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Join HCA in protecting the precious natural resources and heritage of the Hill Country. With a vast library of resources, regular postings of news and events and a host of dedicated informed volunteers, we strive to be your information center.

Habitat Conservation Plans

Native landscapes are the best way to protect wildlife habitat on your ranch or in your own backyard. On a regional level, however, Habitat Conservation Plans (HCP�s) are effective tools for helping landowners comply with the Endangered Species Act. HCP�s also balance development and conservation needs and help protect water supply and the natural character of the Hill Country. Ranchers, landowners and citizens can participate in habitat planning processes.

To learn about efforts in your county, contact HCA. These efforts are especially important where commercial and residential developments are depleting natural areas that birds, butterflies and wildlife depend on.

Learn more about Habitat Conservation planning in the following counties:

Comal County

Hays County

Travis County

Williamson County

News

January 14, 2010

Citizens Advisory Committee of the Southern Edwards Plateau Habitat Conservation Plan - Meeting Jan 19

Citizens Advisory Committee of the Southern Edwards Plateau Habitat Conservation Plan will be meeting Tuesday, January 19 at San Antonio River Systems - Click here to view agenda.

November 12, 2009

Public Hearing for Hays County RHCP

Hays County will conduct a public hearing to discuss the County's application for a Endangered Species Act incidental take permit and possible adoption of the RHCP and related items. The hearing will include an open house/exhibits, brief presentations about the project, and an opportunity for public comment - Details

October 28, 2009

Hays County RHCP - Final Drafts for public comment and Notice of public hearing

Hays County will conduct a public hearing to discuss the County�s application for a federal Endangered Species Act incidental take permit and possible adoption by the Hays County Commissioners Court of a regional habitat conservation plan (RHCP) and related items. The public hearing will be held Wednesday, November 18, 2009. Read the Notice of Public Hearing here.

Read more Habitat Conservation news and find upcoming events

Helpful Documents

Draft San Marcos/Texas State HCP

Southern Edwards Plateau Habitat Conservation Plan

Helpful Links

Edwards Recovery Implementation Program

USFWS Habitat Conservation Plan - Us Fish and Wildlife Service's Endangered Species Program

USFWS HCP FAQs - US Fish and Wildlife Service present frequently asked questions on Habitat Conservation Plans

Back to Issues

(:description Native landscapes are the best way to protect wildlife habitat on your ranch or in your own backyard. On a regional level, however, Habitat Conservation Plans (HCP�s) are effective tools for helping landowners comply with the Endangered Species Act.:)

Upcoming Events

March

March 8 in Austin - Public discussion of LCRA's Water Supply Resource Plan - Let LCRA know your ideas for managing the water in the Highland Lakes. Meetings will be held in Austin, Burnet and El Campo, you can also provide input in writing or take an online survey. - Details

March 9 in Kerrville - �Hill Country Archeology: Why it is Important to You� - Hosted by Riverside Nature Center - Details

March 12-13 in Kerrville - Texas Rainwater Catchment Association 2010 State Conference - Details and Registration

March 12-14 in Junction - Riparian Essentials in Practice Workshop - Hosted by Texas Riparian Association - Details

March 25 - Water Issue Symposium �Kids, Water and Science: Perspectives from Our Future� - Details

March 25 in Boerne - Free Texas Watershed Steward Training Program - Details

March 27 - Lyndon B. Johnson Historical Park announces the 3rd annual LBJ 100 Bicycle Tour - Details

March 31 in Austin - 2010 Envision Central Texas Regional Forum Series - Bringing together regional leaders to examine the critical infrastructure needs and resource constraints facing Central Texas and how to translate these challenges into opportunities - Details

April

April 6 in Canyon Lake - Annual Research Update on Geology in the Canyon Lake Gorge, Presentation by Southwest Research Institute - Visit Website

April 13 in Kerrville - �The Geology of the Hill Country� - Hosted by Riverside Nature Center - Details

April 17 in Kerrville - Earth Day Celebration - Sponsored by Riverside Nature Center and the Kerrville Chapter of the Native Plant Society of Texas - Details

April 28-30 in Austin - 2010 Statewide Land Conservation Conference - Details and Registration

May

May 31 - Last day of 2010 Hill Country Alliance Photo Contest.

See more upcoming events

The Latest News

Watershed group meetings slated for spring in Seguin,
New Braunfels The Geronimo and Alligator Creeks Watershed Partnership will conduct various workgroup meetings this spring in Seguin and New Braunfels. Data obtained from these group meetings will be used in watershed characterization and evaluation toward developing a Watershed Protection Plan. Read more

3rd Annual LBJ 100 Bicycle Tour Set for March
Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park announces the 3rd annual LBJ 100 Bicycle Tour, �A Ride to Preserve History.� Details

Hill Country Deserves Protection of Environmental Impact Statement
Organizations across the Hill Country are asking state and federal agencies to ensure that protecting the Hill Country environment is a primary consideration as sites are selected for the high-voltage transmission lines soon to be built throughout the region. Read full media release here.

2010 Hill Country Alliance Photo Contest begins March 1st
The Texas Hill Country is a photographer�s paradise. Creeks are once again flowing, and the forecast calls for a green spring with plenty of wildflowers. Now is the time to dust off your camera and head outside to capture the beauty and mystique of this special region. Read full media release here.

An Open letter to LCRA and PUC
The LCRA is finished with this last round of open houses but people in the Hill Country still have many concerns. It�s not too late to send in your comments. Read this open letter from one landowner and learn more. Read more...

State aims to make groundwater rules more uniform
With just about every drop of river water already spoken for, suppliers, especially in Central Texas, are turning to underground water in counties to the east as the next big source. But they face a problem because groundwater districts, set up as individual fiefdoms meant to reflect local histories and philosophies about water and land use, have different permitting rules and sensibilities. Read full Statesman.com article here.

Power Line Concerns Draw More Than 500
More than 500 citizens from Gillespie County gathered at Pioneer Pavilion Thursday for a transmission line open house held by the Lower Colorado River Authority. Read full Fredericksburg Standard article here.

GMA9 decides on more public hearings
The board of GMA9 has decided to hold three more public hearings � in Kerrville, Wimberley and Boerne � in the coming months before it establishes new Desired Future Conditions for the Edwards Aquifer. Read full Kerrville Daily Times article here.

Read more Hill Country news...