[Federal Register Volume 66, Number 118 (Tuesday, June 19, 2001)]
[Notices]
[Page 32959]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 01-15359]


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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 and Operation of a School Building on Approximately 0.5 
Acres of the 119.84-acre Property on Park Road 1-C, Bastrop County, 
Texas (Woodside Trails)

SUMMARY: Woodside Trails Wilderness Experience, Inc. (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-
041786-0. 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 operation of a school building on approximately 0.5 
acres of the 119.84-acre property on Park Road 1-C, 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 July 19, 2001.

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 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 (8:00 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-041786-0 when submitting comments.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Clayton Napier 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: Woodside Trails Wilderness Experience, Inc. plans to 
construct a school building on approximately 0.5 acres of the 119.84-
acre property on Park Road 1-C, 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 Applicant proposes to 
compensate for this incidental take of the Houston toad by providing 
volunteer labor for a minimum of six days per year, over the next three 
years, for restoration of Houston toad habitat in Bastrop State Park, 
Bastrop County, Texas. The applicant also intends to construct an 
exhibit at the entrance of the 119.84-acre property providing 
information about the Houston toad in Bastrop County.

Geoffery Haskett,
Regional Director, Region 2, Albuquerque, New Mexico.
[FR Doc. 01-15359 Filed 6-18-01; 8:45 am]
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