Madison Reporter

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has announced its intention to issue a permit for the incidental taking of certain rare species as part of an infrastructure project in Monroe County. The permit is connected to Xcel Energy’s planned maintenance work on the W3419 Line, which runs between the Sparta Substation and the Melrose Substation.

Incidental take is defined by the DNR as “the unintentional loss of individual endangered or threatened animals or plants that does not put the species' overall population at risk.”

Xcel Energy’s project involves installing new static wire containing optical ground wire (OPGW) and replacing 35 structures along a 28.5-mile stretch of existing transmission line. All work will be conducted within the current right-of-way corridor, with no expansion or realignment planned. Temporary work areas and access roads will be used as needed for construction activities such as splicing, wire pulls, and pole replacements.

The area affected by this project is known to be home to several state-endangered species: the slender glass lizard, ottoe skipper, phlox moth, and regal fritillary. According to DNR staff, these species have been confirmed in proximity to the project site. The department determined that there may be incidental take of one or more individuals from these populations due to construction activities.

Despite this possibility, the DNR concluded 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 they are a part of or the habitat that is critical to their existence.”

To address potential impacts on these endangered species, conservation measures will be included in the terms of the Incidental Take Permit. Information about these measures, as well as background details on each affected species and a jeopardy assessment, can be found on the DNR’s Incidental Take Public Notices webpage or by contacting Conservation Biologist Stacy Rowe at Stacy.Rowe@wisconsin.gov or 608-228-9796.

Members of the public are invited to submit written comments regarding how this project might affect any of these four endangered species. Comments should be directed 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

Comments must be received by August 29, 2025.