The Conservation Commission discussed reports of turtle crossings in multiple pond areas and reviewed possible steps to reduce vehicle strikes on turtles, including temporary flip-down signs, painted road markings, standard signs and public education.
Dale Smith Kenyon, chair of the commission’s invasive-plan subcommittee, told members that New Hampshire law makes it illegal to possess, sell, import or harm protected turtles, “including hunting or harassment, including their eggs.” He said he would send commission members a state cooperative-extension flyer with identification photos.
Commissioners and staff discussed the pros and cons of different measures. Staff cautioned that painted road striping and frequently flipped signs require ongoing maintenance; one staffer said flip-down signs would be “labor intensive” because someone would need to install and remove them seasonally. Members also reported that the state biologist told them poaching of Blanding’s turtles is not believed to be a major concern in the area because the animals are hard to find in dense wetland habitat.
Cost was discussed: the commission recorded a rough estimate of about $150 for a standard custom sign and noted that road striping would require periodic reapplication. Members said fencing or building a larger culvert to direct turtles away from the road would be significantly more expensive and outside the commission’s immediate scope.
Next steps recorded at the meeting included: the subcommittee will circulate the state materials and identification photos, staff will follow up with Fish & Game for guidance and to confirm active migration periods, and the subcommittee planned to meet again on Sept. 2 to review recommendations and any new information from Fish & Game. The commission did not adopt a new policy at the meeting.