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 Officenoelle_rayman@fws.gov

607-753-9334