Hydraulic Project Approval (HPA)

Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP)

Why is this HCP being prepared?

• It will provide long-term assurances that activities conducted under an HPA comply with the federal Endangered Species Act.
• It will streamline the permitting process for projects that require HPAs and other regulatory permits subject to ESA review.
• It will provide management strategies for the protection of up to 52 fish, shellfish, and other aquatic species and their habitats.
• It will contribute to species conservation and recovery, while continuing to permit development activities that require an HPA.

How is the Hydraulic Project Approval HCP related to the Hydraulic Code Rules (Chapter 220-110 WAC)?

Habitat Conservation Plans identify actions, called “conservation measures,” that describe how the plan will protect covered species. The Hydraulic Code rules specify what a proponent must do to protect fish life when building, maintaining, or removing a hydraulic project. WDFW is revising the Hydraulic Code rules. The revised rules will include the HCP’s conservation measures, and describe specific methods to protect covered species.

Who will be affected by this HCP?

Anyone who applies for and receives a Hydraulic Project Approval will be affected by the HCP.

What species will be included in this HCP?

Up to fifty-two species of fish and shellfish, including salmonids, rockfish, and shellfish will be included.

How can you provide input?

WDFW is actively seeking input from other governmental agencies, tribes, businesses, environmental groups, and the interested public.  For current opportunities to provide input, please visit our public involvment page or, for tribes, our co-managers page. 

You can ask for specific information or be added to our mailing list by contacting the HCP team directly. 

Our email address is hydraulichcp@dfw.wa.gov.

Or contact Randi Thurston (project manager)
by phone:         360-902-2602
by mail:            Habitat Program
                        600 Capitol Way N
                        Olympia, WA 98501.

WDFW will provide specific opportunities to comment on the draft rules (in accordance with the Administrative Procedures Act and on the draft HCP.  In addition, the federal Services and WDFW will seek public comment under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA).