For general information on species at risk in our area:

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1 Best Management Practices for Public Works Departments within the Georgian Bay Biosphere Reserve Background Currently, over 200 species of plants and animals are in decline and at risk of disappearing from our province. Almost 40 are found in Parry Sound/Muskoka and more than half are either reptiles or birds. Routine maintenance activities conducted by municipalities can be timed to reduce further harm to these at-risk species. These activities include mowing and grading of roadsides, draw down of beaver ponds/flooded areas, use of silt cloth, and park maintenance. Staff can also assist in reducing road mortality of species. By following these guidelines, we can help provide a safe, enjoyable landscape for residents and ensure our wildlife persists for future generations to enjoy. For general information on species at risk in our area: Specific information on at-risk species by township: This document has been prepared by the Georgian Bay Biosphere Reserve (GBBR) to provide advice on best management practices (BMP) when working in species at risk (SAR) habitat. It remains the municipalities responsibility to ensure compliance with all relevant provincial and federal legislation, including obtaining any necessary permits. For legal requirements, please consult: Ontario Endangered Species Act: o Canada Species At Risk Act: o Fisheries and Oceans Canada: o Environment Canada o Objective The objective of this document and the BMPs is to reduce threats to SAR and other wildlife populations by timing public works activities to non-critical periods of the year. 1

2 TABLE OF CONTENTS Beaver Pond Management... 3 Sediment Control... 4 Park Maintenance... 4 Herbicide Application... 5 Road and Shoulder Grading... 5 Mowing of Roadsides... 6 Blasting... 7 Encountering Snakes or Turtles... 8 Appendices Peak Movement/Nesting Period for Local SAR Potentially Impacted by Public Works Activities Period of Least Risk for Typical Public Works Activities Reptiles on the Road Reporting Project

3 Beaver Pond Management Period of Least Risk: July 15 th to August 15 th Potential Impacts: Timing is critical. Turtles, amphibians, and fish can be killed by winter draw downs. Nuisance beaver activity should be managed to keep culverts clear and provide for the passage of water and fish. Suggested methods are provided in MNR s The Beaver Handbook (1995) and in Operational Statements DFO from: o o es/on/os:eo03:eng.htm When replacing culverts on large streams (i.e., streams >2 m wide), consider crossing with a bridge or arch (open- bottom) culvert. Bridges and arches have a higher initial cost, but are less prone to washouts and beaver problems than complete (round) culverts. If it s necessary to remove a dam to protect a roadway, it is preferable to complete the work by hand and remove materials gradually to allow water to slowly release. The pond should not be completely drained. Beaver bafflers may be considered in problematic areas. For more information: o ublishing/pages/afw/afw1.pdf Seek advice from Parry Sound MNR to determine whether approval under the Endangered Species Act is required. They will require: o Accurate location map. o scope of work including; - which specific dam(s) and how far up the system, - how will they be treated i.e. totally removed, breached, partial drawdown, - Timing of work. 3

4 Sediment Control Potential Impacts: Heavy duty silt fencing (plastic mesh bonded to woven plastic) can trap, kill, harm and harass large bodied snakes such as the Massasauga, Eastern Foxsnake and Eastern Hog-nosed Snake, all of which are threatened species. Where sediment control is necessary to protect waterways, consider the use of straw bales, or light-duty silt fencing without plastic mesh. If heavy-duty silt cloth, ensure that the cloth is maintained in an upright position. Inspect the fence at least once per week and after each rainfall. Make required repairs immediately. Replace the cloth within 24 hours when it begins to deteriorate and remove when no longer necessary for sediment control. In this region, silt cloth typically deteriorates within five to eight months. Park Maintenance Potential Impacts: Reptiles, amphibians, fish and birds are impacted by the removal of vegetation near waterways and improperly stored garbage supports predators such as raccoons and gulls. Avoid mowing along the edge of lakes, ponds, rivers and streams. Maintain or restore a healthy vegetative buffer around these areas to provide habitat and a movement corridor for wildlife. Vegetated shorelines also help protect water quality. The larger the buffer, the greater the benefit. Aim for a minimum of 15 metres. To reduce threats to amphibians and reptiles, aim to mow when temperatures are both cool and overcast ( 10 C) or hot and sunny ( 32 C). These animals are unlikely to be on the lawn at these temperatures. Do not disturb spring (vernal) pools during amphibian breeding season (April to late June). Avoid removing trees during breeding bird season (mid May to August 15). Install wildlife proof garbage containers to discourage foraging by animals. This will also avoid attracting bears to the park. See Bracebridge supplier TyeDee Bin: Minimize use of fertilizers, herbicides and other chemicals especially near any water bodies including spring pools. When applied near water, these chemicals can potentially impact not just wildlife but drinking water. Consider using native plant species for landscaping and monitor Phragmites australis sites for invasive plant species such as Phragmites australis. For more information see: 4

