Large Mammals Research: Impacts of the U.S. Highway 53 Expansion Project on Wolves in Northwestern Wisconsin

Objectives of our research project are to assess the impacts of the U.S. Highway 53 (US 53) project on timber wolf populations and dispersal, identify critical habitats and travel corridors for wolves, and develop guidelines to mitigate impacts of future highway projects.

Background

In 1992, the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WDOT) began widening a 44-mile segment of US 53 between Trego and Hawthorne from two to four lanes. This segment passes through areas inhabited by the eastern timber wolf, listed as an endangered species in Wisconsin by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) since 1967. US 53 also crosses the main dispersal route for wolves coming from Minnesota into Wisconsin. When the USFWS reviewed the Preliminary Final Environmental Impact Statement for the US 53 proposal, they strongly recommended that the WDOT finance a comprehensive study of this project's impact on the wolves. The WDOT asked the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources to conduct the study.

There is very little information available on the impact of highways on timber wolf mortality and dispersal. Previous studies have shown that highways can increase mortality and impede dispersal/migration of species such as the Florida panther, western cougar, red fox, and some ungulates.

Identifying critical habitats will help maintain a viable wolf population in Wisconsin. The effectiveness of US 53 modifications in reducing negative impacts on wolves will greatly assist in designing future projects.

For more information on this topic, please contact:
Gerald Bartelt
(608) 221-6344