Madison Reporter

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has announced its intention to issue a permit that would allow for the incidental taking of the slender glass lizard, a state-endangered species, during a trail relocation project in Adams County. The proposed action is linked to the WRPCO Westwind SCA Trail Relocation Project.

Incidental take refers to situations where endangered or threatened plants or animals are unintentionally harmed or killed as a result of an activity, provided that such loss does not threaten the overall population viability of the species in question.

The Wisconsin River Power Company (WRPCO) is planning to move about 284.2 feet of its Shoreline Commons Area (SCA) trail. The original trail was inadvertently constructed on private property and will now be relocated onto WRPCO’s own land. As part of this relocation, 30 feet of the new trail will consist of an elevated boardwalk that will link with the association’s existing stairway used for dock access. The remainder of the trail will be covered with wood chips for maintenance purposes.

The DNR has confirmed that slender glass lizards are present near the project site and determined that “the proposed project may result in the incidental taking of one or more lizards.”

In assessing potential impacts, the DNR stated: “The DNR concludes that the proposed project is not likely to appreciably reduce the likelihood of the survival or recovery of the species within the state, the whole plant-animal community of which it is a part of or the habitat that is critical to its existence.”

To address possible risks to this rare reptile, conservation measures aimed at reducing negative effects will be included in any Incidental Take Permit issued for this work. Those interested in learning more about how these decisions are made can find copies of both jeopardy assessments and background details on slender glass lizards through resources available on the DNR Incidental Take Public Notices webpage or by contacting Stacy Rowe, a DNR conservation biologist.

Members of the public have until August 26, 2025, to submit written comments about how this project might affect slender glass lizards. Comments can be directed via mail or email to:

Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources

c/o Stacy Rowe, DNR Conservation Biologist

2514 Morse St.

Janesville, WI 53545

Stacy.Rowe@wisconsin.gov or 608-228-9796

This process is designed to ensure transparency and public input before finalizing permits related to activities impacting endangered species in Wisconsin.