Madison Reporter

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has announced a proposal to issue an incidental take permit for a rare lizard species in Sauk County. The action is related to the planned Winnebago Heights Development, which will involve construction on multiple parcels by the Ho-Chunk Nation.

Incidental take permits are issued when development or other activities may unintentionally harm individual members of endangered or threatened species, provided that such loss does not threaten the overall population of the species. In this case, temporary work areas are expected to be established within the parcels and along roadways, where current land cover consists mainly of unmanaged herbaceous vegetation.

According to DNR staff, the state endangered slender glass lizard has been confirmed in the vicinity of the project site. After review, officials determined that while some individuals may be affected by construction activities, "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 potential impacts on this rare lizard, conservation measures will be included as part of the Incidental Take Permit. Details about these measures and additional background information on the slender glass lizard can be found on the DNR Incidental Take Public Notices webpage or by contacting DNR Conservation Biologist Rori Paloski.

The DNR encourages public participation in this process. Community members are invited to submit written comments regarding how this project might affect the slender glass lizard. Comments must be received by September 2, 2025. They can be sent via mail or email to:

Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources

c/o Rori Paloski, DNR Conservation Biologist

101 S. Webster St.

Madison, WI 53707

Rori.Paloski@wisconsin.gov

"Conservation measures to minimize the adverse effect on the endangered species will be incorporated into the proposed Incidental Take Permit," according to information released by DNR officials.

The proposed development reflects ongoing efforts in Wisconsin to balance growth with environmental protection and compliance with regulations concerning endangered and threatened wildlife.

For those seeking more information about incidental take permits or wishing to review supporting documents for this case, resources are available through official channels provided by DNR staff.