Recovery Plan Ad Hoc Report results

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Plan Title Plan Stage Plan Lead Region (FWS) Plan Lead Office (FWS) Species Common Name Species Scientific Name Action Priority Action Number Action Description Action Status Estimated Initiation Date Estimated Completion Date Action Lead Agencies Responsible Parties Work Types Labor Types Comments Implementation Activity Number Implementation Activity Description Implementation Activity Status Implementation Activity Estimated Initiation Date Implementation Activity Estimated Completion Date Implementation Activity Labor Types Implementation Activity Work Types Implementation Activity Responsible Parties Implementation Activity Comments Implementation Activity Species
Barton Springs Salamander Recovery Plan F 2 Austin Ecological Services Field Office (512) 937-7371 Barton Springs salamander Eurycea sosorum 1 1.1.1 Identify, field verify, and map stream crossings and major recharge features and potential sources of catastrophic spills Not Started Other U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Texas Department of Transportation, City of Austin , Travis County , Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, Hays County, Other jurisdictions/entities, as appropriate Work type not yet selected Labor type not yet selected Priority 1(b); costs are for 2 years at a time (i.e., 2005-2006; 2007-2008); supports actions 1.1.3 and 1.1.4
Barton Springs Salamander Recovery Plan F 2 Austin Ecological Services Field Office (512) 937-7371 Barton Springs salamander Eurycea sosorum 1 1.1.2 Develop a comprehensive database to track potential sources of spills that occur in the Barton Springs watershed Not Started Other U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Texas Department of Transportation, City of Austin , Travis County , Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, Hays County, Other jurisdictions/entities, as appropriate Work type not yet selected Labor type not yet selected Priority 1(b); costs are for 2 years at a time (i.e., 2005-2006; 2007-2008); supports actions 1.1.3 and 1.1.4
Barton Springs Salamander Recovery Plan F 2 Austin Ecological Services Field Office (512) 937-7371 Barton Springs salamander Eurycea sosorum 1 1.13 Develop and implement a catastrophic spill avoidance plan Not Started Other U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Texas Department of Transportation, City of Austin , Travis County , Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, Hays County, Other jurisdictions/entities, as appropriate Work type not yet selected Labor type not yet selected Priority 1(a); costs are for 2 years at a time (i.e., 2005-2006; 2007-2008) 1.13-1 The City of Austin has developed a Barton Springs Salamander Catastrophic Spill Response Plan. It contains information necessary to address spills within the contributing and recharge zones for Barton Springs populations of the Barton Springs salamander including spill planning information, salamander rescue and response procedures, spill containment and response procedures, and monitoring measures. The full completion of this recovery action would require the inclusion of measures to avoid or completely contain catastrophic spills and cooperation from multiple government entities and municipalities to implement. Partially Complete Labor type not yet selected Work type not yet selected
Barton Springs Salamander Recovery Plan F 2 Austin Ecological Services Field Office (512) 937-7371 Barton Springs salamander Eurycea sosorum 1 1.14 Develop and implement a comprehensive regional spill containment and remediation plan Not Started Other U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Texas Department of Transportation, City of Austin , Travis County , Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, Hays County, Other jurisdictions/entities, as appropriate Work type not yet selected Labor type not yet selected Priority 1(a); costs are for 2 years at a time (i.e., 2005-2006; 2007-2008)
Barton Springs Salamander Recovery Plan F 2 Austin Ecological Services Field Office (512) 937-7371 Barton Springs salamander Eurycea sosorum 1 1.15 Implement effective maintenance procedures for existing and future spill containment structures Not Started Other U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Texas Department of Transportation, City of Austin , Travis County , Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, Hays County, Other jurisdictions/entities, as appropriate Work type not yet selected Labor type not yet selected Priority 1(a); costs are for 2 years at a time (i.e., 2005-2006; 2007-2008)
Barton Springs Salamander Recovery Plan F 2 Austin Ecological Services Field Office (512) 937-7371 Barton Springs salamander Eurycea sosorum 1 1.2.1 Develop and implement a regional approach to water quality protection that encompasses the entire Barton Springs watershed Not Started Other Texas Department of Transportation, Lower Colorado River Authority , City of Austin , Travis County , Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, Barton Springs/Edwards Aquifer Conservation District, Hays County, Other jurisdictions/entities, as appropriate Work type not yet selected Labor type not yet selected Priority 1(a); costs are for 2 years at a time (i.e., 2005-2006; 2007-2008)
Barton Springs Salamander Recovery Plan F 2 Austin Ecological Services Field Office (512) 937-7371 Barton Springs salamander Eurycea sosorum 1 1.2.2 Maintain a comprehensive water quality database for the Barton Springs watershed to house water quality information and evaluate the data to use in adaptive management actions to ensure long-term water quality protection Not Started Other U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Geological Survey, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, City of Austin , Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, University of Texas at Austin, Other jurisdictions/entities, as appropriate Work type not yet selected Labor type not yet selected Priority 1(b); costs are for 2 years at a time (i.e., 2005-2006; 2007-2008); supports actions 1.2.1 and 1.2.5
Barton Springs Salamander Recovery Plan F 2 Austin Ecological Services Field Office (512) 937-7371 Barton Springs salamander Eurycea sosorum 1 1.2.3.1 Evaluate sediment quality at specific sites throughout the Barton Springs watershed Not Started Other U.S. Geological Survey, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Texas Department of Transportation, Lower Colorado River Authority , City of Austin , Texas Commission on Environmental Quality Work type not yet selected Labor type not yet selected Priority 1(b); costs are for 2 years at a time (i.e., 2005-2006; 2007-2008); supports actions 1.2.1, 1.2.5, and 3.4
Barton Springs Salamander Recovery Plan F 2 Austin Ecological Services Field Office (512) 937-7371 Barton Springs salamander Eurycea sosorum 1 1.2.3.2 Determine chronic and acute contaminant transport through the aquifer and potential interactions with salamander habitat Not Started Other U.S. Geological Survey, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, Texas Department of Transportation, Lower Colorado River Authority , City of Austin , Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, Barton Springs/Edwards Aquifer Conservation District Work type not yet selected Labor type not yet selected Priority 1(b); costs are for 2 years at a time (i.e., 2005-2006; 2007-2008); supports actions 1.2.1 and 1.2.5
