MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) proposes to issue a permit for the incidental taking of a rare fish, which may result from the Rothschild Dam – Timber Crib Spillway Reconstruction Project in Marathon 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.
Domtar is proposing to remove and replace the timber section of the hydroelectric facility due to its deteriorating condition. The new structure will include a non-overflow section, two hinged crest gates supported on a reinforced concrete spillway, a reinforced concrete labyrinth spillway, reinforced concrete stilling basins downstream of the spillways and associated reinforced concrete retaining walls and training walls. Additionally, the design incorporates a vehicle bridge over the spillway for access and maintenance.
This project also involves the installation of temporary upstream and downstream cofferdams in the Wisconsin River around the dam to complete the project. These cofferdams will consist of sheet piling and extend from the shoreline to the end of the project area, where they tie into existing dam features. Approximately 1.1 acres of suitable black redhorse habitat will be impacted. The cofferdams will be removed following the completion of the project. The project is anticipated to commence construction in the summer of 2025 and be substantially complete by January 2029, with the final restoration completed in the summer of 2029.
The presence of the state endangered black redhorse is confirmed in the vicinity of the project site. DNR staff determined that the proposed project may result in the incidental taking of some fish.
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 effect on the endangered species will be incorporated into the proposed Incidental Take Permit. Copies of the jeopardy assessment and background information on the black redhorse 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 black redhorse by July 13, 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
