LRRB Local Operational Research Assistance Program (OPERA) for Local Transportation Groups Field Report This report must include the underlined subject areas and supporting resources (i.e. photos, graphs, charts, etc.). The OPERA program will use this information in an annual report that will be shared with other local agencies within the state. We request that a short 5-10 minute demo or presentation be shared at the Spring Maintenance Training Expo, MN Fall Maintenance Expo or with a professional organization. Date: July 2, 2015 Project Title: Reptile Crossing Project Number: 2013-08 Agency: Washington County 11660 Myeron Rd N Stillwater, MN 55082 Person Completing Report: Peter Mott Project Leader: Peter Mott Phone Number: 651.430.4328 Problem: People stopping on side of road to assist turtles crossing the road. Often times stopping in traffic, these activities are dangerous for the traveling public. Solution: Install a below grade, dry culvert to facilitate safe travel of reptiles from one side of road to the other. Fencing will be installed to funnel the turtles to the tunnel. Camera will be installed in tunnel to observe critters using the tunnel. Fence will be monitored twice a day to document animals along the fence and in tunnel. Procedure: Location for tunnel was selected based on multi-year observation of problem (see above) and recommendations by DNR. Tunnel was purchased after market research. Various fencing options were explored and implemented to test manufacture s product vs. more affordable options (silt fence). Traffic shift implemented to allow traffic to continue while project installed. At tunnel location, the pavement was cut at a 10 degree angle (plowing consideration) and removed (about 2.5 feet wide) to allow for tunnel and encasement material (asphalt used instead of concrete). Aggregate base. 3 tunnel pieces installed. Crown of road matched by managing height of aggregate base. Patch asphalt (layered) used to encase tunnel. Asphalt used to level existing pavement with tunnel. Once complete, the traffic control was shifted to opposite side of road and process repeated. Tunnel entry pieces then connected to concrete tunnel end points. Manufacture s fence installed 2,000 on north west side of tunnel. Silt fence used on 3 remaining entry points. Total silt fence length: 2,500. Fence and tunnel monitoring to begin asap. Results: After turtle install, 0 amphibians, reptiles have been found dead on the road Fall 2014
4 Turtles 6 Snakes 7 Skinks 80 Lesser Weasels 22 Voles 70 Birds 31 Frogs/Toads Spring 2015 4 Turtles 9 Herptiles 126 birds 20 mammals Implementation: A monitoring protocol has been established to ensure the fence is being inspected at least five times of week, twice a day. Monitors will walk the fence and document animals using the fence and tunnel. Information will be uploaded to a citizen scientist web site for widespread sharing of information. Reptile fatalities will be documented, as well as live turtles. DNR and Minnesota Herpetology Society will be consulted throughout the research component of the project. Adjustments are expected and will be documented, explained, and analyzed in final report, 2015. Status: Turtle tunnel Structurally sound. Turtle fencing to direct turtles to tunnel North side of the road A total of 529, 3 panels of black plastic fence has been installed (1587 feet), with black silt fence J-hooks at the end to re-direct turtles to the tunnel. South side of the road This spring, 51, 3 panels of black plastic fence were installed east of the tunnel, black silt fence was installed for an additional 1434 with black silt fence J-hooks at the end to re-direct turtles to the tunnel. Additional black plastic fence will be installed in this area to replace silt fence. Total Duration of Project: June 30, 2015 and beyond if successful. Project End Date: Installed by June 30, 2013. Complete research report; June 30, 2015 Approximate Cost of Entire Project: $75,000 Total OPERA Funds used for project: $10,000 Send and Email a completed report with pictures to: Mindy Carlson, CTS - 200 TSB, 511 Washington Ave. SE, Mpls. MN 55455, email carlson@umn.edu. For questions about this report please contact Mindy Carlson at 612-625-1813.
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