[Federal Register Volume 65, Number 248 (Tuesday, December 26, 2000)]
[Notices]
[Pages 81539-81540]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 00-32862]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service


Notice of Availability of an Environmental Assessment/Habitat 
Conservation Plan

    Notice of availability of an environmental assessment/habitat 
conservation plan and receipt of an application for a permit for the 
incidental take of the Houston toad (Bufo houstonensis) during 
construction of one single family residence on approximately 0.5 acres 
of a 10.0-acre property out of the Sarah Cottle survey, abstract No. 
A21, off Cottletown Road, Bastrop County, Texas (Skye).

SUMMARY: Catherine Skye and Kenneth Eckart (Applicants) have 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 Applicants have been assigned permit number TE-035908-0. The 
requested permit, which is for a period of 5 years, would authorize the 
incidental take of the endangered Houston toad (Bufo houstonensis). The 
proposed take would occur as a result of the construction and 
occupation of one single family residence on 0.5 acres of a 10.0-acre 
property out of the Sarah Cottle Survey, Abstract No. A21, off 
Cottletown Road, Bastrop 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 
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 January 25, 2001.

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 Tannika 
Engelhard, 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 Supervisor, U.S. Fish 
and Wildlife Service, Austin, Texas, at the above address. Please refer 
to permit number TE-035908-0 when submitting comments.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tannika Engelhard at the above U.S. 
Fish and Wildlife Service, Austin Office.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Section 9 of the Act prohibits the 
``taking'' of endangered species such as the Houston toad. However, the 
Service, under

[[Page 81540]]

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.

Applicants

    Catherine Skye and Kenneth Eckart plan to construct a single family 
residence on approximately 0.5 acres of a 10.0-acre property out of the 
Sarah Cottle Survey, Abstract No. A21, off Cottletown Road, Bastrop 
County, Texas. This action will eliminate 0.5 acres or less of Houston 
toad habitat and result in indirect impacts within the lot. The 
Applicants propose to compensate for this incidental take of the 
Houston toad by providing $3,000.00 to the National Fish and Wildlife 
Foundation for the specific purpose of land acquisition and management 
within Houston toad habitat, as identified by the Service.

Bryan Arroyo,
Assistant Regional Director, Ecological Services, Albuquerque, New 
Mexico.
[FR Doc. 00-32862 Filed 12-22-00; 8:45 am]
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