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Home My WebLink About5/7/2008 - STAFF REPORTS - 2.M. � ppALM Sp4 c (1 N T RORouiia e'e N CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT DATE: May 7, 2008 CONSENT CALENDAR SUBJECT: SUPPORT FOR HR 3682 - CALIFORNIA DESERT AND MOUNTAIN HERITAGE ACT FROM: David H. Ready, City Manager BY: Planning Department SUMMARY The California Desert and Mountain Heritage Act (HR 3682) is legislation introduced by Congresswoman Mary Bono-Mack to protect over 190,000 acres of wild lands around Riverside County. (Companion legislation — S 2109 — is being sponsored in the Senate by Senators Barbara Boxer and Diane Feinstein.) The House bill is supported at the local level, including endorsements from the Coachella Valley Association of Governments, the Palm Springs Chamber of Commerce, and California State Senator Jim Battin. The City Council may adopt the attached resolution in support of the measure RECOMMENDATION: Adopt Resolution No. "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM SPRINGS SUPPORTING THE CALIFORNIA DESERT AND MOUNTAINS HERITAGE ACT". STAFF ANALYSIS: The federal legislation would provide protection to over 190,000 acres of wilderness; add new areas to the Santa Rosa-San Jacinto Mountains National Monument and designate thirty-one (31) miles of Wild and Scenic Rivers in the area. A summary of the bill and list of supporting individuals and organizations are attached to this memo. FISCAL IMPACT: No fiscal impact. Item 2 . M . City Council Staff Report May 7, 2008 Support for HR 3682 -California Desert and Mountain Heritage Act Page 2 of 2 Clef wi AICP Thomas J. Wilson'Direct Planning a ices Assistant City Manager, Dev't Svcs David H. Ready City Manager cc: Draft Resolution in Support of HR 3682 Map of Proposed Areas for Protection Under HR 3682 Summary Background Information List of Supporters of HR 3682 RESOLUTION NO. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM SPRINGS SUPPORTING THE CALIFORNIA DESERT AND MOUNTAINS HERITAGE ACT WHEREAS, on September 27th, 2007 Rep. Mary Bono and Sen. Barbara Boxer introduced the California Desert and Mountains Heritage Act; and WHEREAS, it is in the interest of Palm Springs to preserve nearby open space and wild areas outside the boundaries of the City for the benefit and enjoyment of its residents; and WHEREAS, wilderness designation has been shown to increase tourism and attract new residents, thereby generating substantial economic benefits for nearby communities through local employment and tax revenue; and WHEREAS, the proposed designation will contribute to our region's superior desert and mountain vistas, air quality, water quality, peaceful soundscapes, and dark night skies, and WHEREAS, desert wilderness and wild rivers are an important component of our community's historic, cultural, economic, and social identity; and WHEREAS, protected public lands will provide local residents and visitors with opportunities for many recreational activities including hiking, horseback riding, rock climbing, photography, camping, orienteering, wildlife viewing, scientific research, and nature study; and WHEREAS, protecting wild places will ensure that future generations can enjoy them tomorrow as we do today; and WHEREAS, the California Desert and Mountain Heritage Act would protect areas that encompass steep mountains, winding canyons, free flowing rivers, and rugged desert landscapes, including the proposed Joshua Tree, Agua Tibia, Pinto Mountains, Chuckwalla Mountains, Orocopia Mountains, Palen-McCoy and Santa Rosa wilderness additions, the Cahuilla Mountain, Beauty Mountain, and South Fork San Jacinto wilderness areas, the Fuller Mill Creek, North Fork San Jacinto River, Bautista Creek, and Palm Canyon Creek wild and scenic rivers, and additions to the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument; THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM SPRINGS DOES HEREBY RESOLVE to AS FOLLOWS: SECTION 1. The City Council endorses and supports the designation of wilderness, the designation of wild and scenic rivers, and the expansion of the National Monument within the 45th Congressional District. 