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Edwards Aquifer Recovery Implementation Program HABITAT CONSERVATION PLAN minimization and mitigation measures; (2) the Phase I springflow protection measures; and (3) the AMP to monitor the effectiveness of the measures and guide future management decisions. The Phase I package will be implemented throughout the permit term unless modified by the AMP. In Phase II, no later than Year 8 of the ITP, the specified additional measures (see Section 5.5.2) needed to achieve the springflows to meet the biological goals of the HCP will be implemented if required. 1.4 Species Proposed for Coverage under the Permit Eleven species are proposed for coverage under the permit. Seven are federally listed as endangered, and one is federally listed as threatened, and three are petitioned for listing as threatened or endangered. (See Table 1-3). Despite efforts to locate San Marcos gambusia (Gambusia georgei) [intensive collection efforts were conducted in 1990 with no San Marcos gambusia being collected (USFWS 1996a)], the last known sighting from the San Marcos River occurred in 1983, and the species is now thought to be extinct. (McKinney and Sharp 1995). Nonetheless, actions benefitting the other proposed Covered Species would provide benefits to this species were it to be rediscovered within the spring system, and it is, therefore, proposed for coverage. In addition to these 11 species, the EARIP and associated work groups examined the possibility of seeking coverage for one other listed species (whooping crane [Grus americana]) and a number of other petitioned Aquifer and freshwater mussel species that had received positive 90- day findings (USFWS 2009). A work group on Covered Species used the following criteria to determine whether covering additional unlisted species was warranted: the likelihood of listing during the permit term; effect of the Covered Activities on the species; status of knowledge about these species (in relation to meeting permit issuance criteria regarding demonstrating the link between the Covered Activities and take); and potential problems with implementation. This work group began with a potential list of 34 rare species. (Zara 2010; Covered Species Work Group 2010). This list was narrowed to nine species on the basis that they have been petitioned for listing and USFWS determination us indicating a greater likelihood of listing during the permit term. These nine species include three that are proposed for coverage (Table 1-3), and six others including a snail (Phreatodrobia imitate), three salamanders (Eurycea robusta, Eurycea tridentifera, Eurycea neotenes), and two catfish (Trogloglanis pattersoni, Satan eurystomus). Using the aforementioned criteria, the work group concluded that seeking coverage for these Aquifer species was not warranted. In particular, the proposed action most dramatically affects spring dwelling species, those that occur at the top of the Aquifer where spring levels fluctuate. The snail, one of the salamanders (Euryce arobusta), and the two catfish occur in the deeper portions of the Aquifer. The other two cave and spring salamanders (Eurycea tridentifera, Eurycea neotenes) do not overlap geographically with the Covered Activities, since they do not occur at Comal or San Marcos springs. (But see Section 3.6.3). 1-9