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