Hays County Regional Habitat Conservation Plan, Hays County, TX, 56655-56656 [E9-26273]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 210 / Monday, November 2, 2009 / Notices DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Disease, Disability, and Injury Prevention and Control Special Emphasis Panel (SEP): CDC Grants for Public Health Research Dissertation (Panel H), Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) PAR07–231, Initial Review In accordance with Section 10(a)(2) of the Federal Advisory Committee Act (Pub. L. 92–463), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announces the aforementioned SEP: Time and Date: 12 p.m.–3 p.m., December 3, 2009 (Closed). Place: Teleconference. Status: The meeting will be closed to the public in accordance with provisions set forth in Section 552b(c)(4) and (6), Title 5 U.S.C., and the Determination of the Director, Management Analysis and Services Office, CDC, pursuant to Public Law 92–463. Matters To Be Discussed: The meeting will include the initial review, discussion, and evaluation of applications received in response to ‘‘CDC Grants for Public Health Research Dissertation, FOA PAR07–231, Panel H.’’ Contact Person for More Information: Sheree Marshall Williams, PhD., MSc, Scientific Review Administrator, CDC, 1600 Clifton Road, NE., Mailstop D73, Atlanta, GA 30333, Telephone 404–639–7742. The Director, Management Analysis and Services Office, has been delegated the authority to sign Federal Register notices pertaining to announcements of meetings and other committee management activities, for both CDC and the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. Dated: October 23, 2009. Elaine L. Baker, Director, Management Analysis and Services Office, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. [FR Doc. E9–26280 Filed 10–30–09; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4163–18–P DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Food and Drug Administration srobinson on DSKHWCL6B1PROD with NOTICES [Docket No. FDA–2009–N–0664] Neurological Devices Panel of the Medical Devices Advisory Committee; Notice of Postponement of Meeting AGENCY: Food and Drug Administration, HHS. ACTION: Notice. SUMMARY: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is postponing the meeting of the Neurological Devices VerDate Nov<24>2008 17:03 Oct 30, 2009 Jkt 220001 Panel of the Medical Devices Advisory Committee scheduled for November 20, 2009. This meeting was announced in the Federal Register of October 16, 2009 (74 FR 53274). The postponement is due to a scheduling conflict. A future meeting date will be announced in the Federal Register. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Deborah Falls, Center for Devices and Radiological Health, Food and Drug Administration, 10903 New Hampshire Ave., Silver Spring, MD 20993, 301– 796–5620, or FDA Advisory Committee Information Line, 1–800–741–8138 (301–443–0572 in the Washington, DC area), code 3014512513. Please call the Information Line for up-to-date information on this meeting. Dated: October 27, 2009. David Horowitz, Assistant Commissioner for Policy. [FR Doc. E9–26261 Filed 10–30–09; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4160–01–S DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Fish and Wildlife Service [FWS–R2–ES–2009–N155; 20124–1112– 0000–F2] Hays County Regional Habitat Conservation Plan, Hays County, TX AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior. ACTION: Notice of availability: draft environmental impact statement, draft habitat conservation plan, permit application; and announcement of a public hearing. SUMMARY: Hays County, Texas (Applicant), has applied to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) for an incidental take permit (TE–220793–0) under the Endangered Species Act (Act) of 1973, as amended. The requested permit, which would be in effect for a period of 30 years if granted, would authorize incidental take of the following federally listed species: Golden-cheeked warbler (Dendroica chrysoparia) and black-capped vireo (Vireo atricapilla). The proposed take would occur in Hays County, Texas, as a result of activities including, but not limited to, public or private land development, transportation projects, or utility projects. Hays County has completed a draft Habitat Conservation Plan (dHCP) as part of the application package. We have issued a draft environmental impact statement (dEIS) that evaluates the impacts of, and alternatives to, possible issuance of an incidental take permit (ITP). We request PO 00000 Frm 00086 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 56655 public comments on the application, dHCP, and dEIS, and we announce our plan to hold public hearings. DATES: Public meetings: We will accept oral and written comments at a public hearing to be held on Wednesday, November 18, 2009, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. CDT at the San Marcos Activity Center, Room #1, 501 E. Hopkins Street, San Marcos, TX 78666. Comment-period end: To ensure consideration, please send your written comments by February 1, 2010. ADDRESSES: For where to review documents and submit comments, and the public meeting location, see Reviewing Documents and Submitting Comments in SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Adam Zerrenner, Field Supervisor, Austin Ecological Services Field Office, 10711 Burnet Road, Suite 200, Austin, TX 78758; telephone 512–490–0057. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), we announce that we have gathered the information necessary to determine impacts and formulate alternatives for the EIS related to the potential issuance of an incidental take permit (ITP) to Hays County; and that the Applicant has developed an HCP which describes the measures to undertake to minimize and mitigate the effects of incidental take of federally listed species to the maximum extent practicable, under section 10(a)(1)(B) of the Act (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.). Background The initial notice of intent to prepare an EIS and hold public scoping meetings published in the Federal Register on May 16, 2008 (73 FR 28497). A summary of comments provided during the 2008 scoping periods, which included a public meeting held June 18, 2008, in San Marcos, Texas, is available on the Hays County Regional Habitat Conservation Plan Web site at https:// www.hayscountyhcp.com. The Hays County draft Regional Habitat Conservation Plan (dRHCP) and the conservation program described in the plan were developed in a process involving participants and stakeholders from potentially affected or interested groups in Hays County. The groups are organized into a Citizens Advisory Committee and a Biological Advisory Team that have overseen the development of the RHCP. The RHCP Web site contains information on meetings, documents, and the status of the process. Section 9 of the Act and its