Barton Springs Salamander Recovery Plan F 2 Austin Ecological Services Field Office (512) 937-7371 Barton Springs salamander Eurycea sosorum 1 1.2.3.3 Conduct baseflow, stormwater, and biological monitoring at the springs and at sites throughout the Barton Springs contributing and recharge zones Not Started Other U.S. Geological Survey, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, Texas Department of Transportation, Lower Colorado River Authority , City of Austin , Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, Barton Springs/Edwards Aquifer Conservation District Work type not yet selected Labor type not yet selected Priority 1(b); costs are for 2 years at a time (i.e., 2005-2006; 2007-2008); supports actions 1.2.1 and 1.2.5
Barton Springs Salamander Recovery Plan F 2 Austin Ecological Services Field Office (512) 937-7371 Barton Springs salamander Eurycea sosorum 1 1.2.4.1 Monitor and evaluate the compliance of existing regulations requiring the use of BMPs and the effectiveness of new and existing BMPs on minimizing sediment and other contaminant input into the aquifer and contributing streams Not Started Other U.S. Geological Survey, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Texas Department of Transportation, Lower Colorado River Authority , City of Austin , Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, Other jurisdictions/entities, as appropriate Work type not yet selected Labor type not yet selected Priority 1(b); costs are for 2 years at a time (i.e., 2005-2006; 2007-2008); supports actions 1.2.1, 1.2.5, and 3.4
Barton Springs Salamander Recovery Plan F 2 Austin Ecological Services Field Office (512) 937-7371 Barton Springs salamander Eurycea sosorum 1 1.2.4.2 Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of pollution mitigation programs Not Started Other U.S. Geological Survey, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Lower Colorado River Authority , City of Austin , Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, Other jurisdictions/entities, as appropriate Work type not yet selected Labor type not yet selected Priority 1(b); costs are for 2 years at a time (i.e., 2005-2006; 2007-2008); supports actions 1.2.1, 1.2.5, and 3.4
Barton Springs Salamander Recovery Plan F 2 Austin Ecological Services Field Office (512) 937-7371 Barton Springs salamander Eurycea sosorum 1 1.2.4.3 Evaluate buffer zone size and location for sensitive environmental features Not Started Other U.S. Geological Survey, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Lower Colorado River Authority , City of Austin , Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, Other jurisdictions/entities, as appropriate Work type not yet selected Labor type not yet selected Priority 1(b); costs are for 2 years at a time (i.e., 2005-2006; 2007-2008); supports actions 1.2.1, 1.2.5, and 3.4
Barton Springs Salamander Recovery Plan F 2 Austin Ecological Services Field Office (512) 937-7371 Barton Springs salamander Eurycea sosorum 1 1.2.4.4 Implement programs to protect critical environmental features (caves, sinkholes, fissures, springs, and riparian zones) Not Started Other U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, City of Austin , Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, Other jurisdictions/entities, as appropriate Work type not yet selected Labor type not yet selected Priority 1(a); costs are for 2 years at a time (i.e., 2005-2006; 2007-2008)
Barton Springs Salamander Recovery Plan F 2 Austin Ecological Services Field Office (512) 937-7371 Barton Springs salamander Eurycea sosorum 1 1.2.4.5 Reduce pollutant loading from existing development and transportation infrastructure Not Started Other Texas Department of Transportation, Lower Colorado River Authority , City of Austin , Travis County , Hays County, Other jurisdictions/entities, as appropriate Work type not yet selected Labor type not yet selected Priority 1(a); costs are for 2 years at a time (i.e., 2005-2006; 2007-2008)
Barton Springs Salamander Recovery Plan F 2 Austin Ecological Services Field Office (512) 937-7371 Barton Springs salamander Eurycea sosorum 1 1.2.4.6 Monitor and evaluate the extent and effects of impervious cover Not Started Other U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Geological Survey, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, City of Austin , Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, Other jurisdictions/entities, as appropriate Work type not yet selected Labor type not yet selected Priority 1(b); costs are for 2 years at a time (i.e., 2005-2006; 2007-2008); supports actions 1.2.1, 1.2.5
Barton Springs Salamander Recovery Plan F 2 Austin Ecological Services Field Office (512) 937-7371 Barton Springs salamander Eurycea sosorum 1 1.2.5 Develop, implement, and modify programs to identify and correct problems from point and non-point source discharges Not Started Other U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Geological Survey, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, City of Austin , Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, Other jurisdictions/entities, as appropriate Work type not yet selected Labor type not yet selected Priority 1(a); costs are for 2 years at a time (i.e., 2005-2006; 2007-2008)
Barton Springs Salamander Recovery Plan F 2 Austin Ecological Services Field Office (512) 937-7371 Barton Springs salamander Eurycea sosorum 1 1.2.6 Use existing information and conduct research to determine the potential effects of different levels of water quality constituents, pollutants, and contaminants on the Barton Springs salamander, its prey base, and its habitat Not Started Other U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, City of Austin , Travis County , Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, Hays County, Other jurisdictions/entities, as appropriate Work type not yet selected Labor type not yet selected Priority 1(b); costs are for 2 years at a time (i.e., 2005-2006; 2007-2008); supports actions 1.2.1, 1.2.5
Barton Springs Salamander Recovery Plan F 2 Austin Ecological Services Field Office (512) 937-7371 Barton Springs salamander Eurycea sosorum 1 1.2.7 Develop and implement a land preservation strategy for the Barton Springs watershed Not Started Other City of Austin , Travis County , Hays County, Other jurisdictions/entities, as appropriate Work type not yet selected Labor type not yet selected Priority 1(a); costs are for 2 years at a time (i.e., 2005-2006; 2007-2008); estimated cost is given only for strategy development; does not reflect cost associated with acquiring land 1.2.7-1 The City of Austin's Water Quality Protection Lands (WQPL) program began in 1998 with the passage of Proposition 2 of the May 1998 bond election. The goal of the WQPL is to optimize the quality and quantity of water from project lands to recharge the Barton Springs segment of the Edwards Aquifer. The program accomplishes this goal by protecting and managing land in the recharge and contributing zones of the Barton Springs segment via conservation easements and fee simple purchases. In 2014, the City of Austin made three acquisitions: the Hudson tract purchase (607 acres), the Searcy tract purchase (351 acres), and the Ruby tract conservation easement (747 acres). This brought the WQPL to 28,308.95 acres - 17,526.15 acres under 18 separate conservation easements and 10,782 acres in fee simple ownership. Ongoing Current 1998 Labor type not yet selected Work type not yet selected
