Elizabeth M. King

Key discussion items for the meeting included public comments on non-agenda items and a scheduled closed session which was ultimately not held. Action items involved the review and vote to approve the November 17, 2025, meeting minutes. The Board was also asked to approve the Proposition 4 Grant Program Guidelines and related application materials, authorizing submission to the Office of Administrative Law via the emergency regulations process, and authorizing minor revisions by the Executive Director. Informational items featured a presentation from the Coachella Valley Conservation Commission (CVCC) regarding the Ranger Program and conserved lands ordinance, a presentation on the CVMC Photo Contest winners, and a Community Engagement Update detailing growth in digital presence and grant investments. Staff reports provided updates on ongoing projects under both Proposition 1 and Proposition 68 grant programs, including acquisition progress, status of various habitat restoration and infrastructure projects, and updates on completed projects.

The meeting addressed the Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) for the Conservancy's Proposition 1 Grant Program, focusing on categorizing projects and postponing consideration of Category 2 projects until CEQA compliance is determined. A Proposition 1 Local Assistance Grant to the City of Coachella for its Rancho Las Flores Stormwater Project, and another to the Southern California Mountains Foundation for its Palm Canyon Watershed Restoration Project were approved. The Coachella Valley Desert and Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority Fiscal Year 2025-26 Budget was approved. Diana Rosas was approved as Acting Executive Director from August to October 2025. The Coachella Valley Mountains Conservancy 2024 Annual Report was presented. Tammy Martin was recognized for receiving the Trails Champion Award from California State Parks. Staff provided updates on acquisitions and land management, and the Executive Director reported on grant management, land conservation, and local outreach efforts.

The meeting included discussions and actions on several key items. The board approved the donation of land to the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians and the annual budget for the Coachella Valley Desert and Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority for Fiscal Year 2024-25. Additionally, there was a presentation by the Desert Recreation District, and updates were provided by staff on acquisition and land management. The Executive Director reported on Conservancy updates, trails, partnerships, and the strategic plan.

The meeting included a closed session to discuss personnel matters and receive legal advice, followed by an open session. The board addressed the adoption of a resolution approving the Initial Study for the Four New Coachella Valley Trails Project, along with the Mitigated Negative Declaration and Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program. An update was provided on grant applications under the Proposition 1 Grant Program. Staff reports were presented, including an Executive Director's report covering operations and transitions. Board members also shared comments and reports from Conservancy member agencies.

The meeting included the election of officers for 2024 and an annual review of acquisition priorities, along with a report on 2023 acquisition activity. A presentation by Friends of the Desert Mountains on CRCA & Prop 68 Projects was given. The annual review of the implementation of the Justice, Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion Policy also took place. The reports included written reports from staff, an executive director report with trail project status and a state budget update, and board member comments and reports from Conservancy member agencies. The board also discussed and took possible action on personnel matters and/or received advice of counsel on pending or potential litigation, as well as discussed the recruitment of an Executive Director.