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Edwards Aquifer Recovery Implementation Program HABITAT CONSERVATION PLAN An HCP submitted in support of a Section 10 permit application must specify: The impact that will likely result from the taking; Steps the applicant will take to monitor, minimize, and mitigate such impacts; the funding available to implement such steps; and the procedures to be used to deal with unforeseen circumstances; Alternative actions to such taking considered by the applicant and the reasons why such alternatives are not proposed to be used; and Other measures that may be required as necessary or appropriate for the purposes of the plan. (16 U.S.C. § 1539(a)(2)(A)(i)-(iv); 50 C.F.R. § 17.22(b)(iii)). To issue an incidental take permit, USFWS must find that: The taking will be incidental; The applicant will, to the maximum extent practicable, minimize and mitigate the impacts of such taking; The applicant will ensure that adequate funding for the conservation plan and procedures to deal with unforeseen circumstances will be provided; The taking will not appreciably reduce the likelihood of survival and recovery of the species in the wild; and The applicant will ensure that other measures as may be required by USFWS as necessary or appropriate for the purposes of the HCP will be implemented. (16 U.S.C. § 10(a)(2)(B); 50 C.F.R. §§ 17.22(b)(2) and 17.32(b)(2)). The USFWS believes that the biological goals and objectives should be consistent with recovery but in a manner that is commensurate with the scope of the HCP. Under section 10 of the ESA, the USFWS does not explicitly require an HCP to recover listed species or contribute to the recovery objectives outlined in a recovery plan, however, USFWS discourages HCPs that might preclude a significant recovery option. (USFWS 1996(c) at 3-20; 65 FR 35,243, (June 1, 2000)). This approach reflects the intent of the section 10(a)(1)(B) incidental take permit process to provide for authorization of incidental take, not to mandate recovery. (Id.). The HCP Handbook Addendum (USFWS and National Marine Fisheries Service [NMFS] 2000), referred to as the "5- development of HCPs. The five points are as follows: 1. Defined conservation goals and objectives; 2. An adaptive management strategy; 3. Compliance and effectiveness monitoring; 1-13