Service Director Dale Hall speaks to group about benefits of the Safe Harbor Agreement to the Houston toad.

On October 27, 2007, the Austin ESFO participated  in a signing ceremony that celebrated the finalization of a safe harbor agreement with the Boy Scouts of America/Capitol Area Council on their 541-acre Lost Pines Scout Reservation in Bastrop County, Texas.  The safe harbor agreement will be in place for 15 years.  The implementation of the conservation activites set forth in the agreement is expected to enhance breeding, foraging, and hibernating habitat for the endangered Houston toad.
 
Dale Hall, Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, spoke about the importance of conserving endangered species for future generations.  Other speakers included J.T. Dabbs, Scout Executive of the Boy Scouts of America/Capitol Area Council, Dr. Michael Forstner from Texas State University, and David Wolfe from Environmental Defense.