Endangered species

Legal requirements

Federal

• FWS Section 7 Technical Assistance
• FWS Threatened and Endangered Species list
• FWS Midwest Region - Species websites
• FWS Endangered Species Act (ESA) Overview
• FWS Migratory Bird Treaty Act website
• FWS Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act website

State

• Wisconsin Endangered and Threatened Species Laws
• Incidental Take Permit/Authorization (WDNR)
• Karner blue butterfly Habitat Conservation Plan
• Attachment A3 to the DOT/DNR Cooperative Agreement on Endangered and Threatened Species Consultation

FDM references

• FDM Chapter 5 Agency Coordination
• FDM 24-15 wildlife
• FDM 24-10 Threatened and Endangered Species

Forms/Templates

See the Forms and tools page for factor sheets

Appendix D Bridge/Culvert and Structure Bat Assessment Form

Guidance

Bats

Submit bat inspection forms for WisDOT projects to dotecologyprogram@dot.wi.gov

Bat inspections for building demolitions - Q&A

Decision Tree for combining bat and asbestos inspections for bridges and culverts

Bats and transportation projects frequently asked questions 8-5-2025

Northern Long-Eared Bat guidance for Non-Federal Actions

Overview of bat inspections for building demolitions

Bees

Rusty Patched Bumble Bee proposed critical habitat guidance January 2, 2025

Biological Assessments

Guidance for Endangered Species Act Biological Assessments and Section 7 Formal consultation/conference

Butterflies

Regal Fritillary Butterfly - proposed listing guidance

Monarch Butterfly proposed listing guidance January 2, 2025

Karner Blue Butterfly Range Update - Guidance and Maps May 29, 2025

Mussels

Proposed critical habitat guidance for Sheepnose, Snuffbox, and Spectaclecase Mussels March 20, 2025

Salamander Mussel guidance December 21, 2023

Plants

Eastern Praire Fringed Orchid guidanceJuly 17, 2025

Resources

• FWS IPaC website
• FHWA Environmental Review Toolkit: Wildlife
• WDNR - Wisconsin Natural Heritage Inventory (NHI) program
• WDNR - Wisconsin NHI working list of endangered, threatened or rare species
• UW-Madison, Wisconsin State Herbarium
• Center for Transportation and the Environment more than 1,200 records of published literature and websites
• FWS depredation permit
• USDA Guidance on depredation permits
• FWS Eagle Act - Do I need a permit?
• Northern Long-Eared Bat (NLEB) Consultation
• FHWA Programmatic