DNR Proposes Frog Take Authorization for Iowa County Retaining Wall Repair

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Published March 23rd, 2026

Detected March 23rd, 2026

Summary

The Wisconsin DNR is proposing to issue an incidental take authorization for the Blanchard's cricket frog related to a retaining wall repair project in Governor Dodge State Park, Iowa County. The public can submit comments on the proposed authorization until April 16, 2026.

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What changed

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has issued a notice proposing an incidental take authorization for the Blanchard's cricket frog in relation to the Cox Hollow Retaining Wall Repair Project in Governor Dodge State Park, Iowa County. This authorization addresses the potential unintentional loss of this state-endangered frog species due to the demolition of a failing retaining wall and subsequent slope restoration. The DNR has determined that the project, with incorporated conservation measures such as time-of-year restrictions and habitat improvements, will minimize impacts and is not likely to jeopardize the species' continued existence.

Regulated entities or interested parties are encouraged to submit written comments regarding the project's impact on the Blanchard's cricket frog by April 16, 2026. The DNR will consider these comments before finalizing the authorization. This notice serves as a public consultation period, and the proposed authorization includes conservation measures designed to mitigate adverse effects on the endangered species.

What to do next

Submit written comments regarding project-related impacts to the Blanchard’s cricket frog by April 16, 2026.

Source document (simplified)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 2026-03-23 Contact: Rori Paloski, DNR Conservation Biologist
Rori.Paloski@wisconsin.gov or 608-264-6040

Incidental Take Notice For Iowa County

MADISON, Wis. – 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.

The public is encouraged to submit written comments regarding project-related impacts to the Blanchard’s cricket frog by April 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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