Barton Springs Salamander Recovery Plan F 2 Austin Ecological Services Field Office (512) 937-7371 Barton Springs salamander Eurycea sosorum 1 2.1.1 Determine aquifer characteristics and recharge patterns Not Started Other U.S. Geological Survey, City of Austin , Barton Springs/Edwards Aquifer Conservation District Work type not yet selected Labor type not yet selected Priority 1(b); costs are for 2 years at a time (i.e., 2005-2006; 2007-2008); supports action 2.2.1
Barton Springs Salamander Recovery Plan F 2 Austin Ecological Services Field Office (512) 937-7371 Barton Springs salamander Eurycea sosorum 1 2.1.2 Develop Barton Springs watershed models to predict effects of increasing impervious cover, flooding, and groundwater pumping Not Started Other U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Geological Survey, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, City of Austin , Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, Barton Springs/Edwards Aquifer Conservation District Work type not yet selected Labor type not yet selected Priority 1(b); costs are for 2 years at a time (i.e., 2005-2006; 2007-2008); supports actions 1.2.1 and 2.2.1
Barton Springs Salamander Recovery Plan F 2 Austin Ecological Services Field Office (512) 937-7371 Barton Springs salamander Eurycea sosorum 1 2.1.3 Monitor aquifer and springflow levels under normal and drought conditions Not Started Other U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Geological Survey, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, City of Austin , Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, Barton Springs/Edwards Aquifer Conservation District Work type not yet selected Labor type not yet selected Priority 1(b); costs are for 2 years at a time (i.e., 2005-2006; 2007-2008); supports action 2.2.1 2.1.3-1 The drought of 2008 to 2009 resulted in a reduction of spring discharge at Barton Springs to 13 cfs, a level not seen since the drought of record in the 1950s (Smith and Hunt 2010, p. 615). Parthenia and Eliza Springs remained wet with detectable water flow for the entire time, but mean water flow in Eliza Spring was significantly lower during the drought. Water remained in the surface habitat of Old Mill Spring, but there was no detectable discharge and the outflow stream was dry (Dries 2012, p. 12). Drought conditions during this timeframe affected Barton Springs salamander surface habitat by reducing dissolved oxygen and increasing water temperature in Eliza and Old Mill Springs (Dries 2012, pp. 12, 16). The City of Austin took measures to augment dissolved oxygen at these sites immediately after these concentrations were measured (Dries 2012, p. 16). When the discharge of the Barton Springs complex drops below 40 cfs, surface habitat of Upper Barton Springs and the adjacent Barton Spring are dry resulting in a loss of surface connection of this site with perennial springs (Dries 2012, p. 9). Additionally under these conditions, the outflow stream in Old Mill Springs ceases to flow and dissolved oxygen in Parthenia Springs declines to below 5 mg/L (Mahler and Bourgeais 2013, pp. 293-294). Ongoing Current Labor type not yet selected Work type not yet selected
Barton Springs Salamander Recovery Plan F 2 Austin Ecological Services Field Office (512) 937-7371 Barton Springs salamander Eurycea sosorum 1 2.1.6 Refine understanding of water quantity requirements for Barton Springs salamander and determine withdrawal volumes and aquifer levels that will maintain adequate springflow Not Started Other U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Geological Survey, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, City of Austin , Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, Barton Springs/Edwards Aquifer Conservation District Work type not yet selected Labor type not yet selected Priority 1(b); costs are for 2 years at a time (i.e., 2005-2006; 2007-2008); supports action 2.2.1
Barton Springs Salamander Recovery Plan F 2 Austin Ecological Services Field Office (512) 937-7371 Barton Springs salamander Eurycea sosorum 1 2.1.7 Refine understanding of water balance within the Barton Springs Segment so that major sources of recharge can be better located and quantified Not Started Other U.S. Geological Survey, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, City of Austin , Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, Barton Springs/Edwards Aquifer Conservation District, University of Texas at Austin Work type not yet selected Labor type not yet selected Priority 1(b); costs are for 2 years at a time (i.e., 2005-2006; 2007-2008); supports actions 2.2.1 and 2.2.2 2.1.7 City of Austin dye trace studies Complete Labor type not yet selected Work type not yet selected The City of Austin has performed dye trace studies that aid the understanding of recharge and flow paths occurring in the Barton Springs segment of the Edwards Aquifer.
Barton Springs Salamander Recovery Plan F 2 Austin Ecological Services Field Office (512) 937-7371 Barton Springs salamander Eurycea sosorum 1 2.2.1 Develop and implement a regional Aquifer Management Plan using Barton Springs watershed model predictions to ensure protection of aquifer levels and springflows under normal and drought conditions Not Started Other U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, City of Austin , Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, Barton Springs/Edwards Aquifer Conservation District, Other jurisdictions/entities, as appropriate Work type not yet selected Labor type not yet selected Priority 1(a); costs are for 2 years at a time (i.e., 2005-2006; 2007-2008) 2.2.1-1 The Barton Springs Edwards Aquifer Conservation District (BS/EACD) Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) was finalized in 2018 and covers incidental take of the Barton Springs and Austin blind salamanders for groundwater withdrawals from registered wells in the Barton Springs Segment of the Edwards Aquifer (Aquifer) that are authorized and regulated under the BS/EACD’s permitting program (BS/EACD 2018, pp. 53- 73). This HCP includes measures to minimize and mitigate impacts and contribute to the recovery of the Barton Springs salamander (BS/EACD 2018, pp. 142-183). These measures address a variety of aquifer management issues. However, they also include the adoption of rules that restrict the total amount of groundwater withdrawn monthly from the aquifer during extreme drought conditions to a total of no more than 5.2 cubic feet per second (cfs) [0.15 cubic meters per second (m3/s)] curtailed on an average annual basis, which will produce a minimum springflow of not less than 6.5 cfs (0.18 m3/s) during a recurrence of the drought of record (BS/EACD 2018, p. 63). Partially Complete Labor type not yet selected Work type not yet selected
Barton Springs Salamander Recovery Plan F 2 Austin Ecological Services Field Office (512) 937-7371 Barton Springs salamander Eurycea sosorum 1 3.2 Monitor the health and stability of the salamander prey base Not Started Other U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, City of Austin , Texas Commission on Environmental Quality Work type not yet selected Labor type not yet selected Priority 1(b); costs are for 2 years at a time (i.e., 2005-2006; 2007-2008); supports action 3.4. This action will be implemented on a continual basis.
