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Encina Hills (Harper Canyon) project continued to May 20 after wildlife and EIR concerns from state agencies
Summary
The board agreed to continue consideration of the Encina Hills / Harper Canyon supplemental EIR after late and substantive comments from state and conservation groups, and asked staff and applicant to meet with Department of Fish and Wildlife before the May 20 hearing.
Monterey County supervisors continued the Encina Hills / Harper Canyon project to May 20 after conservation groups and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) raised concerns about the sufficiency of the final supplemental environmental impact report (FEIR) and potential impacts to an important wildlife corridor linking Fort Ord to the Sierra de Salinas.
Why the continuance Representatives from Big Sur Land Trust and CDFW told the board the FEIR had material gaps in analysis of wildlife movement and corridor impacts and urged additional review. Big Sur Land Trust asked staff and the applicant to meet with CDFW to determine whether mitigation or alternative siting would reduce significant impacts or whether further study is required.
Applicant and staff response Applicant counsel asked for additional time to analyze the new comments and meet with CDFW and county reviewers. County staff agreed and requested a continuance until May 20 to allow meaningful consultation and to prepare responses to the letters received shortly before the hearing.
Outcome The board voted to continue the matter to May 20 to allow staff, the applicant and CDFW to consult and to give the board a more complete record. The continuation does not imply approval of the project or the EIR; it merely postpones formal decision.
Ending Staff said they will schedule follow‑up meetings with CDFW and file a memo or revised responses in advance of the May 20 hearing so the board and the public can review any substantive changes and hear from the resource agencies.
