DNR seeks public comment on bridge project impacting threatened turtle

By Patrick Lynn

PORTAGE COUNTY — The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is seeking public comment on a proposed authorization to allow the incidental taking of a rare turtle species during an upcoming bridge project in Portage County.

The state’s Incidental Take Permit would apply to the threatened wood turtle, which may be unintentionally harmed during construction on County Road WW over Fourmile Creek. The project, administered by the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, will replace a structurally deficient steel culvert with a two-span concrete bridge aimed at improving water quality and stream stability.

The work, which spans approximately 0.073 miles and includes just under one acre of ground disturbance, is expected to provide a naturalized stream bottom and maintain the creek’s wetted width. All work will take place within existing county right-of-way. Fourmile Creek is classified as a trout stream.

The DNR confirmed the presence of the wood turtle in the area and determined the project could result in some incidental harm to the species. However, staff concluded the project is not likely to threaten the turtle’s population and will include conservation measures to minimize impacts.

“The proposed project will minimize impacts to the species…and has benefit to the public health, safety or welfare that justifies the action,” the agency said in a public notice.

The DNR encourages public input on potential impacts to the wood turtle. Comments must be submitted by July 15 to:

Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
c/o Stacy Rowe, DNR Conservation Biologist
2514 Morse St.
Janesville, WI 53545
[email protected]
608-228-9796

Background information and the DNR’s jeopardy assessment are available on the DNR’s Incidental Take Public Notices webpage.