U.S.F.W.S. AWARDS $68 MILLION IN GRANTS TO 16 STATES FOR ENDANGERED SPECIES HABITAT CONSERVATION PLANNING AND HABITAT ACQUISITION PLANS

Funded through the Service's Habitat Conservation Planning Assistance and Land Acquisition grant programs, the grants will support up to 75 percent of the cost of 24 habitat conservation planning activities and 15 land acquisitions. The habitat conservation planning plans are located in Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Georgia, Hawaii, Indiana, New Mexico, Nevada, Oregon, Texas, West Virginia, Washington State, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. The land acquisition plans are located in California, Georgia, Indiana, Maryland, Montana, Texas, Utah, and Washington State. Non-Federal partners are contributing at least 25 percent of the cost of each project.

"By supporting local planning and habitat protection efforts, these grant programs help states and local governments provide for continued economic development while conserving threatened and endangered species," said Steve Williams, Director of the U.S.F.W.S.. "These HCP grant programs exemplify Secretary of the Interior Gale Norton's commitment toward stronger partnerships with States, local communities, and landowners in a common goal of stewardship."

The 2 programs were established to help reduce the conflicts between the conservation of threatened and endangered species and land development and use. Under the Habitat Conservation Project Land Acquisition Program, the Service provides grants to States or Territories for land acquisitions associated with approved Habitat Conservation Plans. The Habitat Conservation Planning Assistance Plan provides grants to States and Territories to support the development of Habitat Conservation Plans, through support of baseline surveys and inventories, document preparation, outreach, and similar planning activities.

A Habitat Conservation Project is an arrangement between a landowner and the Service that allows the landowner to incidentally take a threatened or endangered species in the course of otherwise lawful activities when the landowner agrees to conservation measures to minimize and mitigate the impact of the taking. A Habitat Conservation Project may be developed by a Co. or state to cover certain activities of all landowners within their jurisdiction and may address multiple species. There are in excess of 330 Habitat Conservation Projects currently in effect covering approximately 30 million acres, and some 320 more are being developed.

The U.S.F.W.S. is the principal Federal agency responsible for conserving, protecting and enhancing fish, wildlife and plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. The Service manages the 95-million-acre National Wildlife Refuge System which encompasses nearly 540 National wildlife refuges, thousands of small wetlands and other special management areas. It also operates 70 Countrywide fish hatcheries, 64 fishery resource offices and 78 ecological services field stations. The agency enforces Federal wildlife laws, administers the Endangered Species Act, manages migratory bird populations, restores nationally significant fisheries, conserves and restores wildlife habitat such as wetlands, and helps foreign governments with their conservation efforts. It also oversees the Federal Aid Plan that distributes hundreds of millions of dollars in excise taxes on fishing and hunting equipment to state fish and wildlife agencies.

Habitat Conservation Planning Assistance Grants by State are:

Alabama

Development of an HCP for the Alabama Beach Mouse and Sea Turtles (Baldwin County, AL) $101,750

This grant will help support Baldwin County's Project to incorporate single lot owners into a habitat conservation effort for the endangered Alabama beach mouse as well as 3 federally- listed species of sea turtles on Fort Morgan peninsula. All of the range-wide habitat for the Alabama beach mouse is on this peninsula. The planning area also includes nesting beaches important for maintaining northern Gulf of Mexico populations of loggerhead, green, and Kemp's Ridley sea turtles. Southern Baldwin Co. along the Gulf of Mexico is a rapidly growing commercial, recreational and residential area faced with increasing development pressure for higher density housing. This HCP aims at assisting Co. managers to address those needs while protecting federally and state-listed species.

Arizona

Town of Marana Habitat Conservation Project (Pima County, AZ) $241,825

This grant will help the town review existing information, identify data gaps, and collect critical biological data. The HCP will cover approximately 40,000 acres and 2 ecosystem types: desert scrub and riparian. Restoration will be needed, in particular, for riparian habitat which maintains an isolated population of the cactus ferruginous pygmy-owl.

