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o Avoid wetland and aquatic impacts during hibernation season, between September 15th <br />and April 15th, if the area is suitable for hibernation. <br />o The use of erosion control blanket shall be limited to 'bio-netting' or 'natural -netting' <br />types, and specifically not products containing plastic mesh netting or other plastic <br />components. <br />■ Also, be aware that hydro -mulch products may contain small synthetic (plastic) <br />fibers to aid in their matrix strength. These loose fibers could potentially re - <br />suspend and make their way into Public Waters. As such, please review mulch <br />products and do not allow any materials with synthetic (plastic) fiber additives in <br />areas that drain into Public Waters. <br />o Construction areas, especially aquatic or wetland areas, should be thoroughly checked for <br />turtles before the use of heavy equipment or any ground disturbance. <br />■ The Blanding's turtle fiver must be given to all contractors working in the area. <br />■ Monitor for turtles during construction and report any sightings to the DNR <br />Nongame Specialist, Erica Hoaglund (Erica.Hoaglund@state.mn.us). <br />■ If turtles are in imminent danger they must be moved by hand out of harm's way, <br />otherwise, they are to be left undisturbed. <br />If following the above avoidance measures is not possible, please contact <br />NHIS.Review@state.mn.us as further action may be needed. <br />For additional information, see the Blanding's turtle fact sheet, which describes the habitat use <br />and life history of this species. The fact sheet also provides two lists of recommendations for <br />avoiding and minimizing impacts to this rare turtle. Please refer to both lists of <br />recommendations and apply those that are relevant to your project. For further assistance <br />regarding the Blanding's turtle, please contact the DNR Regional Nongame Specialist, Erica <br />Hoaglund. <br />• The Natural Heritage Information System (NHIS) tracks bat roost trees and hibernacula plus some <br />acoustic data, but this information is not exhaustive. Even if there are no bat records listed <br />nearby, all seven of Minnesota's bats, including the federally endangered northern long-eared <br />bat (Mvotis seotentrionalis), can be found throughout Minnesota. During the active season <br />(approximately April -November) bats roost underneath bark, in cavities, or in crevices of both <br />live and dead trees. Tree removal can negatively impact bats by destroying roosting habitat, <br />especially during the pup rearing season when females are forming maternity roosting colonies <br />and the pups cannot yet fly. To minimize these impacts, the DNR recommends that tree removal <br />be avoided from June 1 through August 15. <br />• Please visit the DNR Rare Species Guide for more information on the habitat use of these species <br />and recommended measures to avoid or minimize impacts. For further assistance with these <br />species, please contact the appropriate DNR Regional Nongame Specialist or Regional Ecologist. <br />Page 2 of 4 <br />