07/15/2004 Env Bd Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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• SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDATIONS FOR AVOIDING AND MINIMIZING IMPACTS TO BLANDING'S TURTLE POPULATIONS (see Environmental Review Fact Sheet Series for full recommendations) • A flyer with an illustration of an adult 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. • 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 to continue their travel among wetlands and/or nest sites. • If a Blanding's turtle nests in your yard, do not disturb the nest, and do not allow pets near the nest. • Blanding's turtles do not make good pets. It is illegal to keep this threatened species in captivity. • 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. • Small, vegetated temporary wetlands should not be dredged, deepened, or filled. • All 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. • Roads should be kept to minimum standards on widths and lanes. • Roads should be ditched, not curbed or below grade. If curbs must be used, 4" high curbs at a 3:1 slope are preferred. • Culverts under roads crossing wetland areas, between wetland areas, or between wetland and nesting areas should be at least 36 in. diameter and flat - bottomed or elliptical. • Culverts under roads crossing streams should be oversized (at least twice as wide as the normal .width of open water) and flat - bottomed or elliptical. • Utility access and maintenance roads should be kept to a minimum. • Below- ground utility construction sites should be returned to original grade. • Terrain should be left with as much natural contour as possible. • Graded areas should be revegetated with native grasses and forbs. • Vegetation management in infrequently mowed areas -- such as in ditches, along utility access roads, and under power lines -- should be done mechanically (chemicals should not be used). Work should occur fall through spring (after October 1st and before June 1St). Compiled by the Minnesota Department of'Natural Resources Natural Heritage and Nongarne Research Program, August, 2001 Endangered Species Environmental Review Coordinator, 500 Lafayette Rd., Box 25, St. Paul, MN 55155 /651 -296 -7863