Cumberlands Habitat
Conservation Plan

WATER RESOURCES HCP GATEWAY

Objectives and Approach

Organization and Roles

Permit Applicants

Covered Activities

Covered Species

Factsheets

HCP Documents

Impact Avoidance, Minimization and Mitigation Measures

Meeting Notes and Presentations

Related Research

HCP Maps

Species Covered by the HCP

What species will be covered by an HCP?

For now, the Cumberland HCP team has selected the following “focal species”:

The Science Advisory Committee selected these focal species because of their broad distribution in this portion of the Cumberlands and the amount of available information about these species (distribution, population status and threats). Additionally they may serve as “umbrella species” where protection activities for the focal species provide protection for species that occupy the same habitats. Except for the cerulean warbler, all these species are federally listed animals.

In addition to the above species, six species have also been identified as good candidates for inclusion into a HCP: gray bat, ashy darter, Cumberland Johnny darter, Big South Fork crayfish, Cumberland rosemary, and Virginia spirea. These species compliment the focal species, occupying similar ranges and habitats within the project area.

While these focal species are a priority of inclusion in an HCP, the objective of this project is to cover as many animal and plant species as practical to provide the greatest conservation benefit and benefits to the future HCP holder. Ultimately, the HCP holder works with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to determine the final list of species that will be covered by the HCP.