Altar Valley Habitat Conservation Project (Pima County, AZ) $79,500

This grant will help fund the development of a framework for cooperation among affected organizations, guide habitat restoration and management activities, and most importantly provide corrective actions to restore the Altar Wash, a 40-mile long drainage. This 700,000-acre HCP is in an important ranch land area and will help to protect the biggest unfragmented landscape in eastern Pima County. It will benefit 5 listed and sensitive species, including the federally endangered cactus ferruginous pygmy-owl and Pima pineapple cactus and their habitats. It will also help enhance watershed conditions, restore natural fire regimes, institute environmentally sound live stock practices, and create species recovery opportunities.

California

San Bruno Mountain Habitat Conservation Project (San Mateo County, CA) $100,000

This grant will support the amendment of the country's 1st HCP developed in 1983. The amendment will incorporate new information regarding several butterflies not covered by the original permit, as well as the survival of narrow endemic species such as the Callippe silverspot butterfly found only on San Bruno Mountain. This HCP benefits several listed butterfly species, including the Mission blue, San Bruno elfin, Bay Checkerspot, and their habitats. The HCP will be amended to address changes to the status of covered species, new scientific information on the covered species, and changes in federal statutes, regulations, and policy governing HCPs since 1983.

San Luis Obispo Co. (Estero Area Plan) Habitat Conservation Project /Natural Communities Conservation Project (San Louis Obispo County, CA) $100,000

This grant will help initiate the development of an HCP which will cover 43,500 acres in the Estero area, the central coastal part of the county. It is expected that, in the next 10 years, San Luis Obispo will be California's fastest growing county. Development of an HCP in this area will provide for a conservation strategy for covered species to address recovery needs and to allow for more flexible planning and implementation. This HCP will benefit the Morro shoulderband snail, Morro manzanita, Chorro Creek bog thistle, Indian Knob mountain balm, Morro Bay kangaroo rat, California sea-blite, California red-legged frog, steelhead, western snowy plover, and tidewater goby.

Mendocino Redwoods Company Habitat Conservation Project (Mendocino and Sonoma Counties, CA) $60,000

This grant will support efforts to conduct distribution surveys and identify conservation measures for sensitive amphibian species on 230,000 acres of private commercial forest lands. These species may be listed in the future under federal or state endangered species acts. Also, the HCP will cover 19 listed species and provide major benefits for 3 listed species (northern spotted owl, Coho salmon, and marbled murrelet) by including essential habitat and eliminating major threats. The plan encompasses the northern extent of the range of the California red-legged frog, and is the 1st HCP for private forest lands in California.

Yolo Co. Habitat Conservation Plan/Natural Communities Conservation Project (Yolo County, CA) $395,000

This grant will assist in finalizing a county-wide HCP/NCCP Plan that is expected to result in the protection of habitat valued at in excess of $39 million. The Project will contribute significantly to balancing well-planned urban development with the preservation of natural and agricultural resources. The backing will also provide additional biological analysis necessary to include the western portions of the county, land acquisition planning, and the completion of the HCP/NCCP and EIR/IRS environmental review for the county's HCP/NCCP Plan effort. 7 listed species will benefit including the federally threatened giant garter snake and valley elderberry longhorn beetle, and the federally endangered palmate-bracted bird's beak, a plant.

Kern Valley Floor (Kern County, CA) $100,000

Kern Co. is in the later stages of developing a significant multi-species HCP for a 3,110-square-mile area of California's southern San Joaquin Valley. $100,000 will be used for public outreach, GIS development, environmental review, and development of an implementation process. 12 listed species will benefit through a combination of mitigation (including acquisition of habitat, credit for conserving natural lands and plant species) and provisions for industry-specific conservation programs. Some of the listed species include the federally endangered California jewelflower, Kern mallow, Bakersfield cactus, Buena Vista Lake shrew and Tipton kangaroo rat.

Contra Costa Co. Habitat Conservation Plan/Natural Communities Conservation Project (East Contra Costa County, CA) $160,000

This grant will help complete key components of the HCP/NCCP. This includes preparing documentation, a programmatic streambed alteration agreement, convening a science advisory panel, and upgrading the NCCP. The HCP/NCCP will cover up to 288-square-mile planning area and will reduce impacts to federally and state-listed species including the large-flowered fiddleneck, Contra Costa goldfields, Longhorn fairy shrimp, California red-legged frog, Alameda whipsnake and San Joaquin kit fox.

