justnorth posted on February 27, 2007 14:11 :: 1291 Views
The proposed expansion of a county highway and associated relocation of a gas pipeline in Waukesha and Washington counties may result in the “incidental taking” of a rare snake, under an authorization the Department of Natural Resources is proposing for the project.
The proposed expansion of County Highway Q (also known as County Line Road) from Colgate Road to County Highway Y (Lannon Road) is expected to have an impact on several patches of habitat that are suitable for the Butler’s gartersnake (Thamnophis butleri), which is listed as a threatened species in Wisconsin.
The work will be conducted prior to the snake’s active season to the extent practicable. The Waukesha County Department of Public Works will install and maintain snake fencing along both sides of the roadway to prevent snakes from entering the construction area. Waukesha County will also provide an “ecopassage” under the highway in the Willow Creek corridor to connect snake habitat which exists on both sides. This is expected to restore genetic integrity of existing populations by allowing snake dispersal between sites currently isolated from each other by the highway and provide additional benefits for other wildlife.
The expansion will also necessitate the moving of a WE Energies gas pipeline along parts of the north and south side of this highway. Both aspects of this project could result in the incidental take of the Butler’s gartersnake. WE Energies proposes to directionally bore the wetlands and creek crossing associated with Willow Creek. They will prepare a contingency plan for leaks or spills of slurry or drilling mud and have provisions on site to implement it, if necessary.
DNR staff determined that efforts were made to minimize impacts to the species; the incidental taking is not likely to jeopardize the continued existence and recovery of state populations of the Butler’s gartersnake or the whole plant-animal community of which it is a part; and the action has benefit to the public health, safety or welfare that justifies the action. The public comment period has been expedited for this project to allow work to begin before the snake’s active period.
Copies of the jeopardy assessment and conservation measures are available on the Incidental Take page of the DNR Web site or upon request from Department of Natural Resources, Bureau of Endangered Resources, 101 South Webster, Madison, WI 53707, (608) 266-7012. Public comments will be taken through March 13, 2007 and should be sent to the above address.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Lisie Kitchel - (608) 266-5248
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