5 Herbicide Application Potential Impacts: Amphibians and birds are particularly susceptible to the use of herbicides. Follow the application instructions on the container! Herbicide should only be used if absolutely necessary, for example, to prevent the spread of an invasive plant (e.g. garlic mustard). Assess if there are any sensitive species, including SAR, amphibians, nesting birds, in the area before spraying. Avoid wetland areas including spring pools and the natural buffers around them. Application techniques such as spot treatments should be used rather than broadcast spraying. Monitor weather conditions to prevent spray drift and run-off. Do not spray during windy conditions or when precipitation is forecasted. Road and Shoulder Grading Period of Least Risk: May 1 to May 24 and Oct. 1 until freeze-up. Potential Impacts: Female turtles are attracted to road shoulders for nesting. They typically lay eggs in June and hatchlings leave the nest generally by mid September. Western Chorus Frog Credit- S. Gillingwater Avoid grading in June. If grading must be completed outside of the Period of Least Risk, consider not grading 100 metres either side of a wetland as the likelihood of encountering reptiles is greatest near wetlands. Any turtle encountered laying eggs will be avoided and not moved or disturbed. Other turtles can be moved off the roadway following procedures outlined on page 8. Staff record sightings of SAR species (dead or alive) found on roadways. Please refer to Appendix 4 for procedure and reporting form. 5

6 Mowing of Roadsides Period of Least Risk mowing is completed August 10 to September 10 (first two weeks preferred) and brush/woody vegetation removal is completed late fall and winter. Blanding s Turtle Credit S. Gillingwater Potential Impact: Turtles, in particular Blanding s Turtle (Threatened) and Snapping Turtle (Special Concern), can be injured or killed by mowers. These turtles are known to travel considerable distances from water (up to five km). Mowing activities can also disturb nesting Bobolinks (Threatened), Eastern Meadowlarks (Threatened) and other grassland nesting birds. Consider mowing only where necessary. Priority areas should include intersections, bridges, sharp curves and driveway entrances. Mow maximum of 2.5 m from shoulder. Height of mower should be a minimum 20 cm (8 inches) to avoid injuring or killing turtles. If mowing a field type habitat, start in the middle and work out to edges. This allows wildlife some opportunity to escape. If cutting in areas with Phragmites australis (common reed grass), it is recommended to power-wash the equipment in a contained area following mowing to prevent spreading phragmites to new areas. Avoid mowing along the edge of waterways. Maintain a healthy vegetative buffer around these areas to provide habitat and movement corridors. Aim for a minimum of 15 m vegetative buffer. 6

7 Blasting Period of Least Risk: Timing dependent on type of habitat and species at the site Potential Impacts: Changes to water levels and disturbance to habitat. Blasting can negatively impact snake hibernation sites and is disruptive to ground nesting birds. Blast rock has been shown to kill snakes and possibly turtles depending upon the time of year. Review the site for habitat features that likely provide important habitat for SAR. See Species at Risk in MNR s Parry Sound District: for information on habitat features. Restrictions may be necessary depending on the habitat. Please contact Parry Sound MNR for advice. For example, if there is a potential for Eastern Foxsnake hibernation, egg-laying, communal shedding and/or communal basking sites, a permit may be required under the Endangered Species Act. If Common Nighthawk or Whip-poor-will are likely to be nesting in the area blasting should not occur from mid May to August 1. Use of blasting mats may be needed to mitigate impacts on the habitat of these species. This seasonally damp area with conifer trees and sphagnum moss is important hibernation habitat for the Massasauga. 7

