Resident reports dead turtles at Clark Reservoir; county engineer says contractor relocated thousands of fish

A Clark resident raised urgent wildlife and cleanup concerns about the Clark Reservoir dredging project during public comment, saying dozens of turtles were found dead along the shoreline after water was pumped out and asking whether contracted wildlife relocations had been completed.

Resident Daniel McCaffrey told the board he and neighbors have photographed "dozens and dozens of dead turtles" and that prior assurances from the county engineer about relocating aquatic life were not met in all areas; he asked whether the contractor would return to retrieve remaining turtles and whether cleaned‑out areas around the waterfall would be cleared of decades of debris.

County Engineer Rick Matias responded that the contractor worked with professionals and subcontractors who relocated nearly 4,000 fish and that the contractor is coordinating with Fish and Wildlife. Matias said all fish and wildlife regulations were followed and that an assessment is under way to determine causes for the observed mortalities.

The county manager said staff would examine the specific debris and turtle concerns and assigned the county engineer to follow up with more information. McCaffrey said he had photographs available for the county’s review and urged the county to perform additional cleanup near the waterfall edge to remove tires, large branches and other exposed trash.

No formal enforcement action or contractor sanction was recorded on the transcript; the county said staff would continue an assessment and follow up with residents.