Incidental Take Public Notice:

Proposed Jewish Community Center Family Park

The Department of Natural Resources proposes to authorize the "incidental taking" of the State-threatened Butler’s gartersnake (Thamnophis butleri) resulting from the construction of the Family Park Center in the Village of Mequon. The proposed development site is located southwest of the intersection of Mequon Road and Highway 43 in the northeast quarter of section 30 of T9N R22E in Ozaukee County. The project proposes to construct a pool facility, tennis courts, parking areas and associated utilities.

A habitat assessment was conducted for the project site and surrounding area and determined that the site contained portions of a potential Tier 3 habitat patch (Site of Significant Conservation Value for the snake). Snakes have not been confirmed at the site. The project site contains 4.2 acres of generally moderate quality old-field habitat. Because of project timing constraints, the Department has agreed to authorize the take in advance of surveys upon approval of a Department-approved conservation plan that outlines a detailed within-patch mitigation strategy and long-term protection of the mitigated area. If snake presence is confirmed, the Department will require that the no-net-loss requirement be met and that additional habitat mitigation be provided to offset the potential take. The Conservation Plan outlines the specific requirements and is available upon request.

The Department has determined that the proposed grading and construction of the Jewish Community Family Park may result in the incidental taking of some state-threatened Butler’s gartersnakes. However, the Department has concluded that the proposed project will minimize the impacts to the snake by adhering to conservation measures; is not likely to jeopardize the continued existence and recovery of the state population of these snakes 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 8KB]