Wisconsin Transmission line project may result in incidental take of rare turtle
American Transmission Company’s Cranberry-Conover-Plains line in Vilas, Forest and Florence counties
[EDITOR’S NOTE: Wisconsin’s endangered species law (s. 29.604, Wis. Stats.) requires the Department of Natural Resources to notify the public when it proposes to authorize the incidental taking of a state endangered or threatened species.]
MADISON -- The construction of an electrical transmission line between Eagle River and Spread Eagle through Vilas, Forest and Florence counties may result in the "incidental taking" of a turtle listed as a threatened species in Wisconsin under an authorization the Department of Natural Resources is proposing for the project.
American Transmission Company LLC and ATC Management Inc. are constructing approximately 49 miles of 115-138 kilovolt transmission line in Wisconsin, of which approximately 16 miles is new transmission line and 33 miles is replacement of existing line. Construction activities, including the placement of mats and the installation of transmission line poles, may be initiated in habitat occupied by the wood turtle (Clemmys insculpta) during its active period and may pose a potential risk of the incidental take of wood turtles. 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 project was approved by the Public Service Commission in November 2006, but 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.
DNR staff 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
