Incidental Take Public Notice:

Proposed Milwaukee Street Bridge Demolition and Reconstruction - Watertown

The Department of Natural Resources proposes to authorize the "incidental taking" of the state threatened Greater redhorse (Moxostoma valenciennesi) resulting from the proposed demolition and reconstruction of the Milwaukee Street Bridge in the City of Watertown.

The Milwaukee Street Bridge spans the Rock River in the City of Watertown. The existing bridge, a three-span concrete girder with arch treatments, is narrow and structurally deficient and requires replacement to meet safety standards. The new bridge will be larger to accommodate increased traffic volumes and is designed to provide a similar visual appearance – identified as an important community value.

The State-threatened Greater redhorse occurs at the bridge crossing and throughout the one mile reach of the Rock River. As a result, all work will be conducted to avoid critical spawning periods, to prevent the Greater redhorse from entering the project work area, to minimize in-stream disturbance, and to protect the quality of the in-stream habitat by preventing project debris from entering the water.

Although protection measures will be implemented, the proposed bridge demolition and replacement may result in instream activities that could result in the incidental taking of the state threatened Greater redhorse. However, the Department has determined that efforts will be made to avoid and minimize the impacts to this species; the taking is not likely to jeopardize the continued existence and recovery of the state population of Greater Redhorse or the whole plant-animal community of which they are a part; and the action has benefit to the public safety.

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

Information & Supporting Materials:
Jeopardy Assessment and Background Information [PDF 9KB]