Regional and Local Bog
Turtle Update
Noelle Rayman
Sandie Doran
New York Field Office
May 14, 2014

Northern Population

Recovery Objective


Delist
Recovery Criteria




Secure at least 185 populations in 5 RUs
Monitor at 5-yr intervals over 25-yr period
Collection no longer a threat
Long-term habitat dynamics are sufficiently
understood
1. Protect known populations using
existing regulations

To date, we are:

Screening projects to determine potential
impacts

Working with project applicants to avoid and
minimize direct and indirect effects

Improving GIS data

Improve modeling of potential habitat
2. Secure long-term protection of
populations

To date, we are:

In each RU, identifying and prioritizing sites for
conservation efforts

Working with NRCS WRP – conservation
easements

Working with project sponsors to consider
conservation easements

Acquiring lands
3. Conduct surveys at known,
historical and potential habitat

To date, we are/have:

Developing a model to identify potential
habitat

Developed standardized monitoring
protocols/database

Developed standardized survey protocol

Recommending the use of qualified surveyors
4. Investigate genetic variability

To date, we are/have:

Determined viable population size

Investigated relatedness of populations – some
work has been done for both the LPPRU and
HHRU in NY
5. Reintroduce to areas extirpated
or removed

To date, we are/have:

Nothing planned at the moment
6. Manage and maintain habitat

To date, we are/have:

Identified low risk methods to restore habitat –
especially for grazing and invasive/woody
species management

Restored habitat on private and state lands
7. Manage extant populations

To date, we are/have:

Determined size of viable populations

Developed consistent survey protocols

Assessing health of populations

Assessing predation impacts at sites

Identifying and prioritizing sites for management
8. Conduct effective law
enforcement program

To date, we are/have:

Working with law enforcement to alert them of
collection threat
9. Develop effective outreach and
education

To date, we are/have:

Working with municipalities and project sponsors
to avoid and minimize impacts

Conduct trainings

Developing NYFO Best Management Practices

Outreach – NYFO blog and facebook page


https://www.facebook.com/pages/USFWS-New-York-Field-Office/487645797995548
http://usfwsnortheast.wordpress.com/2013/07/24/hailing-from-the-new-york-field-office/

Assisting with 5-Year Review

Holding monthly calls/periodic meeting

Continued updates to surveyor list

General training to agencies and consultants

Continue to update subunit plans

Conduct trapping at hard to detect sites

Target new landowners