Issuing permit for East Contra Costa HCP July 25, 2007. The East Contra Costa County Habitat Conservation Plan is an example of a regional HCP.

Habitat Conservation Plans (HCPs)

A better way to help species

Harming Listed Species. Endangered and threatened species often occur on non-Federal land. (Private, corporate, state, local or tribal) Otherwise-lawful activities on this land can harm protected species or their habitat. The Endangered Species Act (ESA) calls that harm take and prohibits it.

HCPs are planning documents prepared by non-federal parties as part of an application for an incidental take permit. An HCP includes:

1. An assessment of the likely impacts on protected species
2. Measures that will be taken to monitor, minimize and mitigate for impacts
3. An analysis of alternatives not chosen.

After the Service approves an HCP, we issue an incidental take permit. This allows the party to legally proceed with an activity that otherwise would result in unlawful take of a protected species.

Where to Start?

Contact the Sacramento Fish and Wildlife Office, Conservation, Planning and Recovery Division to determine whether a contemplated activity is likely to require an incidental take permit and to begin the application process. (916) 414-6588 (Ask for the HCP coordinator)

Some Major HCPs Within Our Jurisdiction

Regional HCPs

HCP Name & Permit Holder Link	Plan
East Contra Costa	Link
Kern Water Bank	Link (Select Wildlife & Vegetation, KWB HCP/NCCP)
Metropolitan Bakersfield	Link (13.2 MB PDF)
Natomas	Link
San Bruno Mountain	Link
San Joaquin County	Link

Regional HCPs Under Development

HCP Name & Permit Holder Link	Draft Plan	Notice of Action	Implemation Agreement
Butte County	Link
PG&E	Link
Placer County	Link
Santa Clara	Link
Solano	Link
South Sacramento	Link
Stanford University	EIS & Draft Plan	Link	Link
Yolo
Yuba-Sutter	Link

For a complete list of HCPs across the country, visit our national Conservation Plans & Agreements Database.