[Federal Register: July 14, 1999 (Volume 64, Number 134)] [Notices] [Page 38004] From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov] [DOCID:fr14jy99-130] ======================================================================= ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Fish and Wildlife Service Notice of Availability of an Environmental Assessment/Habitat Conservation Plan and Receipt of Application for Incidental Take Permit for Golden-Cheeked Warbler (Dendroica chrysoparia) During Construction of a Single Family Residence on 0.75 acres of the 10.13 Acres on City Park Road in Travis County, Texas SUMMARY: John and Christine Caster (Applicants) have applied to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) for an incidental take permit pursuant to Section 10(a) of the Endangered Species Act (Act). The Applicants have been assigned permit number TE-012423-0. The requested permit, which is for a period of 5 years, would authorize the incidental take of the endangered golden-cheeked warbler (Dendroica chrysoparia). The proposed take would occur as a result of the construction of one single family residence on City Park Road, Austin, Travis County, Texas. The Service has prepared the Environmental Assessment/Habitat Conservation Plan (EA/HCP) for the incidental take application. A determination of whether jeopardy will occur to the species or a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) will not be made until 30 days from the date of publication of this notice. This notice is provided pursuant to Section 10(c) of the Act and National Environmental Policy Act regulations (40 CFR 1506.6). DATES: Written comments on the application should be received on or before August 13, 1999. ADDRESSES: Persons wishing to review the application may obtain a copy by writing to the Regional Director, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, P.O. Box 1306, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87103. Persons wishing to review the EA/HCP may obtain a copy by contacting Christina Longacre, Ecological Services Field Office, 10711 Burnet Road, Suite 200, Austin, Texas 78758 (512/490-0063). Documents will be available for public inspection by written request, by appointment only, during normal business hours (8:00 to 4:30) at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Austin, Texas. Written data or comments concerning the application and EA/HCPs should be submitted to the Field Supervisor, Ecological Services Field Office, Austin, Texas at the above address. Please refer to permit number TE-012423-0 when submitting comments. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Christina Longacre at the above Austin Ecological Services Field Office. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Section 9 of the Act prohibits the ``taking'' of endangered species such as the golden-cheeked warbler. However, the Service, under limited circumstances, may issue permits to take endangered wildlife species incidental to, and not the purpose of, otherwise lawful activities. Regulations governing permits for endangered species are at 50 CFR 17.22. Applicant: John and Christine Caster plan to construct one single family residence on City Park Road in Austin, Travis County, Texas. This action will eliminate less than one acre of habitat and indirectly impact less than four additional acres of golden-cheeked warbler habitat. The applicant proposes to compensate for this incidental take of the golden-cheeked warbler habitat by donating $1,500 into the Balcones Canyonlands Preserve to acquire/manage lands for the conservation of the golden-cheeked warbler and place the remaining balance of the property in a conservation easement in perpetuity. Alternatives to this action were rejected because not developing the subject property with federally listed species present was not economically feasible and alteration of the project design would increase the impacts. Nancy M. Kaufman, Regional Director, Region 2, Albuquerque, New Mexico. [FR Doc. 99-17901 Filed 7-13-99; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4510-55-P