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7/28/2019 2010-0925 CVW Blandings Turtle Overhead T-Line Report_2010
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1 Riveredge Associates
Already work
Investigation and Evaluation of Potential Blandings Turtle Nesting Habitat
along the Potential Overhead Transmission Line Route for the
Cape Vincent Wind Farm Project
Draft Report Prepared for:
Western EcoSystems Technology, Inc.2003 Central Avenue
Cheyenne, Wyoming 82001
Prepared by:
Riveredge Associates, LLC58 Old River Road
Massena, New York 13662
September 25, 2010
Riveredge Associates is pleased to submit this report summarizing the purpose, background,
methods, results and recommendations of a Blandings turtle (Emydoidea blandingii) potential
nesting habitat investigation conducted along a proposed Overhead Transmission Line route for
the proposed Cape Vincent Wind Farm, located in the Towns of Lyme and Cape Vincent,
Jefferson County, New York. Riveredge Associates was contracted by Western EcoSystems
Technology, Inc. (WEST) to complete work reported herein as part of pre-construction wildlife
surveys conducted for the Project.
PURPOSE
Riveredge performed site visits to the study area to identify and evaluate areas within the zone of
potential impact by a proposed Overhead Transmission Line at the Cape Vincent Wind Farm
Project as potentially suitable Blandings nesting turtle habitat. The primary purpose of
Riveredges investigation was to identify areas surrounding wetlands with potential to support
Blandings turtles in the study area to determine whether the soil substrate, vegetative
characteristics, and other habitat parameters represent suitable nesting habitat for Blandings
turtle.
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STUDY AREA
The study area for the proposed Cape Vincent Wind Farm Project is located within the Town of
Lyme and the Town of Cape Vincent, Jefferson County, New York (Figure 1). The study area is
situated in the Eastern Ontario Plain ecozone (Will et al., 1982). The Eastern Ontario Plain
ecozone consists of nearly level plains ranging in elevation from 76 to 152 m (250 to 500 feet)
and averaging 91 m (300 feet). The bedrock consists of Trenton limestone. The soils are of
medium productivity and are primarily glacial lake sediments belong to either the Chaumont-
Galoo-Wilpoint-Guffin series (moderately deep to shallow, clay or loam soils) or the Kingsbury-
Covington-Livingston series (very deep, poorly drained clay soils) (USDA 1989). Annual
snowfall is 152 to 203 cm (60 to 80 inches), and the growing season is 150 to 165 days.
Agriculture is the predominant land use of the Eastern Ontario ecozone. Due to the moderating
climatological effects of Lake Ontario, this zone is favorable to dairy farming and hay crops. All
water bodies (Fox Creek, Shaver Creek, Three Mile Creek, Chaumont River and a large wetland
along Swamp Road) within the study area flow generally southwest and drain into Lake Ontario.
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Figure 1. Location of the proposed Overhead Transmission Line for the Cape Vincent WindFarm.
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BACKGROUND
The Blandings turtle is listed by the NYSDEC as Threatened in New York State (NYSDEC
1999). The Blandings turtle is documented to occur in the region of the study area (Petokas and
Alexander 1981, Gibbs et al. 2007, New York Natural Heritage Program database), but detailed
survey information within the immediate vicinity is limited. A large shrub/scrub, emergent
wetland complex above the causeway at Wilson Bay is known to support a breeding population
of Blandings turtles (A. Breisch, NYSDEC, personal communication; Johnson and Crockett
2009). Additionally, two Blandings turtles have been observed on County Route 9 where it
crosses Kerns Creek in 2005 and 2007. A juvenile Blandings turtle has been observed on
County Route 4 (Rosiere Road) approximately 1.5 km north of County Route 8 in 2007. Finally,
a breeding Blandings turtle population, discovered in 2008, is known to exist northeast of
Cemetery Road near the northeastern edge of the study area (Johnson and Crockett 2009). These
records stem from the field work of Glenn Johnson (Johnson and Crockett 2009) and were
submitted for inclusion in the database of the New York Natural Heritage Program (NYNHP).
The Blandings turtle records of Johnson are more current and inclusive than the database of
NYNHP.
