DRIPPING BIRDS: HAYS COUNTY PLAN PROVIDES LOCALLY CONTROLLED APPROACH TO PROTECT ENDANGERED SONGBIRDS
Hays County Commissioners recently gave unanimous approval to a final draft of
the Hays County Regional Habitat Conservation Plan (RHCP). The plan has now been
submitted to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for approval. An approved
RHCP commits the County to implementing a habitat conservation program to
protect endangered species while allowing a faster, smoother application process
for what is known as “incidental takings” of those species through otherwise
lawful development by a governmental agency or private citizen.
The RHCP provides a locally controlled approach for compliance with the Federal Endangered Species Act (ESA) with respect to two endangered songbirds, the golden-cheeked warbler and black-capped vireo. The RHCP is also reportedly designed to benefit a host of other wildlife species, water resources and people by proposing to assemble between 10,000 and 15,000 acres of preserve land over the 30-year duration of the plan. Further, according to information provided by Hays County, the RHCP will allow the County, private landowners, business enterprises and other local governments whose activities could impact the warbler or vireo (resulting in “incidental take” of these species) to comply with the ESA in a more efficient, streamlined, and timely manner. Learn more about the RHCP at hayscountyhcp.com.
The RHCP provides a locally controlled approach for compliance with the Federal Endangered Species Act (ESA) with respect to two endangered songbirds, the golden-cheeked warbler and black-capped vireo. The RHCP is also reportedly designed to benefit a host of other wildlife species, water resources and people by proposing to assemble between 10,000 and 15,000 acres of preserve land over the 30-year duration of the plan. Further, according to information provided by Hays County, the RHCP will allow the County, private landowners, business enterprises and other local governments whose activities could impact the warbler or vireo (resulting in “incidental take” of these species) to comply with the ESA in a more efficient, streamlined, and timely manner. Learn more about the RHCP at hayscountyhcp.com.
Posted by DSBabble.com at Tuesday, March 31, 2009 6:43 PM 
Categories: dripping birds
Tags: federal endangered species act golden-cheeked warbler Hays county regional habitat conservation plan black-capped vireo
Categories: dripping birds
Tags: federal endangered species act golden-cheeked warbler Hays county regional habitat conservation plan black-capped vireo
Look up the word 'incidental' to get an idea of what “incidental takings” implies. Remember, when something is gone, it's gone for good. Act accordingly.
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OK, I'm replying to my own comment ;). Here's why: If you're a homeowner/landowner in Dripping Springs or Hays County and you're thinking of altering your property in a way that might affect wildlife -- contact me. I'll walk your land with you and we'll talk about it. I promise we'll laugh. I also promise to help you achieve your plan while still allowing the wild to inhabit your property.
hw@learnedbird.com
512-608-3288
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