The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is extending the public comment period for the draft recovery plan for seven southern Edwards Aquifer species listed as endangered or threatened under the Endangered Species Act. These species are dependent upon groundwater from the aquifer to support their needed habitats, most notably at Texas’ largest remaining spring systems, Comal Springs in Comal County and San Marcos Springs in Hays County. The public comment period on the recovery plan that began on Sep. 10, 2024, will now be open for 90 days, closing on Dec. 12, 2024.
The Service is committed to a robust public engagement process regarding the recovery plan. This extension allows for more time for public review and input on the plan.
The recovery plan comprises a revised plan for four species (a plant, a fish, and two salamanders) as well as the first draft recovery plan for an additional three species that were listed in 1997, two beetles and an amphipod. The overall recovery strategy involves preserving, restoring, and managing species’ aquatic habitats, along with the water resources necessary to support healthy populations and the ecosystems on which they depend. The recovery strategy also includes using stock populations to protect against catastrophic events.
Recovery plans are based on the best available science and are crucial for coordinating efforts and resources toward conserving endangered or threatened species. While they are not regulatory, recovery plans provide a framework for species recovery with the goal that in the future, Endangered Species Act protections may no longer be necessary.
More information is found in the press release announcing the draft recovery plan for the seven Edwards Aquifer listed species and notice of availability. The draft recovery plan for these species is available online at ecos.fws.gov.
To submit a comment, email the Austin Ecological Services Field Office at esaustininfo@fws.gov. Comments will be accepted through Dec. 12, 2024, and comments that have already been provided do not need to be resubmitted.
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