03-19683. Notice of Availability of an Environmental Assessment/Habitat Conservation Plan and Receipt of Application for Construction and Operation of a Residential Development on 78 Acres of the Greenshores Subdivision, Travis County, TX (PK-RE ...

AGENCY:

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

ACTION:

Notice of availability.

SUMMARY:

PK-RE Development Co., Inc. (Applicant) has applied to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) for an incidental take permit pursuant to section 10(a)(1)(B) of the Endangered Species Act (Act). The Applicant has been assigned permit number TE-074582-0. 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 a residential development on portions of the 78-acre Greenshores Subdivision, Travis County, Texas.

The Service has prepared the Environmental Assessment/Habitat Conservation Plan (EA/HCP) for the incidental take application. A determination of jeopardy or non-jeopardy to the species and a decision pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) 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 on or before October 3, 2003.

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 4102, 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 10711 Burnet Road, Suite 200, Austin, Texas 78758. Please refer to permit number TE-074582-0 when submitting comments.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Sybil Vosler at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Ecological Services Office, 10711 Burnet Road, Suite 200, Austin, Texas 78758 (512/490-0057).

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: Russell Eppright Custom Homes plans to construct a residential development on portions of the 78-acre Greenshores Subdivision, City of Austin, Travis County, Texas. This action would eliminate approximately 21.7 acres of habitat and adversely affect 25.8 acres, resulting in take of the golden-cheeked warbler. The Applicant proposes to compensate for this incidental take of the golden-cheeked warbler by preserving 63.6 acres of habitat which will be managed in perpetuity for the benefit of the golden-cheeked warbler.

Bryan Arroyo,

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