Perdido Key Habitat Conservation Plan

This habitat conservation plan, or HCP, addresses potential impacts to habitat for state and federally listed species which may occur due to development of projects located on Perdido Key. HCPs are planning documents required as part of an application for an incidental take permit. They describe the anticipated effects of the proposed taking; how those impacts will be minimized, or mitigated; and how the HCP is to be funded. HCPs can apply to both listed and nonlisted species, including those that are candidates or have been proposed for listing. Conserving species before they are in danger of extinction or are likely to become so can also provide early benefits and prevent the need for listing.

Escambia County has obtained an United States Fish and Wildlife Service Incidental Take Permit, as provided under section 10(a)(1)(B) of the Endangered Species Act. In formulating Section 10 of the ESA, Congress envisioned a process for the resolution of conflicts between traditional and lawful land-use practices and the conservation of protected species. Escambia County is implementing and streamlining the application process for non-federal requests for take of listed species in a manner that will also ensure adequate conservation measures are in existence for listed species on Perdido Key. Implementation of the programs and policies contained in this Habitat Conservation Plan will allow the county to engage in these activities in a manner and extent compatible with the protection of Perdido Key Beach Mouse, sea turtles and shorebirds.