Federal Register: December 26, 2000 (Volume 65, Number 248)
DOCID: FR Doc 00-32863
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Fish and Wildlife Service
NOTICE: NOTICES
ACTION: Environmental statements; availability, etc.:
SUBJECT CATEGORY:
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 Golden-Cheeked Warbler (Dendroica chrysoparia) During the Construction and Operation of Residential Development on Portions of the Approximately 50.08-acre CT 620 Residential Property, Austin, Travis County, TX
DATES: Written comments on the application should be received by February 26, 2001.
DOCUMENT SUMMARY:
CT 620 Partnership, Ltd. (Applicant) has 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 TE0360950. The requested permit, which is for a period of 30 years, would authorize the incidental take of the endangered goldencheeked warbler (Dendroica chrysoparia). The proposed take would occur as a result of the construction of five residences on 50.08 acres on Hughes Park Road near RR 620, Austin, Travis 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 before 60 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:
Travis County, TX; golden-cheeked warbler,
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
Section 9 of the Act prohibits the
``taking'' of endangered species such as the goldencheeked warbler.
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
CT 620 Partnership, Ltd. plans to construct five residences on
portions of 50.08 acres on Hughes Park Road near RR 620, Austin, Travis
County, Texas. This action will indirectly impact the habitat of the
goldencheeked warbler. The development will eliminate approximately 16
acres of goldencheeked warbler habitat which may result in the take of
one to two goldencheeked warbler territories. The applicant proposes
to compensate for this incidental take of goldencheeked warbler
habitat by providing $304,000 to the Balcones Canyonlands Preserve for
the purchase and preservation of goldencheeked warbler habitat;
minimization of on site habitat destruction; education and
encouragement of the homeowners in the use of xeriscaping, clearing
only between August 1 to March 1 when the warblers are not present; and
prohibition of deer and bird feeders that encourage the growth of
populations of species that parasitize, predate or out compete the
goldencheeked warbler or destroy its habitat. Alternatives to this
action are not preferred because not developing the subject property
with federally listed species present was not economically feasible and
alteration of the project design would increase the impacts. Bryan Arroyo
Regional Director, Region 2, Albuquerque, New Mexico.
[FR Doc. 0032863 Filed 122200; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 451055P
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT
Sybil Vosler at the above Austin Ecological Service Field Office.