(Columbia County) The Department of Natural Resources is taking comments on a proposed permit for a bridge project in Columbia County that may result in the incidental taking of a rare fish.
DNR officials say the state transportation department is proposing to replace the existing bridge on Old Highway 73 over the Crawfish River. Ground disturbing activities include excavation, grading, and a temporary causeway will be placed in order to construct a new pier. The presence of the state endangered Redfin Shiner is confirmed in the area.
The proposed project may result in the incidental taking of some fish. Incidental take refers to the unintentional loss of individual endangered or threatened animals or plants that does not put the species’ overall population at risk.
Conservation measures to reduce the adverse effect on the endangered species will be incorporated into the proposed Incidental Take Permit. Comments on the project can be sent to DNR Conservation Biologist Stacy Rowe by March 5th at 2514 Morse Street, Janesville, Wisconsin 53545 or email [email protected]. Rowe’s phone number is 608-228-9796.
