[Federal Register: June 2, 1999 (Volume 64, Number 105)]
[Notices]               
[Page 29668]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr02jn99-78]


[[Page 29668]]

=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service

 
Notice of Availability of an Environmental Assessment/Habitat 
Conservation Plan and Receipt of Application for Incidental Take Permit 
for Golden-Cheeked Warbler During the Construction of One Single Family 
Residence on 0.75 Acre of the 5 Acres on Spicewood Springs Road in 
Travis County, TX

SUMMARY: Anita and Kent Chambers (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 
Applicant has been assigned permit number TE-010979-0. The requested 
permit, which is for a period of 5 years, would authorize the 
incidental take of the endangered golden-cheeked warbler (Dendroica 
chrysoparia). The proposed take would occur as a result of the 
construction of one single family residence on Spicewood Springs Road, 
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 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 by July 
2, 1999.

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, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87103. Persons wishing to review 
the EA/HCP may obtain a copy by contacting Christina Longacre, 
Ecological Services Field Office, 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 Field Supervisor, Ecological Services 
Field Office, Austin, Texas at the above address. Please refer to 
permit number TE-010979-0 when submitting comments.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Christina Longacre at the above Austin 
Ecological Services Field Office.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Section 9 of the Act prohibits the 
``taking'' of endangered species such as the golden-cheeked 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: Anita and Kent Chambers plan to construct a single 
family residence on Spicewood Springs Road in Austin, Travis County, 
Texas. This action will eliminate less than one acre of habitat and 
indirectly impact less than four additional acres of golden-cheeked 
warbler habitat. The applicant proposes to compensate for this 
incidental take of golden-cheeked warbler habitat by donating $1,500 
into the Balcones Canyonlands Preserve to acquire/manage lands for the 
conservation of the golden-cheeked warbler.
    Alternatives to this action were rejected because not developing 
the subject property with federally listed species present was not 
economically feasible and alteration of the project design would not 
decrease the impacts.
Geoffery L. Haskett,
Acting Regional Director, Region 2, Albuquerque, New Mexico.
[FR Doc. 99-13885 Filed 6-1-99; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4510-55-P