5.4. SR 06-05-2006 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

l\Hnnesota DNR Natural Heritage and Nongame Research Program Environmental Review Fact Sheet Series. Blanding's Turtle. 2 RECOMMENDATIONS FOR AVOIDING AND MINIMIZING IMPACTS These reconunendations apply to typical construction projects. and general land use \vithin Blanding's turtle habitat, and ar.e provided to help local governments, developers, contractors, and homeo\vners minimize or avoid detrimental impacts to Blanding's turtle populations. List 1 describes minimum measures \vhich \ve recorrnnend to prevent hann to Blanding's turtles during construction or other \vork within Blanding's turt~e habitat. List 2 contains recommendations ,vhich offer even greater protection for Blanding's turtles populations; this list should be used in addition to the first list in areas which are MOwn 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. Recommendations for all areas inhabited by Blanding's turtles. A flyer with an illustration of a Blanding's turtle should be given to all contractors working in the area. Homeovmers 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 harms way. Turtles which are not in innninent dariger should be left undisturbed. If a Blanding's turtle nests in your yard, do not disturb the nest. 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. - List 2. Additional recommendations for areas known to be of state-wide importance to Blanding's turtles. GENERAL Turtle crossing signs can be installed adjacent to road- crossing areas used by Blanding's turtles to increase public awareness and reduce road kills. Workers in the area should be aware that Blanding's turtles nest in June, generally after 4pm, and should be advised to mlniml?':e disturbance if turtles are seen. 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. Construction in potential nesting areas should be limited to the period between September 15 and June 1 (this is the time \vhen activity of adults and hatchlings in upland areas is at a minimum). vVETLA"NTIS Small~ vegetated temporary \vetlands (Types 2 & 3) should not be dredged, deepened, filled, or converted to storm water retention basins (these \vetlands provide important habitat during spring and summer). \\' etlands should be protected from pollution; use of fertilizers and pesticides should be avoided, and run-off from la\vTIs and streets should be controlled. Eroslon should be prevented to keep sediment from reaching \vetlands and lakes. Roads should be kept to rninirnun1 standards on \vidths and lanes (this reduces road kills b:y slo\\'ing traffic. and reducing the distance turtles need to cross). Roads should be ditched. not curbed or belo\\'" 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 belo\l,r grade roads trap turtles on the road and can cause. road kills). Shallo\v portions of \vetlands should not be disturbed during prime basking time (mid morning to mid- afternoon in 1\1ay and June). A \vide buffer should be left along the shore to minimize human activity near \vetlands (basking Blanding's turtles are more easily disturbed than other turtle species). Wetlands should be protected from road, la\vn, and other chemical run-offby a vegetated buffer strip at least 50' \vide. This area should be left umno\ved and in a natural condition. RO~~DS TU1U1els should be considered in areas \vith concentrations of turtle crossings (n1ore than 10 turtles per yeq.r per 100 Ineters of road)~ and in areas of lo\ver density if the level of road use "vQuld n1ake a safe crossing impossible for turtles. Contact your DNR Regional Nongame Specialist for further information on \vildlife tuIll1els. Roads should be ditched: not curbed or be.lo\\'. grade.