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Commission hears turtle survey: rare Blanding's turtle found and fitted with transmitter
Summary
A recent turtle survey presented to the commission found mostly painted turtles and snapping turtles, and identified a rare Blanding's turtle that staff believe was likely dropped off; the commission was told the Blanding's turtle was fitted with a radio transmitter and a formal report will follow.
Commissioners received an update on a recent turtle survey of a local pond and adjacent areas. Staff reported a mix of painted turtles across age classes and a population of snapping turtles; surveyors also live‑trapped a musk turtle of special concern and identified a Blanding's turtle — a species not seen locally in decades.
Staff said experts believe the Blanding's turtle was likely a human drop‑off rather than a long‑standing resident; to keep track of the animal the team fitted a radio transmitter to the turtle so it can be relocated easily if retrieval becomes necessary. The commission was told a formal survey report will be completed and provided to the commission.
Commissioners discussed follow‑up reporting and noted that some informal updates will be shared with the public ahead of the formal report.
