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Natural resources

Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Proposes Authorization for Seaside Crowfoot Incidental Taking

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has proposed an authorization for the incidental taking of the rare seaside crowfoot plant, which may result from the I-41 Airport Freeway, Hale Interchange and Oak Leaf Trail Modernization projects in Milwaukee County. The incidental take refers to the unintentional loss of individual endangered or threatened animals or plants that does not put the species' overall population at risk. The proposed projects aim to address deteriorating pavement, improve safety, and increase accessibility on the I-41 and I-43 corridors, as well as promote non-motorized travel and safety on the Oak Leaf Trail.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Wisconsin DNR proposes to issue an authorization for the incidental taking of the state-threatened seaside crowfoot plant, which may result from the I-41 Airport Freeway, Hale Interchange and Oak Leaf Trail Modernization projects.
  • The proposed projects include the rehabilitation of I-41 from 84th Street to Lincoln Avenue (project ID 1100-05-73) and the rehabilitation of I-43 in the Hale Interchange (tied project ID 1090-03-75).
  • The modernization of the Oak Leaf Trail includes widening the trail from 6 to 9 feet to the standard 10-foot paved width for a two-way shared-use path.
  • The Wisconsin DNR concludes that the proposed project will minimize the impacts to the seaside crowfoot species and is not likely to jeopardize its continued existence and recovery.
  • The proposed projects aim to promote non-motorized travel, increase accessibility, and improve safety on the I-41 and I-43 corridors and the Oak Leaf Trail.
  • The Wisconsin DNR staff determined that the proposed project may result in the incidental taking of some plants, but has implemented conservation measures to minimize the impacts.
  • The state-threatened seaside crowfoot plant has been confirmed in the vicinity of the project site.

Statistics:

  • The proposed projects aim to address deteriorating pavement on I-41 and I-43, with a total project cost of $[insert cost] ( source: WisDOT project cost data).
  • The Oak Leaf Trail will be widened from 6 to 9 feet to the standard 10-foot paved width for a two-way shared-use path, increasing accessibility and safety.
  • The Wisconsin DNR proposes to issue an authorization for the incidental taking of the seaside crowfoot plant, which is listed as state-threatened.
  • The proposed projects aim to promote non-motorized travel on the Oak Leaf Trail, reducing emissions and travel congestion.
  • The Wisconsin DNR concludes that the proposed project will not jeopardize the continued existence and recovery of the state population of the seaside crowfoot species.

Sources:

  • Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR)
  • Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT)
  • Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)
  • Milwaukee County

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