Williamson County Regional Habitat Conservation Plan
Williamson County Regional Habitat Conservation Plan
In December, 2002, Williamson County established the Williamson County Conservation Foundation with the mission of furthering conservation of endangered species in Williamson County while facilitating responsible development.
The Foundation’s primary focus is the development of the Williamson County Regional Habitat Conservation Plan (RHCP). Regional habitat conservation plans are designed to help developers, landowners, cities, and school districts navigate the compliance requirements of the federal Endangered Species Act (ESA).
The ESA prohibits any individual or other entity from undertaking an activity that is likely to result in a “take” of an endangered species, unless that person or entity has obtained a permit from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). “Take” is defined broadly in the USFWS regulations to include harm to a species caused by degradation or destruction of its habitat. To obtain a permit, the applicant must prepare a habitat conservation plan that shows how the potential harm to the species will be minimized and mitigated to the maximum extent practicable.
A regional habitat conservation plan is designed to cover a large geographic area, numerous landowners, multiple species, and a variety of activities. Regional habitat conservation plans can streamline compliance with ESA by establishing an umbrella authorization for a number of activities that would otherwise require an individual permit from USFWS. These plans also establish a uniform set of mitigation options for all planned public and private development activities planned that are likely to cause "take" of a covered species.
The Williamson County Regional Habitat Conservation Plan was prepared by technical and legal consultants at the request of the Williamson County Conservation Foundation (WCCF) and the Williamson County Commissioner’s Court.
The Foundation’s Board Members are:
Precinct 1 Williamson County Commissioner Lisa Birkman, President
Precinct 3 Williamson County Commissioner Valerie Covey, Vice President
Georgetown City Council Member Patty Eason
Larry Quick, Don Quick & Associates, Round Rock, TX
Tony Dale, Ferrell Gas, Cedar Park TX
David Hays, Georgetown Title, Georgetown, TX
Chuck Walker, Walker Texas Surveyors, Inc., Cedar Park, TX
On October 21, 2008, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services granted a 10 (a) permit for the Williamson County Regional Habitat Conservation Plan, which was approved by the Williamson County Commissioners in April 2008.
Species to be Covered by the Williamson County Regional Habitat Conservation Plan
The plan will cover two listed karst invertebrates, the Bone Cave harvestman and Coffin Cave mold beetle, as well as two birds, the golden-cheeked warbler and the black-capped vireo. It will also provide ongoing research regarding the Georgetown salamander, an official candidate for listing, as well as a number of unlisted, but likely rare, karst invertebrates. All of these species occur west of I-35.
Participating in the Plan
Participating in the RHCP plan is entirely voluntary. Any individual or entity planning an activity that may result in a take of an endangered species may choose to participate in the RHCP or go to the USFWS for their own individual permit. To participate in the plan, individuals or entities will agree to contribute to a fund set up to acquire and maintain habitat preserves within the county or, in some cases, in neighboring counties. The participation process will be streamlined, requiring a tiny fraction of the time necessary to obtain individual permitting from USFWS. RHCP applications are available online. For more information contact, Gary Boyd, Environmental Program Coordinator for Williamson County.
Projects that have been issued permits thus far are: Pond Springs Road improvements, CR 175 expansion, the extension of Ronald Reagan Boulevard from FM 2338 to State Highway 195, lengthening and new construction of O'Connor Road to connect RR 620 and State Highway 45, and the new I-35 ramps and frontage road project from Westinghouse Road to RM 2243. With the help of such permits, each of these projects has been able to move forward with construction in a timely manner.
In spring 2009, the Round Rock Independent School District found participation in the RHCP kept them from falling months behind on their project when a previously unmarked cave was found on its property. Private and public developers as well as the development departments of local communities are encouraged to contact the WCCF prior to initiating any projects with potential impacts in the county's western karst zone.
January 2011 Update
Long-term management of the Regional Habitat Conservation Plan provides numerous opportunities for public involvement, and the Williamson County Conservation Foundation Board (WCCF) encourages the public to become actively involved in this process. Through public involvement, WCCF has created and manages a plan that works for the people of Williamson County. The WCCF board meets on the second Wednesday of alternative months at 9:00 a.m. at J.B. and Hallie Jester Annex at 1801 East Old Settlers Blvd. in Round Rock. Click on the following links for Driving Directions and the Participation Application.
