Citizen Scientists Needed To Monitor Turtle Crossings

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LENOX, Mass. — Turtles have existed for millions of years, but roadways are threatening the survival of local populations. A state coalition is seeking volunteers to help monitor the turtle vs. motor vehicle action.

Turtles often cross roadways from late spring to early fall and are vulnerable to car collisions. Ambitious citizen scientists, turtle enthusiasts, and conservation organizations are encouraged to join state wildlife and transportation personnel in collecting data for the Turtle Roadway Mortality Monitoring Program.

The state is especially looking for crossing "hot spots" at which multiple turtles are killed.

Linking Landscapes for Massachusetts Wildlife, a recent partnership between the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife, Department of Transportation Highway Division and the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, trained volunteers to collect data in 2010. It is expanding its volunteer program this year by offering two citizen scientist information and training sessions in Amherst and Westborough.


These sessions are designed to train new volunteers, acknowledge current volunteer efforts, and share results from the first year of data collection. The information gathered through this volunteer effort will be used to coordinate local turtle conservation efforts.

There will also be an information and training session on Wednesday, May 16, at United Methodist Church, 6 Holmes Road, starting at 6:30 p.m. The event will be co-sponsored by Berkshire Environmental Action Team and Project Native. The sessions are free, but advance registration is required. Interested volunteers can register with Dave Paulson at David.Paulson@state.ma.us or call him at 508-389-6366.

Tags: monitoring,   turtles,   wild animals,   

If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

MassDOT Advisory: South County Road Work

LEE, Mass. — The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) is announcing lane closures on I-90 eastbound and westbound for pothole repair and tree trimming. 
 
The work will take place from Monday, Nov. 25, through Tuesday, Nov. 26, during the following scheduled hours.
 
Stockbridge/Lee/Becket/Otis/Blandford
Pothole repair will be conducted on I-90 eastbound and westbound from mile marker 7.0 to mile marker 30.5, utilizing temporary lane closures and rolling roadblocks, on Monday night, Nov. 25, ending Tuesday morning, Nov. 26, from 7:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m.
 
Lee
Tree trimming will be conducted on I-90 eastbound at mile marker 4.6, utilizing shoulder closures, on Monday, Nov. 25, from 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
 
Drivers traveling through these areas should expect delays, reduce speed, and use caution.
 
Signage, law enforcement details, and advanced message boards will be in place to guide drivers through the work areas.
 
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