Board to take comments on conservation plan

The board of the Barton Springs Edwards Aquifer Conservation District will hold a hearing tonight on adoption of a habitat conservation plan designed to ensure a minimum flow of water to Barton Springs for the endangered salamanders that live there, even during a record drought. According to General Manager John Dupnik, the plan has been in development over the past 10 years and includes “a program and system of conservation measures designed to avoid, minimize and mitigate for any adverse effect” that pumping from the aquifer might have on the salamanders. Dupnik added that the board might adopt the plan tonight, but more likely it would postpone action until the next meeting on Sept. 25. Board member Craig Smith, who was hospitalized over the weekend, has returned to work and plans to attend tonight’s meeting. The meeting begins at 6 p.m. at the aquifer district offices, 1124 Regal Row in Manchaca.