ordinance shall be remitted to the Coachella Valley Conservation Commission at least quarterly, and will be expended solely for the purpose of acquiring and preserving vegetation communities and natural areas within the City and the region which support species covered in the MSHCP in accordance with the provisions of the MSHCP. C. The City may recover the costs of administering the provisions of this Ordinance using the Revenues generated by the Fees, in an amount and subject to the rules and regulations established by the Coachella Valley Conservation Commission. SECTION 10. EXEMPTIONS. The following types of construction shall be exempt from the provisions of this Ordinance: A. Reconstruction of a residential unit or commercial or industrial building damaged or destroyed by fire or other natural causes. B. Rehabilitation or remodeling to an existing residential unit, commercial or industrial building, and additions to an existing residential unit or commercial or industrial building. C. Secondary residential units, constructed on developed residential property and meeting all state and City requirements for such units. D. Existing improvements that are converted from an existing permitted use to a different permitted use, provided that no additional area of the property is disturbed as a result of such conversion. E. Development within a Project Area that is currently or has been previously unproved. Exhibit D—Page 7 F. Construction of a family residential unit upon property wherein a mobile-home, installed pursuant to an installation permit, was previously located prior to the effect date of this Ordinance. G. Guest dwellings as defined in Section_of the Municipal Code. H. Additional single family residential units located on the same parcel pursuant to the provisions of any agricultural zoning classifications set forth in I. Kennels and Catteries established in connection with an existing single family residential unit and as defined in Sections of SECTION 11. FEE CREDITS AND WAIVERS. The City may grant to owners or developers of real property, a Credit against the Fee that would otherwise be charged pursuant to this Ordinance, for the dedication of land determined to be necessary for inclusion in the MSHCP Conservation Area. The amount of the Credit granted shall be determined by an estimate of the fair market value of the land dedicated. Any Credit granted by the City shall be given in stated dollar amounts only. An applicant for a proposed development may apply for Credit to reduce the amount of the Fee required to be paid prior to approval of the development. Any Credit granted and the amount of the Fee to be paid shall be included as a condition of approval for the development. If an applicant has received the development approval from the City and has not previously applied for a Credit to reduce the amount of the Fee required to be paid, an applicant may apply for such Credit prior to issuance of a grading permit for the development. Any Credit granted and the amount of the Fee required to be paid shall be included as a condition of approval on the grading permit issued for the development. SECTION 12. SEVERABILITY. This Ordinance and the various parts, sections, and clauses thereof, are hereby declared to be severable. If any part, sentence, paragraph, section, or clause is adjudged unconstitutional or invalid, the remainder of this Ordinance shall not be affected thereby. If any part, sentence, paragraph, section, or clause of this Ordinance, or its application to any person entity is adjudged unconstitutional or invalid, such unconstitutionality or invalidity shall affect only such part, sentence, paragraph, section, or clause of this Ordinance, or person or entity; and shall not affect or impair any of the remaining provision, parts, sentences, paragraphs, sections, or clauses of this Ordinance, or its application to other persons or entities. The City Council hereby declares that this Ordinance would have been adopted had such unconstitutional or invalid part, sentence, paragraph, section, or clause of this Ordinance not been included herein; or had such person or entity been expressly exempted from the application of this Ordinance. Exhibit D—Page 8 SECTION 13. EFFECTIVE DATE. This Ordinance shall take effect immediately upon issuance of the appropriate permits authorizing take in connection with the MSHCP by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and California Department of Fish and Game. However, in no event shall this Ordinance take effect prior to sixty(60) days after the date of its adoption. PASSED, APPROVED, AND ADOPTED, this day of 2004 by the following: Mayor ATTEST: City Clerk Exhibit D—Page 9 EXHIBIT"E" A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TO ESTABLISH PROCEDURES AND REQUIREMENTS FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF THE COACHELLA VALLEY MULTIPLE SPECIES HABITAT CONSERVATION PLAN THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOES HEREBY RESOLVE AS FOLLOWS: SECTION I. TITLE This Resolution shall be known as the "Coachella Valley Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan Implementation Policy." SECTION II. FINDINGS AND PURPOSE A. The City Council finds that the ecosystems of the City of ("City"), the Coachella Valley and surrounding mountains located in central Riverside County and the vegetation communities and sensitive species they support are fragile, irreplaceable resources that are vital to the general welfare of all residents; these vegetation communities and natural areas contain habitat value which contributes to the region's environmental resources; and special protections for these vegetation communities and natural areas must be established to prevent future endangerment of the plant and animal species that are dependent upon them. This Resolution will protect the City's and the region's biological resources, vegetation communities, and natural areas, and prevent their degradation and loss by guiding development outside of biological resource core areas, and by establishing mitigation standards which will be applied to development projects. Adoption and implementation of this Resolution will enable the City to achieve the conservation goals set forth in the Coachella Valley Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan ("MSHCP"), to