The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is moving forward with a plan to issue an incidental take permit for a rare fish, due to the Y-43 Hillside-Bloomington Pole Replacement Project in Grant County. The term 'incidental take' here refers to the unintentional loss of an endangered or threatened species, which, in this case, is not expected to jeopardize the species' overall survival. According to the details released by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, specific conservation measures are being implemented to reduce any negative impact on the rare fish species involved.
The proposed project includes the emergency relocation of transmission structure 108481, by the American Transmission Company (ATC) and adjustments to surrounding structures, all within proximity to the Wisconsin River floodplain. These actions are deemed necessary to establish a more secure position for the infrastructure away from the active channel. The conservation efforts detailed in the Jeopardy Assessment will incorporate the use of netting to cordon off the area and shift resident fish to safer habitats, as reported by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.
It has been reported that the starhead topminnow, listed as endangered in the state, inhabits the area near the project site. During assessments, "DNR staff determined that the proposed project may result in the incidental taking of some fish," as stated by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. However, the organization is confident that the project will not significantly impact the species' chances of recovery and survival within the state or its critical habitat.
Further information about the Jeopardy Assessment and the status of the starhead topminnow can be sought from Stacy Rowe, a DNR conservation biologist, or by visiting the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Incidental Take Public Notices webpage. This comes as part of the DNR's commitment to transparency and public involvement, in its environmental protection efforts.
