[Federal Register Volume 66, Number 55 (Wednesday, March 21, 2001)]
[Notices]
[Page 15881]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 01-6954]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE


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 6.631-Acre Property on Lake Mist Road, Bastrop County, Texas

SUMMARY: Scott and Linda Bell (Applicant) 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 Applicant has 
been assigned permit number TE-039440-0. 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 home on approximately 0.5 acres of a 6.631-acre property on Lake 
Mist 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 April 20, 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 4201, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87103. Persons 
wishing to review the EA/HCP may obtain a copy by contacting Clayton 
Napier, 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-039440-0 when submitting comments.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Clayton Napier 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 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: Scott and Linda Bell plan to construct a single-family 
residence on approximately 0.5 acres of a 6.631-acre property on Lake 
Mist 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 $2,000.00 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.

Geoffrey L. Haskett,
Acting Regional Director, Region 2 Albuquerque, New Mexico.
[FR Doc. 01-6954 Filed 3-20-01; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4510-55-P