Endangered Resources Review

An Endangered Resources Review (ER Review) is a screening of a proposed project area for potential impacts on endangered resources like rare plants, animals and natural communities. They are conducted for various land management, development and planning projects. A general rule of thumb is any land or water-disturbing project should be reviewed for impacts on rare species.

The ER Review will ensure that the project complies with state law. If the project has a federal nexus, then completing the IPaC process will ensure the project complies with the federal ESA. The IPaC process must be completed by the federal action agency or their legally designated representative.

ER Review flyer — About Endangered Resources Standard Reviews [PDF]

Projects that don't need a review

You don't need a review if:

Your project is covered by the Broad Incidental Take Permit/Authorization for no or low-impact activities; or
Your Preliminary Assessment from the Public Portal returns a result of "no actions required/recommended."

How to get a review

Choose from one of these options:

Request a Standard Review

Submit an Endangered Resources Review Request, along with an NHI Public Portal ER Preliminary Assessment printout. Before submitting, please read "What is an ER Preliminary Assessment and What do the results mean?” on the public portal website to see if a formal review is required.
- Turnaround time: typically 2-4 weeks
- How to submit: Email requests to DNRERReview@wi.gov

Request an Expedited Review

You may request an expedited review through the ER Review Program. This option provides a faster turnaround time at a higher cost.

Note: Many current browsers do not open PDF files automatically. If you experience trouble opening or filling out a PDF form, visit the DNR PDF help for instructions on how to open PDF files successfully.

Fees

The minimum fee for a standard ER Review is $75, which covers the first hour of staff time. Each additional hour needed to complete the review is billed at $75 per hour (per NR 29, Wis. Adm. Code). Please do not send payment with your ER Review Request Form; an invoice will be issued after the review is completed. Most reviews are completed within one hour.

Please note: We make every effort to provide timely ER Reviews. However, if our response cannot meet your project’s specific timeline, you are still responsible for complying with all state and federal endangered species laws. We strongly encourage beginning ER consultation early in the project planning process to allow sufficient time to identify and address any potential impacts to endangered resources.