[Federal Register Volume 66, Number 79 (Tuesday, April 24, 2001)]
[Notices]
[Page 20675]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 01-10062]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service


Environmental Statements; Availability etc: Incidental Take 
Permits--Bastrop County, TX; Houston Toad and Bald Eagle

    Notice of Availability of a Revised Environmental Assessment/
Habitat Conservation Plan for Permit Numbers TE-025997-0 and TE-025965-
0 for Issuance of Endangered Species Act Section 10(a)(1)(B) Permits 
for the Incidental Take of the Endangered Houston Toad and the 
Threatened Bald Eagle During the Construction and Occupation of Single 
Family Residences or Other Similar Structures (each on approximately 
0.5 acres or less) in 46 Subdivisions in Bastrop County, Texas.

SUMMARY: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has prepared a revised 
Environmental Assessment/Habitat Conservation Plan (EA/HCP) for 
issuance of Endangered Species Act Section 10(a)(1)(B) permits (numbers 
TE-025997-0 and TE-025965-0) for the incidental take of the endangered 
Houston toad (Bufo houstonensis) and threatened bald eagle (Haliaeetus 
leucocephalus). The revised EA/HCP adds the bald eagle to the existing 
46-subdivision EA/HCP that currently only covers the Houston toad. In 
addition, the proposed EA/HCP would allow for the construction of other 
similar structures, as long as the action on the property disturbs no 
more than approximately 0.5 acres of habitat within each eligible lot. 
The Service proposes issuing endangered species permits to individual 
lot owners under an EA/HCP, where each permit would authorize the 
incidental take of the Houston toad and bald eagle, directly or 
indirectly, from the construction and occupation of a single-family 
residence or other similar structure on an undeveloped lot in the 46 
subdivisions covered under this EA/HCP. This revised EA/HCP will allow 
for responsible development of the lots while minimizing and offsetting 
impacts to the Houston toad and bald eagle by providing for on-site and 
off-site conservation measures that will be used to promote the long-
term survival of the species. It is also considered to provide the most 
simplified, expeditious, and effective process by which landowners can 
comply with the provisions of the Endangered Species Act in a more 
efficient manner. The revised EA/HCP requires the same avoidance, 
minimization, and mitigation efforts from every lot owner, within their 
respective category. Issuance of incidental take permits for the 
Houston toad and bald eagle will be conducted as they are currently for 
the Houston toad.

DATES: Written comments on the revision are being accepted and should 
be received on or before June 25, 2001.

ADDRESSES: Persons wishing to review the revised EA/HCP may obtain a 
copy by contacting: the Austin Office of the 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, or by appointment only, during normal business hours (8 to 
4:30) at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Austin, Texas. Written 
data or comments concerning the proposed revisions should be submitted 
to the Field Supervisor, Austin Field Office of the U.S. Fish and 
Wildlife Service, at the above address. Please refer to permit numbers 
TE-025997-0 and TE-025965-0 when submitting comments.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Contact the Austin Office of the U.S. 
Fish and Wildlife Service at the above address.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Section 9 of the Act prohibits the 
``taking'' of endangered and threatened species such as the Houston 
toad and bald eagle. However, the Service, under limited circumstances, 
may issue permits to take threatened and 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.
    The Service has divided the 46 subdivisions into two categories, 
those in low/marginal quality Houston toad habitat, and those in medium 
quality Houston toad habitat. The revised EA/HCP and associated permits 
(TE-025997-0 and TE-025965-0) will be in effect for a period of 5 
years, and authorize the incidental take of the Houston toad and bald 
eagle. The proposed take to the Houston toad would occur as a result of 
the possible construction and occupation of undeveloped lots, utilizing 
no more than approximately 0.5 acres per eligible property, in 46 
subdivisions in Bastrop County, Texas. The proposed take to the bald 
eagle is anticipated to occur only in the form of harassment, such as 
an increase in noise generated from the 46 subdivisions and increased 
recreational use of area lakes and the Colorado River. This notice is 
provided pursuant to Section 10(c) of the Act and National 
Environmental Policy Act regulations (40 CFR 1506.6).

Geoffrey L. Haskett,
Acting Regional Director, Region 2, Albuquerque, New Mexico.
[FR Doc. 01-10062 Filed 4-23-01; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4510-55-P