Placer Co. Habitat Conservation Plan/Natural Communities Conservation Project (Placer County, CA) $240,000

This grant will support efforts to promote the development of a comprehensive, landscape-level, multi-species conservation Project that addresses listed and non-listed species needs. It will also help fund the implementation of phase one of a three-phase project. The 1st phase will seek coverage for approximately 6 plants and 28 animals. Numerous listed species will benefit from the development of this HCP including the vernal pool fairy shrimp, vernal pool tadpole shrimp, California tiger salamander, chinook salmon, steelhead, valley elderberry longhorn beetle, giant garter snake, and California red-legged frog. The HCP will also provide for more efficient use of public monies by streamlining the regulatory process. This HCP/NCCP will cover all the unincorporated lands in Placer County.

Shasta Plains Habitat Conservation Plan/Natural Communities Conservation Project (Shasta County, CA) $170,000

This grant will help fund the development of a 250-square-mile Conservation Project during FY 2003-2004. Specific tasks include developing a biological database for the planning area, a conservation strategy, and a conservation backing strategy; and coordinating independent scientific and public involvement in Project development. Species that will benefit include slender orcutt grass, Greene's tuctoria, vernal pool fairy shrimp, valley elderberry longhorn beetle, vernal pool tadpole shrimp, California red-legged frog, Central Valley steelhead, Central Valley spring-run chinook salmon, Central Valley winter-run chinook salmon, and bald eagle.

Zayante Sandhills Regional Habitat Conservation Project (Santa Cruz County, CA) $100,000

This grant supports an HCP that will identify and conserve the remaining core areas of sandhills habitat and appropriate buffers, while also providing a streamlined permitting process for small landowners. The funds will be used to identify and organize a Technical Oversight Committee, contract a Biotic Consultant Team and Outreach Coordinator, collate and map known data on resources, identify information gaps in data, conduct surveys, prioritize sites, write the conservation strategy, provide updates to local government, and conduct outreach. Species that will benefit include the federally endangered Mount Hermon June beetle, Zayante band-winged grasshopper, Ben Lomond spineflower, and Ben Lomond wallflower which are endemic to the Sandhills.

Colorado

Colorado Department of Natural Resources' Preble's Meadow Jumping Mouse HCPs (Boulder and Douglas County, CO) $700,000

This grant will support the completion of regional HCPs for the threatened Preble's meadow jumping mouse. Completion of these HCPs will result in the collaborative conservation of nearly 500 stream miles and over 30,000 acres of riparian habitat. When implemented, these HCPs will provide a significant foundation for habitat conservation and facilitate cooperation among multiple jurisdictions to conserve the mouse. Specific activities to be completed under this grant include data analysis, habitat analysis, a monitoring plan, and additional public outreach.

Delaware

Developing a Comprehensive HCP for Sussex County, Delaware (Sussex County, DE) $202,500

This grant will help fund the development of an HCP for Sussex County, Delaware, that will focus on impacts from development, Hwy. construction, and timber harvest on forest habitat for federally listed species, particularly the endangered Delmarva fox squirrel and threatened bald eagle. Ultimately this county-wide HCP will enable better protection of habitat resources and is a cost-saving measure alleviating a future need for case-by-case HCPs.

Georgia

Development of an HCP for Imperiled Aquatic Species of the Etowah River Basin (Northwest GA) $281,934

This grant will help support the continued development of an HCP to cover all of the imperiled aquatic species of the Etowah basin, including 91 native fish species and numerous species of mussels. Of these, 2 fish species are federally endangered (amber darter and Etowah darter), one is a federally threatened fish species (Cherokee darter), and 5 are federally protected mussel species. In the 2nd year of the project, major objectives include organizing public meetings with target stakeholder groups, creating outreach and education materials, developing a regional greenspace protection Project for the Etowah basin, and characterizing the effects of stormwater runoff in 30 watersheds within the basin.

Hawaii

Development of a Habitat Conservation Project for Game Mammal Management (North Kona, HI) $346,583

This grant will help fund the 2nd year of data collection and HCP development, including baseline surveys of listed plants and animals, monitoring of selected listed plants and game mammals to quantify impacts, and development of management and restoration actions to mitigate game mammal impacts to listed species. This HCP will cover 2 State game management areas encompassing approximately 80,000 acres, 10 listed birds and animals, 31 endangered plants, and 14 species of concern. The goal of the HCP is to find a balance between ensuring the continued survival of native plants and animals and providing public game hunting for its conservation and recreation benefits.

