DNR: Platte River Water Trail Project May Result In "Incidental Taking" Of A Rare Frog

From the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources:

August 7, 2020

MADISON, Wis. - The Platte River Water Trail project may result in the "incidental taking" of a rare frog under a permit the Department of Natural Resources proposes to issue for the project. Incidental take refers to the unintentional loss of individual endangered or threatened animals or plants that does not put the overall population of the species at risk.

The Friends of Platte River proposes to construct canoe launches in two locations on the Platte River. The project involves bank shaping and placing limestone block steps. The locations are currently being used as unimproved canoe launching sites and the project aims to improve safety for individuals recreating in the area.

The presence of the state endangered Blanchard's cricket frog (Acris blanchardi) has been confirmed in the vicinity of the project site. DNR staff determined that the proposed project may result in the incidental taking of some frogs.

The Department has concluded that the proposed project is not likely to appreciably reduce the likelihood of the survival or recovery of the species within the state, the whole plant-animal community of which it is a part 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 Blanchard's cricket frog are available by searching the DNR website for incidental take public notice or upon request from Rori Paloski (608-264-6040 or rori.paloski@wi.gov).

The department is requesting comments from the public through Sept.7, 2020 regarding project-related impacts to the Blanchard's cricket frog. During the COVID-19 public health emergency, we request comments be sent via email or phone to Rori Paloski at 608-264-6040 or rori.paloski@wi.gov but can also be mailed to 101 S. Webster St., Madison, WI 53707.

This press release was produced by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. The views expressed here are the author’s own.