[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 122 (Thursday, June 25, 1998)]
[Notices]
[Page 34660]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-16852]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service


Notice of Availability of an Environmental Assessment/Habitat 
Conservation Plan (EA/HCP) and Receipt of Application for Incidental 
Take Permit for Construction of One Single Family Residence on 0.75 
Acre of the 18.79 acres on Spicewood Springs Road in Travis County, TX

SUMMARY: Daniel O. Shelley (Applicant) 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 numbers PRT-840322. The requested permit, which is 
for a period of 5 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 of one single family 
residence on Spicewood Springs Road, Austin, Travis County, Texas.
    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 until at least 30 days from the date of 
publication of this notice. This notice is provided pursuant to Section 
10c of the Act and National Environmental Policy Act regulations (40 
CFR 1506.6).

DATES: Written comments on the application should be received on or 
before July 27, 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 Christina Longacre, 
Ecological Services Field Office, 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 4:30), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Austin, 
Texas. Written data or comments concerning the application(s) and EA/
HCPs should be submitted to the Field Supervisor, Ecological Field 
Office, Austin, Texas at the above address. Please refer to permit 
number PRT-840322 when submitting comments.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Christina Longacre at the above Austin 
Ecological Service 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.
    Applicant: Daniel O. Shelley plans to construct a single family 
residence on Spicewood Springs Road Austin, Travis County, Texas. This 
action will eliminate less than one acre of land and will indirectly 
impact less than eight additional acres of golden-cheeked warbler 
habitat. The applicant proposes to compensate for this incidental take 
of golden-cheeked warbler habitat by placing $1,500 into the Balcones 
Canyonlands Preserve to acquire/manage lands for the conservation of 
the golden-cheeked warbler.
    Alternatives to this action were rejected because selling or not 
developing the subject property with federally listed species present 
was not economically feasible.

    Dated: June 16, 1998.
Renne Lohoefener,
Acting Regional Director, Fish and Wildlife Service.
[FR Doc. 98-16852 Filed 6-24-98; 8:45 am]
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