Indiana

HCP for the Indiana Bat on Indiana State Forest Lands (State-wide, IN) $587,250

This grant will help support the development of an Indiana Bat HCP covering all of the Indiana State Forest system containing about 150,000 acres in 10 management units. Many of these forests contain caves in which a large proportion of endangered Indiana bats hibernate. These caves are considered essential to the continued survival of the species. This HCP also has the potential to benefit in excess of 30 other State-listed or species of concern which use similar portions of Indiana's State Forests. The suggested HCP will be the 1st to address Indiana bat management concerns on an actively managed forest, providing a positive model for other States and forest managers.

Island of Rota, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands

Mariana Crow Habitat Conservation Planning Assistance (Island of Rota, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands) $243,904

This grant will help support efforts to meet the habitat needs of the Mariana Crow in the Island's agricultural homestead program. The endangered Mariana crow's recovery is dependent on stabilizing and recovering the Rota population. The goal of the HCP will be the release of public lands for agricultural homestead development, while protecting secondary limestone forests to support a stable population of crows to achieve recovery of the species. This backing will also be used to develop a location development Project for the Mochong cultural center that will be instrumental in the future development of an HCP for the site.

Multi-State

Development of a Multi-Species Habitat Conservation Project for the Malpai Borderlands Region (Malpai Borderlands, Arizona and NM) $92,000

This grant will help fund the creation of a watershed-scale Project for 800,000 acres that will provide the framework for cooperation among participating organizations, agencies, and landowners to guide restoration and management activities for listed and sensitive species in grassland, oak woodland, and riparian habitats of the Malpai Borderlands region. This area includes one of the few large intact landscapes that cover the entire range of ecological gradients from valley bottom grasslands to forest and woodlands on mountain tops with no significant landscape fragmentation. This HCP will provide benefits to over 10 listed species that occur in the Malpai area, including the aplomado falcon, Mexican spotted owl, Yaqui chub, and Yaqui catfish.

Nevada

Southeastern Lincoln Co. Multi-species Habitat Conservation Project and Meadow Valley Wash Ecological Resource Inventory (Lincoln and Clark Counties, NV) $265,000

This grant will support the completion of the Southeastern Lincoln Co. Multi-species HCP and the public outreach and baseline survey and inventory tasks for the related Meadow Valley Conservation Management Plan. The Project Area includes extensive Mojave Desert scrub habitat occupied by the federally threatened desert tortoise, including a significant portion of the Mormon Mesa Critical Habitat Unit located within the Northeastern Mojave Recovery Unit for the desert tortoise. Overall, the Lincoln Co. MSHCP will benefit 22 species, including 4 reptile species, 9 bird species (including the endangered southwestern willow flycatcher and Yuma clapper rail), one amphibian, 5 fishes (including the endangered Virgin River chub and woundfin), and 3 plants.

Oregon

Sandy River Basin Habitat Conservation Planning - A Habitat Conservation Project for the Bull Run Water System (Clackamas and Multnomah Counties, OR) $459,224

This grant will help assist the Portland Water Bureau, in cooperation with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, in preparing an HCP for the Bull Run water system. The Bull River, a major tributary to the Columbia Basin, supplies water to a quarter of Oregon's population. This backing will also support the efforts of the Sandy River Basin Arrangement partnership towards a basin-wide strategy to conserve aquatic and riparian species. Listed and suggested species to benefit from this plan include coastal cutthroat trout, chinook salmon, and steelhead. Additional species that may benefit include bull trout, coho salmon, chum salmon, rainbow trout, pacific lamprey, river lamprey, Cascade torrent salamander, Cope's giant salamander, and the clouded salamander.

Texas

Edwards Aquifer Authority Habitat Conservation Project (South-Central TX) $328,000

This grant will support the 16,811-square-mile HCP which is unique because it addresses an exceptionally important aquifer underlying 17 counties in arid south-central Texas, and will greatly benefit 8 listed species - 7 of which have 100% of their range covered under this HCP. There are 7 endangered species (Texas blind salamander, fountain darter, San Marcos gambusia, Texas wild-rice, Comal Springs dryopid beetle, Peck's cave amphipod), and one threatened species, the San Marcos salamander.