Barton Springs Salamander Recovery Plan F 2 Austin Ecological Services Field Office (512) 937-7371 Barton Springs salamander Eurycea sosorum 1 3.3 Implement research programs to further study the habitat requirements of the Barton Springs salamander Ongoing Current FY 2000 - FY 2004 Other U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, City of Austin , University of Texas at Austin Research: Ecosystem Studies Graduate Student, Species Expert Priority 1(b); costs are for 2 years at a time (i.e., 2005-2006; 2007-2008); supports action 3.4 A graduate student at the University of Texas at Austin is conducting research using stable isotope analysis to assess the feeding ecology and predation threats to the Barton Springs salamander. 3.3-1 Abundance varies significantly among potential cover microhabitat within the sites at Barton Springs, but most observations of individuals occurred in the interstitial spaces of clean, rocky substrate (Dries et al. 2013, p. 155). Salamander abundance in Eliza Spring is positively correlated with flow velocity and negatively correlated with percent sediment cover and water depth (Dries et al. 2013, pp. 155-156). Recent studies have also found that 19 salamander abundance is negatively associated with sediment cover, particularly among juveniles (Bendik and Dries 2018, p. 5,918; Dries and Colucci 2018, p. 309). In Parthenia Spring, more Barton Springs salamanders have been observed in deeper habitat than in fissures in shallower water. In Old Mill Spring, abundance is positively correlated with flow velocity and water depth, while it is negatively correlated with sediment depth and percent sediment cover. In Upper Barton Spring, salamander abundance is not significantly correlated with flow velocity, water depth, sediment depth, or percent sediment cover (Dries et al. 2013, p. 156). Complete Labor type not yet selected Work type not yet selected
Barton Springs Salamander Recovery Plan F 2 Austin Ecological Services Field Office (512) 937-7371 Barton Springs salamander Eurycea sosorum 1 3.3 Implement research programs to further study the habitat requirements of the Barton Springs salamander Ongoing Current FY 2000 - FY 2004 Other U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, City of Austin , University of Texas at Austin Research: Ecosystem Studies Graduate Student, Species Expert Priority 1(b); costs are for 2 years at a time (i.e., 2005-2006; 2007-2008); supports action 3.4 A graduate student at the University of Texas at Austin is conducting research using stable isotope analysis to assess the feeding ecology and predation threats to the Barton Springs salamander. 3.3-2 Gillespie (2011, p. 21) found that Barton Springs salamander population abundance at Barton Springs was strongly influenced by periodic extremes of rainfall over the recharge zone of the Barton Springs Segment of the Edwards Aquifer, as these extremes were shown to affect cycles in spring discharge, water temperature, and other parameters. This same study highlighted monthly mean temperature fluctuations at Parthenia Spring and 6 to 8 month dips well below average annual water temperature that were associated with increases in spring discharge following high winter precipitation (Gillespie 2011, p. 24) indicating that this species may withstand more variability in surface water temperature than previously believed. Lags of 7 to 12 months between extreme rainfall events and peaks in juvenile Barton Springs salamander abundance were observed in this study (Gillespie 2011, p. 25), which could signal a reproductive strategy that is linked to cooler water temperature within its surface habitats. The researcher hypothesized that in such cases, subterranean habitat may serve as a thermal refuge for egg and larval development (Gillespie 2011, p. 26) as has been observed in Eurycea lucifuga (Ringia and Lips 2007, p. 265). Complete Labor type not yet selected Work type not yet selected
Barton Springs Salamander Recovery Plan F 2 Austin Ecological Services Field Office (512) 937-7371 Barton Springs salamander Eurycea sosorum 1 3.3 Implement research programs to further study the habitat requirements of the Barton Springs salamander Ongoing Current FY 2000 - FY 2004 Other U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, City of Austin , University of Texas at Austin Research: Ecosystem Studies Graduate Student, Species Expert Priority 1(b); costs are for 2 years at a time (i.e., 2005-2006; 2007-2008); supports action 3.4 A graduate student at the University of Texas at Austin is conducting research using stable isotope analysis to assess the feeding ecology and predation threats to the Barton Springs salamander. 3.3-3 Spring discharge has been correlated with juvenile abundance for a series of lags from 5 to 14 month for Eliza Spring and 6 to 12 months for Parthenia Spring with peaks around 9 months at both sites (Bendik and Dries 2018, p. 5,916). This study also found evidence of direct density-dependent feedback (i.e., when population growth rates are regulated by the density of a population) for all size classes of Barton Springs salamanders at Barton Springs (Bendik and Dries 2018, p. 5,917). However, the strength of density dependence differed between the sites at Barton Springs (Bendik and Dries 2018, p. 5,917). Not Started Labor type not yet selected Work type not yet selected
Barton Springs Salamander Recovery Plan F 2 Austin Ecological Services Field Office (512) 937-7371 Barton Springs salamander Eurycea sosorum 1 3.4 Continue to monitor, manage, and provide protection for existing spring habitats, and modify management actions when new information warrants changes Ongoing Current FY 2000 - FY 2004 Other City of Austin Management: Habitat Maintenance and Manipulation Labor type not yet selected Priority 1(a); costs are for 2 years at a time (i.e., 2005-2006; 2007-2008) The City of Austin regularly monitors habitat conditions and conducts habitat management activities at Barton Springs. 3.4-1 City of Austin continues to actively monitor, manage and provide protection for existing spring habitats at the 4 springs sites at Barton Springs within Zilker Park in Austin, Texas. All of these sites are known to be occupied by the Barton Springs and Austin blind salamanders. From June 2020 to November 2020 water quality data from 3 of the spring sites (Eliza Spring, Old Mill Spring, Upper Barton Spring) were recorded and reported in the City of Austin's 2020 scientific permit annual report. Ongoing Current Labor type not yet selected Work type not yet selected
Barton Springs Salamander Recovery Plan F 2 Austin Ecological Services Field Office (512) 937-7371 Barton Springs salamander Eurycea sosorum 1 3.4 Continue to monitor, manage, and provide protection for existing spring habitats, and modify management actions when new information warrants changes Ongoing Current FY 2000 - FY 2004 Other City of Austin Management: Habitat Maintenance and Manipulation Labor type not yet selected Priority 1(a); costs are for 2 years at a time (i.e., 2005-2006; 2007-2008) The City of Austin regularly monitors habitat conditions and conducts habitat management activities at Barton Springs. 3.4-2 Historically, water issuing from Eliza Spring formed a stream that flowed to Barton Creek. Barton Springs and Austin blind salamanders inhabited both Eliza Spring and this stream. In the 1920s, water flow from Eliza Spring was channeled into a concrete pipe underground thereby decreasing habitat for Barton Springs salamanders. As this pipe aged, it began to fail. In 2018, the City of Austin completed a restoration project by removing the old pipe and reconstructing the overland stream. The stream now provides the velocity, depth, interstitial spaces, and native aquatic plants to support the invertebrates that comprise the Barton Spring salamander’s food source. This project increased the amount of salamander habitat by approximately 250 square feet. Ongoing Current Labor type not yet selected Work type not yet selected
Barton Springs Salamander Recovery Plan F 2 Austin Ecological Services Field Office (512) 937-7371 Barton Springs salamander Eurycea sosorum 1 4.1.4 Investigate effects of various flow levels, especially low flows, on the salamander and the spring ecosystem Ongoing Current FY 2007 Other U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, City of Austin , Barton Springs/Edwards Aquifer Conservation District, University of Texas at Austin Research: General Species Expert Priority 1(b); costs are for 2 years at a time (i.e., 2005-2006; 2007-2008); supports action 2.2.1 A University of Texas laboratory study of salamander response to variations in DO and conductivity has been completed. It compared metabolic rates between the San Marcos salamander and the Barton Springs salamander. Experiments were also performed to determine adult mortality and juvenile growth responses to DO levels. This research is currently under review for publication. Recommendations for future research into this subject are being considered. 4.1.4-1 Researchers Laurie Dries and Liza Colucci used 10 years of salamander survey and flow regime data to examine variance in abundance, density, and flow regime within and among four springs during drought and non-drought conditions. Salamander density and abundance differed significantly among sites. They found abundance is associated with sediment cover, water depth, and flow velocity. Associations among flow regime characteristics differed among sites and reflect the influence of impoundments. Flow regimes also changed within sites as aquifer discharge declined. During drough, flow velocity and water depth were lower; and sediment cover was higher. There were significantly fewer juveniles, young adults, and adults during drought, and reproduction appeared to be curtailed. Local flow regime appeared to dominate during drought. Altered flow regimes and groundwater withdrawal magnify detrimental effects of droughts on the Barton Springs salamander. Complete 2008 2017 Labor type not yet selected Work type not yet selected
Barton Springs Salamander Recovery Plan F 2 Austin Ecological Services Field Office (512) 937-7371 Barton Springs salamander Eurycea sosorum 1 5.1 Develop a comprehensive Barton Springs salamander captive propagation and contingency plan consistent with the Serviceýs Policy Regarding Controlled Propagation of Listed Species Listed Under the Endangered Species Act Ongoing Current FY 2006 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, City of Austin , Texas State University - San Marcos, University of Texas at Austin Management: Planning Species Expert, Internal Technical Assistance, Internal Field Assistance Priority 1(b); costs are for 2 years at a time (i.e., 2005-2006; 2007-2008); support action 5.3; in fy05 the City of Austin began drafting a contingency plan.
