[Federal Register Volume 65, Number 192 (Tuesday, October 3, 2000)]
[Notices]
[Page 59010]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 00-25324]



[[Page 59010]]

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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service


Notice of Availability of an Environmental Assessment/Habitat 
Conservation Plan and Receipt of an Application for a Permit for the 
Incidental Take of the Houston Toad (Bufo houstonensis) During 
Construction of One Single Family Residence on 0.5 Acres of the 3.354-
Acre Lot 36, Unit 11, Block 2, in the Pine Forest Subdivision, Phase 
III, Bastrop County, Texas (Stahl)

SUMMARY: Judson Stahl (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 TE-032117-0. The requested permit, which is 
for a period of 10 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 single 
family residence on 0.5 acres of the 3.354-Acre Lot 36, Unit 11, Block 
2, in the Pine Forest Subdivision, Phase III, 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).

DATES: Written comments on the application should be received on or 
before November 2, 2000.

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 EA/HCP may obtain a copy by contacting Tannika 
Engelhard, 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 (8:00 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 Supervisor, U.S. Fish 
and Wildlife Service, Austin, Texas, at the above address. Please refer 
to permit number TE-032117-0 when submitting comments.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tannika Engelhard at the above U.S. 
Fish and Wildlife Service, Austin Office.

SUPPLEMENTARY 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

    Judson Stahl plans to construct a single family residence on 0.5 
acres of the 3.354-Acre Lot 36, Unit 11, Block 2, in the Pine Forest 
Subdivision, Phase III, Bastrop County, Texas. This action will 
eliminate 0.5 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 $1,500.00 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.

Geoffrey L. Haskett,
Regional Director, Region 2, Albuquerque, New Mexico.
[FR Doc. 00-25324 Filed 10-2-00; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4510-55-P