[Federal Register: April 24, 2001 (Volume 66, Number 79)]
[Notices]
[Page 20675]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr24ap01-76]
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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Fish and Wildlife Service
Environmental Statements; Availability etc: Incidental Take
Permits--Bastrop County, TX; Houston Toad and Bald Eagle
Notice of Availability of a Revised Environmental Assessment/
Habitat Conservation Plan for Permit Numbers TE-025997-0 and TE-025965-
0 for Issuance of Endangered Species Act Section 10(a)(1)(B) Permits
for the Incidental Take of the Endangered Houston Toad and the
Threatened Bald Eagle During the Construction and Occupation of Single
Family Residences or Other Similar Structures (each on approximately
0.5 acres or less) in 46 Subdivisions in Bastrop County, Texas.
SUMMARY: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has prepared a revised
Environmental Assessment/Habitat Conservation Plan (EA/HCP) for
issuance of Endangered Species Act Section 10(a)(1)(B) permits (numbers
TE-025997-0 and TE-025965-0) for the incidental take of the endangered
Houston toad (Bufo houstonensis) and threatened bald eagle (Haliaeetus
leucocephalus). The revised EA/HCP adds the bald eagle to the existing
46-subdivision EA/HCP that currently only covers the Houston toad. In
addition, the proposed EA/HCP would allow for the construction of other
similar structures, as long as the action on the property disturbs no
more than approximately 0.5 acres of habitat within each eligible lot.
The Service proposes issuing endangered species permits to individual
lot owners under an EA/HCP, where each permit would authorize the
incidental take of the Houston toad and bald eagle, directly or
indirectly, from the construction and occupation of a single-family
residence or other similar structure on an undeveloped lot in the 46
subdivisions covered under this EA/HCP. This revised EA/HCP will allow
for responsible development of the lots while minimizing and offsetting
impacts to the Houston toad and bald eagle by providing for on-site and
off-site conservation measures that will be used to promote the long-
term survival of the species. It is also considered to provide the most
simplified, expeditious, and effective process by which landowners can
comply with the provisions of the Endangered Species Act in a more
efficient manner. The revised EA/HCP requires the same avoidance,
minimization, and mitigation efforts from every lot owner, within their
respective category. Issuance of incidental take permits for the
Houston toad and bald eagle will be conducted as they are currently for
the Houston toad.
DATES: Written comments on the revision are being accepted and should
be received on or before June 25, 2001.
ADDRESSES: Persons wishing to review the revised EA/HCP may obtain a
copy by contacting: the Austin Office of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service, 10711 Burnet Road, Suite 200, Austin, Texas 78758 (512/490-
0057). Documents will be available for public inspection by written
request, or by appointment only, during normal business hours (8 to
4:30) at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Austin, Texas. Written
data or comments concerning the proposed revisions should be submitted
to the Field Supervisor, Austin Field Office of the U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service, at the above address. Please refer to permit numbers
TE-025997-0 and TE-025965-0 when submitting comments.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Contact the Austin Office of the U.S.
Fish and Wildlife Service at the above address.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Section 9 of the Act prohibits the
``taking'' of endangered and threatened species such as the Houston
toad and bald eagle. However, the Service, under limited circumstances,
may issue permits to take threatened and 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.
The Service has divided the 46 subdivisions into two categories,
those in low/marginal quality Houston toad habitat, and those in medium
quality Houston toad habitat. The revised EA/HCP and associated permits
(TE-025997-0 and TE-025965-0) will be in effect for a period of 5
years, and authorize the incidental take of the Houston toad and bald
eagle. The proposed take to the Houston toad would occur as a result of
the possible construction and occupation of undeveloped lots, utilizing
no more than approximately 0.5 acres per eligible property, in 46
subdivisions in Bastrop County, Texas. The proposed take to the bald
eagle is anticipated to occur only in the form of harassment, such as
an increase in noise generated from the 46 subdivisions and increased
recreational use of area lakes and the Colorado River. This notice is
provided pursuant to Section 10(c) of the Act and National
Environmental Policy Act regulations (40 CFR 1506.6).
Geoffrey L. Haskett,
Acting Regional Director, Region 2, Albuquerque, New Mexico.
[FR Doc. 01-10062 Filed 4-23-01; 8:45 am]
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