Habitat Conservation Planning For Endangered Species

Target Audience:

Individuals responsible for assisting in the development of Habitat Conservation Plans.

Summary and Objectives:

This course addresses the basic steps and processes regarding Habitat Conservation Planning under Section 10(a)(1)(B) of the Endangered Species Act. Case studies and interactive exercises are used to reinforce lecture sessions.

Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:

• Explain the legal and policy background that forms the basis of Section 10(a)(1)(B) permit process.
• Describe the role of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Marine Fisheries Service, the applicant, and other parties in Section 10(a)(1)(B) process.
• Explain how to provide guidance in developing an HCP that meets statutory and biological requirements.
• Initiate and develop the Section 10(a)(1)(B) documents necessary to complete the HCP process.
• List permit processing steps, from submission of the application to permit issuance.
• Describe statutory permit issuance criteria and explain biological standards and Service and NMFS policies involved in the permit issuance decision.
• Identify post-issuance compliance and options for corrective actions; and * Explain relationships among HCPs, the National Environmental Policy Act, and Section 7 Section 7
  Section 7 Consultation The Endangered Species Act (ESA) directs all Federal agencies to work to conserve endangered and threatened species and to use their authorities to further the purposes of the Act. Section 7 of the Act, called "Interagency Cooperation," is the mechanism by which Federal agencies ensure the actions they take, including those they fund or authorize, do not jeopardize the existence of any listed species.
  
  Learn more about Section 7 .

Competencies Addressed: 

Conservation Biology - Basic, Landscape Ecology - Basic, Environmental Compliance - Basic, Partnering - Basic, Oral Communication - Basic, Negotiation - Basic