Fish and Wildlife Service May 23, 2005 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

This notice advises the public that the Fish and Wildlife Service, Southwest Region, intends to gather information necessary to prepare a Comprehensive Conservation Plan (CCP) and Environmental Assessment for Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge, pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act and its implementing regulations. The Service is furnishing this notice in compliance with the National Wildlife Refuge System Administration act of 1966, as amended (16 U.S.C. 668dd et seq.), to achieve the following: (1) Advise other agencies and the public of our intentions, and (2) Obtain suggestions and information on the scope of issues to include in the environmental document.

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), Monroe County, Florida, and the Florida Department of Community Affairs (DCA) (Applicants) request an incidental take permit (ITP) pursuant to section 10(a)(1)(B) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (U.S.C. 1531 et seq.), as amended (Act). The Applicants anticipate taking no more than 168 acres of occupied Key deer (Odocoileus virginianus clavium), breeding, foraging, and sheltering habitat. This same area is potential habitat for the eastern indigo snake (Drymarchon corais couperi). Proposed activities on this acreage may also indirectly affect adjacent habitat occupied by the Lower Keys marsh rabbit (Sylvilagus palustris hefneri). Take of these species would be incidental to development activities on Big Pine Key and No Name Key (Project Area) in Monroe County, Florida. The Applicants' Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) describes the mitigation and minimization measures proposed to address the effects of the Project on the affected species. These measures are outlined in the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section below. The Service announces the availability of the HCP and the Environmental Assessment for the incidental take application. Copies of the HCP and Environmental Assessment may be obtained by making a request to the Regional Office (see ADDRESSES). Requests must be in writing to be processed. This notice is provided pursuant to section 10 of the Endangered Species Act and National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) regulations (40 CFR 1506.6).