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 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 of participating in HCP Planning?

How is the Cumberlands HCP Project being funded?

What are the species of concern in the Cumberlands?

The forests and rivers of the Cumberlands are among the most biologically diverse temperate-zone habitats in the world, and harbor an extraordinary variety of plants, fish, mussels, salamanders, fungi, and other species—many of which are found only in the Cumberlands. Over 80 rare species of plants and animals occur in the project area, including 20 federally listed Endangered or Threatened animal species, one of the highest concentrations of protected species in the United States. The area also contains an extensive karst topographical region, with thousands of caves which support one of the most diverse assemblages of cave-dwelling animals on the planet.