Primary wetland habitats occupied by Blandings turtle usually include productive, eutrophic
inland and deep freshwater wetlands (Ernst et al. 1994) especially shrub swamps with alder,
willow, cattail, and sedges, as well as emergent wetlands with shallow water composed of reeds,
grasses, and cattail (Peipgras and Lang 2000), with a soft but firm organic bottom and abundant
aquatic vegetation (Kofron and Schreiber 1985, Ernst et al. 1994). Specifically, Blandings
turtles use areas with the following characteristics (Kiviat 1997):
1) both shallow (30 cm) and deep (120 cm) pools connected by channels;2) open or absent tree canopy;3) tree species often along the wetland perimeter;
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4) a dense cover of shrubs, particularly willow (Salix spp.) and buttonbush (Cephalanthusoccidentalis), with components of forbs and graminoids dispersed as hummocks and
tussocks throughout the wetland; and,
5) coarse and fine organic debris.
In addition, high quality Blandings turtle habitat consists of a habitat complex that provides
all of the wetland and upland habitat types used during springtime, breeding, nesting, summer,
and hibernation activities in close proximity to one another (Kiviat 1993). Springtime foraging
and basking habitat consisting of deep, fluctuating pools represents crucial habitat for Blandings
turtles (Kiviat 1993).
Blandings turtles nest in open upland areas and are known to utilize human-disturbed areas such
as plowed fields, road side berms, active agricultural row crop fields, and sand and gravel pits for
nesting (Lincket al. 1989, Johnson and Crockett 2006). Natural nesting sites have been
observed in grasslands characterized by sandy loam or sandy soils (Ross and Anderson 1990)
and areas with sparse herbaceous vegetation interspersed with bare mineral soil (Kiviat et al.
2000). In the vicinity of the study area, Blandings turtles are known to nest in piles of topsoil
and along dirt roads (G. Johnson, unpublished data).
Blandings turtles may move more than 1.0 km from wetland habitats to upland habitats for
nesting. The distance of potential nest sites from water varies from 2.0 m to greater than 1.0 km
(Congdon et al. 1983), and nest observations in areas adjacent to wetlands where they are not
considered residents have been recorded (Congdon et al. 1983, Ross and Anderson 1990). The
nesting season in northern New York occurs primarily during the month of June (Johnson and
Crockett 2006, G. Johnson, unpublished data). Both sexes of Blandings turtles occasionally
make significant overland movements outside of the nesting season, often staying in retreats in
forested uplands or vernal pools (Joyal et al. 2001, Johnson and Crockett 2006).
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METHODS
Prior to the field investigation, Dr. Glenn Johnson, Professor of Biology at SUNY Potsdam and
Riveredge Senior Ecologist, reviewed available maps and aerial photography to identify areas of
potentially suitable Blandings turtle nesting habitat in the study area. National Wetland
Inventory (NWI) and State wetlands identified as consisting completely or partially of
shrub/scrub were noted. The survey area for potential nesting habitat around potential
Blandings turtle wetland habitats was approximately 0.5 1.0 km.
Dr. Johnson previously performed a Blandings turtle habitat investigation over the period 7 9
November 2007 in and around portions of the study area and all wetlands identified during that
survey were visited to determine if suitable nesting habitat was available. That field work was
not part of pre-construction surveys for this Project.
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FIELD INVESTIGATION AND RESULTS
On 17 June 2010, Dr. Johnson arrived on the study area and, after a period of orientation and
review of property access, decided to begin the habitat assessment of the proposed Overhead
Transmission Line at the intersection of Swamp and Burnt Rock Roads (Figure 1), and then
followed it to its terminus on the east side of CR 179 above the east bank of the Chaumont River.
Two contiguous areas were identified as potentially supporting Blandings turtles in or adjacent
to the study area and are referred to as 1) Swamp Road Wetlands and 2) Railroad Grade
Wetlands. These are described below.
Swamp Road Wetlands
Areas of suitable Blandings turtle habitat in the Swamp Road wetland include approximately
336 acres southwest of Swamp Road and 74 acres northeast of Swamp Road (Figure 2). These
two wetlands are designated NYSDEC Wetlands U-6 and U-5 on the state wetlands maps and
they drain to the southwest into Fox Creek (Figure 2). On the southwest side of Swamp Road,
the wetland is mostly a seasonally-saturated palustrine forested wetland dominated by American
elm (Ulmus americana), green ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica) and maples (Acer rubrum andA.
saccharinum). It is bisected by Swamp Road (Photo 1) where an extensive earthen dyke (Photo
2) has been constructed on the southwest side of the road. This portion of the Swamp Road
Wetland contains open water channels (Photos 2 and 3), flooded forest with numerous
submerged trees (Photo 4), and extensive shrub/scrub wetland (Photo 5). It has some potential to
support Blandings turtles, however water levels were low at the time of the survey visit and
water was not present in most of the shrub/scrub portion (Photos 6 8). The shrubs (Salix sp.)
that make up this area were long dead, likely as a result of the initial flooding when the berm and
water control structures were added. Some potential nesting habitat was observed in agricultural
field and home sites along the southeastern edge of this wetland to the west and east of Swamp
Road. This potential nesting habitat was approximately 40.8 acres.