implement the associated Implementing Agreement executed by the City Council on , 2005, and to preserve the ability of affected property owners to make reasonable use of their land consistent with the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act ("NEPA"), the California Environmental Quality Act ("CEQA"), the Federal Endangered Species Act ("FESA"), the California Endangered Species Act ("CESA"), the California Natural Community Conservation Planning Act ("NCCP Act"), and other applicable laws. B. The purpose and intent of this Resolution is to maintain and restore biological diversity and the natural ecosystem processes which support this diversity, to protect vegetation communities and natural areas within the City, the Coachella Valley and the surrounding mountains located in central Riverside County which support species covered under the MSHCP; to maintain a future of economic development within the City by providing a streamlined regulatory process from Exhibit E—Page 1 which development can proceed in an orderly process; and to protect the existing character of the City and the region through the implementation of a system of reserves which will provide for permanent open space, conum mity edges, and habitat conservation for species covered by the MSHCP. SECTION III. APPLICATION OF REGULATIONS Except as provided in Section IV, this Resolution shall apply to all land within the City shown on the MSHCP Plan Area Map, attached as Exhibit "1" hereto. Upon application to the City for a development project, an applicant shall be required to comply with the procedures set forth in this Resolution. Upon the City's initiation of a project that is subject to CEQA, the City shall be required to comply with the procedures set forth in this Resolution. No project requiring a discretionary, or certain ministerial permits or approvals that could have adverse impacts to species covered under the MSHCP shall be approved by the City, and no City-initiated public project shall be undertaken, unless the project is consistent with the MSHCP and this Resolution. SECTION IV. EXEMPTIONS This Resolution shall not apply to the following: A. The adoption or amendment of the City's General Plan. B. The adoption or amendment of any land use or zoning ordinance. C. Any project for which and to the extent that a vesting tentative map pursuant to the Subdivision Map Act, or a development agreement pursuant to Government Code sections 65864 et seq., approved or executed prior to adoption of this Resolution, confers vested rights under the City's ordinances or state law to proceed with the project notwithstanding the enactment of this Resolution. Projects subject to this exemption must comply with all provisions of any applicable state and federal law. D. Any project for which the City Council determines that application of this Resolution would result in the property owner being deprived of all reasonable economic use of the property in violation of federal or state constitutional prohibitions against the taking of property without just compensation. SECTION V. PROCEDURES A. The City shall ensure compliance with Conservation Area requirements and measures as set forth in Section 4 of the MSHCP. B. The City shall, impose as a condition to the City's approval of a Discretionary Project and certain ministerial Projects, such conditions as are necessary to ensure surveys are prepared for the project as required by Sections 4.3 and 4.4 of the MSHCP. Exhibit E—Page 2 C. The City shall impose as a condition to the City's approval of a project such conditions as necessary to ensure the project complies with and implements the applicable Land Use Adjacency Guidelines set forth in Section 4.5 of the MSHCP. D. The City shall ensure that public and private projects comply with the Avoidance, Minimization and Mitigation Measures set forth in Section 4.4 of the MSHCP. E. The City shall transmit any collected Local Development Mitigation Fees, other appropriate fees and associated interest as described in Section 5.2.1.1 of the MSHCP to the CVCC at least quarterly. F. The City shall contribute appropriate mitigation for City public projects as set forth in the MSHCP. G. The City shall participate as a member agency in the CVCC as set forth in Section 6.1.1 of the MSHCP. H. The City shall participate as a member of the RMOC as set forth in Section 6.1.3 of the MSHCP, as appropriate. I. The City shall participate in the Joint Review Process as set forth in Section 6.6.1.1 of the MSHCP for projects in the Conservation Areas. J. The City shall manage MSHCP Reserve System lands and conservation easements owned or leased by the City pursuant to Section 8 and 9 of the MSHCP. K. The City shall maintain a record of total acres developed and their location within City jurisdiction and transmit such information monthly to the CVCC. L. The City shall transmit any changes in City boundaries or general plan land use designations to the CVCC at the end of each calendar year. M. Pursuant to the MSHCP, the City may transfer any property interest acquired or obtained in fee title or as a conservation easement to the CVCC for management. The City may also grant a conservation easement to the California Department of Fish and Game for any property interest obtained pursuant to Section V of this Resolution. N. Cary out all other applicable requirements of the MSHCP. SECTION VI. DEFINITIONS For purposes of this Resolution, the following terms shall have the meaning set forth herein: Exhibit E—Page 3 A. "Area Plan" means a community planning area defined in the County of Riverside General Plan. Four County of Riverside Area Plans are located within the MSHCP Plan Area. B. "Conservation Areas" means a system of lands described in Section 4.3 of the MSHCP that provide Core Habitat and Other Conserved Habitat for the Covered Species, conserve natural communities, conserve Essential Ecological Processes, and secure Biological Corridors and Linkages between major habitat areas. There are 21 Conservation Areas from which the MSHCP Reserve System will be assembled. C. "MSHCP" means the Coachella Valley Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan/Natural Conmmunity Conservation Plan. D. "Map of MSHCP" means the map of the area encompassed by the MSHCP as set forth in the attached Exhibit"1." E. "Discretionary