Incidental Take Public Notice:

Proposed Arrowhead-Weston Transmission Line Project - Spreads SB and BC

The construction of a portion of a high-capacity electricity transmission line across northern and central Wisconsin could result in the incidental taking of two rare turtles if they are encountered during construction. The DNR has received an incidental take authorization request for the project.

As part of the environmental permitting process for the American Transmission Company line from Wausau, Wis. to Duluth, Minn., a screening for rare species determined that a number of locations within the corridor in Wisconsin could potentially contain suitable habitat for the wood and Blanding’s turtle, which are listed as a threatened species under state law. The 345-kilovolt (kV) transmission line will be approximately 220 miles in length, 208 miles of which are located in Wisconsin.

DNR staff and a qualified herpetologist further evaluated the corridor and recommended measures that will avoid most impacts the project will have on the turtles. However, they determined there are nine areas along the corridor where measures could not be implemented to avoid impacts on the turtles, and where “incidental take” may occur.

Under the “incidental taking” law, which was approved by the Wisconsin Legislature in 1997, the Department of Natural Resources can authorize the taking of an endangered or threatened species from a location if that removal will not jeopardize the species' survival or recovery in Wisconsin.

One segment in Sawyer and Rusk Counties, known as the SB spread, is approximately 30 miles long and includes 9 sites where the presence of both turtles is suspected. A second segment in Rusk and Chippewa Counties, known as the BC spread, is approximately 23 miles long and includes one site where the presence of wood turtle is suspected. Project developers will undertake a variety of measures to minimize the potential impact on the turtle, including installing turtle exclusion fencing and conducting turtle removals prior to any construction activity. In addition, the extent of vegetation clearing will be reduced at all locations, low impact clearing methods will be used within suitable habitat, and a qualified herpetologist will be responsible for on-site monitoring during construction. Finally, the land disturbed during construction will be restored to natural vegetation upon project completion. The overall loss of turtles is expected to be very low.

DNR staff have concluded that the proposed project will minimize the impacts to the turtles by adhering to conservation measures; is not likely to jeopardize the continued existence and recovery of the state population of these turtles or the whole plant-animal community of which they are a part; and 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 23KB]