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On the northeast side of Swamp Road, the wetland is mostly forested (Photos 9 and 10),
dominated by wetland trees such as American elm, green ash and red maple in the canopy
(closure between 35 and 65 %) and mid story. The understory was diverse and dense in patches.
Standing water (between 10 and 30 cm deep) was present throughout this area. This portion of
the wetland, at least within 200 m of Swamp Road, was not high-quality Blandings habitat due
to the lack of hummock-forming shrubs and high canopy closure however, it may provide
suitable foraging habitat.
The proposed Overhead Transmission line leaves Swamp Road at a 90 degree angle
approximately 2.38 km (1.48 miles) from its beginning, and is oriented northeast (Figure 1). It
crosses Shaver Creek (Photo 11) and a disturbed wetland (Photo 12) before crossing open
agricultural fields (Photo 13) to the bed of abandoned railroad grade (see next section).
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Photo 1. View southeast along Swamp Road which bisects the Swamp Road Wetland.
Photo 2. View of berm (foreground right), open water channel and drowned forest in the
background of the Swamp Road Wetland.
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Photo 3. View of open water areas west of the berm in the Swamp Road Wetland, showing open
water. Note painted turtle (Chrysemys picta) basking on log near waters edge.
Photo 4. Closer view of the drowned forest west of the berm in the Swamp Road Wetland.
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Photo 5. View of drowned shrub/scrub wetland across the channel formed by the large berm inthe Swamp Road Wetland.
Photo 6. View of formerly flooded section of Swamp Road Wetland.
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Photo 7. View of channels and dykes in the southern end of the Swamp Road Wetland. Notenumerous dead willows.
Photo 8. Close view of drowned shrubland and open, formerly flooded area in the Swamp RoadWetland.
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Photo 9. View of Swamp Road Wetland northeast of Swamp Road.
Photo 10. Another view of Swamp Road Wetland northeast of Swamp Road.
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Photo 11. Shaver Creek near the point where the proposed Overhead Transmission line willcross.
Photo 12. Shaver Creek at point where proposed Overhead Transmission line will cross.
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Railroad Grade Wetland
This wetland area is continuous and hydrologically-connected with the Swamp Road Wetland at
its northeastern edge, is bisected by an unused railroad grade, and is largely outside of the study
area. The wetland contains approximately 103 acres of suitable Blandings turtle wetland habitat
and 72.7 acres of nesting habitat nearby (Figure 3).
The Railroad Grade wetlands consist of shrub/scrub (Salix spp.) seasonally-to-permanently
saturated wetland surrounded by forested wetland (Photos 14 16) and has some limited
potential to support Blandings turtles. Tree species present include American elm, green ash
and red maple. Construction of the railroad grade (Photo 17) and two highly-channelized
watercourses and the actions of beaver (Castor canadensis; Photo 18) in the wetland may have
contributed to the currently-observed water depth. This wetland has most of the elements
required to support Blandings turtles, including shrub-scrub wetlands with hummock formation,
deep and shallow pools, reduced tree canopy, and potential nesting habitat in close proximity.
Potential nesting habitat near the Railroad Grade Wetland includes the parts of surface of the
railroad grade (Photo 19) and fields adjacent to the railroad grade on the southwest side,
including fields planned to support the proposed Overhead Transmission line (Photos 13 and 20).
At the time of the survey visit, portions of these fields were in active row crop agriculture, while
other portions were in hay crops. This potential nesting habitat extends to the southwest nearly
to Shaver Creek and Swamp Road.
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18 Riveredge A
Figure 3. Railroad Grade Wetland.
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19 Riveredge Associates
Photo 14. Typical view of Railroad Grade Wetland.
Photo 15. View of the northeastern edge of the Railroad Grade Wetland, where it contains more
wetland shrubs.
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Photo 16. Another view of Railroad Grade Wetland; northwest of the image in Photo 15.
Photo 17. Railroad Grade Wetland as seen from the bed of the railroad grade.
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Photo 18. Beaver dam near railroad grade that facilitates flooding on northeast side of grade.
Photo 19. Depredated turtle nest (species unknown) found in open area on railroad grade.
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Photo 20. View of open fields and wet areas adjacent to railroad grade (southwest side).
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Eastern two thirds of study area
Based on field investigation and examination of available aerial photographs and wetland maps,
the remainder of the proposed Overhead Transmission line in the study area does not support
Blandings turtle wetland habitat (Figure 4).