Project" means a proposed project requiring discretionary action by a Permittee, as that term is used in CEQA and defined in State CEQA Guidelines section 15357. SECTION VII. EFFECTIVE DATE The Mayor shall sign this Resolution and the City Clerk shall attest thereto, and thereupon and thereafter this Resolution shall take effect and be in force according to law. PASSED,APPROVED, AND ADOPTED, this day of , 2005. Mayor ATTEST: City Clerk Exhibit E—Page 4 EXHIBIT"F" MODEL MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING FOR THE COOPERATION IN HABITAT CONSERVATION PLANNING AND MANAGEMENT FOR THE COACHELLA VALLEY MULTIPLE SPECIES HABITAT CONSERVATION PLAN/NATURAL COMMUNITY CONSERVATION PLAN [Insert Date] I. PREAMBLE The Coachella Valley Conservation Commission ("CVCC") shares a common interest with the California Department of Fish and Game ("CDFG"), the United States Fish and Wildlife Service ("USFWS") and the [insert party], that are signatories to this agreement ("Parties") in sustaining the integrity of regional biological and natural resource systems and the human and economic values they support. The Coachella Valley is part of a rapidly urbanizing region, and many biological and natural resource systems that were once common and extensive throughout Southern California are now rare, The challenge of mitigating the effects of urbanization is now falling on inland Southern California, including Riverside County, which has recently seen a dramatic increase in development pressures, yet still maintains a substantial presence of both valuable habitat and endangered, threatened and rare species. The Coachella Valley Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan ("MSHCP") is designed to meet the challenge of rapid urbanization by providing for the conservation of significant habitat and the preservation of endangered, threatened and rare species in a coordinated and efficient manner. The MSHCP Plan Area encompasses approximately 1.1 million acres. The MSHCP will serve as a Habitat Conservation Plan ("HCP") pursuant to section 10(a)(1)(b) of the Federal Endangered Species Act ("FESA"), as well as a Natural Community Conservation Plan ("NCCP") under the NCCP Planning Act (California Fish & Game Code §§ 2800 et seq.). Instead of piecemeal mitigation efforts, the MSHCP will provide large contiguous blocks of habitat to more effectively ensure the survival of targeted endangered, threatened and rare species. Area developers will benefit from the assurance provided by the USFWS and CDFG, as well as a streamlined process for complying with applicable federal and state mandates. The citizens of Riverside County and the participating Cities will further benefit from this planned growth because it will create new economic opportunities, preserve important open space, and encourage continued recreational activities while maintaining the area's quality of life. I1. PURPOSE OF THE AGREEMENT Efforts to coordinate conservation programs among local, state, and federal agencies in California are well-established. In 1991, The Agreement on Biological Diversity created an executive council on biological diversity. Cooperation among the agreement's forty members, including federal, state, and local representatives, exemplifies California's commitment to cooperative ecosystem management. This Memorandum of Understanding ("MOU") builds on Exhibit F—Page 1 this example by establishing a partnership between the CVCC, CDFG, USFWS and the [insert party] to cooperate in the implementation of the MSHCP. This MOU encourages the exchange of information regarding Existing Conservation Lands, defined by the MSHCP as a subset of the MSHCP Reserve System lands consisting of lands in public or private ownership and managed for Conservation and/or open space values that contribute to the Conservation of Covered Species, as generally depicted in Figure 4-2 of the MSHCP. Further, this MOU provides an agreement for jointly managing the MSHCP Conservation Area and Public/Quasi-Public ("PQP") lands for the benefit of Covered Species. Finally, this MOU provides a method for resolving disputes between Parties to this MOU. III. AUTHORITY This MOU does not modify or supercede existing statutory direction of the signatories. IV. POLICIES AND PRINCIPLES This MOU recognizes the following set of policies and principles: A. [Party] agrees to coordinate with the other Parties to this MOU regarding lands within the MSHCP Plan Area. 1. The CVCC, USFWS, and/or CDFG agree to provide any available digital files and hard copy maps of such lands to the same upon request. [Party] likewise agrees to provide the CVCC,USFWS and CDFG with any available digital files and hard copy maps of the same. 2. [Party] further agrees to provide any further information they possess regarding types of vegetation and quality of vegetation on the lands they manage within the MSHCP Plan Area to the CVCC, USFWS and CDFG or the MSHCP Reserve Oversight Management Committee ("RMOC"). B. [Party] agrees to participate fully as a member of the RMOC as set forth in Section 6.1.3 of the MSHCP. C. [Party] agrees to work with the other Parties to this MOU and the BMOC to ensure the development of a coordinated approach for managing existing conservation lands in a cooperative manner consistent with the goals and objectives of the MSHCP. D. If any land management prescriptions of[Party] are found to be inconsistent with MSHCP objectives and requirements, the Parties will work collaboratively to resolve the inconsistencies. 1. The Parties will make every effort to expeditiously resolve any disagreements. If a resolution cannot be accomplished promptly during regularly scheduled meetings and conference calls, a fin-ther attempt to reach resolution will be promptly attempted in a interim meeting or conference call dedicated to the purpose of resolving the disagreement. Exhibit F—Page 2 2. If, after completing an interim meeting or conference call, the Parties cannot reach agreement on any issue, including but not limited to management of PQP lands within the MSHCP Plan Area, all Parties agree to elevate the decision to successively higher levels within each organization until consensus is reached. V. MODIFICATIONS The MOU is to remain in effect until modified by the Parties in writing; it is negotiable at the option of any of the Parties. