Construction of a Health Center in Brevard County, FL, 27839-27840 [E7-9481]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 95 / Thursday, May 17, 2007 / Notices dependent recreational opportunities. Finally, the CCP places high importance on the protection of cultural and historical resources. Dated: January 17, 2007. James J. Slack, Deputy Regional Director, Region 6, Denver, Colorado. [FR Doc. E7–9493 Filed 5–16–07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310–55–P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Fish and Wildlife Service Construction of a Health Center in Brevard County, FL Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior. ACTION: Notice: receipt of application for an incidental take permit; request for comments. pwalker on PROD1PC71 with NOTICES AGENCY: SUMMARY: We, the Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce the availability of an incidental take permit (ITP) application and Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP). Parrish Medical Center (applicant) requests an incidental take permit (ITP) for a duration of 2 years pursuant to section 10(a)(1)(B) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). The applicant anticipates taking approximately 6.93 acre (ac) of Florida scrub-jay (Alphelocoma coerulescens)— occupied habitat incidental to constructing a health center in Brevard County, Florida (project). The applicant’s HCP describes the mitigation and minimization measures the applicant proposes to address the effects of the project to the scrub-jay. DATES: We must receive any written comments on the ITP application and HCP on or before June 18, 2007. ADDRESSES: If you wish to review the application and HCP, you may write the Field Supervisor at our Jacksonville Field Office, 6620 Southpoint Drive South, Suite 310, Jacksonville, FL, 32216, or make an appointment to visit during normal business hours. If you wish to comment, you may mail or hand deliver comments to the Jacksonville Field Office, or you may e-mail comments to erin_gawera@fws.gov. For more information on reviewing documents and public comments and submitting comments, see SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Erin Gawera, Fish and Wildlife Biologist, Jacksonville Field Office (see ADDRESSES); telephone: 904/232–2580, ext. 121. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: VerDate Aug<31>2005 17:15 May 16, 2007 Jkt 211001 27839 Public Review and Comment Applicant’s Proposal Please reference permit number TE151083–0 for Parrish Medical Center in all requests or comments. Please include your name and return address in your e-mail message. If you do not receive a confirmation from us that we have received your e-mail message, contact us directly at the telephone number listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT. Our practice is to make comments, including names and home addresses of respondents, available for public review during regular business hours. We will make all submissions from organizations or businesses, and from individuals identifying themselves as representatives or officials of organizations or businesses, available for public inspection in their entirety. Before including your address, phone number, e-mail address, or other personal identifying information in your comment, you should be aware that your entire comment—including your personal identifying information—may be made publicly available at any time. While you can ask us in your comment to withhold your personal identifying information from public review, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to do so. The applicant is requesting take of approximately 6.93 ac of occupied scrub-jay habitat incidental to the construction of a health center. The project is located within Section 26 and 27, Township 23 South, Range 35 East, Port St. John, Brevard County, Florida, on the south side of the Port St. John Interchange, west of Grissom Parkway. Development of the project, including infrastructure, parking areas and landscaping, preclude retention of scrub-jay habitat onsite. Therefore, the applicant proposes to mitigate for the loss of 6.93 ac of occupied scrub-jay habitat by donating $254,051 to the Florida Scrub-jay Fund administered by The Nature Conservancy. Funds in this account are earmarked for use in the conservation and recovery of scrub-jays and may include habitat acquisition, restoration, and/or management. The applicant also proposed to preserve and manage 6 ac of scrub habitat for scrubjays on site as described in their HCP. We have determined that the applicant’s proposal, including the proposed mitigation and minimization measures, would have minor or negligible effects on the species covered in the HCP. Therefore, the ITP is a ‘‘loweffect’’ project and qualifies for categorical exclusions under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), as