Hydraulic Project Approval HCP Wildlife Areas HCP Links   WA State Species of Concern   WA Priority Habitats and Species   Endangered Species Act   Habitat Conservation Planning (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service)

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is developing habitat conservation plans (HCPs) for activities authorized under the Hydraulic Project Approval (HPA) program and for activities on state owned and managed Wildlife Areas. The HCPs will be long-term management plans for the conservation and protection of species that will satisfy federal requirements under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) upon approval by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Marine Fisheries Service. For Project Specific Information click on the following links: Hydraulic Project Approval HCP Wildlife Areas HCP Habitat Conservation Planning A Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) is a management strategy that provides long-term certainty of Endangered Species Act (ESA) compliance while providing for conservation of species. HCPs are developed under Section 10 of the ESA, which provide a means for non-federal entities to ensure that their actions will not conflict with the conservation needs of ESA-listed and other at-risk species. WDFW’s HCPs will assess any potential adverse impacts to ESA-listed species or their habitats resulting from activities covered in the plan. The HCP will also specify management strategies that will be implemented to avoid, minimize, and mitigate for those impacts. HCPs must be approved by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Marine Fisheries Service (Services) in order to issue an Incidental Take Permit. WDFW will work in close partnership with the Services during development and implementation of the HPA and Wildlife Areas HCPs. HCP Development Process Development of WDFW’s HCPs will be a lengthy process that requires dedicated funding, involves extensive coordination and outreach with multiple stakeholders, agencies, and tribal governments, and requires collection and assessment of best available science and information for listed and at-risk species. HCP time frames: Development of WDFW’s HPA and Wildlife Areas HCPs began in 2006. Each HCP will proceed on its own individual timeline, but both are expected to take from four to seven years to complete. Funding: Initial funding for development of the HCPs was provided by federal grant money from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, with matching state funding provided by WDFW. Fish and Wildlife Commission Presentation, March 9, 2007 [PDF Format] Public Involvement WDFW will conduct public outreach and stakeholder involvement activities to share information and provide multiple opportunities for input to those affected by the HCP. Upcoming Public Meetings: Hydraulic Project Approval HCP Wildlife Areas HCP