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties hereto have executed this Memorandum of Understanding on the date first herein written above. UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF COACHELLA VALLEY CONSERVATION INTERIOR, FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE COMMISSION By: By: Deputy Manager Executive Director Califomia/Nevada Operations Office CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF FISH [TO BE INSERTED] AND GAME By: By Deputy Director Habitat Conservation Division Exhibit F—Page 3 EXHIBIT"Gp° MODEL CERTIFICATE OF INCLUSION The United States Fish and Wildlife Service and the California Department of Fish and Game have issued Permits pursuant to the federal Endangered Species Act and the California Natural Community Conservation Planning Act (collectively "Permits") authorizing "Take" of certain species in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Permits, the Coachella Valley Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan ("MSHCP") and the associated Implementing Agreement. Under the Permits, certain activities by [appropriate party or entity] are authorized to "Take" certain species, provided all applicable terms and conditions of the Permits, the MSHCP and the associated Implementing Agreement are met. As the owner/operator of the property depicted on Exhibit "1," attached hereto and incorporated herein by this reference, you are entitled to the protection of the Permits for the proposed activities as set forth in Exhibit "2," with respect to any Take of species as identified in the MSHCP. In the event that you use the property depicted on Exhibit "1" for other purposes without the express consent of the [appropriate Permittee], Take Authorization under the Permits will automatically cease. Such Authorization is provided as described in the Permits, the MSHCP and the Implementing Agreement. By signing this Certificate of Inclusion, you signify your election to receive Take Authorization under the Permits in accordance with the terms and conditions thereof. This Certificate of Inclusion does not give state and federal agencies additional regulatory control over the signatory nor require the signatory to provide additional information not called for in the Certificate of Inclusion, but instead ensures compliance with 50 Code of Federal Regulations, section 13.25(d). Coverage under the Permits will become effective upon receipt of the executed Certificate of Inclusion by Coachella Valley Conservation Commission ("CVCC"). In the event that the subject property is sold or leased, the buyer or lessee must be informed of these provisions and execute a new Certificate of Inclusion. Signature Address Title(if any) Phone CVCC Representative Exhibit G—Page 1 EXHIBIT"II" MODEL CONSERVATION EASEMENT RECORDING REQUESTED BY AND ) WHEN RECORDED MAIL TO: ) State of California ) Wildlife Conservation Board ) 1807 l3th Street, Suite 103 ) Sacramento, CA 95814 ) Space Above Line for Recorder's Use Only CONSERVATION EASEMENT DEED THIS CONSERVATION EASEMENT DEED is made this day of 20 , by ("Grantor"), in favor of THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA ("Grantee"), acting by and through its Department of Fish and Game, a subdivision of the Califonia Resources Agency, with reference to the following facts: RECITALS A. Grantor is the sole owner in fee simple of certain real property in the County of Riverside, State of California, designated Assessor's Parcel Number and more particularly described in Exhibit "A" attached hereto and incorporated herein by this reference(the "Property"); B. The Properly possesses wildlife and habitat values (collectively, "conservation values") of great importance to Grantee, the people of the State of California and the people of the United States; C. The Property provides high quality habitat for[list plant and/or animal species] and contains [list habitats;native and/or non-native]; D. The Department of Fish and Game ("DFG") has jurisdiction, pursuant to California Fish and Game Code section 1802, over the conservation, protection, and management of fish, wildlife, native plants and the habitat necessary for biologically sustainable populations of those species, and the Department of Fish and Game is authorized to hold easements for these purposes pursuant to Civil Code section 815.3, Fish and Game Code section 1348, and other provisions of California law; Exhibit H—Page 1 RVPUB\MM662308 E. The United States Fish & Wildlife Service ("USFWS") has jurisdiction over the conservation, protection, restoration, enhancement, and management of fish, wildlife, native plants and habitat necessary for biologically sustainable populations of those species to the extent set forth in the Federal Endangered Species Act, 16 U.S.C. § 1531, et seq. ("FESA"), and other federal laws; and F. This Conservation Easement provides mitigation for certain impacts of[describe project] located in the City of [ ], County of Riverside, State of California, pursuant to [California Natural Community Conservation Planning Act Permit] dated [ ] ("NCCP Permit"), Permit # dated [ ], issued by USFWS pursuant to section 10(a) of the FESA ("Section 10(a) Permit"), and the corresponding Implementing Agreement and Coachella Valley Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan/Natural Community Conservation Plan("MSHCP") dated [ J. The Section 10(a) Permit, the NCCP Permit, the Implementing Agreement, and the MSHCP are all incorporated herein by this reference. Information regarding these documents may be obtained from the USFWS and the DFG, for each respective permit, and from Coachella Valley Conservation Commission ("CVCC") regarding the Implementing Agreement and the MSHCP. Contact information for USFWS and DFG is provided in the notice provision in section 13 of this Conservation Easement. The CVCC may be contacted at 73-710 Fred Waring Drive, Suite 200, Palm Desert, California 92260,Telephone: 760-346-1127. COVENANTS,TERMS,CONDITIONS AND RESTRICTIONS For good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, and pursuant to California law, including Civil Code sections 815, et seq., Grantor hereby voluntarily grants and conveys to Grantee a conservation easement in perpetuity over the Property. 