Habitat Conservation Plans (HCPs) are designed to conserve and protect federally listed and unlisted species while allowing for development activities.  They are developed by any non-Federal landowner in cooperation with the Service when certain project activities may result in the take of a listed species. HCPs are planning documents and required in order to be covered for take.

Through the Conservation Planning program and Section 10 of the Endangered Species Act, HCPs simplify the permitting process, save time and money, and provide better protection by planning for entire landscapes rather than smaller project-by-project consultations.

Large-scale HCPs, commonly referred to as Regional HCPs, help communities plan for development activities while protecting habitat and promoting species conservation. They help facilitate partnerships and provide solutions needed to achieve long-term biological and regulatory goals.

HCPs benefit both the landowner and the species and are an effective conservation tool designed to balance urban development with wildlife and habitat conservation.

Incidental Take Permits
If an HCP meets specified criteria, including minimizing and mitigating the anticipated take of listed species, the Service issues an incidental take permit allowing the landowner to take listed species and proceed with development or other activity.

Private landowners, corporations, State or local governments, Tribes or other non-Federal landowners who are interested in conducting activities that might incidentally harm (or "take") endangered or threatened wildlife on their land are required to obtain an incidental take permit from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, to provide protection from violating the Endangered Species Act (ESA).

What Next?
To obtain a permit, landowners can contact their local Fish and Wildlife Service office to determine whether an activity is likely to require an incidental take permit and to begin the application process.

The Frequently Asked Questions and HCP Handbook can provide more information about Habitat Conservation Plans.