03-24. Notice of Availability of an Environmental Assessment/Habitat Conservation Plan and Receipt of Application for Incidental Take by the Leander Rehabilitation PUD  

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    SUMMARY:

    Fleur Land, Ltd., c/o Stone Haven Partners (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-065323-0. The requested permit, which is for a period of 30 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 and operation of commercial and multi-use development on 209 acres of the Leander Rehabilitation PUD, Cedar Park, Williamson 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 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).

    DATES:

    Written comments on the application should be received within 60 days of the date of this publication.

    ADDRESSES:

    Persons wishing to review the application may obtain a copy by writing to the Regional Director, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, PO Box 1306, Room 4012, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87103. Persons wishing to review the EA/HCP may obtain a copy by written or telephone request to Sybil Vosler, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Ecological Services Office, 10711 Burnet Road, Suite 200, Austin, Texas 78758 (512 490-0057). Documents will be available for public inspection by written request or by appointment only during normal business hours (8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Office, Austin, Texas. Data or comments concerning the application and EA/HCP should be submitted in writing to the Field Supervisor, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Office, Austin, Texas at the above address. Please refer to permit number TE-065323-0 when submitting comments.

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    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

    Sybil Vosler at the above U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Office, Austin, Texas.

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    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: Fleur Land Ltd., c/o Stone Haven Partners, plans to construct and operate commercial and multi-use development on 209 acres of the Leander Rehabilitation PUD, Cedar Park, Williamson County, Texas. This action would eliminate approximately 165.8 acres of habitat resulting in take of the golden-cheeked warbler. The Applicant proposes to compensate for this incidental take of the golden-cheeked warbler by purchasing mitigation credits for 96.8 acres in a conservation bank which will be managed in perpetuity for the benefit of the golden-cheeked warbler.

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    Susan MacMullin,

    Acting Regional Director, Region 2, Albuquerque, New Mexico.

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    [FR Doc. 03-24 Filed 1-2-03; 8:45 am]

    BILLING CODE 4510-55-P

Document Information

Published:
01/03/2003
Department:
Fish and Wildlife Service
Entry Type:
Notice
Document Number:
03-24
Dates:
Written comments on the application should be received within 60 days of the date of this publication.
Pages:
387-387 (1 pages)
PDF File:
03-24.pdf