Incidental Take Public Notice:

Proposed ATC - Cranberry-Conover

The Department of Natural Resources proposes to authorize the "incidental taking" of the state threatened wood turtle (Clemmys insculpta) resulting from construction of a 115-138 kilovolt (kV) transmission line approximately between Eagle River and Spread Eagle in Vilas, Forest and Florence Counties, 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.

American Transmission Company LLC and ATC Management Inc (collectively ATC) is constructing approximately 49 miles of 115-138 kV transmission line in Wisconsin of which approximately 16 miles is new transmission line and 33 miles is replacement of existing line. ATC will generally use single steel monopoles spaced approximately 600 to 800 feet apart for construction. The project was approved by the Public Service Commission in November of 2006. Due in part to additional time needed for environmental analysis for the segment that passes through the Chequamegon – Nicolet National Forest and timing restrictions for the protection of trout habitat, the construction sequence and timing of the project has been changed. Construction activities, including the placement of mats and the installation of transmission line poles, may be initiated in habitat occupied by the wood turtle during its active period and pose a potential risk of take of wood turtles.

The Department of Natural Resources has determined that the Wood turtle is likely present due to the presence of suitable habitat and that the proposed project may result in the incidental taking of some turtles at six discrete locations along the 49-mile project route. However, the Department has concluded that the proposed project will minimize the impacts to the turtle 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.

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 wood turtle, 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 September 8, 2008 and should be sent to Ms. Paloski at the above address.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Rori Paloski, DNR, Bureau of Endangered Resources, 608/264-6040 or P.O. Box 7921 Madison, WI 53707-7921.

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

Information & Supporting Materials:
Jeopardy Assessment - ATC Cranberry-Conover [PDF 9KB]