Recovery Plan Action Status

Plan Name: San Marcos & Comal Springs & Associated Aquatic Ecosystems (Revised) Recovery Plan
Plan Status: Final Revision 1
Plan Date: 14-Feb-96
Lead Agency: USFWS
Lead Office: Austin Ecological Services Field Office ( (512) 490-0057 )

Species

Action Priority #

Action #

Action Description

Action Status

Est. Initiation Date

Est. Completion Date

Responsible Parties

Work Type

Labor Type

Action Comments

Implementation Activities

Comal Springs riffle beetle (Heterelmis comalensis), Fountain darter (Etheostoma fonticola), San Marcos gambusia (Gambusia georgei), San Marcos salamander (Eurycea nana), Texas blind salamander (Typhlomolge rathbuni), Texas wild-rice (Zizania texana)

Spring Lake Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration

Ongoing Current

FY 2010

FY 2011

Other Federal Agencies

Management: Habitat Maintenance and Manipulation, Management: Land Use

Contract, Internal Technical Assistance, Internal Administrative

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has removed multiple large structures in Spring Lake (Submarine Theaters); Some buildings and parking lots have been removed and USACE is establishing a short-grass prairie in their place; Work will continue in FY2013.

Comal Springs dryopid beetle (Stygoparnus comalensis), Comal Springs riffle beetle (Heterelmis comalensis), Fountain darter (Etheostoma fonticola), Peck's cave amphipod (Stygobromus (=Stygonectes) pecki), San Marcos gambusia (Gambusia georgei), San Marcos salamander (Eurycea nana), Texas blind salamander (Typhlomolge rathbuni), Texas wild-rice (Zizania texana)

1.11

Determine food habits

Ongoing Current

FY 2007

Others, San Marcos National Fish Hatchery and Technology Center, Ecological Services

Research: Habitat Requirements

Graduate Student

Food habits have been done for fountain darter in the wild; research still needed on the feeding ecology of the Comal Springs dryopid beetle, Comal Springs riffle beetle, Peck's cave amphipod, San Marcos salamander, and Texas blind salamander

1.12

Identify diseases and parasites

Ongoing Current

FY 1995 - FY 1999

Ecological Services, San Marcos National Fish Hatchery and Technology Center, Others, Southwest Texas State University , Texas Parks and Wildlife Department

Research: Disease

Graduate Student

1.13

Determine reproductive parameters

Ongoing Current

FY 1995 - FY 1999

Ecological Services, San Marcos National Fish Hatchery and Technology Center, Southwest Texas State University , Texas Parks and Wildlife Department

Research: Propagation

Graduate Student

Supports priority one task 2.7.

1.14

Determine survivorship patterns

Ongoing Current

Prior to FY 1995

Ecological Services, Others, Southwest Texas State University , Texas Parks and Wildlife Department

Research: Demographic Studies

Internal Administrative

1.15

Identify habitat characteristics and requirements

Ongoing Current

Prior to FY 1995

Ecological Services, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department

Research: Population Surveys, Research: Habitat Requirements

Volunteer, Graduate Student, Contract, Internal Technical Assistance, Internal Field Assistance, Internal Administrative

Supports priority one sub-task 2.11 in part.

1.21

Determine impacts from tourism enterprises and recreational use of springs and rivers etc.

Ongoing Current

Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, San Marcos River Foundation , City of San Marcos, Lion's Club, Ecological Services

Research

Labor type not yet selected

Supports priority one task 2.41; As part of HCP application (January 2012), the Edwards Aquifer Recovery Implementation Program submitted an "Initial Study on the Recreational Impacts to Protected Species and Habitats in the Comal and San Marcos Springs Ecosystems" by Halff Associates (Appendix L)

Activity Number	Description	Status	Est. Initiation Date	Est. Completion Date	Responsible Parties	Work Type	Labor Type	Comments	Species
1.21-1	Study on recreational impacts to Comal and San Marcos was funded by EARIP; Report by Halff Associates appended to HCP application;	Ongoing Current	N/A	N/A		Work type not yet selected	Labor type not yet selected

1.22

Compile information on the characteristics of the San Marcos watershed

Ongoing Current

U.S. Geological Survey, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, Soil Conservation Service , City of San Marcos, Ecological Services

Work type not yet selected

Labor type not yet selected

Texas State University - RIver Systems Institute is working on this task with funding from TCEQ; Andrew Sansom is the principle investigator (with Ben Schwartz and Weston Nowlin) have compiled a great deal of useful information already.

