For more information contact CVAG at 760-346-1127 or visit the MSHCP website at www.cvmshcp.org
COACHELLA VALLEY
MULTIPLE SPECIES HABITAT
CONSERVATION PLAN
FACT SHEET
BACKGROUND:
The diverse desert landscape of the Coachella Valley provides habitat for dozens of plant and
animal species, some found no where else in the world. One of the fasted growing areas in rapidly
expanding Riverside County, the Valley has a projected population growth of 600,000 over the
next 13 years. The Coachella Valley Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan (CVMSHCP)
provides a regional vision for balanced growth to meet the requirements of federal and state
endangered species laws, while promoting enhanced opportunities for recreation, tourism and job
growth.
THE PLAN:
The CVMSHCP aims to conserve over 240,000 acres of open space and protect 27 plant and
animal species. By providing comprehensive compliance with federal and state endangered
species laws, the Plan not only safeguards the desert’s natural heritage for future generations, it
allow for more timely construction of roads and other infrastructure that is essential to improving
quality of life in the Coachella Valley. The Final Recirculated CVMSHCP excludes the City of
Desert Hot Springs as a participant and includes coverage for the proposed Morongo Wash flood
control facility.
Coachella Valley Association of Governments (CVAG) is serving as lead agency for plan review
and consideration. Participants include Riverside County, the cities of Cathedral City, Coachella,
Indian Wells, Indio, La Quinta, Palm Desert, Palm Springs, Rancho Mirage as well as Coachella
Valley Water District and Imperial Irrigation District.
BENEFITS:
• Preserves the Coachella Valley’s native desert wildlife and creates a magnificent system of
open space parks, trails and reserves
• Safeguards significant habitat linkages and wildlife corridors that enable animals to move
safely from one habitat area to another
• Assures critical freeway and freeway