Utility project jeopardizes lizard

MADISON, Wis. - Wisconsin environmental experts say the rebuilding of an electrical transmission line in Waushara County could cause some lizards on the state's endangered species list to be killed.

The Department of Natural Resources says a permit it would issue to American Transmission Co. for the work would allow the "incidental taking" of the slender glass lizard. But the agency says any losses would not put its overall population at risk.

The electrical line runs from Plainfield to south of Coloma and includes habitat suitable for the lizard.

People can comment on the DNR plan for the company's work until Dec. 1.

The DNR says its permit would authorize the utility to do the repairs during the lizard's inactive period and require that disturbed areas be completely restored.