Endangered Resources Review & Planning

The Endangered Resources Review Team uses the concepts of conservation biology and sustainable development in evaluating projects for potential impacts to rare resources. By working early in the planning phase of a development or land management project, we strive to avoid and minimize impacts to rare and sensitive resources while considering alternatives that allow the project to be implemented. This approach has proven that economic development and resource protection can be compatible.

A team of endangered resources review specialists uses endangered resources information, including that found in the Natural Heritage Inventory (NHI) database, to evaluate the potential impact of proposed projects around the state on rare species and other sensitive resources. Endangered resources review staff provide data and technical support on endangered resources to WDNR managers, private consultants, municipalities, counties, state and federal agencies, and private individuals to help protect rare species and high-quality natural communities.

Endangered Resources Review Requests

To facilitate compliance with federal and state endangered species laws, endangered resources review staff in the Bureau of Endangered Resources and staff in other DNR programs review projects for potential impacts to rare and sensitive resources. Rare and sensitive resources include plants and animals listed as threatened or endangered at the state or federal level as well as other species whose numbers are thought to be low but has not yet been proven (e.g., Special Concern species), high quality natural communities, unique geological features and animal aggregation sites (such as bat hibernacula). The Federal Endangered Species Act (ESA) (exit DNR) protects all federally listed animals from direct killing, taking, or other activities that may be detrimental to the species. Federally listed plants are protected on federal lands. Under Wisconsin’s endangered species law, it is illegal to take, transport, possess, process or sell any wild animal that is included on Wisconsin’s Endangered and Threatened Species List. State listed plants are protected on public lands.

Department staff are responsible for performing Endangered Resources Reviews (often called NHI reviews) for any projects that they conduct, fund or approve. For development projects that require a DNR permit or formal approval from a DNR program, the Endangered Resources Review should be conducted as part of the overall DNR permitting or approval process. For example, if a proposed project requires a water regulatory permit under Chapter 30, Wis. Stats., the project will be reviewed by the appropriate DNR permit staff).

Endangered resources review staff in the Bureau of Endangered Resources provide support to regional DNR staff regarding rare species issues, and conduct reviews for complex, landscape-scale projects and projects that have no other state involvement. It is often advantageous for an applicant to gather endangered resources information for a proposed project early in the planning process, even if the project will be reviewed later in the process by other DNR staff. The Endangered Resources Review Team can provide a letter explaining endangered resources concerns and issues for a proposed project. To obtain an endangered resources review, please submit an Endangered Resources Review Request Form and all required attachments. Fees for this service are required by Administrative Rule NR 29.04 (1a) [PDF; exit DNR].

Incidental Take

The Department may authorize the taking of listed species that would otherwise be prohibited under state law through either Scientific Take Permits or through an Incidental Take Authorization. Scientific Take Permits may be granted for taking that is for zoological, educational, or scientific purposes. An Incidental Take Authorization may be granted for taking that is not the purpose of, but will be only incidental to, the carrying out of an otherwise lawful activity.