[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 2 (Monday, January 5, 1998)] [Notices] [Pages 249-250] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 98-078] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Fish and Wildlife Service Availability of an Environmental Assessment/Habitat Conservation Plan and Receipt of Application for Incidental Take Permit for Ranching and Related Activities on El Coronado Ranch (1,920 Acres) and Associated Grazing Allotments (13,284 Acres)(PRT-837858), on West Turkey Creek, Cochise County, Arizona ACTION: Notice. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: The El Coronado Ranch (Applicant) has applied to the 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 also requested unlisted-species provisions in an Implementing Agreement (Agreement) to cover species of concern found in the planning area. The Applicant has been assigned permit number PRT-837858. The requested permit, which is for a period of 25 years, would authorize incidental take of the endangered Yaqui chub (Gila purpurea) and the threatened Yaqui catfish (Ictalurus pricei). The unlisted species provision provides for the issuance of further permits for the incidental take of species not presently listed under the Act, but which might become listed during the term of the proposed permit. The unlisted species covered by the Habitat Conservation Plan is the Yaqui form of longfin dace (Agosia chrysogaster). The proposed take is on the 1,920 acres of private land and would occur from ranching and related activities on the El Coronado Ranch, Cochise County, Arizona. The Service has prepared the 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 10of the Act and National Environmental Policy Act regulations (40 CFR 1506.6). DATES: Written comments on the application should be received on or before February 4, 1998. 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 Doug Duncan, Tucson Suboffice, Arizona [[Page 250]] Ecological Services Field Office, 300 West Congress, Room 4D, Tucson, Arizona 85701 (520-670-4860), or Angie Brooks, Arizona Ecological Services Field Office, 2321 West Royal Palm Road, Suite 103, Phoenix, Arizona 85021, (602-640-2720; Fax 602-640-2730). Documents will be available for public inspection by written request, by appointment only, during normal business hours (7:30 to 4:30), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Tucson or Phoenix, Arizona. Written data or comments concerning the application and EA/HCP should be submitted to the Field Supervisor, Ecological Services Field Office, Phoenix, Arizona (see address above). Please refer to permit number PRT-837858 when submitting comments. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Doug Duncan at the above Tucson Suboffice. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Section 9 of the Act prohibits the ``taking'' of threatened and endangered species such as the Yaqui catfish and Yaqui chub. However, the Service, under limited circumstances, may issue permits to take threatened or 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 EA considers the environmental consequences of two alternatives, including the proposed action. Three other alternatives were explored, but were rejected as unworkable. The proposed action alternative is issuance of the incidental take permit and implementation of the HCP as submitted by the Applicant. The HCP provides for a strategy to conserve the listed and unlisted Plan Species and to restore watershed health in the West Turkey Creek drainage. The HCP is designed to provide a net benefit to the Plan Species. The HCP has stipulations for monitoring of species populations and habitats and functioning of the HCP. The HCP also provides for funding the mitigation measures and monitoring. The Service specifically requests comment on the appropriateness of the ``No Surprises'' assurances contained in this application. Applicant: El Coronado Ranch plans to pursue ranching and related activities on 1,920 acres of private land and 13,284 acres of leased grazing allotments. The anticipated incidental take will occur on ponds, ditches, and associated structures on private land. El Coronado Ranch is located in the West Turkey Creek watershed of the Chiricahua Mountains, Cochise County, Arizona. Renne Lohoefener, Acting Regional Director, Region 2, Albuquerque, New Mexico. [FR Doc. 98-078 Filed 1-2-98; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4510-55-P