[Federal Register Volume 69, Number 204 (Friday, October 22, 2004)]
[Notices]
[Page 62073]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 04-23619]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service


Notice of Availability of a Draft Environmental Assessment/
Habitat Conservation Plan and Receipt of a Permit Application (Family 
Crisis Center) for Incidental Take of the Houston Toad

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

ACTION: Notice of availability.

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SUMMARY: The Family Crisis Center (Applicant) has applied for an 
incidental take permit (TE-094076-0) pursuant to section 10(a) of the 
Endangered Species Act (Act). The requested permit would authorize 
incidental take of the endangered Houston toad. The proposed take would 
occur as a result of the construction and operation of a retail thrift 
store on a 1.38-acre property located on State Highway 71 in the 
Tahitian Village Subdivision, Bastrop County, Texas.

DATES: To ensure consideration, written comments must be received on or 
before December 21, 2004.

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 Environmental Assessment/Habitat Conservation 
Plan (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 
to 4:30) at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Office, 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-094076-0 
when submitting comments.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Clayton Napier at U.S. Fish and 
Wildlife Service, 10711 Burnet Road, Suite 200, Austin, Texas 78758.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Section 9 of the Act prohibits the 
``taking'' of endangered species such as the Houston toad. However, the 
Fish and Wildlife Service (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.
    The Service has prepared the EA/HCP for the incidental take 
application. A determination of jeopardy or non-jeopardy to the species 
and a decision pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) 
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 NEPA regulations (40 CFR 1506.6).
    Applicant: The Family Crisis Center plans to construct a retail 
thrift store within 5 years, on a 1.38-acre property located on State 
Highway 71 in the Tahitian Village Subdivision, Bastrop County, Texas. 
This action will eliminate 1.38-acres or less of Houston toad habitat 
and result in indirect impacts within the lot. The Applicant proposes 
to compensate for this incidental take of the Houston toad by providing 
$2,760.00 to the Houston Toad Conservation Fund at the National Fish 
and Wildlife Foundation for the specific purpose of land acquisition 
and management within Houston toad habitat.
    Pursuant to the June 10, 2004, order in Spirit of the Sage Council 
v. Norton, Civil Action No. 98-1873 (D. D.C.), the Service is enjoined 
from approving new section 10(a)(1)(B) permits or related documents 
containing ``No Surprises'' assurances until such time as the Service 
adopts new permit revocation rules specifically applicable to section 
10(a)(1)(B) permits in compliance with public notice and comment 
requirements of the Administrative Procedure Act. This notice concerns 
a step in the review and processing of a section 10(a)(1)(B) permit and 
any subsequent permit issuance will be in accordance with the Court's 
order. Until such time as the Service's authority to issue permits with 
``No Surprises'' assurances has been reinstated, the Service will not 
approve any incidental take permits or related documents containing 
``No Surprises'' assurances.

Bryan Arroyo,
Acting Regional Director, Southwest Region.
[FR Doc. 04-23619 Filed 10-21-04; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4510-55-P