On December 19, 2005, representatives of the Service met with Texas Agriculture Commissioner Susan Combs, Fort Hood Commanding Officer General James Simmons, and numerous Federal and State agencies, and non-government organizations to discuss the establishment of a recovery crediting process for private lands surrounding Fort Hood.  The purpose of the process would be to encourage agencies and landowners to promote the proactive recovery of listed species using an incentive-based approach, rather than merely minimizing the harm to the species. Initial efforts will focus on measures for the conservation of the endangered golden-cheeked warbler. The group was organized into three subcommittees to develop specific aspects of the program: Species Biology and Habitat Management, Policy, and Economics.  Service employees will provide advice and direction in these subcommittees to ensure that any draft proposal complies with Service policy, regulations and laws.