Commissioners Court - Regular Session

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29.

Meeting Date:	05/22/2012
Request to the US Fish and Wildlife Service
Submitted For:	Valerie Covey	Submitted By:	Terri Countess, Commissioner Pct. #3
Department:	Commissioner Pct. #3
Agenda Category:	Regular Agenda Items

Information

Agenda Item

Discuss and take appropriate action on a request to the US Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) regarding Williamson County/Central Texas salamander (Eurycea sp.) species.

Background

In August 2011 the FWS issued a letter outlining a settlement agreement to expedite a listing review of over 200 species nationwide of which three directly affect Williamson County. The County, through the Williamson County Conservation Foundation, has initiated a scientific review regarding the possible listing criteria and has begun to share that information with the public as well as with FWS. The County has been requested by landowner groups and related interested parties to request a delay in the likely publication date – presently expected in late May or early June – in the Federal Register until at least July 31 to allow additional time for submission of scientific data, including but not limited to detailed water quality data.

This requested delay will provide time for best available science to be presented. These scientific findings will include those prepared by and on behalf of the County and allow time for possible additional information from other scientific reviews. Also, in Commissioners Court on 5/08/12 a specific request for supporting a delay was presented by a Williamson County landowner group.

Fiscal Impact

From/To	Acct No.	Description	Amount

Attachments
US Fish and Wildlife Letter

Form Review

Inbox	Reviewed By	Date
County Judge Exec Asst.	Wendy Coco	05/17/2012 11:14 AM
Form Started By: tcountess		Started On: 05/17/2012 11:03 AM
Final Approval Date: 05/17/2012