Nature Conservancy of Canada, Appalachian Corridor, Memphremagog Conservation to save the turtles
With new website anyone can help
While TBL is making its mark in protecting turtles from the perils of human activity and natural predators, so, too, are Memphremagog Conservation Inc. (MCI), the guardian of the Appalachian region of southern Quebec.
The turtle crossing sign is up in Knowlton because there is a history of one very active mama turtle when she wants to find the right spot to lay her eggs on the other side of the road. Those specific turtle crossing signs that have been put up along Route 245 between Eastman and South Bolton have been pilfered. This particular area of the Missisquoi River North is a haven for snapping, wood, and painted turtles and the Appalachian Corridor has working tirelessly for over five years to see them protected as much as possible.
Over the past five years the organization has hired two field workers to undertake the responsibility of studying these reptiles in their natural habitat and to document the rates of mortality along the roadside. This year is no exception. For now, however, the organization wants the public to take heed of the following list of things one can do to help in the prevention of their extinction.
• Do not remove them from their natural habitats. • Report any poaching. 1-800-463-2191 • Avoid disturbing egg-laying females. Observe them at a distance.
• Be vigilant at places where turtles might cross the road, particularly during egg-laying season from late May to early July.
• Do not park on gravel shoulder by the roadside near their habitat to avoid crushing turtle nests.
• Practice motorized nautical sports away from turtle basking areas.
• Do not destroy or modify habitats such as wetlands, lakes, watercourses, and their immediate surroundings.
• Share your rare species sightings with the relevant people or organizations.
• Raise awareness to people around you and relevant local organizations about the challenges turtles face to survive.