000® "3 Resolution No. _ Page 2 SECTION 2. The City Council supports the passage of The California Desert and Mountain Heritage Act (HR 3682), APPROVED this xxth day of 20 David H. Ready, City Manager ATTEST: James Thompson, City Clerk 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. _ is a full, true and correct copy, and was duly adopted at a regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Palm Springs on by the following vote: AYES: NOES: ABSENT: ABSTAIN: James Thompson, City Clerk City of Palm Springs, California WON - @�i y Monument Addition Peak _z SK Y ■ i Cwdsalla s4ulxo - y _ ___ =- ■�==Pp'-o3cd 1£:�_eIlteS�i _ ]S _ 5 � 2 _ iin -- txorss - C,ohcu'Sa M..AA ; L Ara t c �'•'-i _3'J Proposed W des `1. - _ --- to It Iheast Boundary t J Santa Rosa peak. - . 7 numenr Addition _ _ - _ e llr >,r Addiuon _ - _ Beay[�➢Lounram `j,v _ - _ -'��c—� _ -- 5F1Jion $el L - CALIFORMA _ Riverside County Boundary JDShudTreeNatlonaI Park _ - ' Proposed INiId and Scenic River r 'i 5anta Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains G1 j,.,.,.,.I National Monument Q - Proposed Wilderness - - US Forest Service -� Proposed f>ronument MlliTary C� Wilderness Area Bureau of Land Management 0 20 miles CaliforniaDesert • Mountain HeritageAct SPonsored AV RePresentative Mary Bono and Senator Barbara Boxer What This Legislation Will Do It will designate over 190,000 acres of wilderness, add new areas to the Santa Rosa-San Jacinto Mountains National Monument, and designate 31 miles of Wild and Scenic River in Representative Mary Bono's congressional district.The areas proposed for protection are some of the most nY n�q outstanding wild regions in Riverside County. When an area is designated as wilderness, as a wild and M a 1 scenic river,or as a monument,it is permanently y protected in its natural state for future generations to enjoy. Economic Benefits Tourism plays a central role in the economy of r. ' Riverside County. People come from all over California and the world to enjoy Spectacular Joshua Tree Wilderness Addition wildlands like the National Monument and Joshua Tree National Park. The protection of these areas Ecological Benefits will enhance the economies of nearby communities These areas are home to endangered species such as the and increase land value for property owners. mountain yellow legged frog,Peninsular bighorn sheep, the southwestern willow flycatcher,desert tortoise,and Quality of Life the Quino checkerspot butterfly, as well as numerous In Southern California,Riverside County provides other sensitive species of animals and plants. These areas the unique opportunity to hike, climb, ride horses, also provide essential habitat for mountain lion,mule and enjoy the remarkable beauty of places that are deer,badger, mountain quail,and bald eagle, and serve as still truly wild. As the population of California important wildlife movement corridors. continues to grow,the demand for wild places to "get away from it all" will only increase. This legislation This Legislation Will NOT: will preserve these beautiful places for outdoor • Close roads that are currently open to the public recreation and wildlife habitat, leaving an important • Affect private land and breathtaking legacy for future generations to • Prohibit hunting,fishing, or horseback riding enjoy. • Prohibit currently authorized off-road vehicle use or livestock grazing ''` M """'`'µ °j , "" Prevent government agencies from fighting , , 0 • P t i f iw li".