MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) proposes to issue a permit for the incidental taking of a rare lizard and terrestrial invertebrates, which may result from the W3419 OPGW and Structure Replacement Project in Monroe 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.
Xcel Energy proposes to perform maintenance on its existing single-circuit W3419 Line between the existing Sparta Substation (SS) and the existing Melrose SS. The project is approximately 28.5 miles long and includes installing static wire containing optical ground wire (OPGW) and replacing select structures. The OPGW will be installed overhead. A total of 35 structure replacements are proposed.
Work will occur within the existing right-of-way (ROW) corridor, which is not proposed to be expanded or realigned. Temporary work areas will be required in select areas for completing splices and wire pulls. Temporary work pads will also be required in select areas to support the OPGW installation and pole replacements. Construction access will utilize designated temporary access roads both within the existing ROW corridor and off-ROW.
The presence of the state endangered slender glass lizard, endangered ottoe skipper, endangered phlox moth and endangered regal fritillary is confirmed in the vicinity of the project site. DNR staff determined that the proposed project may result in the incidental taking of one or more lizards and terrestrial invertebrates.
The DNR concludes 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 they are a part of or the habitat that is critical to their existence.
Conservation measures to minimize the adverse effects on these endangered species will be incorporated into the proposed Incidental Take Permit. Copies of the jeopardy assessment and background information on the slender glass lizard, ottoe skipper, phlox moth and regal fritillary are available by visiting the DNR Incidental Take Public Notices webpage or upon request from 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 slender glass lizard, ottoe skipper, phlox moth and regal fritillary by Aug. 29, 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
