The University is currently preparing a Comprehensive Habitat Conservation Plan (Comprehensive HCP) for the main residential campus (Permit Area). The HCP will provide a framework for ensuring conservation of special status species while providing incidental take authorization for Covered Activities such as development, operations, and maintenance activities undertaken by the University, including activities associated with implementation of the University’s 2021 Long Range Development Plan (LRDP) and future LRDPs approved during the permit term.
The Comprehensive HCP is intended to provide conservation benefits for three wildlife species (collectively the “Covered Species”): California red-legged frog (Rana draytonii), listed as threatened under the federal Endangered Species Act (FESA); Ohlone tiger beetle ( Cicindela ohlone) , listed as endangered under FESA; and monarch ( Danaus plexippus ), proposed for listing under the FESA.
The Comprehensive HCP will provide for the establishment and management of Preserves to conserve the Covered Species and to achieve the conservation strategy. Upon completion of the HCP, the U.S. and Wildlife Service (USFWS) would issue an Incidental Take Permit (ITP) under federal law to the University, which would authorize take of listed Covered Species incidental to Covered Activities.
The UC Santa Cruz campus approved an HCP for a portion off the main residential campus in 2005 for construction and operation of the Ranch View Terrace project and the Emergency Response Center to maintain habitat for Ohlone tiger beetle and California red-legged frog. A 12.5-acre preserve for the Ranch View Terrace HCP, which is called Inclusionary Parcel D is located near the entrance of the main residential campus and is proposed as a site for employee housing under the 2021 LRDP. The Comprehensive HCP is being designed to meet all mitigation requirements for the Ranch View Terrace HCP and associated Implementing Agreement. Once the HCP is approved and the US Fish and Wildlife Service has issued an ITP, the Ranch View Terrace HCP and its associated permits will be rescinded and replaced by the Comprehensive HCP.