Region 5 Recovery Efforts for the Bog Turtle
Suzanne Macey DEC looks at known occurrences with 1 mile FWS looks at known occurrences plus the potential for suitable habitat Contact DEC and/or FWS for assistance Use the following analytical approach: 1. Is the proposed project within an area identified by the FWS as known or likely to contain bog turtles (IPaC)? If no, no further coordination for BT necessary If yes, then… 2. Is the proposed project at an elevation of 1,000 feet or less? If no, no further coordination for BT necessary If yes, then… 3. Is there any suitable BT habitat present within the proposed project area? Conduct Phase 1 survey – anytime, anyone If results are no, submit results of Phase 1 survey report and field data sheets to NYFO for review If results are yes, conduct analysis of effects and coordinate with NYFO to determine if Phase 2 or 3 surveys are necessary Data forms, including opinion on habitat Topographic map of location of site Details of project Project design map Show location of wetlands/streams Wetland type (PEM, PSS, PFO, POW) Designated survey areas Color photos Lead surveyor’s name Date of visit Description of hydrology, soils and vegetation, etc. Death or injury to bog turtles during construction activities Filling/loss of nesting, basking, hibernation habitat Fragmentation of habitat and alterations to dispersal Introduction of contaminated surface water runoff Temporary or permanent alteration of hydrology Introduction of nutrients – septic, WWTP Introduction of invasive species Introduction of people, pets, and recreational vehicles into wetlands, etc. Should the proposed project have the potential to impact BT, then there are 2 options: 1. Assume BT presence and avoid wetland impacts, or 2. Conduct Phase 2 survey (or possibly Phase 3 trapping) Note: Phase 2 surveys are only to detect presence or probable absence Recommend “qualified surveyor” Qualified surveyor must be permitted by DEC for location and period of survey Survey should focus in areas of wetland that meet 3 criteria Areas meeting criteria are “designated survey areas” Note: Phase 2 surveys are only to detect presence or probable absence Recommend “qualified surveyor” Qualified surveyor must be permitted by DEC for location and period of survey Survey should focus in areas of wetland that meet 3 criteria Areas meeting criteria are “designated survey areas” Conduct only between April 15 – June 15 LPPPRU: May 1 – June 30 Minimum of 4 surveys per wetland site At least 2 surveys in May April 15 – April 30: separate by 6 or more days May 1 – June 15: separate by 3 or more days Survey time should be at least 4 to 6 person-hours per acre Once a BT is found, Phase 2 ends Details of project Topographic map of location of site Project design map Proposed conservation measures Map with coarse vegetation types Table of current vs. proposed future acreage of veg Wetland delineations and proposed mitigation Color photos Lead surveyor’s name Results of survey Details on suitable habitat that extends off-site, etc. The results of the Phase 2 can go two ways: 1. Results are negative for BT detection = - Coordination with NYFO ends for BT 2. Results are positive for BT detection = - Avoid all wetland impacts OR - Formal consultation or HCP necessary Use when Phase 2 surveys fail to detect BT in: Large wetland complexes Areas of dense vegetation and/or Low density Must coordinate with NYFO – request protocol Qualified surveyor must be permitted by DEC Can trap concurrently with Phase 2 survey Minimum 20 consecutive days – end by June 30 Minimum 20 traps per hectare See website for fact sheets: LPPPRU HHRU Conservation Zones Remove lot lines and associated construction activities from the 300 foot buffer around wetland (Zone 1) Conduct pre-construction survey to remove any bog turtles from work area Install silt fencing to prevent bog turtles from entering work area Keep all disturbance, including equipment, vehicles, staging areas, temporary roads, and soil stock piles out of Zone 1 Eliminate the use of basement window wells or require that window wells be covered or surrounded by a barrier to prevent trapping turtles Use grate or catch basins with an opening size small enough to prevent trapping turtles Ensure that uncontrolled runoff does not occur in the wetland and that water quality is protected Stabilize disturbed areas after construction is complete Avoid stormwater basins in Zone 1 Construct retention basins on 3 to 1 slopes which would allow turtles of any species to escape Place physical barriers between the useable area of each lot and the adjacent wetland buffer (e.g., natural fences, split rail, boulders) Phase 1 surveys – anyone can do Phase 2 surveys – need to be qualified Ability to find bog turtles 100 turtles in the last 20 years Independently found at least 20 turtles at 5 sites within the past 5 years Minimum 2 full field seasons of MS or PhD-related work at a minimum of 2 sites and has independently found at least 5 turtles Completed 4 years of certified apprenticeship program under current surveyor Extent of field experience with bog turtles At least 2 field seasons working with turtles (e.g., surveys, telemetry) Written documentation Demonstrate ability to produce accurate, comprehensive, well-organized written reports Experience with implementing survey protocols Phase 1: within the past 5 years, surveyor independently conducted at least 10 Phase 1 surveys, accurately determining whether or not potential turtles were present Phase 2: within the past 5 years, surveyor conducted at least 5 Phase 2 surveys in the capacity of principal investigator or 10 Phase 2 surveys as an assistant References Need 3 references Surveyors need to submit updated info annually by December 31 List will be updated in early Spring annually, periodic updates within the year as necessary Contact: Noelle Rayman New York Field Office [email protected] 607-753-9334
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