Incidental Take Public Notice:

Proposed Mequon Nature Preserve

The Department of Natural Resources proposes to authorize the "incidental taking" of the state threatened Butler’s gartersnake (Thamnophis butleri) resulting from the Mequon Nature Preserve’s Biking/Walking Trail Project in Mequon, Wisconsin. 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.

The proposed Mequon Nature Preserve Biking and Walking Trail Project will be constructed in suitable Butler’s gartersnake habitat that is part of a significant conservation (Tier 3) site. This project has the potential to cause incidental take of the Butler’s gartersnake, although the potential for take is extremely low. Snake fencing has already been installed to minimize take and the risk of take is primarily limited to a small wetland fill where a culvert will be installed under the trail in a narrow drainage area.

The Department of Natural Resources has determined that the Butler’s gartersnake may be present at the project site due to the presence of suitable habitat and therefore the proposed project may result in the incidental taking of some snakes. 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.

The conservation measures to minimize the adverse effect on the threatened species will be incorporated into the proposed Incidental Take Authorization. Copies of the conservation measures, background information on the Butler’s gartersnake, and the jeopardy assessment are available upon request from Rori Paloski, Department of Natural Resources, Bureau of Endangered Resources, 101 South Webster, Madison, WI 53707, (608) 264-6040.

Public comments will be taken through August 28, 2008 and should be sent to Ms. Paloski at the above address.

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

Public comments will be taken through August 28, 2008 and should be sent to the above address.

Information & Supporting Materials:
Mequon Nature Preserve Jeopardy Assessment [PDF 7KB]