Balcones Canyonlands Conservation Plan (BCCP) Celebrates 20 Years of Natural Treasure Protection

The Balcones Canyonlands Conservation Plan (BCCP), the first regional multispecies, habitat conservation plan of its kind in the nation, is turning 20.                                                         

The preserve the BCCP created contains a cross section of flora and fauna along the Balcones Escarpment of the Edward’s Plateau that protects eight federally listed endangered species, including the Golden-Cheeked Warbler and the Black-Capped Vireo as well as 27 species of concern throughout seven watersheds in western Travis County. The signing of the federal permit in 1996 met the rules of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service that allowed for local management of the land set aside for the endangered species.

An open house to celebrate the signing of the BCCP will take place Friday, May 6, from 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. at Austin Water’s Reicher Ranch located at 3621 RR620 South. The event is open to the public and will feature guided hikes through Golden-Cheeked Warbler habitat and refreshments. Speakers include:

• U.S. Department of the Interior Assistant Deputy Secretary Michael Bean
• Travis County Judge Sarah Eckhardt
• Travis County Commissioner Gerald Daugherty
• Austin City Council member Leslie Pool

Partners in the administration of the plan and management of the preserve include the City of Austin, Travis County, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Lower Colorado River Authority, the Nature Conservancy, Travis Audubon Society, St. Edwards University, City of Sunset Valley, Concordia University, Texas Cave Management Association and several private landowners.

Additional details are available at: Balcones Canyonlands Celebration