provided by the Department of the Interior Manual (516 DM 2 Appendix 1 and 516 DM 6 Appendix 1). This preliminary information may be revised based on our review of public comments that we receive in response to this notice. A low-effect HCP is one involving (1) Minor or negligible effects on federally listed or candidate species and their habitats, and (2) minor or negligible effects on other environmental values or resources. We will evaluate the HCP and comments submitted thereon to determine whether the application meets the requirements of section 10(a) of the Act (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.). If we determine that the application meets those requirements, we will issue the ITP for incidental take of the Florida scrub-jay. We will also evaluate whether issuance of the section 10(a)(1)(B) ITP complies with section 7 of the Act by conducting an intra-Service section 7 consultation. We will use the results of this consultation, in combination with the above findings, in our final analysis to determine whether or not to issue the ITP. Background The Florida scrub-jay (scrub-jay) is found exclusively in peninsular Florida and is restricted to xeric uplands (predominately in oak-dominated scrub). Increasing urban and agricultural development has resulted in habitat loss and fragmentation, which have adversely affected the distribution and numbers of scrub-jays. The total estimated population is between 7,000 and 11,000 individuals. The decline in the number and distribution of scrub-jays in east-central Florida has been exacerbated by tremendous urban growth in the past 50 years. Much of the historic commercial and residential development has occurred on the dry soils which previously supported scrub-jay habitat. Much of this area of Florida was settled early because few wetlands restricted urban and agricultural development. Due to the effects of urban and agricultural development over the past 100 years, much of the remaining scrubjay habitat is now relatively small and isolated. What remains is largely degraded due to the exclusion of fire, which is needed to maintain xeric uplands in conditions suitable for scrubjays. PO 00000 Frm 00040 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Authority: We provide this notice under Section 10 of the Endangered Species Act and NEPA regulations (40 CFR 1506.6). E:\FR\FM\17MYN1.SGM 17MYN1 27840 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 95 / Thursday, May 17, 2007 / Notices Dated:April 17, 2007. David L. Hankla, Field Supervisor, Jacksonville Field Office. [FR Doc. E7–9481 Filed 5–16–07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310–55–P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Fish and Wildlife Service Construction of an Elementary School in Lake County, FL Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior. ACTION: Notice: receipt of application for an incidental take permit; request for comments. pwalker on PROD1PC71 with NOTICES AGENCY: SUMMARY: We, the Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce the availability of an Incidental Take Permit (ITP) Application and Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP). The Lake County School Board (applicant) requests an ITP for a duration of 20 years under section 10(a)(1)(B) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). The applicant anticipates taking approximately 0.48 acre (ac) of sand skink (Neoseps reynoldsi)—occupied habitat incidental to constructing a two-story elementary school and accessory structures, play areas, and infrastructure in Lake County, Florida (Project). The applicant’s HCP describes the mitigation and minimization measures the applicant proposes to address the effects of the Project to the sand skink. DATES: We must receive any written comments on the ITP application and HCP on or before June 18, 2007. ADDRESSES: If you wish to review the application and HCP, you may write the Field Supervisor at our Jacksonville Field Office, 6620 Southpoint Drive South, Suite 310, Jacksonville, FL 32216, or make an appointment to visit during normal business hours. If you wish to comment, you may mail or hand deliver comments to the Jacksonville Field Office, or you may e-mail comments to paula_sisson@fws.gov. For more information on reviewing documents and public comments and submitting comments, see SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Paula Sisson, Fish and Wildlife Biologist, Jacksonville Field Office (see ADDRESSES); telephone: 904/232–2580, ext. 126. