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SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDATIONS <br />FOR AVOIDING AND MINIMIZING IMPACTS <br />TO BLANDING'S TURTLE POPULATIONS <br />(see Blanding 's Turtle Fact Sheet for full recommendations) <br />• This flyer should be given to all contractors working in the area. Homeowners <br />should also be informed of the presence of Blanding's turtles in the area. <br />• Turtles that are in imminent danger should be moved, by hand, out of harms <br />way. Turtles that 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 />• 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 run-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 36 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 />• Because trenches can trap turtles, trenches should be checked for turtles prior to <br />being backfilled and the 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 1st and before June 1st) <br />Compiled by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Division of Ecological Resources, Updated March 2008 <br />Endangered Species Environmental Review Coordinator, 500 Lafayette Rd., Box 25, St. Paul, MN 55155 / 651-259-5109 <br />