[Federal Register Volume 60, Number 37 (Friday, February 24, 1995)]
[Notices]
[Page 10401]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 95-4542]
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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Extension of the Public Comment Period--Availability of an
Environmental Assessment and Receipt of an Application for an
Incidental Take Permit from Mr. D. Gregory Luce, in Baldwin County,
Alabama
AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.
ACTION: Notice of extension of the public comment period.
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SUMMARY: The Fish and Wildlife Service gives notice that the pubilc
comment period on the environmental assessment/habitat conservation
plan for Mr. D. Gregory Luce's (Applicant) application for an
incidental take permit pursuant to Section 10(a) of the Endangered
Species Act (Act) is being extended. The Applicant has been assigned
permit number PRT-797979. The original 30-day comment period closed on
February 8, 1995 (Federal Register 60:2400-2401). During the original
comment period, numerous public commentors requested an extension to
more fully address the potential impacts to the Bon Secour National
Wildlife Refuge.
DATES: The public comment period for this proposal, which originally
closed on February 8, 1995, is now extended until March 10, 1995.
ADDRESSES: Persons wishing to review the application may obtain a copy
by writing the Service's Southeast Regional Office, Atlanta, Georgia.
Persons wishing to review the EA or HCP may obtain a copy by writing
the Regional Office or the Jackson, Mississippi, Field Office.
Documents will also be available for public inspection, by appointment,
during normal business hours at the Regional Office, or the Field
Office. Written data or comments concerning the application, EA, or HCP
should be submitted to the Regional Office. Please reference permit
under PRT-797979 in such comments.
Regional Permit Coordinator (TE), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 1875
Century Boulevard, Suite 210, Atlanta, Georgia 30345, (telephone 404/
679-7110, FAX 404/679-7280)
Field Supervisor, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 6578 Dogwood View
Parkway, Suite A, Jackson, Mississippi 39213 (telephone 601/965-4900,
FAX 601/965-4340).
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Will McDearman at the above Jackson,
Mississippi, Field Office.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Alabama Beach Mouse (ABM), Peromyscus
polionotus ammobates, is a subspecies of the common oldfield mouse
Peromyscus polionotus and is restricted to the dune systems of the Gulf
Coast of Alabama. The known current range of ABM extends from Fort
Morgan eastward to the western terminus of Alabama Highway 182,
including the Perdue Unit on the Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge.
The sand dune systems inhabited by this species are not uniform;
several habitat types are distinguishable. The species inhabits primary
dunes, interdune areas, secondary dunes, and scrub dunes. The depth and
area of these habitats from the beach inland varies. Population surveys
indicate that this subspecies is usually more abundant in primary dunes
than in secondary dunes, and usually more abundant in secondary dunes
than in scrub dunes. Optimal habitat consists of dune systems with all
dune types. Though fewer ABM inhabit scrub dunes, these high dunes can
serve as refugia during devastating hurricanes that overwash, flood,
and destroy or alter secondary and frontal dunes. ABM surveys have not
been conducted on the Applicant's property. The ABM occupied adjacent
and nearby dunes of the Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge. Suitable
habitat in the form of secondary and scrub dunes exist on the
Applicant's property. These habitats are likely to be occupied by ABM.
None of the Applicant's property resides in designated critical habitat
for the ABM. Construction of the single family residence on about 0.1-
0.2 acres of the Applicant's property may result in the death of, or
injury to, ABM. Habitat alterations due to house placement and its
subsequent use may reduce available habitat for food, shelter, and
reproduction.
The EA considers the environmental consequences of three
alternatives. The proposed action alternative is the issuance of the
incidental take permit. This provided for restrictions that include
house placement landward of the frontal crest of the scrub dune line,
establishment of a walkover structure across that scrub dune, a
prohibition against housing or keeping pet cats, scavenger-proof
garbage containers, no landscaping, and the minimization and control of
outdoor lighting. The HCP provides a funding source for these
mitigation measures.
Dated: February 16, 1995.
Noreen K. Clough,
Acting Regional Director.
[FR Doc. 95-4542 Filed 2-23-95; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-55-P
