The Cumberland HCP Science Advisory Committee (SAC) provides independent advice and feedback to ensure a solid scientific basis for the HCPs--a critical component of the HCP. The SAC is comprised of academics, agency scientists, natural resource staff, graduate students, and a variety of other experts (membership list), most of whom participate on a voluntary basis. The SAC maximizes effectiveness of conservation planning for the covered species, ensuring that the best available science is available to the HCP Teams and that this scientific information is applied appropriately within the HCP. A shared interest in conservation and scientific issues enables this large group of people to participate on a small and large scale.

Separate species working groups provide guidance to the Core Team and Steering Committee on species-specific issues.  Working groups for the following groups of species have been established: Mussels, Bats, Blackside Dace, Mammals, Warblers, Amphibians, Reptiles, Mollusks, Plants, and Crayfish. The SAC and species working groups meet the scientific review needs of both HCPs.

The SAC has met several times throughout HCP development, and will continue to do so. Early in the process, the SAC identified fundamental challenges to species conservation in the Cumberlands, including links between species and sources of take.  Ongoing functions of the SAC include reviewing draft FRHCP text and the CHCP covered species lists.