In a move balancing infrastructure with conservation, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is positioning itself to allow Enbridge Energy, Limited Partnership, a pass for the incidental harm to a rare plant species. This measure is part of the larger Line 5 Wisconsin Segment Relocation Project in Iron County. The term 'incidental take' specifically means undesired impacts on endangered or threatened species in the process of legal activities. In this case, the construction could conceivably damage or destroy Braun's holly fern, a state-threatened plant, found within the construction zone.
At the heart of this development is a replacement project involving about 20 miles of the existing Line 5 pipeline, which includes roughly 12 miles within the Bad River Reservation, according to a notice from the DNR. The project extends to 41.1 miles of new pipeline, strategically rerouted to skirt the boundaries of the reservation. DNR biologists have identified the presence of the threatened fern species amidst the area marked for excavation and construction.
However, the DNR has deduced that the project does not pose a significant threat to the Braun's holly fern's survival and recovery within the region. Their assessment hinges on the belief that the proposal will not significantly diminish the prospects for the species, nor its natural community or crucial habitat.
Focusing on mitigation, the DNR is set to integrate specific conservation practices into the incidental take permit. These practices feature the translocation of the Braun's holly ferns to a secure habitat outside the pipeline project's perimeter. A comprehensive plan, including these measures, is elaborated in a jeopardy assessment document, which is available publicly on the DNR Incidental Take Public Notices webpage or via direct contact with DNR conservation biologist, Stacy Rowe.
Members of the public interested in the detailed implications of the project on the vulnerable species, or those seeking further insights into conservation actions, are encouraged to review the available documentation. Inquiries can be directed to Stacy Rowe at the aforementioned contact details.
