The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is beginning the process of evaluating a request from Schlitterbahn New Braunfels for a Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) and an incidental take permit from the Service. A 30-day public comment period will open on November, 18, 2014, and comments will be accepted through December 22, 2014.
Schlitterbahn in New Braunfels is applying for a permit from the Service for the incidental “take” “take”
The term “take” means to harass, harm, pursue, hunt, shoot, wound, kill, trap, capture, or collect, or to attempt to engage in any such conduct.
Learn more about “take” of the endangered fountain darter, a fish that is found only in the Comal and San Marcos rivers in central Texas. Schlitterbahn is located in New Braunfels, Texas, along the Comal River and has operated at this location for over 35 years. The company is developing a Habitat Conservation Plan that will identify ways Schlitterbahn will avoid, minimize, and mitigate harm to fountain darters in the Comal River while operating the waterpark and resort. To operate water rides in the amusement park, Schlitterbahn withdraws and recirculates water from the Comal River and offers other recreational experiences on the river.
We are requesting public comment on the scope of the issues that the Service should consider in its environmental review of the proposed permit under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). The Service will use the comments as part of the development of the environmental review as required by NEPA. Written comments on alternatives and issues to be addressed must be received by close of business on December 22, 2014. A public scoping meeting will be held on Tuesday, November 25, 2014, from 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. at the Schlitterbahn Meeting Facility, 285 North Liberty Avenue, New Braunfels, TX 78130. Comments may be submitted to the Service in one of the following ways: ? Electronically: fw2_aues_consult@fws.gov ? U.S. Mail: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 10711 Burnet Road, Austin, TX 78758.
America’s fish, wildlife, and plant resources belong to all of us, and ensuring the health of imperiled species is a shared responsibility. We’re working to actively engage conservation partners and the public in the search for improved and innovative ways to conserve and recover imperiled species.
