Discuss, consider and take appropriate action to authorize the Williamson County Conservation Foundation to apply for a Habitat Conservation Planning Assistance Grant though Texas Parks and Wildlife and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

The Williamson County Conservation Foundation (WCCF) is seeking approval to apply for approximately $1 million for a Habitat Conservation Planning Assistance Grant to amend the existing Regional Habitat Conservation Plan (RHCP) to add/benefit five species (Proposed Species) and for other conservation enhancements.

Adding the Proposed Species as Covered Species under the RHCP will ensure coordinated ESA compliance with respect to activities that may result in take, reduce the economic and administrative burden on the County and County projects, USFWS, project proponents, and other federal, state, and local agencies required to ensure against unauthorized take of the Proposed Species and against jeopardizing the continued existence of said species; and reduce the economic burden to individual landowners by allowing them to obtain take coverage under the County and Foundation’s Permit through participation in the RHCP. Meanwhile, the RCHP will provide important scientific and critical conservation benefits to the Proposed Species and their habitats.