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  

 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