MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) proposes to issue a permit for the incidental taking of a rare frog, which may result from the W3434/W3458 optical ground wire and structure replacement projects in Trempealeau 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 (Xcel) proposes to perform maintenance on its existing single-circuit W3434 and W3458 lines from the Marshland Substation (SS) to the Galesville SS from January through March 2026. The project is approximately 12 miles long and includes installing static wire containing optical ground wire (OPGW) and replacing select structures (28 total).
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, pole replacements, new pole installations and existing pole removals. Construction access will utilize designated temporary access roads both within the existing ROW corridor and off-ROW. Additionally, one laydown yard will be utilized for the project.
The presence of the state endangered Blanchard’s cricket frog is 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 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 it is a part of or the habitat that is critical to its existence.
Conservation measures to minimize the adverse effects 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 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 Blanchard’s cricket frog by Nov. 1, 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
