MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) proposes to issue an authorization for the incidental taking of a rare snake, which may result from three trail expansions in Door 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.

Peninsula State Park proposes to construct three Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)-compliant trail expansions, ranging from one-third of a mile to one-half of a mile.

The presence of the state-endangered eastern ribbonsnake is confirmed in the vicinity of the project site. DNR staff determined that the proposed project may result in the incidental taking of some snakes.

The DNR concludes that the proposed project will minimize the impacts on 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.

Conservation measures to minimize the adverse effect on the endangered species will be incorporated into the proposed Incidental Take Authorization. Copies of the jeopardy assessment and background information on the eastern ribbonsnake are available by visiting the DNR Incidental Take Public Notices webpage or upon request from DNR Conservation Biologist Rori Paloski at [email protected] or 608-516-3742.

The public is encouraged to submit written comments regarding project-related impacts to the eastern ribbonsnake by Jan. 17, 2025 to:

Department of Natural Resources
c/o Rori Paloski, DNR Conservation Biologist
101 S. Webster St.
Madison, WI 53707
[email protected] or 608-516-3742