Washington

Washington Forests and Fish Habitat Conservation Project (statewide) $1,066,505

This Habitat Conservation Planning Assistance grant to the Washington Department of Natural Resources will be used to help launch the development of a state-wide HCP based upon Washington's "Forests and Fish Report." The report serves as the basis for current state forest practice regulations, affecting aquatic and riparian protection on up to 10.3 million acres of non-federal land in Washington. The HCP will cover 63 fish and wildlife species, including 30 listed as state or federal endangered, threatened, sensitive, candidate or species of concern, including 6 salmon species, bull trout, and 6 stream-breeding amphibians. This HCP will also complement the Northwest Forest Project on federal lands in the range of the northern spotted owl.

West Virginia

Blackwater Canyon HCP - Allegheny Wood Products (Tucker County, WV) $229,025

This grant will help establish baseline conditions and begin the development of an HCP for the Allegheny Wood Product's landholding in Blackwater Canyon within the Monongahela Countrywide Forest. The HCP will benefit the threatened Cheat Mountain salamander and the endangered West Virginia northern flying squirrel, and includes important habitat for 2 federally listed bats, the Virginia big-eared bat, and the Indiana bat, while facilitating reasonable use of this private property.

Habitat Conservation Planning Land Acquisition Grants by State are:

California

San Diego Co. Core (Fieldstone) Area Habitat Conservation Project Land Acquisition (San Diego County, CA) $2,000,000

This grant will be used to help acquire 32 acres of significant habitat for coastal sage scrub species, including the federally threatened coastal California gnatcatcher. This corridor of native habitat is a key linkage between the Multiple Habitat Conservation Plan (MHCP) and the Multiple Species Conservation Plan (MSCP) because it connects these 2 planning areas/core habitat areas that are the subject of increasing development pressure. Preservation of this linkage will also conserve unlisted, but vital, species in the ecosystem such as predators and pollinators that play a key role in maintaining healthy populations of the species covered by the Fieldstone HCP.

San Diego, MSCP Co. Sub-area, Proctor Valley Habitat Conservation Project Land Acquisition (San Diego County, CA) $10,000,000

This grant will help fund the acquisition of 824 acres of significant habitat to benefit the federally threatened coastal California gnatcatcher, and federally endangered Quino checkerspot butterfly and San Diego fairy shrimp as well as portions of landscape corridors used by large mammals. The acquisition will ensure the full functioning of one major and several lesser wildlife corridors and habitat purchased through this grant will bolster the Multiple Species Conservation Plan (MSCP), a cooperative effort that includes the Service, the state, local jurisdictions, the building industry, and environmental groups within southwest San Diego County.

Riverside North Peak and Potrero Canyon Habitat Conservation Project Land Acquisition (Riverside County, CA) $9,000,000

This grant will support the acquisition of approximately 3310 acres of coastal sage scrub, including some of the best remaining contiguous blocks of Riversidean sage scrub in Western Riverside County. The area currently supports approximately 47 pairs of the federally threatened coastal California gnatcatcher, has riparian habitat that supports the federally endangered least Bell's vireo, and contains approximately 179 acres of habitat for the federally endangered Stephens' kangaroo rat. In addition, it will provide core habitat for the Western Riverside Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Project currently under development. The North Peak property serves as a critical linkage from the southeast to the northwest. The Potrero Canyon parcels are vital to the survival of the Stephens' kangaroo rat because they support the biggest and densest populations within the species' range.

San Diego, MSCP City Sub-area, Dennery Canyon and East Elliot Habitat Conservation Project Land Acquisition (San Diego County, CA) $1,720,000

This grant will help fund the acquisition of approximately 82 acres of key habitat for listed species. The East Elliot area supports numerous covered species including the federally endangered willowy monardella and least Bell's vireo and the federally threatened San Diego thornmint and coastal California gnatcatcher. The lands link Mission Trails Regional Park to the south and Marine Core Air Station, Miramar, to the north and encompass an important north/south wildlife corridor. The Dennery Canyon parcels provide a key wildlife corridor in the Multiple Species Conservation Plan (MSCP), and support many sensitive species such as the cactus wren, and federally threatened coastal California gnatcatcher and Otay tarplant. Acquisition of these parcels will also protect vernal pool habitat known to support 6 listed species, including the San Diego and Riverside fairy shrimps.

