Balcones Canyonlands Conservation Plan Permit Renewal Underway 

TRAVIS COUNTY – Travis County and the City of Austin are beginning the first phases of the Balcones Canyonlands Conservation Plan (BCCP) permit renewal process by seeking qualified members of the public and scientific community to serve on two advisory groups: Citizen Advisory Committee (CAC) and Biological Advisory Team (BAT). These groups will help guide development of an updated BCCP.

The BCCP is a regional Habitat Conservation Plan jointly implemented by Travis County and the City of Austin under the federal Endangered Species Act (ESA). The BCCP’s federal incidental take permit was issued by the US Fish and Wildlife Service in 1996, establishing a 30-year conservation program designed to accommodate regional growth while conserving habitat for endangered species.

Over three decades of implementation, the BCCP has provided a framework for regional collaboration among local governments, landowners, conservation organizations, and state and federal agencies. The program provides incidental take coverage for development and infrastructure activities while supporting the permanent protection and management of habitat for covered species.

The BCCP currently addresses conservation needs for:

• Golden-cheeked warbler
• Black-capped vireo, which has since been delisted under the ESA
• Six karst invertebrate species, and
• 27 additional species of concern.

The BCCP has reached its 30-year term limit and now requires an update to meet current state and federal regulatory requirements. As the plan undergoes renewal, the BCCP continues to remain operational and in effect. The Balcones Canyonlands Preserve, which is the assemblage of protected habitat totaling more than 33,000 acres, will be preserved in perpetuity.

The BCCP permit renewal will evaluate current species and habitat conditions, preserve-system design, conservation and mitigation commitments, and the region’s needs for incidental take coverage. The process will also consider additional species that have been federally listed or proposed for listing since the original BCCP was established and will incorporate current federal guidance and requirements.

Advisory Committee Roles

Texas Parks & Wildlife Code Chapter 83 requires the formation of a Citizen Advisory Committee (CAC) and a Biological Advisory Team (BAT) to support the update of the BCCP. These advisory groups ensure that both community perspectives and scientific expertise are formally incorporated into the BCCP renewal process. The CAC provides input from landowners and stakeholders across Travis County, while the BAT contributes technical and biological guidance needed to evaluate species, impacts, and mitigation measures, such as preserve-system design. Together, these committees help ensure the updated BCCP reflects current environmental, social, and economic conditions as well as address the incidental take needs of the City of Austin and Travis County.

Citizen Advisory Committee (CAC): A committee appointed under Texas Parks & Wildlife Code §83.016. Membership must include a required percentage of landowners of undeveloped or agricultural land within the plan area (i.e., Travis County in its entirety) and one Texas Parks and Wildlife (TPWD) Commission appointee. Members will review materials, participate in discussions, and offer input on the BCCP’s structure and public-facing components. 

CAC members cannot be employees or elected officials of any plan participant or government entity.

Biological Advisory Team (BAT): A scientific committee of 3 or more professional biologists jointly appointed by the plan participants, TPWD Commission, and CAC landowner members. The TPWD appointee serves as presiding officer. Members evaluate biological data, habitat analyses, and technical materials to inform preserve-system design and species-impact assessments.

To serve on the BAT, individuals should have professional expertise in conservation biology, ecology, or related scientific fields appropriate to evaluating covered species. 

The application period is open until January 8, 2027, at 11:59 p.m.

Citizen Advisory Committee: Apply to serve on the CAC

Biological Advisory Team: Apply to serve on the BAT

Travis County and the City of Austin will review applications and prepare recommended appointments for consideration by the BCCP Coordinating Committee. Information about BCCP Coordinating Committee meetings may be found here. Required appointments by the TPWD Commission and CAC landowner members will be made in accordance with Chapter 83.

Committee meetings and materials are subject to applicable requirements of the Texas Open Meetings Act and Texas Public Information Act.

For more information about the BCCP and the permit renewal process, visit the Travis County BCCP webpage or contact the BCCP program at BCCP@traviscountytx.gov.