The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) listed the Houston Toad (Bufo houstonensis) as an endangered species over 30 years ago. The toad is protected under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) of 1973, as amended, which prohibits the “take” of threatened and endangered species. “Take” is defined as “harass, harm, pursue, shoot, wound, kill, trap, capture or collect, or attempt to engage in any such conduct.” The USFWS considers modification of endangered species habitat (e.g., some construction of some electric service facilities) to be “harm” and, therefore, an ESA violation.

Bluebonnet joined with the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA), Austin Energy and Aqua Water to recieve a permit from the USFWS which lets us work within the Houston toad's sensitive habitat, as long as we comply with specific conservation practices. The permit, issued in 2005, lasts 30 years, and covers central, northern and eastern Bastrop County, as well as western Lee County.

Bluebonnet acquired a 452-acre land tract within the permitted area, where the Cooperative intends to build its new headquarters and establish a nature preserve and Houston toad habitat.

Click here for a map of Bluebonnet’s service area and how it intersects potential Houston Toad habitat.