What could be good for hikers at Whitefish Dunes State Park could spell trouble for a rare plant.

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources issued an incidental take notice for the dwarf lake iris as it prepares to resurface the Brachiopod Trail at Whitefish Dunes State Park.

The project calls for a new limestone surface and sloped trail shoulders to make the trail more accessible as the DNR works to bring it into compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

The concern is that the project could potentially harm the dwarf lake iris, which, according to the U.S. Forest Service, has been federally listed as threatened since 1988 and is considered endangered in Wisconsin.

According to the jeopardy assessment released by the DNR, crews will take several precautions, including flagging off nearby plants and limiting driving in the area to minimize potential impacts.

With the proposed mitigation measures, the DNR anticipates that the incidental take of the plant will be low.

The public is encouraged to submit written comments regarding project-related impacts to the dwarf lake iris by Aug. 21.

You can read the full incidental take notice and jeopardy assessment at these links.