Activity Number	Description	Status	Est. Initiation Date	Est. Completion Date	Responsible Parties	Work Type	Labor Type	Comments	Species
1.22-1	River System Institute is studying the characteristics of the San Marcos Watershed .	Ongoing Current	N/A	N/A		Work type not yet selected	Labor type not yet selected	Andrew Sansom is principal investigator; TCEQ (formerly TNRCC) is funding study;

1.24

Compile data pertaining to pesticide and herbicide use in the San Marcos and Comal watersheds, etc.

Ongoing Current

Texas Nature Conservancy , City of New Braunfels (including New Braunfels Utilities, in some cases)

Research

Labor type not yet selected

USGS is examining pesticides in water samples. Texas State University - River Systems Institute & San Marcos River Observing System are collecting and analyzing information on watershed characteristics including sediment transport for San Marcos River system. The Cities of San Marcos and New Braunfels will need to be permitted for stormwater discharges from their Small Municipal Storm Sewer Systems (MS4) from TCEQ. Stormwater characterization should include some pesticides including herbicides.

1.25

Identify and determine effects of pollutants from point source discharges and other discharges on listed species and their habitats

Ongoing Current

FY 2010

FY 2012

Southwest Texas State University

Research, Research: Environmental Contaminants

Graduate Student

Supports priority one task 2.8. -some costs covered in EPA permits -includes stormwater, utility, and commercial discharge; San Marcos River Observing System under Prof. Thom Hardy intiated a watershed study using HSPF and other models to estimate nutrient and contaminant runoff to San Marcos River; expected to run two years. SWTSU is now Texas State University - San Marcos;

1.26

Assess water quality in the San Marcos aquatic ecosystem and determine possible sources of negative impacts

Not Started

Ecological Services, Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission , Edwards Underground Water District , Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. Geological Survey

Research

Labor type not yet selected

Supports priority one task 2.8. -contributes to management plan (2.41) -USGS has supported one year of study.

Activity Number	Description	Status	Est. Initiation Date	Est. Completion Date	Responsible Parties	Work Type	Labor Type	Comments	Species
1.26-2	City of San Marcos will be characterizing water quality of stormwater for TCEQ permit for its MS4.	Ongoing Current	N/A	N/A		Work type not yet selected	Labor type not yet selected
1.26-1	Texas State University - San Marcos is researching and modeling the local watershed including sediment transport.	Ongoing Current	N/A	FY 2014		Work type not yet selected	Labor type not yet selected

1.28

Assess adequacy of existing aquifer water quality protection provisions

Ongoing Current

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, Edwards Underground Water District , Water Management , Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission , Others, Ecological Services, Southwest Texas State University

Research

Graduate Student

Supports priority one task 2.5. -contributes to mgt. plan (sub-task 2.11). Part of ongoing San Marcos River watershed study by River Systems Institute at Texas State University - San Marcos.

1.29

Determine negative impacts by non-native species and develop control mechanisms

Ongoing Current

Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, Southwest Texas State University , Others, San Marcos National Fish Hatchery and Technology Center, Ecological Services

Work type not yet selected

Labor type not yet selected

Subject of research paid by EARIP HCP.

1.3

Determine aquifer characteristics and recharge patterns and zones, etc.

Ongoing Current

Edwards Aquifer Authority , Southwest Texas State University , U.S. Geological Survey

Work type not yet selected

Labor type not yet selected

Contributes to management plan sub-task 2.11. -this task may involve other responsible parties. Research funded by EARIP HCP will likely include aquifer characterization for Comal, San Marcos, Hueco, and Fern Bank springs.

1.4

Develop captive breeding and reintroduction techniques for all species

Ongoing Current

Prior to FY 1995

Hatchery and Technology Center , Ecological Services, San Marcos National Fish Hatchery and Technology Center, Dallas Aquarium , Southwest Texas State University , Texas Parks and Wildlife Department

Management: General

Graduate Student, Internal Administrative

Supports priority one task 2.7. -costs will decline if trials yield success earlier. Culture techniques are still being developed for Comal Springs invertebrates and salamanders.

2.10

Control and/or remove select non-native organisms, etc.

Ongoing Current

FY 1995 - FY 1999

Ecological Services, City of San Marcos, City of New Braunfels (including New Braunfels Utilities, in some cases) , Animal Damage Control (USDA) , Texas Parks and Wildlife Department

Management: Predator and Competitor Control

Contract

Dependent on results of task 1.29.