implementing regulations prohibit the E:\FR\FM\02NON1.SGM 02NON1 56656 Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 210 / Monday, November 2, 2009 / Notices ‘‘taking’’ of threatened or endangered species. However, under limited circumstances, we may issue permits to take listed wildlife species incidental to, and not the purpose of, otherwise lawful activities. srobinson on DSKHWCL6B1PROD with NOTICES Proposed Action The proposed action involves the issuance of an ITP by the Service for covered activities in Hays County, under section 10(a)(1)(B) of the Act. The activities that would be covered by the ITP are construction, use, or maintenance of public or private land development projects; construction, maintenance, or improvement of transportation infrastructure; installation or maintenance of utility infrastructure; construction, use, or maintenance of institutional projects or public infrastructure; and management activities in RHCP preserves necessary to manage habitat for the covered species. The requested ITP will cover Hays County, Texas. The requested term of the permit is 30 years. To meet the requirements of a section 10(a)(1)(B) ITP, the Applicant has developed and will implement the dRHCP, which describes the conservation measures the Applicant has agreed to undertake to minimize and mitigate for incidental take of the golden-cheeked warbler and blackcapped vireo to the maximum extent practicable, and anticipates that incidental take will not appreciably reduce the likelihood of the survival and recovery of these species in the wild. Alternatives We are considering three alternatives to the proposed action as part of this process: 1. No Action—No ITP would be issued. This alternative would require individuals to seek authorization through section 7 or section 10(a)(1)(B) to address incidental take resulting from their actions in Hays County or avoid taking actions that would result in incidental take of federally listed species. 2. Moderate Preserve/Limited Take— This alternative would create an RHCP for the golden-cheeked warbler and black-capped vireo, but would limit incidental take to no more than 3,600 acres of impact to habitat for these two species. A preserve system of 3,000 acres with a pre-determined location and configuration would mitigate for the impacts of the authorized take. 3. Large-Scale Preserve System—This alternative would create an RHCP for the golden-cheeked warbler and blackcapped vireo, and would allow VerDate Nov<24>2008 17:03 Oct 30, 2009 Jkt 220001 incidental take of any potential habitat for the covered species during the term of the ITP outside of a predetermined 30,000-acre preserve. Reviewing Documents and Submitting Comments Please refer to TE–220793–0 when requesting documents or submitting comments. You may obtain copies of the dEIS and dRHCP by going to the Hays County Regional Habitat Conservation Plan Web site at https://hayscountyhcp.com/ documents. Alternatively, you may obtain compact disks with electronic copies of these documents by writing to Mr. Adam Zerrenner, Field Supervisor, 10711 Burnet Road, Suite 200, Austin, TX 78758; telephone 512–490–0057; facsimile 512–490–0974. The application, dRHCP, and dEIS will also be available for public inspection, by appointment, during normal business hours (8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) at the Austin office. During the public comment period (see DATES), submit your written comments or data to the Field Supervisor at the Austin address. A limited number of printed copies of the dEIS and dRHCP are also available for public inspection and review at the following locations (by appointment only at government offices): • Department of the Interior, Natural Resources Library, 1849 C St., NW., Washington, DC 20240; • U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 500 Gold Avenue, SW., Room 4012, Albuquerque, NM 87102; • San Marcos Public Library, 625 E. Hopkins Street, San Marcos, TX; • Hays County Precinct 3 Office, 14306 Ranch Rd 12, Wimberley, TX; and • Hays County Precinct 4 Office, 195 Roger Hanks Parkway, Dripping Springs, TX. 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, Room 4012, Albuquerque, NM 87103. Public Meeting A public meeting will take place on Wednesday, November 18, 2009, to be held at the San Marcos Activity Center (see DATES) from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. CDT. Public Availability of Comments Written comments we receive become part of the public record associated with this action. Before including your address, phone number, e-mail address, or other personal identifying information in your comment, you should be aware that the entire PO 00000 Frm 00087 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 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. Authority We provide this notice under section 10(c) of the Act (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.) and its implementing regulations (50 CFR 17.22) and NEPA (42 U.S.C. 4371 et seq.) and its implementing regulations (40 CFR 1506.6). Dated: August 20, 2009. Brian A. Millsap, Acting Regional Director, Region 2, Albuquerque, New Mexico. [FR Doc. E9–26273 Filed 10–30–09; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4510–55–P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Bureau of Reclamation New Melones Lake Area Resource Management Plan, Tuolumne and Calaveras Counties, CA AGENCY: Bureau of Reclamation, Interior. ACTION: Notice of availability of the Draft Resource Management Plan/ Environmental Impact Statement (RMP/ EIS) and notice of public meetings. SUMMARY: Pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (as amended), the Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) has made available for public review and comment a Draft RMP/EIS for the New Melones Lake Area. The Draft RMP/EIS describes and presents the environmental effects of four alternatives, including no action, for future use of the project area for recreation and resource protection and management. The purpose of the public meetings is to provide the public with an opportunity to comment on management and environmental issues addressed in the Draft RMP/EIS. Written comments will be accepted from individuals and organizations on the Draft RMP/EIS. DATES: Two public open houses will be held on Wednesday, December 2, 2009, one from 1 to 4 p.m. and the other from 6 to 9 p.m. in Sonora, California. Submit written comments on the Draft RMP/EIS to Ms. Melissa Vignau at the address below by January 4, 2010. ADDRESSES: The public open houses will be held at New Melones Visitor Center, 6850 Studhorse Flat Road, Sonora, California 95370. E:\FR\FM\02NON1.SGM 02NON1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 74, Number 210 (Monday, November 2, 2009)]
[Notices]
[Pages 56655-56656]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E9-26273]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service

