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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 23, 2026
Contact: Rori Paloski, DNR Conservation Biologist
Rori.Paloski@wisconsin.gov or 608-516-3742
Incidental Take Notice For Juneau County
MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) proposes to issue an authorization for the incidental taking of a rare snake, which could be possible from a timber harvest in Juneau 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 proposed timber harvest is approximately 17 acres in size and located within a swamp hardwood stand mostly comprised of silver maple and red maple with a smaller component of other miscellaneous hardwoods. The silvicultural prescription will be an overstory removal with designated leave trees (mostly oaks and silver maples) to utilize diseased/dying trees for wood products while also regenerating the hardwood stand.
The presence of the state endangered and federally threatened eastern massasauga is confirmed in the vicinity of the project site. DNR staff determined that the proposed project could result in the incidental taking of some snakes. This permit would cover any incidental take under the state listing but would not cover any incidental take under the federal listing.
Conservation measures to minimize the adverse effect on the species will be incorporated into the proposed Incidental Take Permit and are detailed in the Jeopardy Assessment. They include time of year restrictions designed to minimize use of heavy equipment when the snakes are most vulnerable and minimize overall impacts within suitable habitat. Additionally, the timber harvest will result in improved habitat for the snake which relies on more open conditions.
The 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.
Copies of the Jeopardy Assessment and background information on the eastern massasauga are available by visiting the DNR Incidental Take Public Notices webpage or upon request from DNR Conservation Biologist Rori Paloski at 608-516-3742 or Rori.Paloski@wisconsin.gov.
The public is encouraged to submit written comments regarding project-related impacts to the eastern massasauga by April 15, 2026, to:
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
c/o Rori Paloski, DNR Conservation Biologist
101 S. Webster St.
Madison, WI 53707
Rori.Paloski@wisconsin.gov or 608-516-3742
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