Random Alert for Columbia County » Urban Milwaukee

MADISON, Wisconsin – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) proposes to issue a permit for the accidental take of a rare fish that may result from Project IH39/90/94 Phases 1 and 2 in Columbia County.

Accidental capture is the unintentional loss of individual endangered or threatened animals or plants that does not pose a threat to the overall population of the species.

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation proposes to replace and widen the Interstate 39/90/94 (I39/90/94) bridge where it crosses the Wisconsin River with two new bridges, shifting the bridge’s footprint slightly eastward (upriver).

This will require the construction of a new west bridge to the east of the existing bridge, demolition of the existing bridge, and construction of a new east bridge in place of the existing bridge. The project includes demolition of the 11 sets of concrete piers (eight of which are in the water) and reinstallation of 24 new concrete piers (16 of which are in the water). For design, planning, and construction reasons, this project has been divided into four phases.

The endangered starhead topminnow has been confirmed to be present near the project site. DNR staff noted that the proposed project could result in the unintended take of some fish.

The DNR concludes that the proposed project will minimize impacts to the species by complying with protective measures, is not likely to jeopardize the continued existence and recovery of the state population of the species or the overall plant and animal community of which it is a part, and has a public health, safety, or welfare benefit that justifies the action.

Safeguards to minimize negative impacts to the endangered species will be included in the proposed incidental take permit. Copies of the risk assessment and background information on the Starhead Topminnow are available on the DNR Incidental Take Public Notices webpage or by contacting a DNR Conservation Biologist. Stacy Rowe at [email protected] or 608-228-9796.

The public is invited to submit written comments regarding project-related impacts to the Starhead Topminnow by October 9, 2024 to:

Ministry of Natural Resources
c/o Stacy Rowe, DNR Conservation Biologist
2514 Morse St.
Janesville, WI 53545
[email protected] or 608-228-9796

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.

Current press releases from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources