[Federal Register Volume 65, Number 131 (Friday, July 7, 2000)]
[Notices]
[Page 42025]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 00-17229]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service


Notice of Availability; Travis County, TX; Golden-cheeked Warbler

    Notice of Availability of an Environmental Assessment/Habitat 
Conservation Plan and Receipt of an Application for a Permit for the 
Incidental Take of the Golden-cheeked Warbler (Dendroica 
chrysoparia) During Construction and Operation of a Residential 
Development on a Portion of the 98-acre Lake of the Woods Property, 
Travis County, Texas (Luth).

SUMMARY: Thomas Luth (Applicant) has applied to the U.S. 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 TE-029780-0. The requested permit, which is 
for a period of 30 years, would authorize the incidental take of the 
endangered golden-cheeked warbler. The proposed take would occur as a 
result of the construction and operation of a residential development 
on a portion of the 98-acre Lake of the Woods Property, Travis County, 
Texas.
    An Environmental Assessment/Habitat Conservation Plan (EA/HCP) for 
the incidental take application has been prepared. A determination of 
jeopardy to the species or a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) 
will not be made until at least 60 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 should be received on or 
before September 5, 2000.

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, Room 4102, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87103. Persons 
wishing to review the EA/HCP may obtain a copy by contacting Scott 
Rowin, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 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) at the 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, 
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Austin, Texas, at the above address. 
Please refer to permit number TE-029780-0 (Luth) when submitting 
comments.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Scott Rowin at the above U.S. Fish and 
Wildlife Service Office, Austin, Texas.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Section 9 of the Act prohibits the 
``taking'' of endangered species such as the Houston toad. 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: Tom Luth plans to construct a residential development on 
89.5 acres of the 98-acre Lake of the Woods Property, Travis County, 
Texas. This action will eliminate 89.5 acres and indirectly impact 32.5 
additional acres of golden-cheeked warbler habitat. The applicant 
proposes to compensate for this incidental take of the golden-cheeked 
warbler by purchasing 286.8 acres worth of participation certificates 
from the Balcones Canyonlands Preserve, providing approximately 
$1,147,200 to the BCP for the specific purpose of land acquisition and 
management within golden-cheeked warbler habitat in Travis County, as 
identified by the Service.

Nancy M. Kaufman,
Regional Director, Region 2, Albuquerque, New Mexico.
[FR Doc. 00-17229 Filed 7-6-00; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4510-55-P