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Public Availability of Comments Before including your address, phone number, e-mail address, or other VerDate Aug<31>2005 17:15 May 16, 2007 Jkt 211001 personal identifying information in your comment, you should be aware that your entire comment—including your personal identifying information—may be made publicly available at any time. While you can ask us in your comment to withhold your personal identifying information from public review, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to do so. Please reference permit number TE132192–0 for the Lake County School Board Project in all requests or comments. Please include your name and return address in your e-mail message. If you do not receive a confirmation from us that we have received your e-mail message, contact us directly at the telephone number listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT. Background The sand skink is known to occur in Lake County, primarily within the Lake Wales Ridge, and much less frequently within the Mt. Dora Ridge. Although originally thought to inhabit xeric, scrub habitat exclusively, the sand skink is currently being identified in nontraditional areas with sub-marginal habitat, including pine plantation, abandoned citrus groves, and disturbed areas. Sand skinks require soil moisture for thermoregulation, egg incubation, and prey habitat. High activity periods, which have been associated with the breeding season for this species, range from mid-February to early May, with egg-hatching typically occurring from June through July. Due to the reduction in quality and acreage and the rapid development of xeric upland communities, the sand skink is reportedly declining throughout most of its range. However, biological information regarding the sand skink is limited, due to the cryptic nature of the species. Applicant’s Proposal The applicant is requesting take of approximately 0.48 acres of occupied sand skink habitat incidental to the Project. The ±19.1 acre Project currently includes an elementary school site and accessory structures, play areas, and infrastructure encompassing ±16.0 acres. In order to mitigate for the loss of 0.48 acres of sand skink habitat, the Applicant proposes to restore and manage ±2.14 acres of occupied sand skink habitat to remain on-site, as well as a ±0.96 acre mitigation area (currently unoccupied by the species). Restoration will be achieved through a combination of tree removal (planted pine and citrus) and a planting effort of scrub oak species. Additional mitigation measures PO 00000 Frm 00041 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 will include incorporation of a natural path with educational signage, to serve as an educational tool for the elementary school students. The conservation areas are expected to increase the overall functional value of the habitat given the existing conditions versus the proposed conditions of these conservation areas. We have determined that the applicant’s proposal, including the proposed mitigation and minimization measures, would have minor or negligible effects on the species covered in the HCP. Therefore, the ITP is a ‘‘loweffect’’ project and qualifies for categorical exclusions under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), as provided by the Department of the Interior Manual (516 DM 2 Appendix 1 and 516 DM 6 Appendix 1). This preliminary information may be revised based on our review of public comments that we receive in response to this notice. A low-effect HCP is one involving (1) Minor or negligible effects on federally listed or candidate species and their habitats, and (2) minor or negligible effects on other environmental values or resources. We will evaluate the HCP and comments submitted thereon to determine whether the application meets the requirements of section 10(a) of the Act (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.). If we determine that the application meets those requirements, we will issue the ITP for incidental take of the sand skink. We will also evaluate whether issuance of the section 10(a)(1)(B) ITP complies with section 7 of the Act by conducting an intra-Service section 7 consultation. We will use the results of this consultation, in combination with the above findings, in the final analysis to determine whether or not to issue the ITP. Authority: We provide this notice under Section 10 of the Endangered Species Act and NEPA regulations (40 CFR 1506.6). Dated: May 10, 2007. David L. Hankla, Field Supervisor, Jacksonville Field Office. [FR Doc. E7–9482 Filed 5–16–07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310–55–P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Fish and Wildlife Service Receipt of Applications for Incidental Take Permit for Four Condominium Complexes in Escambia County, Florida AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior. E:\FR\FM\17MYN1.SGM 17MYN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 95 (Thursday, May 17, 2007)]
[Notices]
[Pages 27839-27840]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E7-9481]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service


