by Nina Gordon
Resources Agency of California

Under April desert skies and against the dramatic rise of the San Jacinto and Santa Rosa Mountains, the California Biodiversity Council considered the challenges of balancing the needs of conserving biodiversity with rapid urban growth.

The meeting began with a day of tours that varied from the grass roots struggles of the non-profit Bighorn Institute to the planning considerations of a luxury development complex. The Institute, located at the base of the mountains, is habitat for the federally and state-listed Peninsular desert bighorn sheep. Jim DeForge, Executive Director, gave a presentation on growth trends in the Coachella Valley, the effects on the area’s wildlife, and the efforts of the Bighorn Institute to sustain existing populations.

The next stop was a tour of The Reserve, where Ted Lennon, a local developer, spoke of the efforts to minimize not only water use and impacts on bighorn sheep populations, but also the attempt to preserve the wondrous natural and aesthetic qualities of the environment.

Lunch was at the Desert Willows Golf Course, once featured on the cover of The Smithsonian Magazine. This course, operated by the City of Palm Desert, was featured in recognition of its water-saving design and native plant landscaping.

The Council next visited The Coachella Valley Fringe-toed Preserve. Amidst a palm grove, Cameron Barrows (Southern California Center for Natural Lands Management) gave an informative and passionate presentation about the preserve, its recent land additions, and current management strategies.

The day culminated with a dinner overlooking the lights of the Coachella Valley from the top of San Jacinto State Park at Grubbs Point. The breathtaking mountain views set the mood for a presentation by Dave Van Cleve (Department of Parks and Recreation) and Doug Pumphrey (U.S. Forest Service) on the management practices of the San Jacinto State Park and Wilderness Area.

Bill Havert (Coachella Valley Mountain Conservancy) discussed the efforts of the Conservancy and Friends of the Desert to preserve the Coachella Valley’s natural habitat and scenic quality. Buford Crites, mayor of Palm Desert, gave an inspirational dinner speech ending a wonderful first day.

The meeting the following day also proved very informative. First, panelists, members, and the audience worked to define the challenges of balancing the protection of natural resources with providing for an increasing population base in the Coachella Valley. The panelists were Corky Larson (Coachella Valley Council of Governments), Ted Lennon, Cameron Barrows, Bill Havert, Jim Kenna (Bureau of Land Management), Tom Davis (Agua Caliente Tribal Council), and Milt Friend (Salton Sea Reclamation Project). Paul Selzer, Executive Director, Building Industry Association, expertly moderated the panel.

In the afternoon session, moderators Mary Nichols (Secretary for Resources and CBC chair) and Mr. Selzer presented the key questions that arose from the morning session.

Ms. Nichols first presented thoughts on how to best facilitate communication and response to project proponents. The audience proposed higher levels of planning, education, shared responsibility, in addition to substantial effort over the long term.

The audience also suggested that to best plan for preservation it is necessary to include opportunities for both funding and acquisition and that the public must always be aware of protection and recovery efforts.

Many ideas were offered on the subject of planning. Members gave suggestions ranging from partnerships and conflict resolution skills to the importance of implementation and overcoming previous plans and attitudes.

The issue of how to avoid compromising good science while maintaining public support also received many comments. The main ideas focused on good communication from everyone involved throughout the public and private sectors to those involved in science and politics.

The groups also attempted to define the challenges to conservation and planning. The need for funding and cooperation came up repeatedly. However, the group was undecided as to whether disagreement between parties is acceptable if the lines of dialogue are kept open.

Ms. Nichols ended the discussion with how the Biodiversity Council can assist in these pressing issues facing Californians. Suggestions included tribal representation on the council, offering regional leadership forums, and utilizing the help of Resource Conservation Districts.

This trip to the Colorado Desert provided not only beautiful scenery and valuable information about the area but also insightful discussion on how to work more effectively towards the mutual goals shared by the Council.

A complete summary of the panel and audience responses is available. Please contact Erin Klaesius, CBC Communications Coordinator, for more information.