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A conservation easement for phase II of the Storm Ranch land acquisition was finalized on June 27, 2008.  This second phase of land purchase constituted 1,318 acres in addition to the 2,282 acres that of the Storm Ranch that was acquired in July 2005 during the first phase.  This property is located within the contributing zone for the Barton Springs Segment of the Edwards Aquifer.  The preserved property is expected to provide high quality recharge to the Edwards Aquifer to benefit the Barton Springs salamander, which is a federally-listed  endangered species.  The property also provides potential habitat for the endangered golden-cheeked warbler, another endangered species.  Phases I and II of the Storm Ranch have been purchased in part through the Service’s non-traditional section 6 habitat conservation plan land acquisition program.