Post on 04-Jan-2016
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Regional and Local Bog Turtle Update
Noelle RaymanSandie DoranNew York Field OfficeMay 14, 2014
Recovery Plan… 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
Recovery Actions..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
Recovery Actions..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
Recovery Actions..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
Recovery Actions..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
Recovery Actions..5. Reintroduce to areas extirpatedor removed
To date, we are/have:
Nothing planned at the moment
Recovery Actions..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
Recovery Actions..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
Recovery Actions..8. Conduct effective law enforcement program
To date, we are/have:
Working with law enforcement to alert them of collection threat
Recovery Actions..9. Develop effective outreach andeducation
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/
Additional New York Efforts and Future Plans… 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