The accord would allow for 1,668 acres to be developed this year in exchange for setting aside more than 800 acres, or half as much land, as a safe habitat for endangered species. Projects that could proceed this year include several residential subdivisions by Lennar Homes and AKT Development Co.

City officials maintain an estimated $1 billion in city and developer money has been committed to develop Natomas. A major revamp of the city's endangered species Habitat Conservation Plan is scheduled for completion by year's end. The Plan will govern development over the long term.

The interim agreement awaiting federal court approval calls for developer fees to be used to buy land around an area called Fisherman's Lake to provide a permanent home for the giant garter snake and the Swainson's hawk, both endangered species. Fisherman's Lake is actually a 2.5 mile-long slough southwest of Interstate 5, near Del Paso Road. Environmentalists have long considered it as prime habitat for the snakes and hawks.