Aquatic Lands Habitat Conservation Plan
Our Habitat Conservation Plan for state-owned aquatic lands will define the actions we take to avoid and minimize impacts on at-risk species and balance public benefits for the people of Washington.
We carry out and authorize activities that have the potential to affect species that depend on aquatic habitats during migration, breeding, foraging, and other activities. By developing an HCP, we can ensure that we are minimizing effects to covered species, while providing a balance of public benefits on these lands.
Why is this HCP being prepared?
The two main goals of the Aquatic Lands HCP are to:
- Protect sensitive, threatened, and endangered species that may be vulnerable to DNR's authorized activities, and
- Gain assurances under the federal Endangered Species Act (ESA) so that DNR can continue to authorize activities on state-owned aquatic lands.
To do this, we are analyzing how and where certain species that depend on aquatic habitats during migration, breeding, and foraging could be affected by activities that DNR authorizes on state-owned aquatic lands.
Which species are included in this HCP?
The species of greatest concern are those listed as threatened or endangered under the ESA. Of the 87 species initially considered for inclusion in the Aquatic Lands HCP, 22 have been identified for coverage (see list). Species were selected after we examined how each might be negatively affected by activities that take place on state-owned aquatic land. We may add additional species as more information becomes available.
Who will be affected by this HCP?
The Aquatic Lands HCP will primarily affect businesses, individuals, and government agencies that lease or use state-owned aquatic lands for the following purposes:
- Overwater structures (docks, boat ramps, mooring buoys, nearshore buildings, floating homes, marinas, shipyards, and terminals)
- Aquaculture (finfish and shellfish)
- Log booming and storage
Timeline
Winter 2009 - Draft HCP completed. DNR to hold regional information forums on HCP.
Winter 09/10 - Public review under National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) to begin.
Winter/Spring 2011 - Issuance of incidental take permit.
How can you provide input?
This website will be updated to keep you informed of our progress and opportunities for you to provide input. You may contact us at anytime by emailing us.
What's Been Accomplished So Far?
- Performed extensive research and information gathering.
- Assembled an interdisciplinary ESA Compliance Technical Review Panel to review the research and modeling used to determine covered species and potential effects.
- In the summer of 2006, DNR held several public workshops around the state to discuss habitat conservation planning. Information that was presented at those workshops, and that is being used to develop the HCP, has been summarized.
- Performed National Environmental Policy Act scoping – fall 2006
- Provided HCP information to constituents, industry, interest groups, non-government organizations, and government planners (see Newsletters listed below).
What's next?
To prepare for the Winter 2009 draft Aquatic Lands HCP, we are developing
- Draft conservation strategies
- Protocols for how DNR will prioritize aquatic lands conservation and restoration strategies
- An Adaptive Management Plan
- Effectiveness Monitoring Plan
- Implementation guidance
- Staffing plan
- Budget
Newsletters
June 2007
March 2006
July 2005