Extension of Comment Period for an Amendment to the Permit Allowing Incidental Take of the Threatened Desert Tortoise by Clark County and the Cities of Las Vegas, North Las Vegas, Henderson, and Boulder City, NV

Résumé

This notice advises the public that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), Clark County, and the cities of Las Vegas, North Las Vegas, Henderson, and Boulder City, Nevada, (applicants) have extended the comment period for an amendment to their existing permit (PRT 756260) authorizing incidental take of desert tortoises (Gopherus agassizii), pursuant to section 10(a)(1)(B) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). The proposed amendment would extend the term of the existing permit 1 year, to July 31, 1995, and allow disturbance of 8,000 additional acres within the existing permit area. The number of desert tortoises taken would not increase above what is currently authorized under the existing permit, which is up to 3,710 tortoises. The permit application is accompanied by amendments to the Habitat Conservation Plan and Implementing Agreement. The Service also extends the comment period for an environmental assessment (EA) for the proposed amendment to the permit. This notice supplements the notice for the Availability of an EA and Receipt of an Application for an Amendment to the Permit Allowing Incidental Take of the Threatened Desert Tortoise by Clark County