Travis County and the City of Austin (collectively “BCCP Staff”) are seeking applications from interested and eligible individuals to serve on the Balcones Canyonlands Conservation Plan (BCCP) Biological Advisory Team (BAT). This advisory group will provide technical expertise related to federally listed species and at-risk species, including the calculation of impacts and the sizing and configuration of habitat preserves. Members will guide decisions that consider both the need for infrastructure and development and the need for long-term habitat conservation throughout Travis County.
The Balcones Canyonlands Conservation Plan (BCCP) is a regional Habitat Conservation Plan jointly implemented by Travis County and the City of Austin in compliance with the Endangered Species Act (ESA). The BCCP incidental take permit was issued in 1996, establishing a 30-year conservation program designed to permit regional growth while protecting endangered species. The BCCP currently remains active while it undergoes the renewal process.
Members should demonstrate relevant expertise and professional experience in conservation, biology, ecology, and/or related scientific disciplines, with particular knowledge of Central Texas ecology and natural resource management. Expertise should be relevant to species currently covered by the BCCP, as well as at-risk species that may become listed within Travis County. This may include, but is not limited to, the monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus), tricolored bat (Perimyotis subflavus), and various salamander species.
Members of the BAT should anticipate a time commitment of approximately 5–8 hours per month during the BCCP permit renewal process. This includes attending scheduled meetings, reviewing technical biological data and habitat analyses, and providing input on preserve design and species considerations.
The BAT is expected to be active from late 2026 through mid-2029, with a higher level of engagement anticipated during key technical analysis phases in 2027–2028 and during review of draft permit documents in 2028–2029.
Committee members will be selected in accordance with TPWD Code, Chapter 83. The following criteria may be considered during the selection process:
- Ability to regularly attend meetings, dedicate time to review technical documents, and provide timely and meaningful technical recommendations;
- Demonstrated professional expertise in habitat conservation planning, listed and at-risk species life histories, Central Texas ecology, natural resources management, and/or mitigation development and implementation;
- Knowledge and experience with monitoring and reporting on listed and at-risk species, particularly species occurring within Travis County;
- Ability to work collaboratively and constructively with City and County staff and their consultants to help guide development of the BCCP;
- Knowledge of the Endangered Species Act and Texas state regulations associated with habitat conservation plans; and
- Representation of a range of relevant scientific disciplines, areas of expertise, and perspectives.
- Interested individuals are encouraged to submit an application describing their relevant experience and interest in serving on the BAT.
If you are interested in serving on the BCCP Biological Advisory Team, please submit your information below.
Note: Meetings of the Citizen Advisory Committee and Biological Advisory Team are subject to the Texas Open Meetings Act and the Texas Public Information Act.