Title
Receive report from Mr. Ed Oborny, BIO-WEST, Inc., regarding the biological monitoring of the Comal and San Marcos ecosystems conducted in 2016.
Body
STAFF RECOMMENDED MOTION:
None. This item is for informational purposes only.
SUMMARY:
The purpose of this agenda item is for the Research & Technology Committee to receive a report from Mr. Ed Oborny, BIO-WEST, Inc., regarding biological monitoring (bio-monitoring) of the Comal and San Marcos ecosystems conducted in 2016, as required by contract 14-689-HCP.
Beginning in 2000, the EAA initially began bio-monitoring activities in the Comal and San Marcos springs ecosystems with a contract with BIO-WEST called the "Variable Flow Study" (VFS). With the implementation of the Habitat Conservation Plan, the VFS evolved into the current Biological Monitoring Study which requires BIO-WEST to provide an annual report on the condition of the Springs ecosystems each year.
The 2016 Comprehensive Monitoring Reports for Comal Springs and San Marcos Springs are attached to this summary.
STRATEGIC PLAN REFERENCE:
This agenda item supports the EAA's policy direction as set forth in the EAA 2016-20 Strategic Plan: Goal A. Sustain Federally Protected Aquifer-Dependent Species.
Specifically, this item is related to the obligations of Section 6.3.1 of the Edwards Aquifer Habitat Conservation Plan.
FISCAL IMPACT:
This agenda item does not involve the procurement of goods or services by the EAA and, therefore, this section is not applicable.