DNR Seeks Public Input For Incidental Take Notice In Waushara County

MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is seeking public input regarding Cloud 1’s proposed Neshkoro Telecommunications Tower that may result in the incidental taking of a rare lizard – the slender glass lizard – under a permit the DNR proposes to issue for the project. Incidental take refers to the unintentional loss of individual endangered or threatened animals or plants that do not put the species’ overall population at risk.

Cloud 1 proposes to construct a guyed, or freestanding, tower and install telecommunications equipment at a site in Waushara County. The presence of the state-endangered slender glass lizard has been confirmed in the project site’s vicinity. Cloud 1 is building the tower site for a future wireless carrier to expand its wireless network into rural areas, provide 911 availability for cellular phones and serve customers.

DNR staff determined that the proposed project may result in the incidental taking of some lizards. The DNR has concluded that the proposed project is not likely to substantially reduce the likelihood of the survival or recovery of the species within the state, the plant-animal community or the habitat that is critical to its existence.

The conservation measures to minimize the adverse effect on the endangered species will be incorporated into the proposed Incidental Take Permit. Copies of the jeopardy assessment and background information on the slender glass lizard are available on the DNR website.

The Department is accepting public comments through Dec. 12, 2020 regarding project-related impacts to the slender glass lizard. During the COVID-19 public health emergency, we request comments to be sent to Rori Paloski, DNR Incidental Take Coordinator, by email or phone: Rori.Paloski@wisconsin.gov, 608-264-6040, or mailed to 101 S. Webster St., Madison, WI 53707.