Barton Springs Salamander Recovery Plan F 2 Austin Ecological Services Field Office (512) 937-7371 Barton Springs salamander Eurycea sosorum 1 5.2 Develop dependable captive breeding and reintroduction techniques Ongoing Current Other U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, City of Austin , Texas State University - San Marcos, University of Texas at Austin Work type not yet selected Labor type not yet selected Priority 1(b); costs are for 2 years at a time (i.e., 2005-2006; 2007-2008); support action 5.3 The City of Austin maintains Barton Springs salamanders in captivity and is actively working to develop dependable captive breeding techniques for this species
Barton Springs Salamander Recovery Plan F 2 Austin Ecological Services Field Office (512) 937-7371 Barton Springs salamander Eurycea sosorum 1 5.3 Establish, maintain, and monitor captive breeding populations to maintain adequate captive populations Not Started Other U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, City of Austin , Longhorn Partners Pipeline, Other jurisdictions/entities, as appropriate Work type not yet selected Labor type not yet selected Priority 1(a); costs are for 2 years at a time (i.e., 2005-2006; 2007-2008); should be performed in accordance with action 5.1. This action will be implemented on a continual basis. 5.3-1 City of Austin's captive breeding facility holds 92 wild-caught BSS individuals and 453 captive-reared BSS individuals from each of the four spring sites. Courtship behavior was observed at this facility in 2012 with many hatching events averaging a 44.3% hatching success rate. Some salamanders in the program have exhibited toe/foot/limb loss. The salamanders appear to resorb a portion of their limb, then regenerate, then resorb, and so on. Pathology work, thus far, has indicated no health issues that are significant or thought to cause this problem. City of Austin staff are developing plans to investigate this further. Ongoing Current 2012 2013 Labor type not yet selected Work type not yet selected
Barton Springs Salamander Recovery Plan F 2 Austin Ecological Services Field Office (512) 937-7371 Barton Springs salamander Eurycea sosorum 1 5.3 Establish, maintain, and monitor captive breeding populations to maintain adequate captive populations Not Started Other U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, City of Austin , Longhorn Partners Pipeline, Other jurisdictions/entities, as appropriate Work type not yet selected Labor type not yet selected Priority 1(a); costs are for 2 years at a time (i.e., 2005-2006; 2007-2008); should be performed in accordance with action 5.1. This action will be implemented on a continual basis. 5.3-2 Captive Barton Springs salamander populations have been established in two locations (City of Austin and the Service’s San Marcos Aquatics Resources Center [SMARC]). City of Austin biologists have developed strategies to maintain long-term genetic diversity within their captive population (Chamberlain 2019, entire), which only includes individuals found within the Barton Springs complex in Zilker Park and their progeny. As of 2019, the SMARC facility houses 21 wildcaught individuals from Eliza Springs along with 12 individuals from Cold Springs (Crow, pers. comm. 2019, p. 1). An assessment of the captive population at the SMARC facility indicated that to maintain genetic diversity, about 100 founders be housed in the facility at all times (Nice and Lucas 2015, p. 15). It also indicated that the current mating design at this facility seems to be promoting random mating, particularly among the founders (Nice and Lucas 2015, p. 15). With the discovery of Barton Springs salamanders at additional locations (see section 2.3.1.5 below), decisions regarding if and when individuals from any of these sites should be incorporated into the captive assurance colony at SMARC is needed. Future studies on genetic diversity of the captive population should address this question. Partially Complete Labor type not yet selected Work type not yet selected
Barton Springs Salamander Recovery Plan F 2 Austin Ecological Services Field Office (512) 937-7371 Barton Springs salamander Eurycea sosorum 2 2.1.4 Monitor bad water line encroachment under low flow conditions Not Started Other U.S. Geological Survey, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, City of Austin , Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, Barton Springs/Edwards Aquifer Conservation District Work type not yet selected Labor type not yet selected Costs are for 2 years at a time (i.e., 2005-2006; 2007-2008); supports action 2.2.1
Barton Springs Salamander Recovery Plan F 2 Austin Ecological Services Field Office (512) 937-7371 Barton Springs salamander Eurycea sosorum 2 2.1.5 Investigate aquifer recharge enhancement potential in the recharge and contributing zones Not Started Other U.S. Geological Survey, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, City of Austin , Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, Barton Springs/Edwards Aquifer Conservation District Work type not yet selected Labor type not yet selected Costs are for 2 years at a time (i.e., 2005-2006; 2007-2008); supports action 2.2.1
Barton Springs Salamander Recovery Plan F 2 Austin Ecological Services Field Office (512) 937-7371 Barton Springs salamander Eurycea sosorum 2 2.2.2 Develop, implement, and modify measures to protect existing recharge features from plugging and filling Not Started Other U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, City of Austin , Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, Barton Springs/Edwards Aquifer Conservation District Work type not yet selected Labor type not yet selected Costs are for 2 years at a time (i.e., 2005-2006; 2007-2008)
Barton Springs Salamander Recovery Plan F 2 Austin Ecological Services Field Office (512) 937-7371 Barton Springs salamander Eurycea sosorum 2 3.1 Maintain a comprehensive database on the spring habitats of the Barton Springs salamander Not Started Other U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, City of Austin Work type not yet selected Labor type not yet selected Costs are for 2 years at a time (i.e., 2005-2006; 2007-2008); supports action 3.4. This action will be implemented on a continual basis.
