Incidental Take Public Notice:

Proposed CTH Q Waukesha

The Department of Natural Resources proposes to authorize the "incidental taking" of the State-Threatened Butler’s gartersnake (Thamnophis butleri) resulting from the proposed expansion of County Highway (CTH) Q, from Colgate Rd. to CTH Y (Lannon Rd.), CTH Q is also known as County Line Rd. between Waukesha and Washington Counties, Wisconsin. This project includes relocation of utilities required for the road expansion.

The proposed CTH Q expansion project will impact suitable Butler’s gartersnake habitat associated with several habitat patches on either side of the existing highway. The expansion will also necessitate the moving of WE Energies gas pipelines along parts of the north and south side of this highway. Both aspects of this project could result in the incidental take of the Butler’s gartersnake. WE Energies proposes to directionally bore the wetlands and creek crossing associated with Willow Creek. They will prepare a frac-out plan and have provisions on site to implement it, if necessary. Fencing will be installed to reduce the risk of take associated with a frac-out, and the work will be conducted prior to the snake’s active season to the extent practicable.

Waukesha County Dept. of Public Works will install and maintain snake fencing along both sides of the roadway to prevent snakes from entering the construction area. Waukesha County will also provide an “ecopassage” under the highway in the Willow Creek corridor to connect snake habitat which exists on both sides. This is expected to restore genetic integrity of existing populations by allowing snake dispersal between sites currently isolated from each other by the highway and provide additional benefits for other wildlife.

The Department has determined that efforts were made to minimize impacts to the species; the taking is not likely to jeopardize the continued existence and recovery of state populations of the Butler’s gartersnake or the whole plant-animal community of which it is a part; and the action has benefit to the public health, safety or welfare that justifies the action. The public comment period has been expedited for this project to allow work to begin before the snake’s active period. Copies of the jeopardy assessment and conservation measures are available on the DNR website at http://www.dnr.state.wi.us/org/land/er/take/overview.htm or upon request from Department of Natural Resources, Bureau of Endangered Resources, 101 South Webster, Madison, WI 53707, (608) 266-7012. Public comments will be taken through March 13th, 2007 and should be sent to the above address.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Lisie Kitchel, DNR, Bureau of Endangered Resources, 608/266-5248 or P.O. Box 7921 Madison, WI 53707-7921

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