Habitat Conservation Planning Handbook

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) prepared this handbook to provide guidance in the development of habitat conservation plans for the incidental take of federally listed species. The handbook covers the federal Endangered Species Act (ESA), permits, roles and responsibilities, coordination, Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) development, environmental analysis, issuance criteria, and policies and procedures.