Turtles and Construction
We can all agree that there is no avoiding construction and development to keep up with our growing city, complete outdoor home renovation projects, and maintain our roadways and public works. Though construction equals progress, it can pose serious risks to species living in and passing through areas under construction – turtles are no exception. How can we pursue outdoor projects, and keep our beloved turtles safe? Is it possible to do both? We think it is, and we hope this post can guide you to help turtles safely exist around construction!
Protecting Turtles from Construction Projects
Our two main recommendations are to avoid construction of shorelines / wetlands / other turtle habitat and to Install temporary exclusion fencing around the entire work area (with the exception of openings needed for safe access to the site) by May 1st. Keeping turtles OUT of your construction zone is the first –and simplest- way to keeping them safe and out of the way.
No turtles getting in the construction site = no turtles being injured or killed by your movements and equipment.
Nesting snapping turtle © James Paterson (https://ontarionature.org/faq-about-turtle-nests-blog/)
A turtle is shown nesting in the upturned earth of a grated roadway shoulder.
Timing is Everything
You may be wondering; why so early? Fencing must be installed by May 1st so that it is in position prior to the nesting season: good exclusion fencing keeps turtles from nesting in the construction site - disturbed soil is a magnet for nesting turtles!
Choosing and Installing the right fence
Area
Your fencing should extend past the work area, or fully enclose the area. Ending the fencing right at the edge of the work area could result in turtles going around it. Turtles can be quite determined to get to exposed potential nesting grounds!
Height
Your fencing must be at least 60 cm high, and trenched into the ground with no dirt or grass mounds (which could encourage turtles to climb over the fence).
Material
The standard temporary exclusion fencing used to keep turtles out of construction sites is black plastic fencing on wooden stakes. This kind of fencing is inexpensive. You can expect it to last a few months, at which point you may need to replace sections.
Heavy duty plastic safety fence can also be purchased at most hardware stores, at a steeper price point. Silt style mesh fencing is a better choice, it has been proven more difficult for turtles and other reptiles to climb over.
What if fencing is not installed before May 1st?
If fencing is not installed before May 1st you should have the area checked for turtle nests. The best way to ensure your area is clear of nests is to hire a biologist to check for nesting mounds.
Shown here is turtle fencing being installed next to highway 60 at Algonquin. This fencing is inexpensive – panels of plastic mesh held up with wooden stakes. (https://www.ontarioparks.com/parksblog/turtle-fencing-at-algonquin/)
An adult turtle is shown climbing over a tall chain link fence. Similarly, some heavy-duty plastic fencing is not suitable as it can have “foot holes” turtles can use to scale and get over the fence. A smooth plastic silt mesh keeps turtles from gripping onto the fence to climb.
During Construction
While construction is occurring, daily morning checks of the fence should be made to check for gaps, mounds, and other factors that may allow turtles access. While performing these inspections, the inspector should also be checking for the presence of turtles.
Note: checking of the fence should occur more frequently during storm events, which can affect the terrain around the fence.
https://www.oriannesociety.org/faces-of-the-forest/snappers-the-myth-vs-the-turtle/?v=400b9db48e62
A snapping turtle hatchling emerges from its nest. Turtles emerging from underground can be difficult to spot, highlighting the importance of performing a thorough daily inspection.
Call To Action!
There is no one that knows what projects are happening in our vicinity better than community members like you!
Turtles cannot advocate for themselves, and that is where YOU can help. Do you know of construction taking place (or soon to happen) in or near turtle habitats? You can make a difference by advocating for temporary exclusion fencing in the area.
In order to protect turtle populations, we need to collectively spread awareness about preventing turtle deaths. This includes pushing for construction projects and development to be mindful of turtle habitats, and to do their best to avoid harming turtles by taking steps such as installing fencing.
It is our hope that members of the public - like yourself - can be a part of positive change by helping us to make protecting turtles a normal step in starting a construction project!
Turtle Tips
When digging, beware that some turtles may have overwintered in the nest, and will be emerging between March and June. Daily inspections of the construction site must carry on throughout the duration of your project.
If any turtles are found, return them to the water’s edge. Never place them directly into the water. Similarly, do not move the turtle to a far away location. Turtles need to stay within their own “home” territory.
If a turtle does nest in a construction site it is illegal to alter the nest in any way. Any turtle nests should be isolated so that construction does not disturb it. If it is not possible to keep the turtle nest safe from construction activity and it is not possible post-pone construction until the nest hatches then a permit can be obtained from MNRF to move the nest. Learn more about rescuing turtle nests here.
In Conclusion
Although construction projects and development are often regarded as detrimental to local wildlife and species at risk, there are simple things – such as installing fences and performing daily inspections – that we can do to mitigate the risk of harming turtles. We as humans can accomplish our project goals without having a negative effect on the species around us by taking the time to ensure our work zones are guarded from becoming a turtle hazard.
https://www.mcintoshperry.com/project/mcintosh-perry-manages-pilot-project-for-protecting-the-blandings-turtle/