Agua Caliente Band changes view on habitat plan

The Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians says it no longer needs 1,000 acres in Cathedral City, California, for its habitat plan.

The tribe wanted to set aside 1,200 acres for conservation and applied for an "incidental take permit" from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. But after discussions with the city, the tribe said it doesn't need the 1,000 acres inside city limits.

The final decision, though, rests with the government. A Federal Register notice on the permit was published last October.

The city asked FWS to remove the 1,000 acres from the tribe's request. The city hopes to develop the area.

Get the Story:
North City proposal left in lurch (The Palm Springs Desert Sun 1/23)

Federal Register Notice:
Notice of Availability of a Draft Environmental Impact Statement and Receipt of an Application for an Incidental Take Permit for the Agua Caliente Tribal Habitat Conservation Plan, Riverside County, California (October 12, 2007)

Relevant Links:
Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians - http://www.aguacaliente.org
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service - http://www.fws.gov

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