The San Benito County Board of Supervisors today approved a
contract with an environmental review company for endangered and
threatened species conservation in a move meant to keep leaders
informed on habitat protection laws.
HOLLISTER
The San Benito County Board of Supervisors today approved a contract with an environmental review company for species conservation planning in a move meant to keep leaders informed on habitat protection laws.
The firm, Menlo Park-based TRA Environmental Sciences, Inc., will also assist county staff in reviewing findings and recommending the best approach for project and regional conservation planning for endangered and threatened species protection.
When the study is complete, officials expect it will lead to the formation of a broader wildlife plan, said County Planning and Building Inspection Director Art Henriques.
Supervisors awarded the contract in the amount not to exceed $50,000, with funds coming from habitat conservation fees and without drawing from the general fund.
Henriques said that conservation efforts started in the county in the early 1990s to protect the San Joaquin Kit Fox. The conservation efforts focused on the Panoche Valley, Bitterwater and north county and for a 10-plus year period, the county kept a database for these areas on the status of wildlife. Henriques added that since 2003, the database has not been kept up.
The contract will keep the county up to date with federal laws protecting habitats for certain species. Supervisor Anthony Botelho said he was weary about entering into a new contract at the time, but that “we have to do this to be in compliance with federal laws.”
According to the board transmittal, TRA will complete six items to give to the board to create future guidelines. The items are:
– Reviewing and revising existing biological and land use
– Reviewing covered species lists, habitats and biological focus areas
– Having discussions with county and wildlife agencies
– Refining management zones
– Developing preliminary conservation strategies
– Development of other options and contingencies