Construction of a Health Center in Brevard County, FL

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

ACTION: Notice: receipt of application for an incidental take permit; 
request for comments.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: We, the Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce the 
availability of an incidental take permit (ITP) application and Habitat 
Conservation Plan (HCP). Parrish Medical Center (applicant) requests an 
incidental take permit (ITP) for a duration of 2 years pursuant to 
section 10(a)(1)(B) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended 
(Act). The applicant anticipates taking approximately 6.93 acre (ac) of 
Florida scrub-jay (Alphelocoma coerulescens)--occupied habitat 
incidental to constructing a health center in Brevard County, Florida 
(project). The applicant's HCP describes the mitigation and 
minimization measures the applicant proposes to address the effects of 
the project to the scrub-jay.

DATES: We must receive any written comments on the ITP application and 
HCP on or before June 18, 2007.

ADDRESSES: If you wish to review the application and HCP, you may write 
the Field Supervisor at our Jacksonville Field Office, 6620 Southpoint 
Drive South, Suite 310, Jacksonville, FL, 32216, or make an appointment 
to visit during normal business hours. If you wish to comment, you may 
mail or hand deliver comments to the Jacksonville Field Office, or you 
may e-mail comments to erin_gawera@fws.gov. For more information on 
reviewing documents and public comments and submitting comments, see 
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Erin Gawera, Fish and Wildlife 
Biologist, Jacksonville Field Office (see ADDRESSES); telephone: 904/
232-2580, ext. 121.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Public Review and Comment

    Please reference permit number TE151083-0 for Parrish Medical 
Center in all requests or comments. Please include your name and return 
address in your e-mail message. If you do not receive a confirmation 
from us that we have received your e-mail message, contact us directly 
at the telephone number listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT. 
Our practice is to make comments, including names and home addresses of 
respondents, available for public review during regular business hours. 
We will make all submissions from organizations or businesses, and from 
individuals identifying themselves as representatives or officials of 
organizations or businesses, available for public inspection in their 
entirety. Before including your address, phone number, e-mail address, 
or other personal identifying information in your comment, you should 
be aware that your entire comment--including your personal identifying 
information--may be made publicly available at any time. While you can 
ask us in your comment to withhold your personal identifying 
information from public review, we cannot guarantee that we will be 
able to do so.

Background

    The Florida scrub-jay (scrub-jay) is found exclusively in 
peninsular Florida and is restricted to xeric uplands (predominately in 
oak-dominated scrub). Increasing urban and agricultural development has 
resulted in habitat loss and fragmentation, which have adversely 
affected the distribution and numbers of scrub-jays.
    The total estimated population is between 7,000 and 11,000 
individuals. The decline in the number and distribution of scrub-jays 
in east-central Florida has been exacerbated by tremendous urban growth 
in the past 50 years. Much of the historic commercial and residential 
development has occurred on the dry soils which previously supported 
scrub-jay habitat. Much of this area of Florida was settled early 
because few wetlands restricted urban and agricultural development. Due 
to the effects of urban and agricultural development over the past 100 
years, much of the remaining scrub-jay habitat is now relatively small 
and isolated. What remains is largely degraded due to the exclusion of 
fire, which is needed to maintain xeric uplands in conditions suitable 
for scrub-jays.

Applicant's Proposal

    The applicant is requesting take of approximately 6.93 ac of 
occupied scrub-jay habitat incidental to the construction of a health 
center. The project is located within Section 26 and 27, Township 23 
South, Range 35 East, Port St. John, Brevard County, Florida, on the 
south side of the Port St. John Interchange, west of Grissom Parkway.
    Development of the project, including infrastructure, parking areas 
and landscaping, preclude retention of scrub-jay habitat onsite. 
Therefore, the applicant proposes to mitigate for the loss of 6.93 ac 
of occupied scrub-jay habitat by donating $254,051 to the Florida 
Scrub-jay Fund administered by The Nature Conservancy. Funds in this 
account are earmarked for use in the conservation and recovery of 
scrub-jays and may include habitat acquisition, restoration, and/or 
management. The applicant also proposed to preserve and manage 6 ac of 
scrub habitat for scrub-jays on site as described in their HCP.
    We have determined that the applicant's proposal, including the 
proposed mitigation and minimization measures, would have minor or 
negligible effects on the species covered in the HCP. Therefore, the 
ITP is a ``low-effect'' project and qualifies for categorical 
exclusions under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), as 
provided by the Department of the Interior Manual (516 DM 2 Appendix 1 
and 516 DM 6 Appendix 1). This preliminary information may be revised 
based on our review of public comments that we receive in response to 
this notice. A low-effect HCP is one involving (1) Minor or negligible 
effects on federally listed or candidate species and their habitats, 
and (2) minor or negligible effects on other environmental values or 
resources.
    We will evaluate the HCP and comments submitted thereon to 
determine whether the application meets the requirements of section 
10(a) of the Act (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.). If we determine that the 
application meets those requirements, we will issue the ITP for 
incidental take of the Florida scrub-jay. We will also evaluate whether 
issuance of the section 10(a)(1)(B) ITP complies with section 7 of the 
Act by conducting an intra-Service section 7 consultation. We will use 
the results of this consultation, in combination with the above 
findings, in our final analysis to determine whether or not to issue 
the ITP.

    Authority: We provide this notice under Section 10 of the 
Endangered Species Act and NEPA regulations (40 CFR 1506.6).


[[Page 27840]]


    Dated:April 17, 2007.
David L. Hankla,
Field Supervisor, Jacksonville Field Office.
 [FR Doc. E7-9481 Filed 5-16-07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-55-P
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