[FWS-R2-ES-2009-N155; 20124-1112-0000-F2]


Hays County Regional Habitat Conservation Plan, Hays County, TX

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

ACTION: Notice of availability: draft environmental impact statement, 
draft habitat conservation plan, permit application; and announcement 
of a public hearing.

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

SUMMARY: Hays County, Texas (Applicant), has applied to the U.S. Fish 
and Wildlife Service (Service) for an incidental take permit (TE-
220793-0) under the Endangered Species Act (Act) of 1973, as amended. 
The requested permit, which would be in effect for a period of 30 years 
if granted, would authorize incidental take of the following federally 
listed species: Golden-cheeked warbler (Dendroica chrysoparia) and 
black-capped vireo (Vireo atricapilla). The proposed take would occur 
in Hays County, Texas, as a result of activities including, but not 
limited to, public or private land development, transportation 
projects, or utility projects. Hays County has completed a draft 
Habitat Conservation Plan (dHCP) as part of the application package. We 
have issued a draft environmental impact statement (dEIS) that 
evaluates the impacts of, and alternatives to, possible issuance of an 
incidental take permit (ITP). We request public comments on the 
application, dHCP, and dEIS, and we announce our plan to hold public 
hearings.

DATES: Public meetings: We will accept oral and written comments at a 
public hearing to be held on Wednesday, November 18, 2009, from 6 p.m. 
to 8 p.m. CDT at the San Marcos Activity Center, Room 1, 501 
E. Hopkins Street, San Marcos, TX 78666.
    Comment-period end: To ensure consideration, please send your 
written comments by February 1, 2010.

ADDRESSES: For where to review documents and submit comments, and the 
public meeting location, see Reviewing Documents and Submitting 
Comments in SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Adam Zerrenner, Field Supervisor, 
Austin Ecological Services Field Office, 10711 Burnet Road, Suite 200, 
Austin, TX 78758; telephone 512-490-0057.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Under the National Environmental Policy Act 
(NEPA), we announce that we have gathered the information necessary to 
determine impacts and formulate alternatives for the EIS related to the 
potential issuance of an incidental take permit (ITP) to Hays County; 
and that the Applicant has developed an HCP which describes the 
measures to undertake to minimize and mitigate the effects of 
incidental take of federally listed species to the maximum extent 
practicable, under section 10(a)(1)(B) of the Act (16 U.S.C. 1531 et 
seq.).

Background

    The initial notice of intent to prepare an EIS and hold public 
scoping meetings published in the Federal Register on May 16, 2008 (73 
FR 28497). A summary of comments provided during the 2008 scoping 
periods, which included a public meeting held June 18, 2008, in San 
Marcos, Texas, is available on the Hays County Regional Habitat 
Conservation Plan Web site at https://www.hayscountyhcp.com.
    The Hays County draft Regional Habitat Conservation Plan (dRHCP) 
and the conservation program described in the plan were developed in a 
process involving participants and stakeholders from potentially 
affected or interested groups in Hays County. The groups are organized 
into a Citizens Advisory Committee and a Biological Advisory Team that 
have overseen the development of the RHCP. The RHCP Web site contains 
information on meetings, documents, and the status of the process.
    Section 9 of the Act and its implementing regulations prohibit the

[[Page 56656]]

``taking'' of threatened or endangered species. However, under limited 
circumstances, we may issue permits to take listed wildlife species 
incidental to, and not the purpose of, otherwise lawful activities.