„cq'4,t, g 9�p Vt "^9+i �egt c;, + ,^r^"w %g-R,.,l•. , ^ wildfires or from managing vegetation to reduce fire danger Support for the California Desert and Mountain Heritage Act This legislation is supported by the California Wild Heritage Campaign, a coalition of over 400 organizations and businesses including The Wilderness Society, Sierra Club, Friends of the River,California Wilderness Coalition,Friends of the Desert Mountains,the National Parks Conservation Association,Campaign for America's Wilderness, and[be National Hispanic Environmental Vreev from i?eaury Mountenn at sunset Council. CaliforniaDesert • Mountain HeritageAct Areas Propose-d for Protection Agua Tibia Wilderness Addition(1,950 acres): nt „ !d , t ' q This forgotten corner of Palomar Mountain has t "�;f �rti,,"i k�;, " " ' ' sleep canyons cloaked in coastal sage scrub and groves of pine and fir, with willow and cottonwood growing along its larger streams. A haven for it'"' ` "' " 1 la' [ "," `G" 4„ ^' sensitive species with dwindling habitats- Beauty g .,i,.. w„'a:• „ ,•tiw;w tit;•n+ ;y�'+y q��'pN Beauty Mountain Wilderness(16,700 acres): Fascinating rock formations and oak woodlands, all overlooked by the majestic 5,548 peak of Beauty Mountain. It serves as a critical bridge for migrating wildlife and includes Million Dollar Spring,one of the most pristine watersheds in all of southwestern California. Cabuilla Mountain Wilderness(7,131 acres): Offers spectacular views of the historic Juan Bautista de Anza Trail, soaring peaks, and the vast +',''�•�- ,-,•;LV�;;,,,-. desert landscape. Its chaparral covered slopes and "-i=; `- forested mountaintop are home to mountain lion, mountain and California quail,and the rare red Palen-McCoy Proposed Wilderness Addition diamond rattlesnake. Chuckwalla Mountains Wilderness(14,480 acres): Resembling a rock fortress rising dramatically above the desert lowlands,this area is home to the "•' chuckwalla,the potbellied reptile for which the region is named. Contains rock N rings,petroglyphs and other indications of thousands of years of Native American residence. „r Joshua Tree Wilderness Additions (78,150 acres): Provides a multitude of recreational activities for visitors who come from all over the world to enjoy rock climbing, hiking,and riding. The park's sweeping valleys, craggy peaks and narrow canyons provide refuge for bighorn sheep and desert tortoise,as well as cactus gardens and the distinctive Joshua tree. w Orocopia Mountains Wilderness (3,760 acres): Sliced through by the San Andreas Fault,earthquakes have twisted and broken this landscape into colorful canyons, cliffs, and jagged peaks. Home to desert fan palm oases and sensitive species of bighorn sheep and prairie falcon. Palen-McCoy Wilderness(20.320 acres): With mountains,dunes,and gigantic washes,this addition to the existing Palm-McCoy Wilderness contains sensitive species of desert tortoise,Mojave fringe-toed lizard,and bighorn sheep, as well as the largest midland ironwood ecosystem in the California desert- into Mountain Wilderness(24 080 acres Rising sharply from the northern edge � )� g, AY g of the Pinto Basin,these mountains are designated by U.S.Fish and Wildlife Service as "Critical Habitat"for the future survival of the desert tortoise Waterfall on North Fork San Jacinto River California Desert and Mountain Heritage A ct Areas Proposed for Protection Santa Rosa Wilderness(3,300 acres): Large washes,alluvial fans and rugged mountain foothills provide critical habitat for Peninsular bighorn sheep.This area ry d` P "M contains diverse cactus gardens,part of lY the shoreline of Ancient Lake Cahuilla, and Virgin Spring,an important water source for mule deer and other wildlife. South Fork San Jacinto Wilderness v (21,760 acres): Contains lush groves of big-cane Douglas fir,willow,and • cottonwood. The rich streamside woodlands are a popular hiking destination,and home to mountain lion, mule deer,mountain quail, southern spotted owl, and bald eagle. Beaury Mountain Proposed Wilderness Bautista Creek Wild and Scenic River: In addition to its outstanding cultural and historical values,Bautista Creek supports the largest number of sensitive and endangered wildlife species in the San Bernardino National Forest,including the endangered arroyo toad,San Bernardino kangaroo rat,southwestern willow fly-catcher and Quino checkerspot butterfly. North Fork San Jacinto River and Fuller Creek: Beginning in alpine conifer forests,this river plunges through a rugged canyon before slowing down to a peaceful willow-lined stream in the foothills below. Both the Pacific Crest Trail and popular Seven Pines Trail cross this area. Palm Canyon Creek: Supporting the largest California fan palm oasis in ws till �'"I?ft"'J ,R, 41V the United States, these waters sanctuary g '*0 Nr l• rt M rpp �a [0"(49-fr,dn rs are a sancta for the endangered a Peninsular bighorn sheep and an important cultural area for the Cabuilla Indians- Santa Rosa Peak Monument Addition (3,507 acres): Offers a scenic campground for visitors to the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains �(w .!