1. Purpose. The purpose of this Conservation Easement is to ensure the Property will be retained forever in a natural condition and to prevent any use of the Property that will impair or interfere with the conservation values of the Property. Grantor intends that this Conservation Easement will confine the use of the Property to such activities, including, without limitation, those involving the preservation and enhancement of native species and their habitat in a manner consistent with the habitat conservation purposes of this Conservation Easement. 2. Grantee's Rights. To accomplish the purposes of this Conservation Easement, Grantor hereby grants and conveys the following rights to Grantee, and to USFWS as a third party beneficiary hereof, or their designee: (a) To preserve and protect the conservation values of the Property; (b) To enter upon the Property at reasonable times in order to monitor Grantor's compliance with and to otherwise enforce the terms of this Conservation Easement, and for scientific research and interpretive purposes by Grantee or its designees, provided that Grantee shall not unreasonably interfere with Grantor's authorized use and quiet enjoyment of the Property; Exhibit H—Page 2 RVPU6\MO\662303 (c) To enter upon the Property at reasonable tunes to cant' out management and monitoring consistent with the conservation goals, monitoring program, and management plans for the MSHCP; (d) To prevent any activity on or use of the Property that is inconsistent with the proposes of this Conservation Easement and to require the restoration of such areas or features of the Property that may be damaged by any act, failure to act, or any use that is inconsistent with the purposes of this Conservation Easement; (e) All mineral, air and water rights necessary to protect and to sustain the biological resources of the Property; and (f) All present and future development rights. 3. Prohibited Uses. Any activity on or use of the Property inconsistent with the purposes of this Conservation Easement is prohibited. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the following uses by Grantor, Grantor's agents, and third parties, are expressly prohibited: (a) Unseasonal watering; use of fertilizers, pesticides, biocides, herbicides or other agricultural chemicals; weed abatement activities; incompatible fire protection activities; and any and all other activities and uses which may adversely affect the purposes of this Conservation Easement; (b) Use of off-road vehicles and use of any other motorized vehicles except on existing roadways; (c) Grazing or other agricultural activity of any kind; (d) Recreational activities including, but not limited to, horseback riding, biking, hunting or fishing, except as may be specifically permitted under this Conservation Easement; (e) Commercial or industrial uses; (f) Any legal or de facto division, subdivision or partitioning of the Property; (g) Construction, reconstruction or placement of any building, billboard or sign, or any other structure or improvement of any kind; (h) Depositing or accumulation of soil, trash, ashes, refuse, waste, biosolids or any other materials; (i) Planting, introduction or dispersal of non-native or exotic plant or animal species; 0) Pilling, dumping, excavating, draining, dredging, mining, drilling, removing or exploring for or extraction of minerals, loam, soil, sands, gravel, rocks or other material on or below the surface of the Property; Exhibit H—Page 3 RVPUMMM662308 (k) Altering the surface or general topography of the Property, including building of roads; (1) Removing, destroying, or cutting of trees, shrubs or other vegetation, except as required by law for: fire breaks; maintenance of existing foot trails or roads; prevention or treatment of disease; or control of non-native or exotic plants; and (m) Manipulating, impounding or altering any natural water course, body of water or water circulation on the Property, and activities or uses detrimental to water quality, including but not limited to, degradation or pollution of any surface or subsurface waters. 4. Grantor's Duties. Grantor shall undertake all reasonable actions to prevent the unlawful entry and trespass by persons whose activities may degrade or harm the conservation values of the Property. In addition, Grantor shall undertake all necessary actions to perfect Grantee's rights under Section 2 of this Conservation Easement, including but not limited to, Grantee's water rights. 5. Reserved Rights. Grantor reserves to itself, and to its personal representatives, heirs, successors, and assigns, all rights accruing from its ownership of the Property, including the right to engage in or to permit or invite others to engage in all uses of the Property that are consistent with the purposes of this Conservation Easement. 6. Grantee's Remedies. If Grantee determines that Grantor is in violation of the terms of this Conservation Easement or that a violation is threatened, Grantee shall give written notice to Grantor of such violation and demand in writing the cure of such violation. If Grantor fails to cure the violation within fifteen (15) days after receipt of written notice and demand from Grantee, or if the cure reasonably requires more than fifteen (15) days to complete and Grantor fails to begin the cure within the 15-day period or fails to continue diligently to complete the cure, Grantee may bring an action at law or in equity in a court of competent jurisdiction to enforce compliance by Grantor with the terms of this Conservation Easement, to recover any damages to which Grantee may be entitled for violation by Grantor of the terms of this Conservation Easement or for any injury to the conservation values of the Property, to enjoin the violation, ex parte as necessary, by temporary or permanent injunction without the necessity of proving either actual damages or the inadequacy of otherwise available legal remedies, or for other equitable relief, including, but not limited to, the restoration of the Property to the condition in which it existed prior to any such violation or injury. Prior to implementation of any remedial or restorative actions, Grantor shall consult with the USFWS and DFG. Without limiting Grantor's liability therefore, Grantee may apply any damages recovered to the cost of undertaking any corrective action on the Property. If Grantee, in