DNR may issue permit for incidental taking of a rare lizard

COLUMBIA, COUNTY, Wis (CIVIC MEDIA) – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) proposes to issue a permit for the incidental taking of a rare lizard, which may result from the County Road J Improvements in Columbia County. 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.

Columbia County’s proposed project includes minor grading on the fore and back slope, culvert replacement, pulverizing and re-laying the existing surface, paving a lower and upper layer of asphalt, installing a two-foot gravel shoulder and adding rumble strips and new signage.

The presence of the state endangered slender glass lizard is confirmed in the vicinity of the project site. DNR staff determined that the proposed project may result in the incidental taking of one or more lizards. Conservation measures to minimize the adverse effects on the endangered species will be incorporated into the proposed Incidental Take Permit.

Copies of the jeopardy assessment and background information on the slender glass lizard are available by visiting the DNR Incidental Take Public Notices webpage.

The public is encouraged to submit written comments regarding project-related impacts to the slender glass lizard by September 4 to: Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, c/o Stacy Rowe, DNR Conservation Biologist, 2514 Morse St., Janesville, WI 53545, Stacy.Rowe@wisconsin.gov or by calling 608-228-9796.

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