Colton Substation - Southridge Location Habitat Conservation Project Land Acquisition (Riverside and San Bernardino Counties, CA) $1,000,000

This grant will assist in the purchase of the Southridge Location which is adjacent to 185 acres of habitat already designated for the conservation of the federally endangered Delhi Sands Flower Loving Fly, an inch-long insect that feeds on nectar and mimics the pollinating behavior of hummingbirds or butterflies. Conservation of the Location will add 63 more acres of habitat. This HCP also will protect habitat in perpetuity that is critical for the regional multiple species habitat conservation planning effort. It will provide permanent conservation of habitat occupied by several other listed species such as the threatened coastal California gnatcatcher. The Southridge Location has the 2nd densest population of the Delhi Sands flower-loving fly remaining throughout its range. The federally endangered San Bernardino kangaroo rat may also be found there.

Georgia

Red-cockaded Woodpecker Habitat Conservation Project Land Acquisition - Moody Forest Natural Area (Appling County, GA) $1,093,000

This grant will support the purchase of approximately 1,248 acres that will provide additional habitat, strengthen the value of existing habitat, and ensure the long-term viability of the federally endangered red-cockaded woodpecker population occurring in Moody Forest. Acquisition of these tracts will strengthen the value of Moody Forest by helping to link suitable red-cockaded woodpecker habitat on each side of the property and by increasing the overall amount of habitat under management. Additionally, acquisition of these parcels will enhance habitat values and management efforts to conserve other rare species present on Moody Forest, including nesting bald eagles, indigo snakes, gopher tortoises, and Bachman's sparrows.

Indiana

Least Tern Habitat Conservation Project Land Acquisition (Gibson County, IN) $850,000

This grant will help fund the acquisition of 840 acres of land for a federally endangered interior least tern colony, one of only 2 known east of the Mississippi River. This colony has grown from a single pair to 41 nests this year. The addition of this parcel would supplement the HCP by providing secure nesting habitat on 26 islands throughout the site.

Maryland

Habitat Protection to Support the Delmarva Fox Squirrel Populations at the Offsite Mitigation Area for the Home Port HCP (Queen Anne's County, MD) $1,012,450

This grant will provide funds for the purchase of 266 acres to benefit the federally endangered Delmarva fox squirrel. The property is important for the retention of the population of the Delmarva fox squirrel in the fragmented and quickly developing landscape of the Home Port HCP area, the northern extent of the species range, and, therefore, is a very significant acquisition. Acquiring this parcel will aid in the preservation of genetic as well as environmental diversity for the species. Protection of the mature hardwood forests, unique to this population of Delmarva fox squirrel, will reduce further forest fragmentation and enhance connectivity between forest tracts.

Montana

Plum Creek Native Fish Habitat Conservation Project (Flathead and Lincoln Counties, MT) $4,286,331

This grant will go towards the purchase of 2 parcels of land totaling up to 47,000 acres. The purchase of these properties will prevent development on these high quality native fish (westslope cutthroat trout and federally listed bull trout) and wildlife (federally listed grizzly bear, gray wolf, bald eagle, and Canada lynx) habitats in the last remaining undeveloped river valleys of northwest Montana. A conservation easement will be placed on up to 46,808 acres of high value Plum Creek lands in the Thompson River valley. These lands are contiguous with conservation easement lands acquired through the fiscal year 2001 HCP Land Acquisition program. The plan also includes the protection of up to 160 acres of Plum Creek lands in 2 adjoining parcels of essential fish and wildlife habitat in the Bull River watershed.

