Cumberland Habitat
Conservation Plan

BACKGROUND

What is an HCP?

Why an HCP for the Cumberland Plateau?

Who is involved in the HCP effort?

How are the HCPs being developed?

What HCPs are being developed?

Where will the HCPs be located?

What are the species of concern in the Cumberlands?

What are the benefits of an HCP for private interests and landowners?

What are the benefits to communities and conservationists?

How is the Cumberlands HCP Project being funded?

How are the HCPs being developed?

Development of the Cumberlands HCP (or HCPs) is a proactive and collaborative effort, with the Development Team to facilitate and coordinate activities throughout the HCP development process. Central to this collaboration is three working groups—one focused on coal mining, one for forestry, and another for water quality and supply. Each group will be largely comprised of representatives of user groups such as private businesses, landowners, local municipalities and professional associations, as well as state and federal agency staff. Each working group will collaborate on identifying potential HCP holders and evaluating and developing HCP opportunities for their resource use. The Science Advisory Committee will provide scientific support and input on species conservation priorities, threat information and conservation strategies. While this development process is a shared effort of many public and private stakeholders, the ultimate decision to move forward with developing an HCP lies with the potential HCP holder.

There are two main phases of the Cumberland HCP development process. Since, there is a wide variety of alternative HCPs feasible in the Cumberlands involving different land uses and possible permit holders, there is a need to first develop the rough concept of the HCP(s) and identify potential HCP participants. The primary goal of the first phase (2005 and 2006) is to support the various counties, landowners and others and provide them with the information necessary to make an informed decision as whether to seek an HCP. Once the HCP holder or holders have been identified, beginning early in 2007, the second phase will begin as the HCP development process focuses on completing the HCP that meets the needs of the future holder of that HCP. A number of factors contribute to the length of time that it takes to complete an HCP. It’s estimated that after the HCP holder is identified, it would take 2-3 years more to complete the HCP.