Barton Springs Salamander Recovery Plan F 2 Austin Ecological Services Field Office (512) 937-7371 Barton Springs salamander Eurycea sosorum 2 4.1.1 Monitor Barton Springs salamander populations in the wild to ensure long-term stability and viability Ongoing Current FY 2000 - FY 2004 Other U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, City of Austin , University of Texas at Austin Management: Population Monitoring Labor type not yet selected Costs are for 2 years at a time (i.e., 2005-2006; 2007-2008); supports action 3.4. This action will be implemented on a continual basis. City of Austin conducts monthly surveys for the Barton Springs salamander at all four spring sites known to have been occupied by this species. This is part of the requirements of the Barton Springs Pool HCP. 4.1.1-1 Barton Springs salamanders were found consistently throughout 2012 at Eliza, Parthenia (BS Pool), and Upper Barton Springs. only two individuals were observed at Old Mills Springs in June 2012. Highest counts of Barton Springs salamanders at Eliza, Parthenia, and Upper Barton Springs were 149, 52, and 28, respectively. Ongoing Current 2012 13 Labor type not yet selected Work type not yet selected
Barton Springs Salamander Recovery Plan F 2 Austin Ecological Services Field Office (512) 937-7371 Barton Springs salamander Eurycea sosorum 2 4.1.1 Monitor Barton Springs salamander populations in the wild to ensure long-term stability and viability Ongoing Current FY 2000 - FY 2004 Other U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, City of Austin , University of Texas at Austin Management: Population Monitoring Labor type not yet selected Costs are for 2 years at a time (i.e., 2005-2006; 2007-2008); supports action 3.4. This action will be implemented on a continual basis. City of Austin conducts monthly surveys for the Barton Springs salamander at all four spring sites known to have been occupied by this species. This is part of the requirements of the Barton Springs Pool HCP. 4.1.1-2 As of November 2014, City of Austin personnel continue to find Barton Springs salamanders at all four known spring sites at Barton Springs. Salamander counts of both adults and juveniles at Eliza Springs ranged in number from 95 to 174 in a given survey event. Salamander counts of both adults and juveniles at Main Springs (Parthenia) ranged in number from 5 to 77 at in a given survey event. Salamander counts of both adults and juveniles at Old Mill Spring (Sunken Garden Spring) ranged in number from 0 to 1 at in a given survey event. Salamander counts of both adults and juveniles at Upper Barton Spring ranged in number from 0 to 24 at in a given survey event. Ongoing Current 2014 2015 Labor type not yet selected Work type not yet selected
Barton Springs Salamander Recovery Plan F 2 Austin Ecological Services Field Office (512) 937-7371 Barton Springs salamander Eurycea sosorum 2 4.1.1 Monitor Barton Springs salamander populations in the wild to ensure long-term stability and viability Ongoing Current FY 2000 - FY 2004 Other U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, City of Austin , University of Texas at Austin Management: Population Monitoring Labor type not yet selected Costs are for 2 years at a time (i.e., 2005-2006; 2007-2008); supports action 3.4. This action will be implemented on a continual basis. City of Austin conducts monthly surveys for the Barton Springs salamander at all four spring sites known to have been occupied by this species. This is part of the requirements of the Barton Springs Pool HCP. 4.1.1-3 Barton Springs salamanders were discovered at several previously undocumented sites. Photos of vouchered animals and habitat are available upon request from tom.devitt@austintexas.gov. New localities include: Bello Spring, Onion Creek; Ben McCullouch Spring, Onion Creek; Emeral Spring, South Onion Creek; Pearly's Spring, Onion Creek: Spillar Ranch Spring2, Bear Creek; Stuart Spring, Little Bear Creek; and Backdoor Spring, Barton Creek. In 2015, a salamander was also collected from a monitoring well 58 m below ground in the confined portion (artesian zone) of the Barton Springs segment 15 km southwest of Barton Springs that was also assigned to Eurycea sosorum based on similarity to animals from the type locality. Ongoing Current 2015 2017 Labor type not yet selected Work type not yet selected
Barton Springs Salamander Recovery Plan F 2 Austin Ecological Services Field Office (512) 937-7371 Barton Springs salamander Eurycea sosorum 2 4.1.1 Monitor Barton Springs salamander populations in the wild to ensure long-term stability and viability Ongoing Current FY 2000 - FY 2004 Other U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, City of Austin , University of Texas at Austin Management: Population Monitoring Labor type not yet selected Costs are for 2 years at a time (i.e., 2005-2006; 2007-2008); supports action 3.4. This action will be implemented on a continual basis. City of Austin conducts monthly surveys for the Barton Springs salamander at all four spring sites known to have been occupied by this species. This is part of the requirements of the Barton Springs Pool HCP. 4.1.1-4 The City of Austin continues quarterly salamander counths at Parthenia, Eliza, Old Mill (Sunken Gardens) and Upper Barton Springs. Each site was searched using a drive survey method where all non-embedded substrate is searched, except for at Old Mill Spring, where a timed survey is used due to the low abundance of salamanders at that site. Every individual salamander found was identified to species and categorized by total length or measured from photographs. In 2017, the number of Barton Springs salamanders varied from 19 to 128 individuals at Parthenia Springs; 42 to 138 individuals at Eliza Springs; 0 to 4 individuals at Old Mill Spring; and 1 to 2 individuals at Upper Barton Spring. Ongoing Current 2017 2018 Labor type not yet selected Work type not yet selected
Barton Springs Salamander Recovery Plan F 2 Austin Ecological Services Field Office (512) 937-7371 Barton Springs salamander Eurycea sosorum 2 4.1.1 Monitor Barton Springs salamander populations in the wild to ensure long-term stability and viability Ongoing Current FY 2000 - FY 2004 Other U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, City of Austin , University of Texas at Austin Management: Population Monitoring Labor type not yet selected Costs are for 2 years at a time (i.e., 2005-2006; 2007-2008); supports action 3.4. This action will be implemented on a continual basis. City of Austin conducts monthly surveys for the Barton Springs salamander at all four spring sites known to have been occupied by this species. This is part of the requirements of the Barton Springs Pool HCP. 4.1.1-5 Barton Springs and Austin blind salamander counts were conducted quarterly through the year at Parthenia, Eliza, Old Mill, and Upper Barton Springs. Barton Springs salamander counts were as high as 318, 541, 228, 7, and 6 at Parthenia, Eliza, the outflow from Eliza Spring, Old Mill Spring, and Upper Barton Springs, respectively. Ongoing Current Labor type not yet selected Work type not yet selected