its sole discretion, determines that circumstances require immediate action to prevent or mitigate damage to the conservation values of the Property, Grantee may pursue its remedies under this Section 6 without prior notice to Grantor or without waiting for the period provided for cure to expire. Grantee's rights under this section apply equally to actual or threatened violations of the terms of this Conservation Easement. Grantor agrees that Grantee's remedies at law for any violation of the terms of this Conservation Easement are inadequate and that Grantee shall be entitled to the injunctive relief described in this section, both prohibitive and mandatory, in addition to such other relief to which Grantee may be entitled, including specific performance of the terms of this Conservation Exhibit H—Page 4 aveusyso\ee230e Easement, without the necessity of proving either actual damages or the inadequacy of otherwise available legal remedies. Grantee's remedies described in this section shall be cumulative and shall be in addition to all remedies now or hereafter existing at law or in equity, including but not limited to, the remedies set forth in Civil Code sections 815, et seq., inclusive. The failure of Grantee to discover a violation or to take immediate legal action shall not bar Grantee from taking such action at a later time. If at any time in the future Grantor, Grantee, or any successor in interest uses or threatens to use the Property for purposes inconsistent with this Conservation Easement, or Grantee or any successor in interest releases or abandons this Conservation Easement in whole or in part, then, notwithstanding Civil Code section 815.7, the California Attorney General, USFWS, or any entity or individual with a justifiable interest in the preservation of this Conservation Easement has standing as interested parties in any proceeding affecting this Conservation Easement. 6.1 Costs of Enforcement. Any costs incurred by Grantee, where Grantee is the prevailing party, in enforcing the terms of this Conservation Easement against Grantor, including, but not limited to, costs of suit and attorneys' and experts' fees, and any costs of restoration necessitated by Grantor's negligence or breach of this Conservation Easement shall be borne by Grantor. 6.2 Grantee's Discretion. Enforcement of the terms of this Conservation Easement by Grantee shall be at the discretion of Grantee, and any forbearance by Grantee to exercise its rights under this Conservation Easement in the event of any breach of any term of this Conservation Easement by Grantor shall not be deemed or construed to be a waiver by Grantee of such term or of any subsequent breach of the same or any other term of this Conservation Easement or of any of Grantee's rights under this Conservation Easement. No delay or omission by Grantee in the exercise of any right or remedy upon any breach by Grantor shall impair such right or remedy or be construed as a waiver. 6.3 Acts Beyond Grantor's Control. Nothing contained in this Conservation Easement shall be construed to entitle Grantee to bring any action against Grantor for any injury to or change in the Property resulting from: (a) any natural cause beyond Grantor's control, including, without limitation, fire not caused by Grantor, flood, storm, and earth movement, or any prudent action taken by Grantor under emergency conditions to prevent, abate, or mitigate significant injury to the Property resulting from such causes; or(b) acts by Grantee or its employees. 6.4 Department of Fish and Game and USFWS Right of Enforcement. All rights and remedies conveyed to Grantee under this Conservation Easement Deed shall extend to and are enforceable by the Department of Fish and Game and USFWS. These rights are in addition to, and do not limit, the rights of enforcement under [insert title of permits/Agreement described in Recital F, above]. 7. Fence Installation and Maintenance. Grantor shall install and maintain a fence reasonably satisfactory to Grantee and USFWS around the Conservation Easement area to protect the conservation values of the Property, including but not limited to wildlife corridors. 8. Access. This Conservation Easement does not convey a general right of access to the public. Exhibit H—Page 5 RVPUMMM662308 9. Costs and Liabilities. Grantor retains all responsibilities and shall bear all costs and liabilities of any kind related to the ownership, operation, upkeep, and maintenance of the Property. Grantor agrees that Grantee shall have no duty or responsibility for the operation or maintenance of the Property, the monitoring of hazardous conditions thereon, or the protection of Grantor, the public or any third parties from risks relating to conditions on the Property. Grantor remains solely responsible for obtaining any applicable govemmmental permits and approvals for any activity or use permitted by this Conservation Easement Deed, and any activity or use shall be undertaken in accordance with all applicable federal, state, local and administrative agency statutes, ordinances, rules, regulations, orders and requirements. 9.1 Taxes; No Liens. Grantor shall pay before delinquency all taxes, assessments, fees, and charges of whatever description levied on or assessed against the Property by competent authority (collectively "taxes"), including any taxes imposed upon, or incurred as a result of, this Conservation Easement, and shall famish Grantee with satisfactory evidence of payment upon request. Grantor shall keep Grantee's interest in the Property free from any liens, including those arising out of any obligations incurred by Grantor or any labor or materials famished or alleged to have been furnished to or for Grantor at or for use on the Property. 