Residents of Washington County might have a squirming concern for a rare snake species, the queensnake, that finds itself in the midst of a development dilemma. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has proposed a permit that would allow for the "incidental taking" of these snakes during the replacement of the Emerald Drive Culvert, as mentioned in a recent Wisconsin DNR announcement.
This permit, a necessary evil, acknowledges the sacrifice of a few for what is deemed the greater good, the unintended consequence of a project aimed at improving local infrastructure. The term "incidental taking" may run cold for conservationists, as it stands for the unintentional loss of individual endangered or threatened animals, like the queensnake, during the execution of such projects. However, the DNR assures, the loss should not affect the species' overall population at risk.
As for the project itself, the Town of Erin's plan includes replacing the archaic culverts beneath Emerald Drive with a new, larger CMP arch that promises a safer passage for both humans and wildlife – at least, that's the intention. The existing structures are showing their age, with deteriorating headwalls that will be replaced in the new design, allowing for a more secure shoulder along the road. All said and done, the culvert replacement will disturb some 2,500 square feet of land without affecting nearby trees, reconfiguring the local landscape, but with minimal environmental impact.
The queensnake, a state-listed endangered species, has a verified presence in the vicinity. In assessing the project's effects, DNR staff concluded that the replaced culvert "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." And while some might challenge the notion of what is deemed appreciable, the Wisconsin DNR is sticking to its assessments and moving forward with plans to repave Emerald Drive by the end of summer 2025.
According to the DNR, conservation measures to minimize the adverse effect on the queensnake will be incorporated into the Incidental Take Permit, though details on what these measures actually entail remains unclear. Those curious about or concerned for the fate of the queensnake can find the full Wisconsin DNR release here.
