03/30/2005 Env Bd Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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Environmental Protection Guidelines Blanding's Turtles (Emydoidea blandingii) Conservation Status: Threatened species in the Midwest due to toss of wetland and upland habitat The unique and rare Blanding's turtle has been found in the Marshan Lake area. Blanding's turtles are a State Threatened species and are protected under Minnesota Statute 84.095, Protection of Threat- ened and Endangered Species. Please be careful of turtles on roads and in construction sites. For ad- ditional information on turtles, or to report a Blanding's turtle sighting, contact the DNR Nongame Spe- cialist at (651-297-2277). Description: The Blanding's turtle is a medium to large turtle (5 to 10 inches) with a black or dark blue, dome - shaped shell with muted yellow spots and bars. The bottom of the shell is hinged across the front third, enabling the turtle to pull the front edge of the lower shell firmly against the top shell to pro- vide additional protection when threatened. The head, legs, and tail are dark brown or blue -gray with small dots of light brown or yellow. A distinc- tive field mark is the bright yellow chin and neck. Habitat Blanding's turtles need both wetland and upland habitats to complete their life cycle. Calm, shallow water bodies with mud bottoms and abundant aquatic vegetation (cattails, water lilies, etc.) are preferred. Blanding's turtles over - winter in the muddy bottoms of deeper marshes and shallow lakes. NestInt Nesting occurs typically in June in open (grassy or bushy) sandy uplands, often some distance from water bodies. Blanding's turtles have been known to nest successfully on residential property. Homeowner's Guidelines For Protecting Blanding's Turtles: • Move turtles out of harms way. Turtles not in imminent danger should be left undisturbed. • If a Blanding's turtle nests in your yard, do not disturb the nest. Keep pets away. • Protect Blanding's turtle habitat from pollution; use of fertilizers and pesticides should be avoided, and run -off from lawns and streets should be controlled. For more Information contact DNR Ecological Services— Natural Heritage and Nongame Research Program 651 - 296 -6157 Sources used to construct this page: Minnesota DNR Natural Heritage and Nongame Research Program Environmental Review Fact Sheet Series. Blanding's Turtle. BRUGGEMAN PROPERTIES B u i l d i n g C o m m u n i t i e s S i n c e 1 9 5 9 Page 7