The Barton Springs/Edwards Aquifer Conservation District is in the process of developing a Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP). The overall goal of the District’s HCP process is to protect the endangered species that rely on the aquifer as habitat while providing a requisite water supply to the people who are dependent on the groundwater resources within the District.
The draft HCP has been developed with input from multiple advisory groups over the course of nearly ten years. Most recently the Management Advisory Committee–a group of stakeholders including permittees, private landowners, biologists, environmentalists, and local, state, and federal government agencies–has reviewed and provided input into the proposed draft HCP.
At the June 26 Board Meeting, the Board of Directors voted to release the proposed draft HCP and begin the official public comment period. Comments can be submitted via email, direct mail, or fax until July 25, 2014. Please send them to:
Email: bseacd@bseacd.org (include “HCP Public Comment” in subject line)
Direct mail: BSEACD, re: HCP Public Comment, 1124 Regal Row, Austin, Tx 78748
Fax: 512-282-7016 (include “HCP Public Comment” in subject line)
The draft HCP, history of the HCP development process, and supporting materials can be found online in the Spotlights section of the District home page: www.bseacd.org.