Proposed Action

    The proposed action involves the issuance of an ITP by the Service 
for covered activities in Hays County, under section 10(a)(1)(B) of the 
Act. The activities that would be covered by the ITP are construction, 
use, or maintenance of public or private land development projects; 
construction, maintenance, or improvement of transportation 
infrastructure; installation or maintenance of utility infrastructure; 
construction, use, or maintenance of institutional projects or public 
infrastructure; and management activities in RHCP preserves necessary 
to manage habitat for the covered species. The requested ITP will cover 
Hays County, Texas. The requested term of the permit is 30 years.
    To meet the requirements of a section 10(a)(1)(B) ITP, the 
Applicant has developed and will implement the dRHCP, which describes 
the conservation measures the Applicant has agreed to undertake to 
minimize and mitigate for incidental take of the golden-cheeked warbler 
and black-capped vireo to the maximum extent practicable, and 
anticipates that incidental take will not appreciably reduce the 
likelihood of the survival and recovery of these species in the wild.

Alternatives

    We are considering three alternatives to the proposed action as 
part of this process:
    1. No Action--No ITP would be issued. This alternative would 
require individuals to seek authorization through section 7 or section 
10(a)(1)(B) to address incidental take resulting from their actions in 
Hays County or avoid taking actions that would result in incidental 
take of federally listed species.
    2. Moderate Preserve/Limited Take--This alternative would create an 
RHCP for the golden-cheeked warbler and black-capped vireo, but would 
limit incidental take to no more than 3,600 acres of impact to habitat 
for these two species. A preserve system of 3,000 acres with a pre-
determined location and configuration would mitigate for the impacts of 
the authorized take.
    3. Large-Scale Preserve System--This alternative would create an 
RHCP for the golden-cheeked warbler and black-capped vireo, and would 
allow incidental take of any potential habitat for the covered species 
during the term of the ITP outside of a predetermined 30,000-acre 
preserve.

Reviewing Documents and Submitting Comments

    Please refer to TE-220793-0 when requesting documents or submitting 
comments.
    You may obtain copies of the dEIS and dRHCP by going to the Hays 
County Regional Habitat Conservation Plan Web site at https://hayscountyhcp.com/documents. Alternatively, you may obtain compact 
disks with electronic copies of these documents by writing to Mr. Adam 
Zerrenner, Field Supervisor, 10711 Burnet Road, Suite 200, Austin, TX 
78758; telephone 512-490-0057; facsimile 512-490-0974. The application, 
dRHCP, and dEIS will also be available for public inspection, by 
appointment, during normal business hours (8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) at the 
Austin office. During the public comment period (see DATES), submit 
your written comments or data to the Field Supervisor at the Austin 
address.
    A limited number of printed copies of the dEIS and dRHCP are also 
available for public inspection and review at the following locations 
(by appointment only at government offices):
     Department of the Interior, Natural Resources Library, 
1849 C St., NW., Washington, DC 20240;
     U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 500 Gold Avenue, SW., Room 
4012, Albuquerque, NM 87102;
     San Marcos Public Library, 625 E. Hopkins Street, San 
Marcos, TX;
     Hays County Precinct 3 Office, 14306 Ranch Rd 12, 
Wimberley, TX; and
     Hays County Precinct 4 Office, 195 Roger Hanks Parkway, 
Dripping Springs, TX.
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, Room 4012, Albuquerque, NM 87103.

Public Meeting

    A public meeting will take place on Wednesday, November 18, 2009, 
to be held at the San Marcos Activity Center (see DATES) from 6 p.m. to 
8 p.m. CDT.

Public Availability of Comments

    Written comments we receive become part of the public record 
associated with this action. Before including your address, phone 
number, e-mail address, or other personal identifying information in 
your comment, you should be aware that the 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.

Authority

    We provide this notice under section 10(c) of the Act (16 U.S.C. 
1531 et seq.) and its implementing regulations (50 CFR 17.22) and NEPA 
(42 U.S.C. 4371 et seq.) and its implementing regulations (40 CFR 
1506.6).

    Dated: August 20, 2009.
Brian A. Millsap,
Acting Regional Director, Region 2, Albuquerque, New Mexico.
[FR Doc. E9-26273 Filed 10-30-09; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4510-55-P
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