Barton Springs Salamander Recovery Plan F 2 Austin Ecological Services Field Office (512) 937-7371 Barton Springs salamander Eurycea sosorum 2 4.1.2 Explore and develop marking techniques and conduct mark/recapture research Ongoing Current FY 2009 Other U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, City of Austin , University of Texas at Austin Research Species Expert Costs are for 2 years at a time (i.e., 2005-2006; 2007-2008); supports action 3.4 Research to develop marking techniques has begun, but mark/recapture research has not begun on the Barton Springs salamander 4.1.2-1 In October 2014, the City of Austin personnel conducted robust-design mark-recapture sampling at Eliza Spring using photographic identification methods from three consecutive days. During this time, they observed 210 unique individuals of Barton Springs salamanders. Of these, 136 were seen only once, 62 were recaptured once, and 12 were recaptured twice. They estimated a population size of 302 Barton Springs salamanders inhabit Eliza Springs. Ongoing Current 2015 Labor type not yet selected Work type not yet selected
Barton Springs Salamander Recovery Plan F 2 Austin Ecological Services Field Office (512) 937-7371 Barton Springs salamander Eurycea sosorum 2 4.1.2 Explore and develop marking techniques and conduct mark/recapture research Ongoing Current FY 2009 Other U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, City of Austin , University of Texas at Austin Research Species Expert Costs are for 2 years at a time (i.e., 2005-2006; 2007-2008); supports action 3.4 Research to develop marking techniques has begun, but mark/recapture research has not begun on the Barton Springs salamander 4.1.2-2 The City of Austin conducted capture-recapture surveys at Parthenia, Eliza, Old Mill, and Upper Barton Springs in 2017 using photographic identification methods. No recaptures were made at Parthenia, Old Mill, or Upper Barton Springs, so they were unable to calculate estimates of abundance at those site. However, robust design mark-recapture sampling at Eliza was conducted in February and September 2017. This resulted in an estimate of abundance of 325 for February 2017 (standard error = 21) and an estimate of abundance of 91 for September 2017 (standard error = 5.5). Ongoing Current Labor type not yet selected Work type not yet selected
Barton Springs Salamander Recovery Plan F 2 Austin Ecological Services Field Office (512) 937-7371 Barton Springs salamander Eurycea sosorum 2 4.1.2 Explore and develop marking techniques and conduct mark/recapture research Ongoing Current FY 2009 Other U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, City of Austin , University of Texas at Austin Research Species Expert Costs are for 2 years at a time (i.e., 2005-2006; 2007-2008); supports action 3.4 Research to develop marking techniques has begun, but mark/recapture research has not begun on the Barton Springs salamander 4.1.2-3 The most recent Barton Springs salamander abundance estimates resulted from a City of Austin mark-recapture study sampling at Eliza Spring in February, May, August, and November 2018. Abundance estimates ranged from 205 to 960 individuals (City of Austin 2018a, p. 19; City of Austin 2018c, p. 3). These numbers represent some of the largest abundances of Barton Springs salamanders at Barton Springs over the past 10 years (City of Austin 2018a, p. 18). City of Austin biologists noted that these large abundances followed a declining spring discharge pattern, and that abundance was markedly lower after increased discharge from rain events in the fall (City of Austin 2018a, p. 18). City of Austin biologists have continued to photograph salamanders at Old Mill and Upper Barton Springs, but recapture rates at these sites are very low; therefore, statistical modeling of abundances have not been conducted for these sites (City of Austin 2018a, p. 19). Likewise, there is no available abundance data for any Barton Springs salamander locations outside of Zilker Park or any of the known locations for Austin blind salamander. Partially Complete Labor type not yet selected Work type not yet selected
Barton Springs Salamander Recovery Plan F 2 Austin Ecological Services Field Office (512) 937-7371 Barton Springs salamander Eurycea sosorum 2 4.1.3 Determine gene flow and migration between the four spring sites and genetic variation within, and among, the sites Not Started Other U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Geological Survey, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, City of Austin , University of Texas at Austin Work type not yet selected Labor type not yet selected Costs are for 2 years at a time (i.e., 2005-2006; 2007-2008); supports action 3.4 4.1.3-1 Since this recovery plan was finalized, Barton Springs salamanders have been determined to occur in 12 additional spring and cave sites (Bendik et al 2013, p. 6; Chippindale 2014, pp. 2-3; Hillis et al. 2015, p. 18; McDermid et al. 2015, pp. 556-557; Devitt and Nissen 2018, p. 297-299; Figure 1). Eurycea salamanders have been observed at Blowing Sink Cave since 1996, at Cold Spring and Taylor Spring since 2004, and at Spillar Ranch since 2012 (Devitt and Nissen 2018, p. 298). Salamanders at these sites were later assigned to Barton Springs salamander following genetic analyses (Bendik et al. 2013, p. 6; Hillis et al. 2015, p. 18). In 2015, one Barton Springs salamander was discovered from a monitoring well located in the artesian zone of the Barton Springs Segment of the Edwards Aquifer (McDermid et al. 2015, pp. 556-557). Devitt and Nissen (2018, pp. 298-299) have also reported an additional seven new records of Barton Springs salamanders at previously undocumented locations. Collectively, these records represent an extension in the known range of this species. Ongoing Current Labor type not yet selected Work type not yet selected
Barton Springs Salamander Recovery Plan F 2 Austin Ecological Services Field Office (512) 937-7371 Barton Springs salamander Eurycea sosorum 2 4.1.5 Investigate the reproductive and other life history characteristics of the Barton Springs salamander Not Started Other U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, City of Austin , University of Texas at Austin Work type not yet selected Labor type not yet selected Costs are for 2 years at a time (i.e., 2005-2006; 2007-2008); supports action 3.4 and 5.1 4.1.4-2 studies have been conducted on antipredator responses in Barton Springs salamanders. Gillespie (2011, p. 92) found that predatorexperienced (i.e., wild-caught) Barton Springs salamanders did not decrease activity in response to largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides). However, in a subsequent antipredator response study, predator-naïve Barton Springs salamanders had a stronger response to largemouth bass than to a blank water control as well as to redbreast sunfish (Lepomis auritus) and Western mosquitofish (Gambusia affinis) (DeSantis et al. 2013, p. 295). Researchers attributed the difference in response to the possibility that Barton Springs salamanders can differentiate between low- and high-risk predators (DeSantis et al. 2013, p. 295). More importantly, this study showed that Barton Springs salamanders demonstrate innate predator recognition (DeSantis et al. 2013, p. 296), which may prove important during future reintroductions of captive-bred salamanders into the wild. Complete Labor type not yet selected Work type not yet selected
