07/15/2004 Env Bd Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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Minnesota DNR Natural Heritage and Nongame Research Program Environmental Review Fact Sheet Series. Blanding's Turtle. RECOMMENDATIONS FOR AVOIDING AND MINIMIZING IMPACTS These recommendations apply to typical construction projects and general land use within Blanding's turtle habitat, and are provided to help local governments, developers, contractors, and homeowners minimize or avoid detrimental impacts to Blanding's turtle populations. List 1 describes minimum measures which we recommend to prevent harm to Blanding's turtles during construction or other work within Blanding's turtle habitat. List 2 contains recommendations which offer even greater protection for Blanding's turtles populations; this list should be used in addition to the first list in areas which are known to be of state -wide importance to Blanding's turtles (contact the DNR's Natural Heritage and Nongame Research Program if you wish to determine if your project or home is in one of these areas), or in any other area where greater protection for Blanding's turtles is desired. List 1. Reconunendations for all areas inhabited by Blanding's turtles. List 2. Additional recommendations for areas known to be of state -wide importance to Blanding's turtles. GENERAL A flyer with an illustration of a Blanding's turtle should be given to all contractors working in the area. Homeowners should also be informed of the presence of -Blanding's turtles in the area. Turtle crossing signs can be installed adjacent to road - crossing areas used by Blanding's turtles to increase public awareness and reduce road kills. Turtles which are in imminent danger should be moved, by hand, out of harm's way. Turtles which are not in imminent danger should be left undisturbed. Workers in the area should be aware that Blanding's turtles nest in June, generally after 4pm, and should be advised to minimize disturbance if turtles are seen. If a Blanding's turtle nests in your yard, do not disturb the nest. If you would like to provide more protection for a Blanding' s turtle nest on your property, see "Protecting Blanding's Turtle Nests" on page 3 of this fact sheet. Silt fencing should be set up to keep turtles out of construction areas. It is critical that silt fencing be removed after the area has been revegetated. Construction in potential nesting areas should be limited to the period between September 15 and June 1 (this is the time when activity of adults and hatchlings in upland areas is at a minimum). WETLANDS Small, vegetated temporary wetlands (Types 2 & 3) should not be dredged, deepened, filled, or converted to storm water retention basins (these wetlands provide important habitat during spring and summer). Shallow portions of wetlands should not be disturbed during prime basking time (mid morning to mid- afternoon in May and June). A wide buffer should be left along the shore to minimize human activity near wetlands (basking Blanding' s turtles are more easily disturbed than other turtle species). Wetlands should be protected from pollution; use of fertilizers and pesticides should be avoided, and run -off from lawns and streets should be controlled. Erosion should be prevented to keep sediment from reaching wetlands and lakes. Wetlands should be protected from road, lawn, and other chemical run -off by a vegetatedbuffer ship at least 50' ` wide. This area should be left unmowed and in a natural condition. ROADS Roads should be kept to minimum standards on widths and lanes (this reduces road kills by slowing traffic and reducing the distance turtles need to cross). Tunnels should be considered in areas with concentrations of turtle crossings (more than 10 turtles per year per 100 meters of road), and in areas of lower density if the level of road use would make a safe crossing impossible for turtles. Contact your DNR Regional Nongame Specialist for further information on wildlife tunnels. Roads should be ditched, not curbed or below grade. If curbs must be used, 4 inch high curbs at a 3:1 slope are preferred (Blanding's turtles have great difficulty climbing traditional curbs; curbs and below grade roads trap turtles on the road and can cause road kills). Roads should be ditched, not curbed or below grade.