Notice of Availability of a Draft Environmental Impact Statement/Environmental Impact Report and Receipt of an Application for an Incidental Take Permit for the East Contra Costa County Habitat Conservation Plan and Natural Community Conservation Plan, C

This notice announces the availability of the draft East Contra Costa County Habitat Conservation Plan and Natural Community Conservation Plan (Plan), draft Implementing Agreement, and draft Environmental Impact Statement/Environmental Impact Report (EIS/EIR) for public review and comment. In response to receipt of an application from the East Contra County Habitat Conservation Plan Association (Association), the Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) is considering the proposed action of issuing a 30-year permit for 28 species. The proposed permit would authorize take of individual members of species listed under the Federal Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (ESA). The permit is needed because take of species could occur during proposed urban development activities, rural infrastructure projects, and preserve management activities within a 175,435-acre planning area located in eastern Contra Costa County, California.