The replacement of a bridge may result in the “incidental taking” of a rare snake under an authorization the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources proposes to issue for the project. Incidental take refers to the unintentional loss of individual endangered or threatened animals or plants that does not put the overall population of the species at risk.
The Wisconsin Department of Transportation proposes to reconstruct the South Carvers Rock Road bridge and approaches over Turtle Creek on behalf of Rock County and the Town of Bradford. The existing bridge is a deteriorating structure, forcing load postings and decreased route functionality for local residents. Continued deterioration would lead to closure of the road.
The presence of the state endangered Queensnake (Regina septemvittata) has been confirmed in the vicinity of the project site. DNR staff determined that the proposed project may result in the incidental taking of some snakes.
The Department has concluded that the proposed project is not likely to jeopardize the continued existence or recovery of this species within the state, the whole plant-animal community of which it is a part and has benefit to the public health, safety or welfare that justifies the action.
The conservation measures to minimize the adverse effect on the endangered species will be incorporated into the proposed Incidental Take Authorization. Copies of the jeopardy assessment and background information on the Queensnake are available by searching the DNR website for incidental take public notice or upon request from Lisie Kitchel at 608-266-5248. Public comments will be taken through December 11, 2016 and should be sent to Lisie Kitchel, Conservation Biologist, DNR, PO Box 7921, Madison, WI 53707-7921.
