Wisconsin's endangered and threatened species list

The first list of Wisconsin endangered and threatened (E/T) species was developed in 1972 following enactment of Wisconsin's endangered species law. The list was created to restrict the taking, possession or marketing of species threatened with extinction from the state. Since 1972, the list has been revised 10 times, most recently in 2011, when four cave bats were added. However, because changes in a species status typically occur more frequently, these changes are reflected in the Natural Heritage Working List, which is dynamic and is updated as new information becomes available. The annual process of updating the Working List provides the primary triggers that initiate a comprehensive assessment of a species and can result in revisions to the official list of endangered and threatened species.

• View the list of Wisconsin E/T species [PDF]

Revisions to the E/T species list

The DNR's Endangered Resources Program policy recommends that the E/T list should be reviewed at every five years or earlier, as needed, based on changes in species population condition. The "as needed" triggers include recovery goals met, immediate need for protection or significant new data on a single species or group of species. Additionally, according to Wisconsin Law - Chapter NR 27.04 Wis. Adm. Code [exit DNR] - "Any 3 persons may petition the department to review the status of any listed or unlisted wild animal or wild plant."

List review and revision 2010-13

In 2010, a comprehensive list review began that resulted in 16 species [PDF] being recommended for delisting and eight species [PDF] for listing. An additonal 20 species are proposed for a scientific name update. The administrative rule process is now underway to make the changes permanent.

Participation and comments

You can get a copy of the proposed rule:

• online at the Administrative Rules website [exit DNR];
• by mail at DNR, Madeline Emde ER/6, PO Box 7921, Madison WI 53707; or
• by calling or emailing Madeline Emde at 608-264-6271.

Species assessments

Timeline and associated tasks

Tasks required to update Wisconsin's endangered and threatened list. Results will be posted as tasks are scheduled and completed.

E/T List Revision Task	Completed	Results
Review species population condition; recommend species for status assessment based on population change and new information.	January - March 2010	List revision procedures [PDF] ER Science Guidelines [PDF]
Refine list of species for status assessment to those with significant population change and sufficient information available.	March - September 2010	Species Review process [PDF] Review process flowchart [PDF]
Conduct status assessments for potential listing, delist or change of status.	July 2010 - September 2011	Species to delist [PDF] Species to list [PDF]
Review status assessments and make final recommendation for status change.	August - November 2011	Status assessments (see above)
Submit scope statement to Governor for approval to work on a rule change.	November 2011	Scope statement approved Nov. 2011 [Wisconsin Administrative Register No. 671, p.13]
Natural Resources Board (NRB) presentation.	February 2012
Submit scope statement to NRB for approval.	March 2012	NRB approval request [PDF] Provide comments to NRB
Host public open house on the rule and review process, and recommended changes – Wausau and Fitchburg	May 7 & 9, 2012	Read more in the DNR news release.
Solicit information from business, local government and individuals that may be affected economically by the proposed rule change.	Public comment period Sept. 24-Oct. 24, 2012	Proposed rule [PDF] Wis. Administrative Rules [exit DNR] DNR news release
Draft Environmental Assessment and Fiscal Estimate/Economic Impact Analysis (FE/EIA).	October - December 2012	Environmental Assessment [PDF] Fiscal Estimate/EIA [PDF]
Get approval from NRB to go out for public hearing on rule changes.	January 23, 2013	NRB hearing request and rule package [PDF]
Hold public hearings and accept comments on proposed rule, economic impact analysis and environmental assessment.	January 24 - March 7, 2013	Wis. Administrative Rules [exit DNR] Notice of hearing [exit DNR] published mid-Feb. 2013 [Wisconsin Administrative Register No. 686, pp. 26-34] DNR news release
Modify rule language based on public comments. If significant, revise scope statement, and FE/EIA as necessary.	March-April 2013
Submit rule to NRB for adoption.	May 22, 2013	NRB agenda
Submit rule to Governor for approval.	TBA
Submit rule to legislature for review.	TBA
Rule promulgated.	TBA