9.2 Hold Harmless. Grantor shall hold harmless, protect and indemnify Grantee and its directors, officers, employees, agents, contractors, and representatives and the hens, personal representatives, successors and assigns of each of them (each an "Indemnified Party" and, collectively, "Indemnified Parties") from and against any and all liabilities, penalties, costs, losses, damages, expenses (including, without limitation, reasonable attorneys' fees and experts' fees), causes of action, claims, demands, orders, liens or judgments (each a "Claim" and, collectively, "Claims"), arising from or in any way connected with: (a) injury to or the death of any person, or physical damage to any properly, resulting from any act, omission, condition, or other matter related to or occurring on or about the Property, regardless of cause, unless due solely to the negligence of Grantee or any of its employees; (b) the obligations specified in Sections 4, 9, and 9.1; and (c) the existence or administration of this Conservation Easement. If any action or proceeding is brought against any of the Indemnified Parties by reason of any such Claim, Grantor shall, at the election of and upon written notice from Grantee, defend such action or proceeding by counsel reasonably acceptable to the Indemnified Party or reimburse Grantee for all charges incurred for services of the Attorney General in defending the action or proceeding. 9.3 Condemnation. The purposes of the Conservation Easement are presumed to be the best and most necessary public use as defined at Code of Civil Procedure section 1240.680 notwithstanding Code of Civil Procedure sections 1240.690 and 1240.700. 10. Assignment. This Conservation Easement is transferable, but Grantee or any successor in interest shall give Grantor,USFWS, and DFG, if applicable, at least thirty (30) days prior written notice of the transfer. Grantee or any successor in interest may assign its rights and obligations under this Conservation Easement only in a form reasonably approved in writing by both DEG and USFWS in favor of an entity or organization authorized to acquire and hold conservation easements pursuant to Civil Code section 815.3. Grantee or any successor in interest shall require the assignee to agree in writing that the conservation purposes that this grant is intended to advance shall continue to be fulfilled by such assignee in accordance with the NCCP Permit and Exhibit H—Page 6 RVPUB\MO\662308 the Section 10(a) Permit and shall require the assignee to record the assignment in the county where the Property is located. 11. Release or Abandonment. Grantee or any successor in interest shall not release, modify, relinquish or abandon its rights and obligations under this Conservation Easement without the prior written consent of USFWS and DFG. 12. Subsequent Transfers. Grantor agrees to incorporate the terms of this Conservation Easement in any deed or other legal instrument by which Grantor divests itself of any interest in all or any portion of the Property, including, without limitation, a leasehold interest. Grantor further agrees to give written notice to Grantee and USFWS of the intent to transfer any interest at least thirty (30) days prior to the date of such transfer. Grantee shall have the right to prevent subsequent transfers in which prospective subsequent claimants or transferees are not given notice of the covenants, terms, conditions and restrictions of this Conservation Easement. The failure of Grantor or Grantee to perform any act provided in this section shall not impair the validity of this Conservation Easement or limit its enforceability in any way. 13. Notices. Any notice, demand, request, consent, approval, or communication that either party desires or is required to give to the other shall be in writing and be served personally or sent by recognized overnight courier that guarantees next-day delivery or by first class mail, postage fully prepaid, addressed as follows: To Grantor: To Grantee: Department of Fish and Game Region_ [Region's address] Attn: Regional Manager With a copy to: Department of Fish and Game Office of the General Counsel 1416 Ninth Street, 12th Floor Sacramento, California 95814-2090 Attn: General Counsel To USFWS: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Office Attn: Field Supervisor 6010 Hidden Valley Road Carlsbad, CA 92011 or to such other address as either party shall designate by written notice to the other. Notice shall be deemed effective upon delivery in the case of personal delivery or delivery by overnight courier or, in the case of delivery by first class mail, five (5) days after deposit into the United States mail. 14. Amendment. This Conservation Easement may be amended by Grantor and Grantee only by mutual written agreement. Any such amendment shall be consistent with the purposes of this Exhibit H—Page 7 RVPU3\MO\662308 Conservation Easement and shall not affect its perpetual duration. Any such amendment shall be recorded in the official records of Riverside County, State of California. 15. General Provisions. (a) Controlling Law. The interpretation and performance of this Conservation Easement shall be governed by the laws of the State of California, disregarding the conflicts of law principles of such state. (b) Liberal Construction. Any general rule of construction to the contrary notwithstanding, this Conservation Easement shall be liberally construed to effect the purposes of this Conservation Easement and the policy and purpose of Civil Code sections 815, or seq. If any provision in this instrument is found to be ambiguous, an interpretation consistent with the purposes of this Conservation Easement that would render the provision valid shall be favored over any interpretation that would render it invalid. (c) Severability. If a court of competent jurisdiction voids or invalidates on its face any provision of this Conservation Easement Deed, such action shall not affect the remainder of this Conservation Easement Deed. If a court of competent jurisdiction voids or invalidates the application of any provision of this Conservation Easement Deed to a person or circumstance, such action shall not affect the application of the provision to other persons or circumstances, (d) Entire Agreement. This instrument sets forth the entire agreement of the parties with respect to the Conservation Easement and supersedes all prior discussions, negotiations, understandings, or agreements relating to the Conservation Easement. No alteration or variation of this instrument shall be valid or binding unless contained in an amendment in accordance with Section 13. (e) No Forfeiture. Nothing contained herein will result in a forfeiture or reversion of Grantor's title in any respect. (f) Successors. The covenants, terms, conditions, and restrictions of this Conservation Easement Deed shall be binding upon, and inure to the benefit of, the parties hereto