�;•M"i' °b t ') 'I' `. National Monument, as well as habitat for the rare Gray Vireo. Snow Creek Monument Addition(50 acres): A crucial wildlife movement corridor, linking habitats for a broad collection of plants and animals such as the mountain lion, badger, and antelope ground squirrel. Southeast Area Monument Addition(4,679 acres): In addition to providing critical br-horn sheep habitat,the area contains a portion of the shoreline of Ancient Lake Cahuilla and evidence of historic use including rock fish traps and traces of ancienr trails. Tahquitz Peak Monument Addition(131 acres): Soaring granite rock y: :, •;',:ode ° " ,," outcrops and views of distant mountain ranges and the ocean make the N ""• hike to this summit very popular,with thousands of people making the trek uuOansr ,)� 'r annuall Y• For snore information contact: Shane Walton Hiking in South Fork San Jacinto Proposed Wilderness Friends of the River (760)920-3391 s altonQfriendsoftheriver.org 0da0 ' Support for the California Desert and Mountain Heritage Act April 24, 2007 Local Governments Local Business Associations Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians Building Industry Association,Desert Chapter Coachella Valley Association of Govenuments Idyllwild Chamber of Commerce City of Banning Indio Chamber of Commerce City of Cathedral City Joshua Tree Chamber of Commerce City of Coachella La Quetta Chamber of Commerce City of Indio Palm Springs Chamber of Commerce City of La Quinta Twentynine Palms Chamber of Commerce City of Twenty-nine Palms Yucca Valley Chamber of Commerce Town of Yucca Valley Joshua Tree Municipal Advisory Committee Local Businesses&Business Owners Elsinore—Murrieta—Anza Resource Blue Wolf Music Conservation District Paul Booth, MD Caine Learning, LLC Community Leaders Paul Carman , musician Jeff Stone,Riverside County Supervisor Coachella Valley Printing Group Roy Wilson,Riverside County Supervisor Community Lumber Jim Battin,Jr.,California Senator Michael Mileham,filmmaker John Benoit,California Assemblyman Cynthia Moore, business owner Elena Mafia,President of Anza Municipal Maia Dugan,Anza Horse Trainer Advisory Committee Barth 'n Fire Dr. Kim Edwards-Hartnett,Director of Marilyn Ellis,recording artist Coachella Valley Campus of CSIJSB Greencafc Internet Service Don Kleckner,Founder of Hilltop Horsemen Richard Hadick, reahor Jeff Baierlein,Director of the Boojum Institute Hay and Feed Bob&Tamara Smith,Owners of Fobes Ranch Adrienne Hochee,realtor and equestrian Dr.Michael Hamilton,Director of UC James Homestead Tree Farm Landscape Design San Jacinto Mountains Reserve Christine Fogg Horton, international artist Dr. Kurt Leuschner,Professor of Natural Idyl lwild Photography Resources, College of the Desert iStar Web Solutions Vallie S. Velez,Health f ducation Consultant Kerry Hendrix, financial consultant Janis Phelps, equestrian leader Law Offices of Van Dorn&Marshak Fred Bell,Director of Desert Chapter of Building Jeff Morgan, realtor Industry Association Nick Muratore, real estate investor Prairie Dove Conservation Organizations M E. Publishing California Native Plant Society Mountain Chiropractic California Wilderness Coalition Mountain Footwear Campaign for America's Wilderness Mountain Harvest Market Organic Foods Community Off-road Vehicle Watch Mountain Metal Gallery Desert Protective Council Nomad Ventures Friends of the Desert Mountains Sean Owen, documentary filmmaker Friends of the River Sacred Spaces National Hispanic Environmental Council Sherry Rucsh, business owner San Bernardino Audubon Society Trimmers Sierra Club Trish'rulcy, artist SRSJ National Monument Advisory Committee Way of Adventure The Wilderness Society Bruce Yingling,hunting guide 6000L29