[Federal Register Volume 60, Number 137 (Tuesday, July 18, 1995)]
[Notices]
[Page 36826]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 95-17549]



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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Fish and Wildlife Service


Availability of an Environmental Assessment and Receipt of an 
Application To Amend the San Bruno Mountain Habitat Conservation Plan 
Pursuant to Section 10(a) of the Endangered Species Act

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife, Interior.

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: The County of San Mateo (County) has applied to the U.S. Fish 
and Wildlife Service (Service) for an amendment to the San Bruno 
Mountain Habitat Conservation Plan (Plan) and incidental take permit 
PRT 2-9818 pursuant to section 10(a)(1)(B) of the Endangered Species 
Act of 1973, as amended (Act). The proposed amendment, the Watson 
Communications System 1994 Master Plan project, would authorize the 
incidental take of the endangered mission blue butterfly (Icaricia 
icarioides missionensis) in an area of the Plan originally designated 
as conserved habitat. The proposed amendment was necessitated by 
revision of the 1983 development plan for the Radio Ridge. An 
environmental assessment (EA) is available for the project. 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 EA and the application should be 
received on or before August 17, 1995.

ADDRESSES: Comments regarding the adequacy of the EA and the 
application should be addressed to: Field Supervisor, Sacramento Field 
Office, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 2800 Cottage Way, Room E-1823, 
Sacramento, California 95825-1846. All comments should reference the 
permit number PRT 2-9818. All comments, including names and addresses, 
received will become part of the administrative record and may be made 
available to the public.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Michael Horton at the above address or 
telephone 916-979-2725. Individuals wishing a copy of the application 
or EA should contact the above individual.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Section 9 of the Act prohibits the 
``taking'' of endangered species, like the mission blue butterfly. 
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 may be found in 50 CFR 17.22.
    In 1983, the Service issued the County of San Mateo (County), 
California a permit for the incidental take of mission blue butterfly 
on San Bruno Mountain. The County has requested an amendment to section 
10(a)(1)(B) permit No. PRT 2-9818 for the San Bruno Mountain Habitat 
Conservation Plan (SBM HCP). The SBM HCP currently reflects a 1983 
development plan for the Radio Ridge, which would allow the 
construction of 7 structures, 6 additional earth/satellite stations, 
and associated facilities, and would conserve 15 acres as conserved 
habitat. Watson Communications Systems, the property owner has proposed 
a number of construction activities that differ from the 1983 SBM HCP. 
This includes construction of 2 dwelling units, relocation of a tower, 
and construction of 2 new buildings, installation of 40 new dish 
antennae, and associated facilities. Aside from increasing the amount 
of habitat that would be lost by 1.2 acres, the new proposal 
reconfigures the developed areas. The applicant has proposed 
minimization measures and would provide additional funds to the HCP 
Trust Fund as mitigation. The County approved the 1994 Master Plan 
project and certified an Environmental Impact Report prepared for the 
project on December 20, 1994.
    On August 23, 1994, the County applied to the Service for an 
amendment to the SBM HCP and permit PRT 2-9818. The proposed Radio 
Ridge amendment includes the above Watson Communications Systems 
project and would authorize the incidental take of the mission blue 
butterfly in an area originally designated in the SBM HCP as conserved 
habitat. In addition to the proposed amendment, (the proposed action), 
the No Action Alternative was considered.

    Dated: July 12, 1995.
Thomas Dwyer,
Deputy Regional Director, Region 1, Portland, Oregon.
[FR Doc. 95-17549 Filed 7-17-95; 8:45 am]
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