Bill would expand conservation efforts and resources to desert region
(SACRAMENTO, CA) –Assemblymember Eduardo Garcia’s (D-Coachella) AB 1089 which would expand the Coachella Valley Mountain Conservancy governing board and territory to include the Cities of Indio and Coachella passed the Assembly Committee on Natural Resources by a vote of 6-0 today.
“AB 1089 simply allows the Cities of Indio and Coachella to be part of the mountain conservancy and brings resources and further conservation efforts to these cities,” said Garcia. “When first established, the Conservancy’s role was to protect the biological resources in the mountains surrounding the Coachella Valley. As a result of the Cities of Indio and Coachella being geographically located on the valley floor, they were not included on the Conservancy. When the boundaries of the Conservancy were expanded to coincide with the Multi Species Habitat Conservation Plan (MSHCP), which includes the cities of Coachella and Indio, these two cities were still not included on the Conservancy board—with AB 1089, the cities of Indio and Coachella will now have a seat at the table.”
The Coachella Valley Mountains Conservancy was established in 1991 via state legislation to protect the diverse ecological and biological resources of the Coachella Valley.
“Adding the cities of Indio and Coachella to the Conservancy board will assure the local communities of roles in the Conservancy’s decision making process, improve coordination of local projects and bring more conservation and recreation funds to the area to help facilitate economic growth,” said Jim R. Karpiak, Executive Director of the Coachella Valley Mountains Conservancy.
Assembly Bill (AB) 1089 will be heard next in Assembly Appropriations Committee. For further information on the bill please see the attached fact sheet.
