Mission Statement

Our mission is to enhance Western Pond Turtle habitat restoration and population data by providing an accurate and thorough survey of potential habitat areas. The Western Pond Turtle populations have declined by an estimated 80% within recent history, leading to a critical/sensitive designation in Oregon. Collecting information on the quantity and quality of remaining habitat is a crucial first step to restoration and population recovery. It is the responsibility of the ELP Turtle Team to provide detailed habitat data for the Bureau of Land Management to inform their future restoration activities.

       Active restoration efforts require a thorough knowledge of existing habitat conditions. In the Spring of 2006, the first Turtle team broke ground by surveying 25 polygons in the Dorena area. Our 2007 team has been building on the work of last year's team, assessing new habitats in the Dorena, Marcola, and Fall creek regions. Our efforts have required the use of sophisticated GPS units, the interpretation of maps and aerial photos, and the implementation of data collection protocols.

          In addition to weekly field work, the team prepared a final report, powerpoint presentation, and this website. These projects are designed to spread awareness about the plight of the Western Pond Turtle and demonstrate the progress and efforts being made to restore them to adequate levels.

          Half-way through our nine-week survey, the turtle team travelled to Scout Pond, just outside of Philometh, to see another turtle monitoring project. Dave Vesely, researcher for the Oregon Wildlife Institute, gave us an in-depth look at his research, methods and the WPT populations at this former mill locale. His project includes trapping and using radio-telemetry to examine WPT habits, nesting behaviour and nest-site selection. He also developed a method of training canines to locate the well-hidden clutches of the WPT.

Scheduled Presentations

• June 6th - Eugene Bureau of Land Management, 2 pm
• June 7th - Rachel Carson School for Environmental Science, 10 am
• June 12th - University of Oregon's Knight Browsing room, 3 pm

Final Report