MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) proposes to issue an authorization for the incidental taking of a rare plant, seaside crowfoot, which may result from the I-41 Airport Freeway, Hale Interchange and Oak Leaf Trail Modernization projects in Milwaukee County.
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 Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT), in cooperation with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), is proposing a 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). Additionally, a modernization of the Oak Leaf Trail is proposed by WisDOT, FHWA and Milwaukee County (local program project ID 2967-22-72).
The purpose of the proposed I-41 and I-43 projects is to address the deteriorating pavement, extend the service life of the highway pavement, improve safety and address ongoing deterioration with the existing structures along the corridor. The purpose of the proposed Oak Leaf Trail project is to promote opportunities to increase non-motorized travel (for emission and travel congestion reduction), increase accessibility and improve safety. Specific improvements include widening the trail from existing widths of 6 to 9 feet to the standard 10-foot paved width for a two-way shared-use path.
The presence of the state-threatened seaside crowfoot is confirmed in the vicinity of the project site. Wisconsin DNR staff determined that the proposed project may result in the incidental taking of some plants.
The Wisconsin DNR concludes that the proposed project will minimize the impacts to the species by adhering to conservation measures; is not likely to jeopardize the continued existence and recovery of the state population of the species or the whole plant-animal community of which it is a part; and has benefit to the public health, safety or welfare that justifies the action.
Conservation measures to minimize the adverse effect on the threatened species will be incorporated into the proposed Incidental Take Authorization. Copies of the jeopardy assessment and background information on the seaside crowfoot are available by visiting the DNR Incidental Take Public Notices webpage or upon request from Wisconsin DNR conservation biologist Stacy Rowe at Stacy.Rowe@wisconsin.gov or 608-228-9796.
The public is encouraged to submit written comments regarding project-related impacts to the seaside crowfoot by Sept. 10, 2025, to:
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
c/o Stacy Rowe, DNR Conservation Biologist
2514 Morse St.
Janesville, WI 53545
Stacy.Rowe@wisconsin.gov or 608-228-9796