2.11

Maintain and implement a contingency plan to bring species into captive refugia if an emergency exists

Ongoing Current

Prior to FY 1995

Others, Dallas Aquarium , U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Management: General

Internal Technical Assistance, Internal Field Assistance

Year 3 reflects costs for an unpredictable low flow period when task is implemented.

2.12 (sub-task)

Provide Service guidance and support for the regional aquifer management planning effort

Ongoing Current

FY 2006

Ecological Services

Management: Habitat Maintenance and Manipulation, Management: Planning, Other: Regulations

Internal Technical Assistance, Internal Administrative

Supports priority one sub-task 2.11.

Activity Number	Description	Status	Est. Initiation Date	Est. Completion Date	Responsible Parties	Work Type	Labor Type	Comments	Species
2.12 (sub-task)-1	Service continues to provide guidance and support by fostering the EARIP and EARIP HCP (application made Jan. 2012)	Ongoing Current	N/A	N/A		Work type not yet selected	Labor type not yet selected	Ecological Services is providing significant staff time in support of development of regional aquifer management plan.

2.2

Encourage Federal agencies to undertake or actively promote conservation activities under Section 7(a)(1) of the ESA

Ongoing Current

FY 1995 - FY 1999

Ecological Services

Other: Information and Education

Internal Technical Assistance, Internal Administrative

Funded by base budget in part.

Activity Number	Description	Status	Est. Initiation Date	Est. Completion Date	Responsible Parties	Work Type	Labor Type	Comments	Species
2.2-1	Multiple formal consultations with U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in FY2012 on Comal and San Marcos rivers. Major consultation in late CY 2012 for EARIP HCP	Ongoing Current	N/A	N/A		Work type not yet selected	Labor type not yet selected

2.31

Continue to support proactive Federal agency conservation actions

Ongoing Current

FY 1995 - FY 1999

Ecological Services, Other Federal Agencies

Other: Regulations

Internal Technical Assistance, Internal Field Assistance

Supports priority one sub-task 2.11. From base costs in part.

2.32

Continue to support private proactive conservation actions

Ongoing Current

FY 2006

Ecological Services, Other Federal Agencies

Acquisition: General, Management: Other, Management: Planning, Management: Land Use, Other: Information and Education

Internal Technical Assistance, Internal Field Assistance

Supports priority one task 2.11 -e.g. programs Partners for Wildlife.

2.33

Aggressively pursue Federal agency compliance with obliga- tions for informal and formal consultations etc.

Ongoing Not Current

FY 1995 - FY 1999

Ecological Services

Other: Regulations

Internal Administrative

Supports priority one sub-task 2.11 from base costs in part.

2.34

Examine the potential effectiveness of legal actions such as requesting injunctions and prepare to initiate such action if a crisis appears imminent

Not Started

Law Enforcement, Ecological Services, City of San Marcos, City of San Antonio , City of New Braunfels (including New Braunfels Utilities, in some cases) , Ground Water Districts , Edwards Underground Water District , Edwards Aquifer Authority

Other: Regulations

Internal Administrative

Initiated only in absence of adequate state or local action to curtail groundwater use.

2.41

Develop and implement management plan(s) for the San Marcos system

Not Started

OTHER LANDOWNERS, Ecological Services, City of San Marcos, Southwest Texas State University , San Marcos River Foundation , Texas Parks and Wildlife Department

Work type not yet selected

Labor type not yet selected

2.5

Implement measures necessary to protect water quality in the aquifer

Not Started

Ecological Services, Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission , Edwards Underground Water District , U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

Work type not yet selected

Labor type not yet selected

Dependent on conclusions of task 1.28.

2.6

Encourage management of spring, lake, river, and cave habitats by private individuals and others

Not Started

Other Nongovernmental Organizations, Ecological Services, City of San Marcos, Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission , San Marcos River Foundation , City of New Braunfels (including New Braunfels Utilities, in some cases) , Lower Colorado River Authority , Texas Parks and Wildlife Department

Work type not yet selected

Labor type not yet selected

Costs reflect initial development costs. Activities would then be incorporated in basic program services.

2.7

Establish and maintain captive stocks

Ongoing Current

FY 1995 - FY 1999

Ecological Services, San Marcos National Fish Hatchery and Technology Center, Others, Dallas Aquarium , Southwest Texas State University , City of San Antonio , Texas Parks and Wildlife Department

Management: Propagation

Internal Technical Assistance, Internal Field Assistance, Internal Administrative

Dependent on results of task 1.4 in part.

