AUSTIN (AP) - An environmental panel for a Central Texas city has recommended endangered status for four salamander species.

The resolution from the Austin Environmental Board now goes to the Austin City Council.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s proposal would give Austin blind, Salado, Georgetown and Jollyville Plateau salamanders endangered status. The plan would also set aside nearly 6,000 acres in Travis, Williamson and Bell counties as critical habitat, thus limiting development.

The Austin American-Statesman reported Thursday that Austin would be the first city in the area to favor listing the salamander species as endangered.

City councils in Round Rock, Leander, Cedar Park and Georgetown, plus Williamson County, have voted against the proposal.

The Austin Environmental Board’s resolution was approved late Wednesday.

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