The species covered under the agreement include the Texas fawnsfoot, which is currently proposed for listing as threatened under the ESA. Learn more about invasive species, as well as freshwater mussel enhancement and protection and land conservation. Their unwelcome presence can destroy ecosystems and cost millions of dollars. Urbanization and changes in climate patterns exacerbate these effects.Ĭonservation measures outlined for the mussels in LCRA’s CCAA include addressing water quantity, water quality, and invasive species invasive speciesĪn invasive species is any plant or animal that has spread or been introduced into a new area where they are, or could, cause harm to the environment, economy, or human, animal, or plant health. Learn more about riparian and instream habitat fragmentation, and degradation of instream habitats. A number of factors threaten freshwater mussels, includingdeclines in water quality, loss of stream flow, riparian riparianĭefinition of riparian habitat or riparian areas.
The Service provides these assurances through an “enhancement of survival” permit, giving authorization to participating landowners for take that is incidental to conservation and ongoing activities covered by the CCAA.ĬCAAs are intended to reduce or remove identified threats to a species. In return, participants receive assurances that no additional conservation measures will be required if the covered species is listed as threatened or endangered under the ESA. “In return for implementing voluntary conservation measures for these species, the CCAA gives LCRA assurance that they can continue to meet the needs of water users throughout the river basin should an Endangered Species Act (ESA) listing occur.”Ī CCAA is a formal, voluntary agreement between the Service and non-federal landowners to conserve habitat that benefits at-risk species. “This conservation agreement with LCRA demonstrates their commitment to conserving native species like freshwater mussels, which are among the most endangered species on the planet,” said Amy Lueders, the Service’s Southwest Regional Director. The 20-year agreement with the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) and Lower Colorado River Authority Transmission Service Corporation (LCRA TSC) would address the conservation needs of the Texas pimpleback, Texas fawnsfoot, Texas fatmucket, and Balcones spike while providing regulatory certainty to LCRA’s water management operations in the river basin. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) is seeking public comment for a proposed Candidate Conservation Agreement with Assurances (CCAA) for four freshwater mussels in the lower Colorado River basin in Texas.
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