ODFW
$11,782  Klamath Mountains 

The northwestern pond turtle (NWPT) is a semi-aquatic reptile listed as an Oregon Conservation Strategy Species that occurs in pond and stream habitats. Given concerns over declining population trends in portions of it’s Oregon range, management actions are needed to address threats to persistence and to support habitats that sustain NWPT populations. This project proposes research and monitoring efforts that will quantify habitat use of NWPT at a recreational facility (Provolt Seed Orchard Special Recreation Management Area) in Josephine County, Oregon. In partnership with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) will deploy VHF transmitters on up to 12 adult turtles, and will monitor turtle movements and document observation locations for up to 15 months from spring of 2024 through summer of 2025. Resulting observational data will be used to identify critical NWPT habitat such as nesting or overwintering areas, to monitor turtle use of planning areas, to better understand the status of this important population of NWPT as threats like drought and climate change continue to affect habitat quantity and quality, and to update site management plans to ensure long-term compatibility of conservation and public use goals at this recreational site.