Texas

Balcones Canyonlands Conservation Project Land Acquisition (Travis County, TX) $10,000,000

This grant will be used for the acquisition of up to 799 acres of high quality habitat characterized by steep canyons with bands of oak/juniper woodland that benefits the federally endangered golden-cheeked warbler, uplands that serve as potential habitat for the federally endangered black-capped vireo, and cave clusters for karst species. 6 of the 8 listed species covered by the HCP are karst invertebrates. Acquisition of these parcels will protect the surface and subsurface cave habitats that are extremely limited and critical for the continued existence of these species. It will also serve as a buffer between optimal habitat and development pressure as well as reduce habitat fragmentation within the area.

City of Austin/Barton Springs Pool Habitat Conservation Project Land Acquisition (Travis County, TX) $1,044,550

This grant will help fund the acquisition of up to 5,685-acres that sit on the recharge zone of the Barton Springs, home of the federally endangered Barton Springs salamander. Acquisition of this property may also benefit federally endangered golden-cheeked warblers occurring on the property. The Location has the potential to become habitat for the endangered black-capped vireo.

Utah

Washington Co. Habitat Conservation Project Desert Tortoise Reserve (Washington County, UT) $8,720,100

This grant will be used for the acquisition of up to 1,631 acres of essential habitat for the federally threatened desert tortoise. The acquisition and public management of these lands within the HCP preserve area will assist in preserving and enhancing habitat for the tortoise by providing a continuous habitat corridor for tortoises from Padre and Snow Canyons to Paradise Canyon and Hwy. 18 on the east, preventing future fragmentation of habitat.

Washington

Yakima River Wildlife Corridor Land Acquisition (Kittitas County) $3,297,569

This HCP Land Acquisition Grant, associated with the Plum Creek HCP, will help fund the purchase of in excess of 2,190 acres of fish and wildlife habitat that will provide major benefits for the federally listed northern spotted owl, Canada lynx, gray wolf, grizzly bear, bull trout, and bald eagle. The acquisition complements the Northwest Forest Project and Snoqualmie Pass Adaptive Management Project and allows for wildlife to move north and south at both high and low elevations along the Cascade Crest The Cascades Conservation Partnership has already raised over $2.4 million in private funds to match the public funds and Plum Creek Timber Company is donating $50,000. The Trust for Public Lands is assisting with land acquisition transactions. Other conservation plans in this area include the Mountains to Sound Greenway, a major land exchange between Plum Creek and the U.S. Forest Service, and recovery of endangered salmonids in the Yakima River Watershed. The combination of these efforts will greatly enhance and safeguard ecosystem health in the central Cascade Mountains.

Steamboat Land Acquisition (Jefferson and Clallam Counties) $5,482,000

This HCP Land Acquisition Grant, associated with the Washington DNR HCP, will purchase 365 acres of old-growth forest, including a stand with the highest known nesting density of the threatened marbled murrelet. The acquisition will also benefit the threatened northern spotted owl by providing a link for owl movement between coastal lowlands and mid-elevation interior habitats. It will also enhance access to coastal feeding areas for marbled murrelets and benefit other non-listed species that use old-growth forest on the Olympic Peninsula. All 3 parcels are adjacent to DNR lands that contain additional old-growth forest. The acquisition will increase connections between habitat parcels and complement the protection provisions of the DNR HCP.

Methow Watershed - Phase II Land Acquisition (Okanogan County) $1,800,000

This HCP Land Acquisition Grant, associated with the Washington DNR HCP, will help fund the purchase of 568 acres of land and 5 miles of river frontage and deciduous forest along the mainstem of the Methow River. The purchase will add to the Methow Watershed protection project, underway for nearly a decade, that has already secured in excess of 10,000 acres for conservation. The emphasis is to secure the most critical lowland riparian habitats and to provide a wildlife corridor connection with the surrounding public forest and wilderness. Nationally, the Methow is the only watershed where the northern spotted owl, bald eagle, grizzly bear, Canada lynx, bull trout, and gray wolf, all federally listed species, occur together. The presence of large carnivores indicates that this ecosystem is still healthy, but these rare animals need large areas free from human disturbance. This acquisition will have significant benefits for federally listed spring chinook salmon and steelhead, migratory songbirds, and the state's biggest migratory mule deer herd. The plan is an integral part of a broad partnership with local and regional land trusts, government agencies, and tribes including the Washington Departments of Fish and Wildlife, Ecology and Natural Resources, the Salmon Recovery Backing Board, the Methow Conservancy, and the Trust for Public Land.

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