Regional Habitat Conservation Plan

Over the next 30 years, the population of Comal County, Texas, is expected to grow to 202,500, a 78 percent increase. As the population grows, native woodlands will increasingly be converted to urban and suburban landscapes. In addition to loss of open space, increased land development in the County is likely to cause the loss and disturbance of habitat used by species protected under the Federal Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended, 16 USC § 1531 et seq. (ESA).

In order to conserve the County’s endangered species and to help landowners and other entities comply with the ESA as efficiently and cost-effectively as possible, the Comal County Commissioners Court and a citizens advisory committee investigated ways to protect endangered species habitat while allowing for continued growth. They developed, and the Court approved, a Comal County Regional Habitat Conservation Plan (CCRHCP) designed to facilitate landowner compliance with the federal Endangered Species Act. Landowner participation in the County's Plan is voluntary, though compliance with federal law is not. The CCRHCP offers a relatively easy and cost-effective way to comply with federal law. If a landowner decides to participate voluntarily in the CCRHCP, they will receive an Overview Letter that describes the steps for achieving compliance with the law through the CCRHCP.

For additional information about the CCRHCP, please review the CCRHCP Informational Flyer.