Travis County hosts protected species like the golden-cheeked warbler under the federal Endangered Species Act, plus migratory songbirds under the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act enforced regardless of any county rule.
The golden-cheeked warbler and black-capped vireo nest in juniper-oak Hill Country habitat across western Travis County. Land clearing during nesting season, March through August, can trigger federal Endangered Species Act take violations even on private land. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service issues incidental-take permits, often coordinated through the Balcones Canyonlands Conservation Plan administered by Travis County. The federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act protects nests and eggs of nearly all native songbirds. Tree removal permits within BCCP units require habitat survey and mitigation contributions.
Federal MBTA fines up to 15000 dollars per violation, ESA criminal exposure up to 50000 dollars and one year, plus BCCP mitigation fees and project halts during nesting season.
See how Austin's bird protection rules stack up against other locations.
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