The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is in the process to largely issue a permit for the incidental take of a rare lizard amidst the construction of the new Outpost Golf Course, adjacent to the renowned Sand Valley Golf Course in Adams County. The term "incidental take" describes an unintentional loss of endangered or threatened species that is not expected to jeopardize the species' survival at the population level, according to a recent notice on Wisconsin DNR.
Wisconsin Dunes, LLC looks to start construction on the golf course which will disrupt approximately 132 acres of land. Nevertheless, they pledge to restore different types of native habitats like sand barrens, sand prairie, and savanna around the golf play areas, in what seems a conscious effort to maintain ecological balance.
Evidently, the state-endangered slender glass lizard has its home turf near the development site, raising concerns over its fate. The Wisconsin DNR, upon review, determined that while the lizard might fall victim to the "incidental taking of some lizards," this should not significantly dim the species' prospects in Wisconsin. Their statement suggests a tailored approach to minimize adverse effects, with specific conservation measures to be implemented into the Incidental Take Permit.
Those against the development might argue no amount of habitat restoration can truly compensate for the habitat loss, yet the Wisconsin DNR assures that the project "is not likely to appreciably reduce the likelihood of the survival or recovery of the species," which some may find of little reassurance.