Photos 21 23 depict several typical views of the fields and woodlands that the proposed
Overhead Transmission line will cross and roads the line will follow. Between CR 5 and
Merchant Road, the proposed line will cross Three Mile Creek (Photo 24); however this creek
and associated riparian wetlands are unlikely to support Blandings turtles. Similarly, the
riparian cattail wetlands along the Chaumont River (Photos 25 and 26) do not provide suitable
Blandings turtle habitat.
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Figure 4. Eastern two-thirds of study area.
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Photo 21. One of many fields through which the proposed Overhead Transmission line will crosson the eastern two-thirds of the study area.
Photo 22. View of a shrubland and conifer stand (background) from Root Road (Getman Roadon topo) through which the proposed Overhead Transmission line will cross.
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Photo 23. View NNE along Root Road (Getman Road on topo) from its intersection withCheever Road; the proposed Overhead Transmission line will follow this road for approximately
0.75 miles.
Photo 24. View of Three Mile Creek at point where the proposed Overhead Transmission line
will cross.
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Photo 25. View along existing overhead transmission line towards the Chaumont River wherethe proposed Overhead Transmission line will be sited.
Photo 26. View across Chaumont River from the west bank at the point the proposed OverheadTransmission line will cross.
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CONCLUSIONS
Riveredges June 2010 Blandings turtle habitat survey determined that, over most of its length,
the proposed Overhead Transmission line is not likely to impact Blandings turtles.
There were two areas of concern at the western end of the transmission line. The first, Swamp
Road Wetland, likely does not provide suitable Blandings turtle habitat at the present time
although it is a large wetland and areas well beyond the study area were not visited. At the time
of the survey, water levels were clearly below maximum. Some potential nesting habitat was
observed in agricultural field and home sites along the southeastern edge of this wetland to the
west and east of Swamp Road. The vegetative structure, vegetative species composition, andother habitat parameters present in and around the Railroad Grade Wetland within the study area
represent suitable habitat for Blandings turtles. Potential nesting habitat was identified within
this wetland.
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REFERENCES
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hatchling success in the turtle Emydoidea blandingii. Herpetologica 39(4):417-429.
Dowling, Z., T. Hartwig, E. Kiviat, and F. Keesing. 2010. Experimental management of nesting habitat
for the Blanding's turtle (Emydoidea blandingii). Ecological Restoration Vol. 28 (2):154-159.
Ernst, C.H., J.E. Lovich, and R.W. Barbour. 1994. Turtles of the United States and Canada.
Smithsonian Institute Press, Washington, D.C.
Gibbs, J. P., A. R. Breisch, P. K. Ducey, G. Johnson, J. Behler, and R. Bothner. 2007. Amphibians and
reptiles of New York. Identification, natural history, and conservation. Oxford University Press,Oxford UK.
Kiviat, E. 1993. Tale of two turtles: Conservation of the Blandings turtle and Bog turtle. News from
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Kiviat, E. 1997. Blandings turtle habitat requirements and implications for conservation in Dutchess
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Turtles An International Conference. pp. 377382.
Kiviat, E.G., G. Stevens, R. Brauman, S. Hoeger, P.J. Petokas, and G.G. Hollands. 2000. Restoration of
wetland and upland habitat for the Blandings Turtle,Emydoidea blandingii. Chelonian
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Kofron, C.P., and A.A. Schreiber. 1985. Ecology of two endangered aquatic turtles in Missouri:
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York State Dept. of Environ. Cons. 144 pp.
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Joyal, L.A., M. McCollough and M.L. Hunter. 2001. A landscape ecology approaches to wetland
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New York Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC). 1999. List of Endangered,
Threatened, and Special Concern Fish & Wildlife Species of New York State. Available:
http://www.dec.ny.gov/animals/7494.html (Accessed June 10, 2007.)
Peipgras, S.A., and J.W. Lang. 2000. Spatial ecology of Blandings turtle in central Minnesota.
Chelonian Conservation and Biology 3(4):589-601.
Petokas, P.J. and M.M. Aleaxander. 1981. Occurrence of the Blandings turtle in northern New York.
New York Fish and Game Journal 28:119-120.
Riveredge Associates. 2010. Blandings turtle habitat improvement project: 2009 nesting habitat
monitoring activities. Draft Final Report prepared for the New York Power Authority, White
Plains, New York. January 2010. 38 pp.
Ross, D.A., and R.K. Anderson. 1990. Habitat use, movements, and nesting ofEmydoidea blandingii
in central Wisconsin. Journal of Herpetology 24:6-12.