For a summary of the history of the EARIP click here.

Why are public meetings being held and public comments invited?

Stakeholders in the EARIP are committed to the goal of contributing to the recovery of the federally-protected species dependent on the Edwards Aquifer while balancing the water needs of the greater region. To this end, the EARIP is preparing a Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) that will describe the anticipated effects of certain actions on the endangered species and how those effects will be minimized or mitigated.

The United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) will determine whether to approve the HCP and whether to issue a permit for any incidental taking of Edwards endangered species including the fountain darter, the San Marcos salamander, the San Marcos gambusia, the Texas blind salamander, the Peck’s cave amphipod, the Comal Springs dryopid beetle, and the Comal Springs riffle beetle. The USFWS will also evaluate possible impacts to other species, such as the Texas wild rice and karst, riverine, and estuarine species.

The National Environmental Policy Act requires the USFWS to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement to evaluate the impacts of, and alternatives to, the proposed incidental take permit. Accordingly, the EARIP and USFWS are seeking public input regarding the alternatives and issues to be addressed in the draft Environmental Impact Statement through public meetings and written public comments.

When and where are the public meetings?

Persons are invited to participate in public meetings to be held in seven locations within the Edwards Aquifer region, all from 6 to 8 p.m. in the evening.

Thursday, April 1, 2010
Victoria Community Center, 2905 East North Street, Victoria, Texas, 77901

Monday, April 12, 2010
New Braunfels Civic Center, 375 S. Casteel Avenue, New Braunfels, Texas, 78130

Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Texas AgriLife Research and Extension Ctr., 1619 Garner Field Rd., Uvalde, TX, 78801

Monday, April 19, 2010
San Marcos Activity Center, 501 East Hopkins St., San Marcos, Texas, 78666

Monday, April 26, 2010
San Antonio Water System Customer Service Building, 2800 North US Highway 281, San Antonio, Texas 78212

Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Harte Research Institute, Texas A&M Corpus Christi, 6300 Ocean Drive, Corpus Christi, Texas, 78412

Thursday, April 29, 2010
Schreiner University, Cailloux Activity Ctr, 2100 Memorial Blvd., Kerrville, TX, 78028

How can comments be submitted by the public?

Persons may provide oral or written comments at a public meeting, or provide comments by mail or through this website until 5 p.m. June 2, 2010. Comments may be mailed to Mr. Adam Zerenner, Field Supervisor, USFWS Austin Ecological Services Field Office, 10711 Burnet Road, Suite 200, Austin, Texas 78758-4460.

Comments can also be submitted through the use of the form linked below. Comments may be typed directly into the form, or material from existing Word or PDF documents may be copied from the original and pasted into the form. There are several categories or text boxes in the form. Comments can be typed or pasted in these text boxes, depending on the subject or subjects. It is not necessary to type a name or address on the form. Click here to open the public comment form.

Where can additional information be found?

Persons seeking additional information regarding the Edwards Aquifer Recovery Implementation Program and the Edwards endangered species are invited to visit the main EARIP website http://www.earip.org. But first, read the reports listed below that may be especially helpful for participation in the public meeting and public comment process:

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EARIP Science Subcommittee Report 2008
EARIP Science Subcommittee Report 2009
Dr. Tom Hardy Report
EARIP Recharge Subcommittee Report
EARIP Ecosystem Restoration Subcommittee Reports: Comal & San Marcos
Memorandum of Agreement among EARIP Stakeholders
Implementation Agreement among EARIP Stakeholders
Federal Register Notice of March 5, 2010 for Public Comment Process
Priorities for Restoration, Comal and San Marcos Springs

The EARIP history or background is included in the summary linked to the top of the home page of this website. Other questions regarding EARIP can be addressed to Dr. Robert Gulley, EARIP Program Manager at rlgulley@ag.tamu.edu.