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 planned road improvements in Columbia County.

The project on County Road J involves several construction activities. These include minor grading on slopes, replacing culverts, pulverizing and relaying the existing road surface, paving two layers of bituminous asphalt, installing a 2-foot gravel shoulder, adding rumble strips, and putting up new signage. The DNR confirmed that the slender glass lizard is present near the site where this work will take place.

Incidental take is defined as the unintentional loss of individual endangered or threatened animals or plants that does not put the species' overall population at risk. According to DNR staff assessments, there is potential for one or more slender glass lizards to be affected by these activities.

The agency states: "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 concerns about possible harm to this rare reptile, conservation measures will be included in the Incidental Take Permit. The DNR says these steps are intended to minimize any negative effects on local populations of slender glass lizard.

Members of the public can review details about how risks have been assessed and learn more about this endangered species by visiting resources provided by DNR conservation biologist Stacy Rowe. Copies of both jeopardy assessments and background information are available through request via email at Stacy.Rowe@wisconsin.gov or by phone at 608-228-9796. Additional information can also be found on the DNR Incidental Take Public Notices webpage.

Public input regarding potential impacts from this road project is being solicited until September 4, 2025. Comments should be submitted in writing and addressed 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 follows established procedures for projects that may affect protected wildlife but are considered unlikely to threaten their continued existence statewide.

"The presence of the state endangered slender glass lizard is confirmed in the vicinity of the project site. DNR staff determined that the proposed project may result in the incidental taking of one or more lizards."

"Conservation measures to minimize adverse effects on endangered species will be incorporated into the proposed Incidental Take Permit."

The decision reflects ongoing efforts by state agencies to balance infrastructure needs with environmental protection requirements.