Incidental Take Public Notice:

Proposed State Highway 164 Expansion

The Department of Natural Resources proposes to authorize the "incidental takings" of the State-Threatened Butler’s gartersnake (Thamnophis butleri) resulting from the proposed expansion of State Highway (STH) 164 from 2 lanes to 4 lanes. The project is located along an approximately 17-mile segment of STH 164 from Interstate 94 north to STH 175 in Waukesha and Washington Counties, Wisconsin.

Snake surveys and habitat assessments were conducted for the highway corridor in May and June of 2000. Butler’s gartersnakes were confirmed at four separate sites located in the southern portion of the corridor. The proposed project will likely result in the limited destruction of Butler’s gartersnake habitat along the four locations. However, take of the snake is expected to be low due to alignment redesigns that will limit disturbance of habitat along the edge of the existing highway. In addition, WDOT will install snake exclusionary fencing at appropriate locations to exclude snakes from the construction area and restore disturbed habitat with appropriate native vegetation. Four “ecopassages” will be constructed under the highway where snake habitat 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. Monitoring will be conducted three and five years following construction.

The Department has determined that efforts were made to minimize impacts to the species; the 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.

Copies of the jeopardy assessment and conservation measures are available below or upon request from:

Information & Supporting Materials:
Jeopardy Assessment and Background Information [PDF 93KB]