The Balcones Canyonlands Preserve (BCP) is not one single tract of land, but a more than 32,000-acre system of preserves that exists as a multi-agency conservation effort operating under a regional 10(a) permit issued under the Endangered Species Act by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. The permit was issued jointly to the BCP's two managing partners, the City of Austin and Travis County, in 1996. Several other partnering organizations own and manage land dedicated to the BCP.
The BCP provides an umbrella of protection for two migratory songbird species, six cave-dwelling invertebrate species, and 27 additional species of concern. By protecting the most vulnerable species, the preserve safeguards the entire ecosystem. In addition to existing as a habitat for endangered species, these lands provide habitat for numerous native plants and animals and contribute to improved air and water quality and quality of life for the people of Austin.
Looking for Endangered Species Act Compliance and Permitting?
The Balcones Canyonlands Conservation Plan (BCCP) provides a fast-track solution to habitat mitigation for Endangered Species Act compliance. It is the Habitat Conservation Plan that established the Balcones Canyonlands Preserve (BCP) system and how it would be funded and organized. This plan serves as the basis for our federal permit. Contact BCCPinfrastructure@austintexas.gov for more information.
Get Involved
The Balcones Canyonlands Preserve program offers recreation and education opportunities through public access trails and guided hikes and volunteer activities on other parts of the BCP. Sign up for guided hikes and volunteer events at austintexas.gov/wildlandevents.
Find where you can hike on the Wildlands at Explore the Wildlands.
Learn more about Balcones Canyonlands Preserve at austintexas.gov/BCPstory and traviscountytx.gov/tnr/nr/bcp.