and their respective personal representatives, heirs, successors, and assigns and shall constitute a servitude running in perpetuity with the Property. (g) Termination of Rights and Obligations. A parry's rights and obligations under this Conservation Easement terminate upon transfer of the party's interest in the Conservation Easement or Property, except that liability for acts or omissions occurring prior to transfer shall survive transfer. (h) Captions. The captions in this instrument have been inserted solely for convenience of reference and are not a part of this instrument and shall have no effect upon its construction or interpretation. (i) No Hazardous Materials Liability. Grantor represents and warrants that it has no knowledge of any release or threatened release of Hazardous Materials (defined below) Exhibit H—Page 8 RVPUMMM62308 in, on, under, about or affecting the Property. Without limiting the obligations of Grantor under Section 9.2, Grantor agrees to indemnify, protect and hold harmless the Indemnified Parties (defined in Section 9.2) against any and all Claims (defined in Section 9.2) arising from or connected with any Hazardous Materials present, alleged to be present, or otherwise associated with the Property at any time, except any Hazardous Materials placed, disposed or released by Grantee, its employees or agents. If any action or proceeding is brought against any of the Indemnified Parties by reason of any such Claim, Grantor shall, at the election of and upon written notice from Grantee, defend such action or proceeding by counsel reasonably acceptable to the Indemnified Party or reimburse Grantee for all charges incurred for services of the Attorney General in defending the action or proceeding. Despite any contrary provision of this Conservation Easement Deed, the parties do not intend this Conservation Easement to be, and this Conservation Easement shall not be, construed such that it creates in or gives to Grantee any of the following: (1) The obligations or liabilities of an "owner" or"operator," as those terns are defined and used in Environmental Laws (defined below), including, without limitation, the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1980, as amended(42 U.S.C. sections 9601 et seq.; hereinafter, "CERCLA"); or (2) The obligations or liabilities of a person described in 42 U.S.C. section 9607(a)(3) or(4); or (3) The obligations of a responsible person under any applicable Environmental Laws; or (4) The right to investigate and remediate any Hazardous Materials associated with the Property; or (5) Any control over Grantor's ability to investigate, remove, remediate or otherwise clean up any Hazardous Materials associated with the Property. The term "Hazardous Materials" includes, without limitation, (a) material that is flammable, explosive or radioactive; (b) petroleum products, including by-products and fractions thereof, and (c) hazardous materials, hazardous wastes, hazardous or toxic substances, or related materials defined in CERCLA, the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act (49 U.S.C. sections 6901 et seq.); the Hazardous Waste Control Law (California Health & Safety Code sections 25100 et seq.); the Hazardous Substance Account Act (California Health & Safety Code section 25300 et seq.), and in the regulations adopted and publications promulgated pursuant to them, or any other applicable federal, state or local laws, ordinances, rules, regulations or orders now in effect or enacted after the date of this Conservation Easement Deed. The term 'Environmental Laws" includes, without limitation, any federal, state, local or administrative agency statute, ordinance, rile, regulation, order or requirement relating to pollution, protection of human health or safety, the environment or Hazardous Materials. Grantor represents, warrants and covenants to Grantee that Grantor's activities upon and use of the Property will comply with all Environmental Laws. 0) Warranty. Grantor represents and warrants that there are no outstanding mortgages, liens, encumbrances or other interests in the Property which have not been expressly Exhibit H—Page 9 avrusw M6623as subordinated to this Conservation Easement Deed, and that the Property is not subject to any other conservation easement. (k) Additional Easements. Grantor shall not grant any additional easements, rights of way or other interests in the Property(other than a security interest that is subordinate to this Conservation Easement Deed), or grant or otherwise abandon or relinquish any water agreement relating to the Property, without fast obtaining the written consent of Grantee. Grantee may withhold such consent if it determines that the proposed interest or transfer is inconsistent with the purposes of this Conservation Easement or will impair or interfere with the conservation values of the Property. This Section 14(k) shall not prohibit transfer of a fee or leasehold interest in the Property that is subject to this Conservation Easement Deed and complies with Section 11. (1) Counterparts. The parties may execute this instrument in two or more counterparts, which shall, in the aggregate, be signed by both parties; each counterpart shall be deemed an original instrument as against any party who has signed it. In the event of any disparity between the counterparts produced, the recorded counterpart shall be controlling. IN WITNESS WHEREOF Grantor has executed this Conservation Easement Deed the day and year first above written. GRANTOR: Approved as to form: BY: General Counsel State of California NAME: Department of Fish and Game TITLE: BY: DATE: CERTIFICATE OF ACCEPTANCE This is to certify that the interest in real property conveyed by the Conservation Easement Deed by , dated , to the State of California, grantee, acting by and through its Department of Fish and Game (the "Department"), a govennnental agency(under Government Code section 27281), is hereby accepted by the undersigned officer on behalf of the Exhibit H—Page 10 RVPOBW&662308 Department,pursuant to authority conferred by resolution of the California Fish and Game Commission on GRANTEE: STATE OF CALIFORNIA, by and through its DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND GAME By: Title: Authorized Representative Date: RVPUB\708400.1 Exhibit H—Page 11 RVPUBVv1M662308