Habitat Avoidance
A Qualified Biologist will survey and flag the work area for suitable overwintering habitat (e.g. leaf litter layer under trees and shrubs) or nesting habitat to avoid. Any flagging used must be removed after work is completed. Project personnel will be advised to avoid disturbance in these areas unless site-specific conservation measures allow work to be conducted in these areas to minimize or avoid disturbance.
To the extent feasible, logs or rocks will not be moved or otherwise disturbed to avoid impacts to turtles utilizing these objects as cover. If such features must be moved, the biologist will visually inspect these features prior to and during moving to ensure turtles are not present. The biologist will also ensure any work materials do not create dispersal barriers to pond turtle. If a pond turtle is found in the work area during construction, work will stop until the individual(s) leave the area on their own volition. Workers should be vigilant to avoid turtles on roadways and be made aware of the potential for hatchling dispersal. Workers must also visually check for turtles (particularly hatchlings) under vehicles and equipment prior to moving them and allow the turtles to leave the area on their own volition before moving vehicles or equipment. Vehicles should stay on designated roads where feasible and if overland travel is needed in suitable habitat where there is a possibility of dispersing hatchlings, a monitor may be required.