Barton Springs Salamander Recovery Plan F 2 Austin Ecological Services Field Office (512) 937-7371 Barton Springs salamander Eurycea sosorum 2 4.1.5 Investigate the reproductive and other life history characteristics of the Barton Springs salamander Not Started Other U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, City of Austin , University of Texas at Austin Work type not yet selected Labor type not yet selected Costs are for 2 years at a time (i.e., 2005-2006; 2007-2008); supports action 3.4 and 5.1 4.1.5-1 New information on the diet and foraging strategy of the Barton Springs salamander has also been provided since the Barton Springs Salamander Recovery Plan and its addendum were finalized. Analysis involving stable isotope techniques indicated a high degree of electivity for planarian flatworms (Dugesia sp.), which also comprised the primary food source for Barton Springs salamanders in Eliza Spring (Gillespie 2011, pp. 61-63; Gillespie 2013, p. 5). Only after the near depletion of the planarian population did Barton Springs salamanders increase their consumption of midge fly larvae (family Chironomidae) and amphipods (Hyalella azteca) (Gillespie 2011, pp. 61-62; Gillespie 2013, p. 5). This type of preyswitching indicates an opportunist forging strategy whereby a predator changes its diet to take advantage of temporarily available prey (Gillespie 2011, p. 63; Gillespie 2013, p. 7). Ongoing Current Labor type not yet selected Work type not yet selected
Barton Springs Salamander Recovery Plan F 2 Austin Ecological Services Field Office (512) 937-7371 Barton Springs salamander Eurycea sosorum 2 4.1.6 Investigate the genetic characteristics and variation in the Barton Springs salamander at the individual and population level Not Started Other U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, City of Austin , University of Texas at Austin Work type not yet selected Labor type not yet selected Costs are for 2 years at a time (i.e., 2005-2006; 2007-2008); supports action 3.4 and 5.1 4.1.6-1 A fine-scale population genetic analysis of Barton Springs salamander has revealed a well-defined population structure within the species, with individuals strongly assigned to eastern and western clusters (City of Austin 2018c, pp. 15, 18). Little genetic differentiation was determined to occur among the four sites within the Barton Springs complex at Zilker Park. However, Upper Barton Springs showed some allele frequency differences from Old Mill, Parthenia, and Eliza Springs (City of Austin 2018c, p. 17). Hybridization between the Barton Springs salamander and the Austin blind salamander (Eurycea waterlooensis) appears to occur on an infrequent basis, and is restricted to Old Mill, Parthenia, and Eliza springs (City of Austin 2018c, p. 15). Partially Complete Labor type not yet selected Work type not yet selected
Barton Springs Salamander Recovery Plan F 2 Austin Ecological Services Field Office (512) 937-7371 Barton Springs salamander Eurycea sosorum 2 4.1.7 Conduct a population viability analysis of the Barton Springs salamander Not Started Other U.S. Geological Survey, Biological Resources Division, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, City of Austin Work type not yet selected Labor type not yet selected Costs are for 2 years at a time (i.e., 2005-2006; 2007-2008)
Barton Springs Salamander Recovery Plan F 2 Austin Ecological Services Field Office (512) 937-7371 Barton Springs salamander Eurycea sosorum 3 4.2 Investigate the prevalence, character, and cause of gas saturation in the water of spring habitats in the Barton Springs watershed Not Started Other U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Geological Survey, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, City of Austin , Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, Barton Springs/Edwards Aquifer Conservation District, University of Texas at Austin Work type not yet selected Labor type not yet selected Costs are for 2 years at a time (i.e., 2005-2006; 2007-2008); supports action 3.4
Barton Springs Salamander Recovery Plan F 2 Austin Ecological Services Field Office (512) 937-7371 Barton Springs salamander Eurycea sosorum 3 4.3 Determine the short and long-term impacts of gas bubble trauma on the Barton Springs salamander Not Started Other U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Geological Survey, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, City of Austin , Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, University of Texas at Austin Work type not yet selected Labor type not yet selected Costs are for 2 years at a time (i.e., 2005-2006; 2007-2008); supports action 3.4
Barton Springs Salamander Recovery Plan F 2 Austin Ecological Services Field Office (512) 937-7371 Barton Springs salamander Eurycea sosorum 3 4.4 Develop and implement actions that prevent, avoid, or minimize the effects of gas bubble trauma on the Barton Springs salamander and other aquatic life in the spring ecosystem Not Started Other U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, City of Austin , Texas Commission on Environmental Quality Work type not yet selected Labor type not yet selected Costs are for 2 years at a time (i.e., 2005-2006; 2007-2008); supports action 3.4
Barton Springs Salamander Recovery Plan F 2 Austin Ecological Services Field Office (512) 937-7371 Barton Springs salamander Eurycea sosorum 3 6.1 Develop, evaluate, and update education and outreach programs and materials to increase public awareness about the Barton Springs salamander and its habitat Ongoing Current Other U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, City of Austin , Other jurisdictions/entities, as appropriate Other: Information and Education Labor type not yet selected Costs are for 2 years at a time (i.e., 2005-2006; 2007-2008). This action will be implemented on a continual basis. The City of Austin operates the "Splash!" exhibit and other programs designed to educate the public on the Barton Springs salamander and the Edwards Aquifer. 6.1-1 The City of Austin maintains an education center at the main entrance to Barton Springs Pool. The mission of the Sheffield Education Center and Splash! into the Edwards Aquifer Exhibit is to foster stewardship of Barton Springs and the Edwards Aquifer through education. The Splash! Exhibit opened in 2000 and receives nearly 70,000 visitors annually. The City of Austin is currently planning updates to the exhibit with a proposed completion date of August 2022. The new exhibit will be beneficial for the community by allowing more people to learn about how their behaviors impact water quality Ongoing Current Labor type not yet selected Work type not yet selected
Barton Springs Salamander Recovery Plan F 2 Austin Ecological Services Field Office (512) 937-7371 Barton Springs salamander Eurycea sosorum 3 6.2 Develop, evaluate, and disseminate information about how to avoid spills and other sources of water quality degradation within the Barton Springs watershed Not Started Other U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, Lower Colorado River Authority , City of Austin , Travis County , Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, Natural Resource Conservation Service, Hays County, Other jurisdictions/entities, as appropriate Work type not yet selected Labor type not yet selected Costs are for 2 years at a time (i.e., 2005-2006; 2007-2008). This action will be implemented on a continual basis.
Barton Springs Salamander Recovery Plan F 2 Austin Ecological Services Field Office (512) 937-7371 Barton Springs salamander Eurycea sosorum 3 7.1 Develop a post-delisting monitoring plan for the Barton Springs salamander Not Started U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Geological Survey, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, City of Austin , Travis County , Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, Barton Springs/Edwards Aquifer Conservation District, Hays County, Other jurisdictions/entities, as appropriate Management: Planning Species Expert, Internal Technical Assistance, Internal Field Assistance Costs are for 2 years at a time (i.e., 2005-2006; 2007-2008)