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SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDATIONS <br /> FOR AVOIDING AND MINIMIZING IMPACTS <br />TO BLANDING'S TURTLE POPULATIONS <br />(see Environmental Review Fact Sheet Series for full recommendations) <br /> <br /> A flyer with an illustration of an adult Blanding' s turtle should be given to all <br /> contractors working in the area. Homeowners should also be informed of the <br /> presence of Blanding's turtles in the area. <br />· Turtles which are in imminent danger should be moved, by hand, out of harms <br /> way. Turtles which are not in imminent danger should be left undisturbed to <br /> continue their travel among wetlands and/or nest sites. <br />· If a Blanding's turtle nests in your yard, do not disturb the nest, and do not allow <br /> pets near the nest. <br />· Blanding's turtles do not make good pets. It is illegal to keep this threatened <br /> species in captivity. <br />· Silt fencing should be set up to keep turtles out of construction areas. It is <br /> critical that silt fencing be removed after the area has been revegetated. <br />· Small, vegetated temporary wetlands should not be dredged, deepened, or filled. <br />· All wetlands should be protected from pollution; use of fertilizers and pesticides <br /> should be avoided, and mn-off from lawns and streets should be controlled. <br /> Erosion should be prevented to keep sediment from reaching wetlands and lakes. <br />· Roads should be kept to minimum standards on widths and lanes. <br />· Roads should be ditched, not curbed or below grade. If curbs must be used, 4" <br /> high curbs at a 3:1 slope are preferred. <br />· Culverts under roads crossing wetland areas, between wetland areas, or between <br /> wetland and nesting areas should be at least 3 6 in. diameter and flat-bottomed or <br /> elliptical. <br />· Culverts under roads crossing streams should be oversized (at least twice as wide <br /> as the normal width of open water) and flat-bottomed or elliptical. <br />· Utility access and maintenance roads should be kept to a minimum. <br />· Below-ground utility construction sites should be returned to original grade. <br />· Terrain should be left with as much natural contour as possible. <br />· Graded areas should be revegetated with native grasses and forbs. <br />· Vegetation management in infrequently mowed areas -- such as in ditches, along <br /> utility access roads, and under power lines -- should be done mechanically <br /> (chemicals should not be used). Work should occur fall through spring (after <br /> October 1 st and before June 1 st). <br /> <br />Compiled by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Natural Heritage and Nongame Research Program, August, 2001 <br />Endangered Species Envit-onmental Review Coordinator; 500 Laj~t),ette Rd., Box 25. St. Paul. MN 55155 / 651-296-7863 <br /> <br /> <br />