Cox Hollow retaining wall repair at Governor Dodge State Park could impact a rare frog

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) proposes to issue an authorization for the incidental taking of a rare frog, which may result from the Cox Hollow Retaining Wall Repair Project in Iowa 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.

Conservation measures to minimize the adverse effect on the species will be incorporated into the proposed Incidental Take Authorization and include time of year restrictions to minimize impacts during the frog’s breeding and overwintering periods. Additionally, the project will improve habitat conditions for the frog in several locations.

Governor Dodge State Park proposes to demolish a failing stone block and rock retaining wall, restore a soil and rock slope and add a small picnic area. The presence of the state endangered Blanchard’s cricket frog is confirmed in the vicinity of the project site. DNR staff determined that the proposed project may result in the incidental taking of some frogs. 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 Blanchard’s cricket frog 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