SOURCE: The Official Internet site for the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
Floodwater project may result in the loss of rare snake
Incidental Take Authorization proposed for
Milwaukee County Floodwater and Creek Rehabilitation Project
[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 – Construction of a floodwater management facility on the Milwaukee County Grounds and the rehabilitation and modification of a Menomonee River tributary creek that will result in the “incidental taking” of a rare gartersnake would be allowed under an authorization the state Department of Natural Resources is proposing to grant for the project. However, officials say, when the project is completed it will result in a net gain of improved snake habitat.
The Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District (MMSD) has proposed the projects to provide floodwater management and mitigation measures that will reduce overland flooding, stormwater drainage, and sanitary sewer backup problems within the Menomonee River watershed.
The proposed location of these projects includes two areas that have been identified as being of significant conservation value for the Butler’s gartersnake (Thamnophis butleri), which is listed as a threatened species under state law.
Last year, the Department of Natural Resources finalized a Butler’s Gartersnake Conservation Strategy to secure the long-term protection of the Butler’s gartersnake, according to Andy Galvin, who is the incidental take consultation specialist for the DNR Endangered Resources program.
The strategy classifies three tiers for protection of snake habitat: Tier 1 are sites of minimal conservation value; Tier 2 are sites of moderate conservation value; and Tier 3 are sites of significant conservation value.
The proposed project area involves major portions of two Tier 3 sites, both of which are fragmented by prior development and have been significantly reduced in habitat quality by various land-use practices.
The project proposes to construct a large floodwater storage basin and remove the cement channel along Underwood Creek from it’s confluence with the Menomonee River upstream to Highway 100 in order to restore a more natural stream channel. The construction projects will likely result in the loss of habitat for the snake and minimal snake mortality. However, Galvin said, the majority of the project area will be restored resulting in a net gain of improved habitat for the snake.
To minimize snake mortality, the department staff approved a conservation plan for the Butler’s gartersnake that includes a snake removal program, a vegetation restoration plan, a snake monitoring and viability assurance plan, and a long-term habitat management plan. These plans are available from MMSD.
The department determined that the proposed Milwaukee County Grounds Floodwater Management Facility and Underwood Creek Rehabilitation Project is likely to result in the incidental taking of some state-threatened Butler’s gartersnakes. However, the department staff concluded that the proposed project will minimize the impacts to the snake by adhering to conservation measures; is not likely to jeopardize the continued existence and recovery of the state population of these snakes 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.
Copies of the jeopardy assessment and conservation measures are available on the Incidental Take page of DNR Web site or upon request from Andy Galvin at the above address. Public comments will be taken through March 10, 2006 and should be sent to Andy Galvin, DNR Bureau of Endangered Resources, PO Box 7921, Madison
WI 53707-7921.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Andy Galvin, - (608) 264-8968
