Ecological Services for the La Cantera Preserves
San Antonio, Texas
Overview:
SWCA was selected to prepare an environmental assessment/habitat conservation plan (EA/HCP) to assist the La Cantera Development Company in obtaining ESA Section 10(a) incidental take permits for karst (cave dwelling) invertebrates. The permit was necessary for the company to develop 1,000 acres in northwestern San Antonio for the Shops at La Cantera retail center.
Services Provided:
- Karst invertebrate habitat surveys
- Biological and archaeological field surveys
- Biota collections
- Hydrogeologic evaluations of 10 caves for the purpose of delineating on-site and off-site cave preserves
- Acted as a liaison between the USFWS and landholders to determine and minimize development impacts on nine species of endangered karst invertebrates
- Designed and implemented karst maintenance and monitoring plans for cave preserves
Results:
SWCA's technical expertise allowed the La Cantera Development Company to obtain their permits in time to avoid costly project delays. The permits resulted in the creation of five off-site cave preserves that will provide protected endangered species habitat in perpetuity. As part of the mitigation agreement, La Cantera Development Company funded genetics studies on one of the endangered invertebrates, Cicurina spp., that are increasing understanding of the genus’s genetics and speciation patterns.
©2006, SWCA Environmental Consultants. All rights reserved.
