Hicks & Company teamed with another consultant in preparing an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the USFWS in response to development of the Balcones Canyonlands Conservation Plan (BCCP) and consideration of the issuance of an incidental take permit by the USFWS for eight listed endangered species in western Travis County under Section 10(a)(1)(B) of the Endangered Species Act. Issuance of the permit constituted a federal action with the potential to significantly affect the human environment, thus requiring an EIS pursuant to provisions of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). Hicks & Company applied knowledge of species inhabiting karst and Edwards Aquifer spring habitats to develop baseline descriptions of the affected environment, and evaluated environmental consequences of regional habitat conservation plan alternatives. Evaluation of environmental consequences also involved application of knowledge concerning City of Austin watershed ordinances and familiarity with federal and state endangered species regulations.

The permit area comprised approximately 89 percent of the total area of Travis County; however, most of the sensitive habitats were within the Edwards Plateau region north, west, and south of the Austin metropolitan area. The permit area is within a growth corridor exhibiting intense development pressure.

The BCCP received national attention as an innovative solution to the problem of endangered species protection, but was not devoid of controversy amid concerns from landowners and developers about the level of economic impact resulting from required development fees and effects on the local tax base of land dedicated to habitat preserves.

Three alternatives were developed: a no action alternative, and two regional permit alternatives, including the proposed action (the BCCP). Findings of the EIS resulted in the approval of the BCCP and issuance of an incidental take permit for two endangered bird species and six endangered invertebrate species inhabiting subterranean karst features. Additionally, 25 other karst species and 2 plants (candidates for listing) are also included in the plan. The BCCP has now been operating for several years, resulting in the protection of over 30,000 acres of habitat.

The development of the BCCP and EIS is impressive, given the long history of controversy in the region surrounding the conflict between environmental and development interests. Successful completion of the BCCP and EIS resulted from recognition of the need to reconcile the needs of endangered species and associated biological systems with the needs of the regional economy. Development of consensus and compromise required to achieve this success was facilitated by the abilities and technical expertise of Hicks & Company.