Habitat Conservation Plan

In Orange Beach Alabama, Perdido Key spans the state boundary with Florida. The key boasts white sand beaches and breathtaking views of the Gulf of Mexico. 

Perdido Key is home to a variety of unique plants and animals including nesting sea turtles, a variety of shorebirds and the Perdido Key Beach Mouse.  The Perdido Key Beach Mouse exists in no other place in the world. To protect this mouse and other endangered wildlife found on the Key, the City of Orange Beach developed a Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) for the sensitive natural environment on Perdido Key. 

The HCP helps balance the need for habitat protection with human activity and development. It outlines conservation measures to prevent impacts on listed species, particularly sea turtles, shorebirds and the Perdido Key Beach Mouse.  

As a result of the HCP the City has received an Incidental Take Permit (ITP) from the United States Fish and Wildlife Service that allows for impacts to critical habitat on the Key. The City can issue permits for development on the Key provided that all requirements are met, and the appropriate mitigation has taken place.  

If you have questions about permitting requirements or endangered species on the Key, please contact the City of Orange Beach Coastal Resources Department at 251-981-1063.

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