[Federal Register: September 19, 2000 (Volume 65, Number 182)]
[Notices]               
[Page 56592]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr19se00-80]                         

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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service

 
Notice of Receipt of an Application and Availability of an 
Environmental Assessment/Habitat Conservation Plan for Issuance of an 
Endangered Species Act 10(a)(1)(B) Permit for the Incidental Take of 
the Houston Toad (Bufo houstonensis) During Construction of a 
Recreational Vehicle Park and Camp Ground on Approximately 1.8 Acres of 
a 10.516-Acre Property on Park Road 1-C, Bastrop County, Texas

SUMMARY: Marion Kelly Walraven (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-033185-0. 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 occupation of an 
approximately 1.8-acre recreational vehicle park and campground located 
along 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 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 November 20, 2000.

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, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87103.
    Persons wishing to review the EA/HCP may obtain a copy by 
contacting Tannika Engelhard, 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-033185-0 (Walraven) when 
submitting comments.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tannika Engelhard 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: Marion Kelly Walraven plans to construct a recreational 
vehicle park and campground on approximately 1.8 acres of the 10.516-
acre property located on Park Road 1-C, Bastrop County, Texas. This 
action will eliminate 1.8 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 
$7,200.00 to the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation for the specific 
purpose of land acquisition and management within Houston toad habitat, 
as identified by the Service.

Lynn B. Starnes,
Regional Director, Region 2, Albuquerque, New Mexico.
[FR Doc. 00-23997 Filed 9-18-00; 8:45 am]
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