The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has signaled its intention to authorize the incidental take of a rare plant species during major transportation infrastructure projects in Milwaukee County. The endangered seaside crowfoot is at the center of environmental considerations as the state moves forward with the I-41 Airport Freeway, Hale Interchange and Oak Leaf Trail Modernization projects.
Incidental take is a term used to describe the unintentional loss of protected species during development activities. According to the Department of Natural Resources, this process would not threaten the overall population of the seaside crowfoot. Projects slated for updates include I-41 from 84th Street to Lincoln Avenue, and I-43 within the Hale Interchange corridor, with improvements aimed at addressing the decay of pavement, safety concerns, and the need for modernization.
Additionally, the Oak Leaf Trail, which is known as a pivotal non-motorized corridor for reducing emissions and travel congestion, is set to undergo expansion. These initiatives, by increasing the trail width from 6 - 9 feet to a standard 10-foot paved path, look to bolster accessibility and enhance user safety. While these enhancements are poised to benefit the public, the Department of Natural Resources has identified that the seaside crowfoot, a state-threatened species, exists near the project areas.
However, conservation measures are to be adopted to minimize the impacts on the threatened plants. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources asserts that the proposed plans are unlikely to "jeopardize the continued existence and recovery of the state population of the species or the whole plant-animal community of which it is a part" and that the public health, safety, or welfare benefits justify the project. The planned measures will be integrated into the Incidental Take Authorization.
Documentation related to the jeopardy assessment and background information on the seaside crowfoot can be accessed through the DNR's Incidental Take Public Notices webpage or by reaching out to DNR conservation biologist Stacy Rowe. The public has been invited to give their input on potential impacts to the species, with a deadline for comments set for September 10. Further details and avenues for comment submission can be found on the Department of Natural Resources website.
