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