Laserfiche WebLink
. • <br /> ,�.. �T <br /> : o- Department ment of Wildlife Ecology <br /> %terl�f� ` <br /> 226 Russell Laboratories, 1630 Linden Drive, Madison WI 53706 608-262-2671 <br /> School of Natural Resources <br /> College of Agricultural and Life Sciences <br /> University of Wisconsin-Madison <br /> January 8, 1987 <br /> Mr. Mike McLain <br /> 6110 Midwood Avenue <br /> Monona, WI 53716 <br /> Dear Mr. McLain: <br /> After reviewing aerial photos and making a visit to your proposed <br /> building site on January 6, 1987, I forsee no major negative impacts <br /> on the wildlife resources of the area within the context of construction <br /> plans as you outlined them to me. Indeed, the negative effects of <br /> removing 3 or 4 of the large oaks and temporary disruption of the <br /> site could be mitigated and habitat improved by the planting of certain <br /> trees and shrubs which are preferred by songbirds and other wildlife <br /> for food and cover. These plantings could be accomplished in your <br /> landscaping around the home, along field and road borders, and <br /> fencelines. A number of publications are available from UW-Extension <br /> which may be helpful as you proceed, and I have enclosed one with <br /> references to get you started. <br /> You asked specifically whether sandhill cranes might be negatively <br /> impacted. I have no evidence to indicate they would. I checked further <br /> with Professor Stanley Temple in our Department of Wildlife Ecology <br /> because he has worked extensively with a variety of bird species <br /> including whooping cranes. He cited an example at Waunakee Marsh <br /> where sandhill cranes have nested within an estimated 300-500 yards <br /> of existing homes. I believe there are other examples in Wisconsin <br /> and the presence of existing homes at Mud Lake suggest that nesting <br /> cranes are not precluded. Therefore, it is.my judgement that the <br /> sandhill cranes at Mud Lake would not be severely impacted. In fact, <br /> I view the exclusion of further development at your site because of <br /> your voluntary restrictions on construction as a positive feature. <br /> This would ensure that Mud Lake would not be ringed with homes, <br /> something which eventually could influence the nesting behavior of <br /> sandhill cranes. <br />