Austin extends permit protecting 32,000 acres of wildland, endangered species
Published: Thu, 10/19/23
Austin extends permit protecting 32,000 acres of wildland, endangered species
The golden-cheeked warbler is one of several endangered species that prompted the creation of the permit in 1996. (Courtesy Austin Parks and Recreation Department)
Community Impact
By Grace Dickens
Updated
A 15-year permit to fast-track development while protecting endangered species was renewed by Austin and Travis County officials in September.
What’s happening?
Initially set to expire in 2026, the permit requires Austin and Travis County to offset habitat loss in the area by purchasing and preserving wildlands where the endangered species can live. In exchange, local developments undergo expedited permitting processes, which would otherwise take several years.
Since 1996, the BCCP has resulted in:
- 1,200 applications from private landowners for BCCP permits
- 300 public infrastructure projects built with these permits
- Over 17,000 acres of protected wildlife habitat acquired to offset these projects
The BCCP permitting process is a faster alternative to federal permitting for those wishing to build in western Travis County areas inhabited by endangered species, said Erik Luna, Austin Water senior public information officer, in an email.
“This streamlined option offers more certainty in project cost and timing and provides local conservation authorities and developers with a more open and transparent avenue for addressing and negotiating priorities for both local development and conservation and habitat protection,” Luna said.
After the extension process is complete, the city and county will be issued an updated permit with the new expiration date. In addition to extending the permit, updates were made to the interlocal agreement between the city and county to meet modern industry standards, Luna said.