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Lake Puckaway dredging project may result in incidental take of rare turtle

News Release Published: June 15, 2012 by the Northeast Region

Contact(s): Rori Paloski, DNR Bureau of Endangered Resources 608-264-6040

EDITOR’S NOTE: Wisconsin’s endangered species law (s. 29.604, Wis. Stats.) requires the Department of Natural Resources to notify the public when it proposes to authorize the incidental taking of a state endangered or threatened species.

MADISON – A dredging project in Lake Puckaway in Marquette County may result in the "incidental taking" of a turtle listed as a state threatened species under a permit the Department of Natural Resources proposes to grant 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.

This project involves removing approximately 1185 cubic yards of sediment from a channel connected to Lake Puckaway. Dredging will take place in an area 40 feet wide by 200 feet long with a maximum depth of 3 feet. This project will allow ingress and egress of the marina area to Lake Puckaway.

The presence of the state threatened Blanding’s turtle (Emydoidea blandingii) has been confirmed in the vicinity of the project site. DNR staff determined that the species is likely present due to the presence of suitable habitat and that the proposed project may result in the incidental taking of some turtles. However, they concluded that the proposed project is not likely to appreciably reduce the likelihood of the survival or recovery of the Blanding’s turtle within the state, the whole plant-animal community of which it is a part or the habitat that is critical to its existence.

The conservation measures to minimize the adverse effect on the threatened species will be incorporated into the proposed Incidental Take Permit. Copies of the jeopardy assessment and background information on the Blanding’s turtle are available by searching for incidental take notices on the DNR website or upon request from Rori Paloski, DNR Bureau of Endangered Resources at 608-264-6040,. Public comments will be taken through July 13, 2012 and should be sent to Rori Paloski, PO Box 7921, Madison WI 53707-7921.

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