Desert Tortoise

The HCP requires the LCR MSCP to acquire 230 acres of existing unprotected occupied desert tortoise habitat for permanent protection of the species’ habitat. In response to the LCR MSCP’s FY07 Request for Projects, the Coachella Valley Mountains Conservancy proposed the acquisition of 230 acres of desert tortoise habitat, currently owned by private landowners within the Chuckwalla Bench Area of Critical Environmental Concern (ACEC), which is managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). In 2007, the BLM’s California Desert District Office was contacted to determine the transfer of ownership process. Several administrative procedures (i.e., letter writing, documentation, and solicitor review) had to occur prior to the time of purchase. Any private parcels acquired by the LCR MSCP will be transferred to the BLM for permanent protection.

In 2007, the LCR MSCP solicited potential habitat areas for acquisition from Steering Committee members. Coachella Valley Water District, in conjunction with the Conservancy, proposed the acquisition of private in-holdings within the Chuckwalla Bench ACEC. With the help of the Conservancy, twelve individual landowners within the ACEC were identified using county records and tax assessor information. Three landowners granted the Program access to survey and appraise their parcels. The appraisals, totaling 260 acres, were conducted in FY09 through the Federal Appraisal Service Directorate.

In 2010, desert tortoise surveys were conducted on six parcels totaling 240 ac in June and one 20 ac parcel in September. Desert tortoise sign and/or live desert tortoises were detected on all seven parcels. Two live desert tortoises outside their burrows were detected on land adjacent to the parcels. Two live desert tortoises were detected inside their burrows on land inside the parcels. Land in all seven parcels was classified as occupied desert tortoise habitat.

The first acquisition, 200 acres of occupied desert tortoise habitat from one landowner, and second acquisition, a 40 acre parcel, were both completed by the end of 2010. The remaining 20 acre parcel is in escrow and when complete will fulfill the conservation measure goal. Once Reclamation receives confirmation from the BLM and all grant deeds are recorded, the LCR MSCP Program Manager will contact the USFWS. A formal letter will be sent documenting the occupied, but unprotected habitat acquired and recorded grant deeds held with the BLM. This will fully satisfy the LCR MSCP’s commitments.

Updated November 26, 2012