[Federal Register Volume 60, Number 236 (Friday, December 8, 1995)]
[Notices]
[Page 63055]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 95-29943]
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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Availability of an Environmental Assessment/Habitat Conservation
Plan and Receipt of Application for Incidental Take Permit for
Construction and Operation of a Mixed Use and Residential Development
in Austin, Travis County, TX
AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.
ACTION: Notice.
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SUMMARY: P-WB Joint Venture (Applicant) has applied to the Fish and
Wildlife Service for an incidental take permit pursuant to Section
10(a) of the Endangered Species Act. The Applicant has been assigned
permit number PRT-808694. The requested permit, which is for a period
of 10 years, would authorize the incidental take of the endangered
golden-cheeked warbler (Dendroica chrysoparia), Tooth Cave ground
beetle (Rhadine persephone), and Bone Cave harvestman (Texella reyesi).
The proposed take would occur as a result of the construction and
operation of 138 acres of mixed use and residential development in
Austin, Travis County, Texas.
The Service has prepared the Environmental Assessment/Habitat
Conservation Plan for the incidental take applications. A determination
of jeopardy to the species or a Finding of No Significant Impact 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
January 8, 1996.
ADDRESS: Persons wishing to review the application or the EA/HCP may
obtain a copy by contacting Joseph E. Johnston or Sybil Vosler,
Ecological Services Field Office, 10711 Burnet Road, Suite 200, Austin,
Texas 78758 (512/490-0063). Documents will be available for public
inspection during normal business hours (9 to 4:30) U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service, Austin, Texas. Written data or comments concerning
the application(s) and EA/HCPs should be submitted to the Acting Field
Supervisor, Ecological Field Office, Texas (see ADDRESS above). Please
refer to permit number PRT-808694 when submitting comments.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Joseph E. Johnston or Sybil Vosler at the above Austin Ecological
Service Field Office.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Section 9 of the Act prohibits the
``taking'' of endangered species such as the golden-cheeked warbler and
cave invertebrates. 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: P-WB Joint Venture plans to construct and operate 138 acres
of mixed use and residential development on 333 acres in Austin, Travis
County, Texas. This action will eliminate the habitat for 13 pairs of
golden-cheeked warblers. The applicant proposes to compensate for this
incidental take of golden-cheeked warbler habitat by preserving 135
acres of golden-cheeked warbler habitat and the preservation and
maintenance of 52 acres with 5 caves containing the Tooth Cave ground
beetle and the Bone Cave harvestman for the conservation of the golden-
cheeked warbler and the cave invertebrates.
Alternatives to this action were rejected because selling or not
developing the subject property with federally listed species present
was not economically feasible.
Nancy M. Kaufman,
Regional Director, Region 2, Albuquerque, New Mexico.
[FR Doc. 95-29943 Filed 12-7-95; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4510-55-M
