Draft Habitat Conservation Plan and Draft Categorical Exclusion for the Vintage Ranch Project; Santa Barbara County, California

Issuing agencies

Abstract

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce the availability of a draft habitat conservation plan (HCP) and draft categorical exclusion screening form for activities described in an application for an incidental take permit (ITP) under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended. The ITP would authorize take of a listed species incidental to construction of a residential development in the community of Orcutt within Santa Barbara County, California. The applicants developed the draft HCP in support of their application for an ITP. The Service prepared a draft categorical exclusion screening form in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act to evaluate the potential effects to the natural and human environment resulting from issuing an ITP to the applicants. We invite public comment on these documents.