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9.a MnDOT presentation_animal fencingSmall Animal Road Mortality Study Tricia Markle, Wildlife Conservation Specialist (Turtles) MN Zoo & Christopher Smith, Protected Species Program Coordinator MnDOT Minnesota Turtles •9 species •Blanding’s & Wood turtles listed as Threatened Smithsonian Why are turtles important? Why is Road Mortality such a Major Threat to Turtles? Photo: earth rangers Road Mortality Study •Partnership between MnDOT, MN Zoo, and County Road Authorities •Objective: determine if mitigation strategies reduce turtle road mortality Methods: Before-After-Control-Impact Study 32 sites around greater metro Methods cont. Not just turtles… Turtle Mortality at Scandia site in 2018 (73 total)Red X = Painted Yellow *= Snapper •63 Painted Turtles •9 Snapping Turtles •1 Unknown Turtle •4 live road rescues 2019 = 68 turtle fatalities •60 Painted turtles •8 Snapping turtles •(+2 live along fence) Mitigation -Fencing Monitoring culvert use Fence end treatments work! Mitigation -Turtle Crossing Signage Future Needs •Continued monitoring and testing of mitigation methods •Other barrier types? •Animal road underpasses Summary Summary