The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has received an application from Comstock Homes for a permit to incidentally take the federally threatened coastal California gnatcatcher during the development of a residential community in Moorpark, Ventura County, California. This permit would be issued under the Endangered Species Act and would allow the “take” (which means to harm or harass) of the gnatcatcher as long as it is incidental to lawful activities. The proposed Habitat Conservation Plan includes measures to avoid, minimize, and mitigate the impact on the gnatcatcher, and public comments are invited. The Service has determined that the impact of the project would be minor and may qualify for a “low-effect” permit, with comments open until February 7, 2025.
Simple Explanation
The government is thinking about letting a company build homes where some special birds live, but they promise to be careful and not bother the birds too much. People can say what they think about this plan before the government makes a final decision.