Incidental Take Notice For Burnett County
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) proposes to issue an authorization for the incidental taking of a rare moth, which may result from the Crex Meadows Bayfield Trail Overlook Project in Burnett 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 Natural Resources proposes to construct the Bayfield Trail Overlook at Crex Meadows Widlife Area. The purpose of the project is to provide a recreational opportunity for visitors to the property. In addition to an access road and small parking lot, staff will install 1-2 benches and signage containing information on the property and the Bayfield Trail which was used by Native Americans and early settlers as a wagon route through the region. The historic Bayfield Trail once ran near the location of the proposed project location.
The presence of the state endangered phlox moth is confirmed in the vicinity of the project site. DNR staff determined that the proposed project may result in the incidental taking of some moths.
Conservation measures to minimize the adverse effect on the species will be incorporated into the proposed Incidental Take Authorization and are detailed in the Jeopardy Assessment. They include minimizing the project footprint, monitoring for the phlox moth, and creating additional habitat for the species nearby.
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 phlox moth are available by visiting the DNR Incidental Take Public Notices webpage or upon request from DNR Conservation Biologist Rori Paloski at 608-264-6040 or Rori.Paloski@wisconsin.gov.
The public is encouraged to submit written comments regarding project-related impacts to the phlox moth by August 16, 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 608-264-6040
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