Transcript USFWS Regional Bog Turtle Update

Regional and Local Bog
Turtle Update
Noelle Rayman
Sandie Doran
New York Field Office
May 14, 2014
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Northern Population
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Recovery Objective
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Delist
Recovery Criteria
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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
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To date, we are:
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Screening projects to determine potential
impacts
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Working with project applicants to avoid and
minimize direct and indirect effects
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Improving GIS data
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Improve modeling of potential habitat
2. Secure long-term protection of
populations
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To date, we are:
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In each RU, identifying and prioritizing sites for
conservation efforts
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Working with NRCS WRP – conservation
easements
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Working with project sponsors to consider
conservation easements
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Acquiring lands
3. Conduct surveys at known,
historical and potential habitat
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To date, we are/have:
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Developing a model to identify potential
habitat
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Developed standardized monitoring
protocols/database
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Developed standardized survey protocol
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Recommending the use of qualified surveyors
4. Investigate genetic variability
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To date, we are/have:
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Determined viable population size
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Investigated relatedness of populations – some
work has been done for both the LPPRU and
HHRU in NY
5. Reintroduce to areas extirpated
or removed
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To date, we are/have:
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Nothing planned at the moment
6. Manage and maintain habitat
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To date, we are/have:
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Identified low risk methods to restore habitat –
especially for grazing and invasive/woody
species management
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Restored habitat on private and state lands
7. Manage extant populations
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To date, we are/have:
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Determined size of viable populations
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Developed consistent survey protocols
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Assessing health of populations
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Assessing predation impacts at sites
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Identifying and prioritizing sites for management
8. Conduct effective law
enforcement program
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To date, we are/have:
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Working with law enforcement to alert them of
collection threat
9. Develop effective outreach and
education
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To date, we are/have:
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Working with municipalities and project sponsors
to avoid and minimize impacts
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Conduct trainings
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Developing NYFO Best Management Practices
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Outreach – NYFO blog and facebook page
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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/
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Assisting with 5-Year Review
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Holding monthly calls/periodic meeting
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Continued updates to surveyor list
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General training to agencies and consultants
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Continue to update subunit plans
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Conduct trapping at hard to detect sites
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Target new landowners