(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 snake. The State Department of Transportation is planning to repair bridge abutments and piers tied to the Interstate 90/94 bridge over the Baraboo River. Work is slated to begin September 6th and end on October 1st.
DNR officials say the presence of the state endangered eastern massasauga rattlesnake is confirmed in the area. They add that the proposed project may result in the incidental taking of some snakes. 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.
The DNR says work crews will minimize the impacts of the species by adhering to conservation measures, which is unlikely to jeopardize the continued existence and recovery of the snake. 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 August 26th, at 101 South Webster Street, Madison, Wisconsin 53707 or email stacy.rowe@wi.gov. Rowe’s phone number is 608-228-9796.
