Road reconstruction project may result in Incidental Take of rare snake

A road improvement project in the Town of Lisbon, Waukesha County may result in the incidental taking of a snake listed as a state threatened species under an authorization the Department of Natural Resources is proposing for the projects.

The Town of Lisbon is proposing to extend the length of an existing culvert at the crossing of Hillside Road over the Bark River on both the east and west sides by 15 feet, respectively, as well as replace and extend the existing end walls. This is being done to provide a safer crossing for pedestrian and bicycle traffic and vehicles traveling on Hillside Road.

The proposed culvert extension will be constructed in habitat that is suitable Butler’s gartersnake (Thamnophis butleri), a species listed as threatened in Wisconsin. The Department of Natural Resources is proposing to authorize the incidental taking of Butler’s gartersnakes resulting from the culvert extension. Incidental take refers to the unintentional loss of individual endangered or threatened animals or plants that does not put the overall population of the species at risk.

The present road width is not adequate at this crossing to allow room for vehicles and safely provide for pedestrian and bike traffic. The proposed improvement to the Hillside Road crossing will provide a greater clear zone beyond the minimum deck of the bridge by lengthening the existing culvert. It will include the placement of fill and a paved shoulder over the extended culvert.

The loss of habitat will be mitigated by providing habitat connectivity for Butler’s gartersnake through a separate culvert upslope from the Bark River. This connectivity will result in an overall gain of available habitat on both sides of the existing culvert, which will ultimately benefit the snake.

DNR staff determined that the proposed project will minimize the impacts to the snake; is not likely to jeopardize the continued existence and recovery of the state population of the snake or the whole plant-animal community of which it is a part; and has benefit to the public health, safety or welfare that justifies the actions.

source....