Habitat Conservation Plan: 6 Things You Have To Know

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How do you protect the interests of private landowners and at-risk species? With a Habitat Conservation Plan!

This planning document is intended to accommodate economic development while protecting the various species that live on land near you.

Here’s what you should know about the HCP as a landowner.

Disclaimer: we are not lawyers, accountants, or financial advisors, and the information in this video is for informational purposes only. This video is based on our own research and experience and, while we do our best to keep it accurate and up-to-date, but it may contain errors. Please be sure to consult a legal or financial professional before making any investment or purchasing decisions.
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Video Transcript:
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Did you just find out their endangered species on your land? You'll likely need to put together a habitat conservation plan and in today's video, we have top things you should know. Number one, what is habitat conservation or HCP?

An HCP is a document that's designed to help you avoid and reduce the impacts that your activities may have on endangered species. Number two, when is a habitat conservation plan drafted? HCPS  are usually drafted when a landowner or sometimes a local unit of government applies for an incidental take permit from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Number three, what is an incidental take permit?

An incidental take permit is a permit issued to a private individual Corporation or local unit of government that wishes to conduct activities on their land that may affect animal species that are threatened or endangered Under The Endangered Species Act. Number four, what are the requirements of a habitat conservation plan? First of all, you must identify all species of concern on your property.

You must then assess any impacts that your activities may have on these species. After this, you're going to list out all of the measures you will take to minimize those impacts on the identified species. You'll also need to show proof of funding to guarantee that you can Implement these measures and you'll need to list out procedures on how to deal with unforeseen circumstances.

Number five, what is the overall process for applying for an incidental take permit? First of course decide whether you need an incidental take permit and you can contact your local U.S Fish and Wildlife Service office for help with this. You then developed your proposed habitat conservation plan and submit it along with your permit application.

The habitat conservation plan will be reviewed by agency staff and staff likely issue comments that you'll need to respond to. Hopefully after some back and forth you will receive your permit and you can begin work. But the process doesn't stop there.

Throughout the duration of your work, you will need to coordinate with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to ensure that monitoring occurs and that the plan is being followed correctly finally when you're done you're going to work with the service to close out your permit and the project, and finally number six. What are the pros and cons of the incidental take process? With an incidental take permit, you can engage in activities that would otherwise be unlawful Under The Endangered Species Act because you are minimizing and mitigating your impacts.

There's also what is called the no-surprises policy.