8 Encountering Snakes or Turtles Learn how to identify local snakes and turtles. Laminated identification sheets are available from GBBR. Temporarily stop work to allow an animal to pass Be aware when working around important habitat features (such as hibernation, gestation, or nesting sites). Additional mitigation such as temporary barriers may be necessary. Move the animal out of harms way if necessary but do not move a nesting turtle. If you encounter live reptiles in winter, contact Parry Sound MNR immediately for instructions. How to Handle a Turtle: Never lift by the tail. This can damage the spine especially on larger turtles. Always move the turtle in the direction it was heading and do not move it more than 100 m from point of capture. Gloves can be helpful. How to Handle a Snapping Turtle: An uninjured snapper can be coaxed across the road using a shovel or a board, or by allowing it to bite a long stick and pulling it across the road. If you must pick up a snapper by hand, do so by sliding fingers behind the turtle's hind legs, with the tail between your hands and gripping the shell between your fingers and thumbs. You may also slide one hand under the turtle's belly to grab a hold of the plastron (the belly shell). Snappers are very strong and will squirm and thrash their hind legs making it difficult to hold on. A snapping turtle can reach its midpoint so do not pick it up near its middle. 8

9 Injured Turtle Protocol: Record the location where you found the turtle. This is important to ensure the turtle is returned to its appropriate territory. Carefully remove the turtle from the road, being aware of any possible injuries. Handle the turtle as little as possible. If possible, place the turtle in a clean container for transport. Cover the turtle's head with a clean damp piece of cloth to calm it (t-shirt, towel, clean rag, etc.). Do not offer the turtle food or water. Call and make arrangements for transport. Parry Sound Animal Hospital ( located at 35 Joseph Street) will accept injured turtles. Alternatively contact the Kawartha Turtle Trauma Centre ( ) for further instructions. How to Move a Snake: For a Massasauga, please use a snake hook or broom, or other long handled device to move off roadway in a manner safe for you and the snake. Please watch the Working in Massasauga Habitat DVD, available on our web site before doing this or arrange for training from an experienced person, e.g. Killbear Park Naturalist. You must wear closed toe shoes and long pants. For other species, simply support the body and do not pick up by back of head. If unsure of the snake s identity, treat it as if it s a Massasauga Don t move any snake more than 100 m from site. If you have found a dead reptile (listed as a species at risk) if possible, place the animal in a container or plastic bag. It can either be frozen for pick up or make arrangements to drop off at MNR Parry Sound. These specimens may be used for further studies. 9

10 Appendix 1 Peak Movement/Nesting Period for Local SAR Potentially Impacted by Public Works Activities April May June July Aug Sept Oct 1 st to 15 th Amphibians breed Snakes move from Turtles nest until end of Foxsnakes mate Massasaugas mate Turtle eggs hatching hibernation month sites SAR: Western Chorus Frog SAR: Massasauga Foxsnake Hognosed SAR: Blanding s Snapping Spotted SAR: Blanding s Spotted Snapping 16 th to 31 st Most reptiles emerge from hibernation SAR: Massasauga Foxsnake Hog-nosed Blanding s Spotted Snapping Birds nest SAR: Barn Swallow Whip-poor-will Common Nighthawk Birds nest Foxsnakes mate SAR: Bobolink Eastern Meadowlark Massasaugas mate All reptiles move to hibernation sites Reptiles hibernate ** Activity timelines are influenced by weather. For example, cool weather in early June will delay egg laying by turtles. 10

11 Appendix 2 Period of Least Risk for Typical Public Works Activities Activity Jan. Feb. Mar. Apr. May Jun. Jul. Aug. Sept. Oct. Nov. Dec. Tree and Brush Removal Mowing Roadsides Road and Shoulder Grading Beaver Pond Management 11

12 Appendix 3 Reptiles on the Road Reporting Project Rationale: Roadways negatively affect wildlife (including species at risk) by contributing to loss of habitat, creating barriers to movement, and causing mortality due to vehicle collisions. When reptiles are encountered on a roadway and it is possible to pull over safely, please help move the animal off the roadway following the procedures on pg. 8. Recording key location information, as outlined on the following recording form, will help document the locations and frequency of SAR on roads. 12

13 Public Works At-Risk Reptiles Reporting Form Your Name: Date: Species Observed Turtles Snakes Lizard Blanding s Spotted Eastern Musk Northern Map Snapping Massasauga Eastern Hog-nosed Eastern Foxsnake Eastern Milksnake Eastern Ribbonsnake Five-lined Skink Other species (please specify: Description Adult Juvenile Alive Dead Injured Location Information GPS Coordinates (UTM) Easting 0 Northing 4 Accuracy: +/- m or road name and location description (ie. fire route number, distance from named intersection): Additional Comments: 13