[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 50 (Monday, March 16, 1998)] [Notices] [Page 12817] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 98-6621] ======================================================================= ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Fish and Wildlife Service Notice of Availability of an Environmental Assessment/Habitat Conservation Plan and Receipt of Application for Incidental Take Permit for the City of Austin for the Operation and Maintenance of Barton Springs Pool and Adjacents Springs SUMMARY: The City of Austin has applied to the Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) for an incidental take permit pursuant to Section 10(a) of the Endangered Species Act (Act). The applicant has been assigned permit number PRT--839031. The requested permit, which is for a period of 15 years, would authorize the incidental take of the endangered Barton Springs salamander (Eurycea sosorum). The proposed take would occur as the result of the operation and maintenance of Barton Springs Pool and adjacent springs in Austin, Travis County, Texas. The City of Austin has prepared an Environmental Assessment/Habitat Conservation Plan (EA/HCP) for the incidental take permit application. A determination of jeopardy to the species or a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) will be made at least 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 April 15, 1998. ADDRESSES: Person wishing to review the EA/HCP may obtain a copy by contacting Matthew Lechner, Ecological Services Field Office, 10711 Burnet Road, Suite 200, Austin, Texas 78758 (512/490-0057). Documents will be available for public inspection by written request, by appointment only, during normal business hours (8:00 to 4:30) U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Austin, Texas. Written data or comments concerning the application and EA/HCP should be submitted to the Field Supervisor, Ecological Services Field Office, Austin, Texas, at the above address. Please refer to permit number PRT--839031 when submitting comments. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Matthew Lechner at the above Austin Ecological Services Field Office. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Section 9 of the Act prohibits the ``taking'' of endangered species such as the Barton Springs salamander. Take means to harass, harm, pursue, hunt, shoot, wound, kill, trap, capture or collect. 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. Applicant The City of Austin plans to maintain and operate Barton Springs Pool and the adjacent springs in Austin, Travis County, Texas. This action may cause the incidental take of less than 20 salamanders per year, for the 15-year term of the permit. The applicant proposes to minimize and mitigate for the incidental take of the Barton Springs salamander by placing 10 percent of the total revenues generated at Barton Springs Pool into a conservation fund. The fund would be used for enhancing habitat and for ecological and biological research on the Barton Springs salamander. In addition, mitigation measures are included in the Habitat Conservation Plan. Don Ciccone, Acting Regional Director, Region 2, Albuquerque, New Mexico. [FR Doc. 98-6621 Filed 3-13-98; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4510-55-P