Federal Register: December 26, 2000 (Volume 65, Number 248)
DOCID: FR Doc 00-32860
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Fish and Wildlife Service
NOTICE: NOTICES
ACTION: Environmental statements; availability, etc.:
DOCUMENT ACTION: Notice of availability of an environmental assessment/habitat conservation plan for issuance of an endangered species act section 10(a)(1)(b) permit for the incidental take of the houston toad (Bufo houstonensis) during construction of one singlefamily residence on 0.5 Acres of the 10.0acre tract 2 out of the James West survey, abstract No. 334, Bastrop County, Texas.
SUBJECT CATEGORY:
Notice of Availability of an Environmental Assessment/Habitat Conservation Plan
DATES: Written comments on the application should be received on or before January 25, 2001.
DOCUMENT SUMMARY:
Michael and Judy Harding (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 TE0360960. 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 singlefamily residence on 0.5 acres of the 10.0acre Tract 2 out of the James West Survey, Abstract No. 334, 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).
SUMMARY:
Incidental take permits—; Bastrop County, TX; Houston toad,
SUPPLEMENTAL 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
Michael and Judy Harding plan to construct a singlefamily
residence on 0.5 acres of the 10.0acre Tract 2 out of the James West
Survey, Abstract No. 334, Bastrop County, Texas. This action will
eliminate 0.5 acres or less of Houston toad habitat and result in
indirect impacts within the property. The Applicants propose to compensate
[[Page 81539]]
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.
Bryan Arroyo,
Regional Director, Region 2, Albuquerque, New Mexico.
[FR Doc. 0032860 Filed 122200; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 451055U
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT
Tannika Engelhard at the above U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Austin Office.