[Federal Register Volume 59, Number 242 (Monday, December 19, 1994)]
[Unknown Section]
[Page 0]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 94-31060]


[[Page Unknown]]

[Federal Register: December 19, 1994]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
 

Availability of an Environmental Assessment/Habitat Conservation 
Plan and Receipt of an Application for an Incidental Take Permit for 
the Proposed Great Hills Reserve Subdivision Development, Austin, 
Travis County, TX

agencyy: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

action: Notice.

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summary: Americo Financial, Limited (Applicant) has applied to the U.S. 
Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) for an incidental take permit 
pursuant to Section 10(a)(1)(B) of the Endangered Species Act (Act). 
The Applicant has been assigned Permit Number PRT-782832. The requested 
permit, which is for a period not to exceed 10 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 and operation of a residential development on 294.15 
acres, in two parcels, in Austin, Travis County, Texas.
    The Service has prepared an Environmental Assessment/Habitat 
Conservation Plan (EA/HCP) for the incidental take application. A 
determination of jeopardy to the species or a Finding of No Significant 
Impact (FONSI) will not be made before 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 and the EA/HCP should be 
received on or before January 18, 1995.

addresses: Persons wishing to review the application may obtain a copy 
by writing to the Assistant Regional Director, Ecological Services, 
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 Alma Barrera, Ecological Services Field Office, U.S. Fish 
and Wildlife Service, 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 4:00) at the Southwest Regional Office, Division of Endangered 
Species/Permits, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, P.O. Box 1306, 
Albuquerque, New Mexico 87103, or the Ecological Services Field Office 
(9:00 to 4:30), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 10711 Burnet Road, 
Suite 200, Austin, Texas 78758. Written data or comments concerning the 
application and EA/HCP should be submitted to the Acting Field 
Supervisor, Ecological Services Field Office, Austin, Texas (see 
ADDRESSES above). Please refer to Permit Number PRT-782832 when 
submitting in comments.

for further information contact: Alma Barrera at the above 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.
    The Applicant plans to build a residential subdivision in northwest 
Austin, Travis County, Texas. An EA/HCP has been developed as 
mitigation of the incidental taking of the golden-cheeked warbler. The 
Applicant proposes to mitigate the incidental take via dedicating 
approximately 440 acres of occupied golden-cheeked warbler habitat as a 
permanent preserve, providing funding for the operation and management 
of the preserve lands, performing golden-cheeked warbler studies on the 
project lands, and avoiding construction activities within warbler 
territories during the breeding season. Details of the mitigation are 
provided in the EA/HCP for the Great Hills Reserve.
    The Applicant considered five alternatives but rejected four 
because they were not economically viable.
James A. Young,
Acting Regional Director, Region 2, Albuquerque, New Mexico.
[FR Doc. 94-31060 Filed 12-16-94; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-55-M