The United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) is the federal agency responsible for monitoring and enforcing the policies of the Endangered Species Act. As part of this responsibility, the USFWS issues Incidental Take Permits, upon review and approval of a Habitat Conservation Plan.

The staff and applicants of the Cumberland HCP work closely with USFWS staff, primarily the Cookeville Field Office, to ensure HCP components meet the requirements of the Endangered Species Act. Below are some useful links from the USFWS website related to HCPs and Cumberland HCP issues.

USFWS HCP FAQs

White Nose Syndrome in Bats

Efforts to Prepare for White Nose Syndrome in the Southeast

USFWS Critical Habitat Mapping Portal

USFWS Endangered Species Program

USFWS Tennessee Ecological Services Office (5-Year Review Documents)

Draft Recovery Plan for Cumberland Elktoe, Oyster Mussel, Cumberlandian Combshell, Purple Bean, & Rough Rabbitsfoot Mussels

Cumberland Bean Pearlymussel Species Profile

Purple Bean Mussel Species Profile