Balcones Canyonlands Preserve
The Balcones Canyonlands Preserve safeguards Austin's native ecosystem.
The Balcones Canyonlands Preserve (BCP) is not one single tract of land, but a system of preserves owned by local government, nonprofit and private partners containing more than 32,000 acres. For 30 years, the BCP has protected habitat for endangered species while enabling sustainable growth in a changing city.
As the Austin area continues to develop, the woodlands, shrublands and cave ecosystems of the BCP remain some of the last fully wild places in our region, supporting local wildlife and enhancing the quality of the air and water we all share. The BCP protects two migratory songbird species, six cave-dwelling invertebrate species and 27 additional species of concern. By providing a habitat for these most vulnerable populations, the preserve safeguards our entire ecosystem. The BCP makes it possible to build roads, utilities and buildings while honoring our commitment to Austin's natural resources.
The preserve operates as a multi-agency conservation effort under a regional 10(a) permit issued by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service under the Endangered Species Act, issued jointly in 1996 to the BCP's two managing partners, the City of Austin and Travis County.
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 BCP system and governs how it is funded and organized. The BCCP serves as the basis for our federal permit.
- BCCP Infrastructure Compliance Toolkit and Interactive Map
- BCCP Infrastructure Habitat Assessment Application (PDF)
For more information, email BCCPinfrastructure@austintexas.gov or visit Travis County's BCP page.
Get Involved
The BCP offers trails, guided hikes and volunteer opportunities on the preserve. Getting out there is one of the best ways to connect with these remarkable lands — and to help take care of them.
- Sign up for guided hikes and volunteer events at austintexas.gov/wildlandevents.
- Find trails on the Wildlands at austintexas.gov/wildlandtrails.
- Learn more about the Balcones Canyonlands Preserve at austintexas.gov/BCPstory and the Travis County BCP page.