Special Measures Considered for Western Pond Turtle

The western pond turtle lives in many of the water courses and ponds in the southern Willamette Valley area, including west Eugene. Concern over the decline in the number of turtles (the turtle population today is only 1 percent of the turtle population in the 1850s) led to the filing of a petition in January 1992 to have the turtle listed as an endangered species under the federal Endangered Species Act.

In August 1993, a finding announced that "...listing the western pond turtle is not warranted at the present time because the (turtle) is not in danger of extinction or likely to become so in the foreseeable future." The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has reclassified the western pond turtle as a "category 2" species. This means that conclusive data on biological vulnerability and threat are not currently available to support a listing.

The State of Oregon currently lists the turtle in the category "...for which listing as threatened or endangered is pending or those for which listing as threatened or endangered may be appropriate if immediate conservation actions are not taken."

While the federal and state listings of the turtle do not legally bind private or public agencies to prepare conservation plans, they do indicate that special management measures should be considered in areas of known habitat. As a consequence, conservation measures are being considered for two highway projects in the west Eugene area: the widening of the Beltline Highway and the construction of the West Eugene Parkway. In addition, overall management strategies are being considered for the West Eugene Wetlands Plan that will be implemented over time to further protect this species.

Recognizing the Western Pond Turtle The western pond turtle, Clemmys marmorata, frequents diverse open water habitats, including streams, rivers, ponds, lakes, marshes, reservoirs, and canals. It favors habitats with protective cover, underwater refuge areas, and basking sites (fallen trees, boulders, and floating logs). The pond turtle feeds on small animals, invertebrates, carrion, and plants. Although the pond turtle spends most of its time in ponds and deep pools, it can be found crossing fields and roads, especially in the spring and fall. In the early spring, males and females return to water from their winter nests in nearby upland areas. During the late spring, nesting females leave the water to lay eggs. Nesting sites are often located within 150 feet of ponds, on slopes facing south to southwest, or in grassy fields. Winter nesting sites are usually located in nearby upland areas, where turtles bury themselves in holes or under litter, blackberry thickets, or logs. Black bears, river otters, bullfrogs, and largemouth bass are the predominant predators of Ine western pond turtle. Through habitat destruction, humans have also had a significant effect on the survival of turtles. If you spot a western pond turtle, please call the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife at 726-3515.

Volunteers Help Maintain Willow Creek Natural Area

Volunteers can help maintain and manage The Nature Conservancy's Willow Creek Natural Area. Work parties are held on the second Saturday of each month. Upcoming dates are: March 12, April 9, May 14, June 11, July 9, August 13, September 10, October 8, and November 12.

The particular activities for each work party vary depending on the season. Typical activities include pulling Scotch broom, monitoring rare plants, and collecting wildflower seeds. Volunteers can call the week before each scheduled event to see what activities are planned.

The Willow Creek Natural Area is located in west Eugene. Volunteers meet at 9:30 a.m. at the turnout on the north side of West 18th Avenue about a quarter mile west of Bertelsen Road. Bring work gloves and loppers, clippers, or a hand saw if one is available.

For more information or to become a volunteer, call Ed Alverson at 687-5586.