Small salamanders cause big controversy

AUSTIN (KXAN) - It's a little salamander that could make a big difference in growth and development for three Central Texas Counties.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is debating whether to put four different species of salamanders on an endangered species list.

For Chasco Construction Company, based out of Round Rock, business is better than ever, but that could be in jeopardy if the salamanders are added to an endangered species list.

"Currently in Williamson County it is one of the fastest growing counties in the country," said Chuck Glace, president of Chasco Construction. "But this would increase construction cost and it would severely cripple the economy in Williamson County."

The major decision is one that Chasco Construction says can have a major impact on the entire region forever.

"I believe the majority of Williamson County will not be able to developed," said Glace. "Most of these salamanders exist in western Williamson County and that's where most of the growth is."

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is in the beginning stages of studying whether the salamanders should be protected. The ruling could change and restrict the areas where growth is allowed.

"We want to make sure a species doesn't go extinct on our watch," said Adam Zerrenner of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. "Theses species are very important to us."

On Thursday, Williamson County officials along with state and national representatives met at a salamander habitat.

They're fighting against the endangered listing and conducting their own research saying the amphibians are surviving just fine. So far, Williamson County has spent more than $500,000 in a five-year study that is still years away from completion. Officials are hoping the wildlife service will delay any decision until their research is complete.

"Let's make decisions truly on the best science -- which is still being gathered right now -- so let's not rush the process," said Alan McGraw, mayor of Round Rock.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife service says the decision is a year-long process that is just getting started. The first step is public input and then they will conduct their own research on the salamanders.

"At the same time we don't want to list a species that shouldn't be on the list," said Zerrenner. "That's why the science and review is going to be so important."

The salamander can be found on nearly 6,000 acres of land in Williamson, Travis, and Bell counties.

The first of two public hearings took place at the Wingate by Wyndham Hotel in Round Rock on Wednesday night. Representatives from both sides of the issue were present to hear the public's opinion.

On Thursday, a public meeting will be held at Thompson Conference Center in Travis County starting at 8 p.m.