2.8

Reduce pollution loadings to San Marcos and Comal aquatic habitats and caves with Texas blind salamanders

Not Started

Ecological Services, San Marcos National Fish Hatchery and Technology Center, City of San Marcos, Landowners , Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission , City of New Braunfels (including New Braunfels Utilities, in some cases) , U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

Work type not yet selected

Labor type not yet selected

Costs dependent on conclusions of tasks 1.22, 1.23, 1.24, 1.25, 1.26, 1.27, & 1.28

Activity Number	Description	Status	Est. Initiation Date	Est. Completion Date	Responsible Parties	Work Type	Labor Type	Comments	Species
2.8-1	Mitigation funds from Wonder World Drive Extension were used in November 2011 to purchase a permanent conservation easement on part of the Barker Ranch in the Purgatory Creek basin; Helps to maintain water quality of runoff in recharge zone especially near Ezell's Cave, Primers Fissure and Johnson's Well	Complete	FY 2000 - FY 2004	FY 2012		Work type not yet selected	Labor type not yet selected	Texas Nature Conservancy struck an agreement with City of San Marcos and private landowner to protect the natural vegetation on easement to benefit golden-cheeked warbler and species dependent on Edwards aquifer.

2.9

Restore damaged habitats and enhance marginal habitats

Ongoing Current

FY 2000 - FY 2004

Other Nongovernmental Organizations, Ecological Services, City of San Marcos, City of New Braunfels (including New Braunfels Utilities, in some cases) , Texas Parks and Wildlife Department

Management: Habitat Maintenance and Manipulation

Contract, Internal Technical Assistance

Dependent on priority projects currently unidentified or scheduled.

3.1

Monitor populations and habitats

Ongoing Current

FY 1995 - FY 1999

Ecological Services, San Marcos National Fish Hatchery and Technology Center, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department

Research: Population Surveys

Internal Technical Assistance, Internal Field Assistance, Internal Administrative

Supports priority one tasks 2.41, 2.42, 2.5, 2.8, and 2.11 in part.

3.2

Monitor threats

Ongoing Current

FY 1995 - FY 1999

Ecological Services, San Marcos National Fish Hatchery and Technology Center, City of San Marcos, Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission , Nongovernmental Organizations , City of New Braunfels (including New Braunfels Utilities, in some cases) , Edwards Underground Water District , Edwards Aquifer Authority , Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. Geological Survey

Research: Habitat Status

Internal Technical Assistance, Internal Field Assistance

Supports same priority one tasks noted for task 3.1 above. Part of basic mission for many agencies.

4.1

Produce educational materials and inform a variety of audiences

Not Started

Ecological Services, Others, City of San Marcos, City of San Antonio , City of New Braunfels (including New Braunfels Utilities, in some cases) , Edwards Underground Water District , Edwards Aquifer Authority , Texas Parks and Wildlife Department

Work type not yet selected

Labor type not yet selected

Supports priority one tasks 2.11, and subtasks 2.11, 2.41, and 2.42.

4.2

Encourage public participation in conservation efforts

Ongoing Current

Ecological Services, City of San Marcos, Southwest Texas State University , City of New Braunfels (including New Braunfels Utilities, in some cases) , Edwards Underground Water District , Texas Parks and Wildlife Department

Work type not yet selected

Labor type not yet selected

Uses support from task 4.1. Austin ESFO and San Marcos National Fish Hatchery & Technology Center are working with multiple local, regional, State of Texas, and Federal entities to participate in recovery implementation including but not limited to: cities of San Marcos, New Braunfels, and San Antonio; Texas State University, San Marcos River Foundation; Edwards Aquifer Authority, Guadalupe - Blanco River Authority, New Braunfels Utilities, San Antonio Water System; Texas Parks and Wildlife; U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and Joint Base San Antonio. Seven public meetings will held in August 2012 pursuant to NEPA scoping for the Edwards Aquifer Recovery Implementation Program Habitat Conservation Plan.

Activity Number	Description	Status	Est. Initiation Date	Est. Completion Date	Responsible Parties	Work Type	Labor Type	Comments	Species
4.2-1	Seven public scoping meetings will be held in August 2012 on EARIP HCP.	Ongoing Current	N/A	N/A		Work type not yet selected	Labor type not yet selected	Lead is EARIP.

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