The US Fish & Wildlife Service has opened the comment period on its draft plan to improve access to clean water for seven endangered and threatened species in the Edwards Aquifer region of Central Texas and the Hill Country. The primary threat to these species is a decrease in water quantity and quality because of development throughout the southern segment of the Edwards Aquifer. Climate change-driven aridity and warming temperatures have exacerbated these threats. No bird species are included in this recovery plan, but without a doubt birds and other wildlife would clearly benefit from having access to more clean water. For this reason, Travis Audubon asks that you comment in favor of the draft plan before the comment period ends on Nov 12, 2024.

Submit a comment to the Austin Ecological Services Field Office. esaustininfo@fws.gov.

The draft recovery plan for the seven Edwards Aquifer listed species can be found at  https://ecos.fws.gov/docs/recovery_plan/RecoveryPlanSection08.15.2024_1.pdf.

Suggested language for your email submission-

To: esaustininfo@fws.gov

Subject: Draft Recovery Plan for the Southern Edwards Aquifer Springs and Associated Aquatic Ecosystems

Thank you for this opportunity to comment on the Draft Recovery Plan. As a Central Texas resident, I am very worried about the impact of development and climate change on the natural world in our area. I wholeheartedly support any action the Service may take to protect the many species in need of quality water here.

Sincerely,

Your name