DEPARTMENT: Development Services
DEPARTMENT HEAD: Michael Shannon, PE, CBO
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: All
SUBJECT:
Third party conservation bank Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with EBX-GCW, LLC
SUMMARY:
This is a third party conservation bank MOU with EBX-GCW, LLC to utilize conservation credits from the Festina Lente Ranch (FLR) Conservation Bank Agreement in furtherance of habitat protection activities related to the Southern Edwards Plateau Habitat Conservation Plan (SEP HCP).
At this time, FLR has approximately 495 Golden-Cheeked Warbler (GCW) conservation credits currently available. Up to an additional 618 credits may be added in Phase 2 pursuant to the requirements of the FLR Conservation Bank Agreement. These credits, and any approved future credits, will be available as a preferred solution for satisfying an Applicant’s mitigation requirements with respect to GCW Preservation Credits and related activities and can be transferred to the SEP-HCP ledger after purchase by an SEP-HCP Applicant.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
This item furthers the mission and purpose of the approved SEP-HCP which is a joint project of Bexar County and the City of San Antonio to provide an alternative and efficient means of achieving compliance with the Endangered Species Act.
ISSUE:
The proposed MOU would provide addition credits to become available as a preferred solution on the SEP-HCP ledger for GCW habitat.
ALTERNATIVES:
Not approving the MOU would possibly result in a loss of the available GCW credits available through the proposed agreement with EBX-GCW, LLC.
FISCAL IMPACT:
None. Funds have already been budgeted for activities related to the SEP-HCP.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends approval of the MOU.