Monitoring Functionality and Durability of the New York State Highway 30 Turtle Barrier and Adjacent Nesting Substrate.

摘要

In 2008, the NYS Department of Transportation installed a wildlife barrier along NYS Route 30 in Tupper Lake, Franklin County, NY. The major objectives of the study that is the subject of this report were to: evaluate the effectiveness of the Route 30 wildlife barrier for preventing turtle mortality and turtle trespass onto the roadway, assess the impacts of the barrier on turtle nesting, evaluate the wildlife barrier design, and provide general design recommendations for future turtle barriers along roadways. The study area was monitored from May to October in 2010 and 2011, and the barriers were judged to be partially effective. Adjacent roadside nesting was also monitored and did not appear to suffer elevated failure due to predation. The report concludes that the wildlife barrier was generally effective but could be enhanced with modifications at the ends of barriers, and recommends regular monitoring and annual maintenance.