camp ripley and arden hills minnesota army national guard training ...

Over the past several years, six of seven Minnesota species have been identified on Camp
Ripley. Species identified are: little brown myotis (Myotis lucifugus), big brown bat (Eptesicus
fuscus), hoary bat (Lasiurus cinereus), silver-haired bat (Lasionycteris noctivagans), and eastern
red bat (Lasiurus borealis). In 2006, a new species, northern myotis (Myotis septentrionalis) was
located in three locations on Camp (Bog Walk, Goose Lake, and Sylvan Dam). This species is of
particular interest because it is a state species of special concern. Analysis of the 2007 ANABAT
recordings documented no additional bat species. Due to a mechanical failure in the ANABAT
equipment, no ANABAT surveys were conducted in 2008 and 2009. Surveys will be continued
in other areas using an ANABAT detector at various locations throughout Camp Ripley.
Camp Ripley Reptiles and Amphibians
Blanding’s Turtles (Emys blandingii)
The Blanding‟s turtle is listed as a state threatened species by the MNDNR. Camp
Ripley is part of a MNDNR Blanding‟s turtle priority area. This species depends upon a variety
of wetland types and sizes, and uses sandy upland areas for nesting. Surveys of Blanding‟s turtles
have occurred at Camp Ripley since 1992. Because nest predation is extremely high, road surveys
are conducted annually throughout known Blanding‟s habitats to find and protect nests.
Surveyors spent 205 hours on traditional and exploratory routes from June 10 through June 28,
2009 (Table 16). Seventeen Blanding‟s turtles were observed this year (Figures 55 and 56). To
aid in future identification, notches are filed into turtle scutes and each turtle is given a unique
alpha code. Twelve turtles had been previously marked, four were newly marked this year (2 on
Yalu Road and 2 on Luzon Road), and one was not marked. Turtles which were not marked or
had unknown markings were intentionally left undisturbed so nesting would not be hindered.
Unfortunately, these turtles were not observed again. Standard protocol is to watch a turtle until it
completes nesting, then capture and identify it.
Eight Blanding‟s turtle (ACD, ABK, ADX, ADY, BDI, BDJ, BDP) nests were protected
and monitored through November 3, 2009 (Figures 55 and 56). One nest was partially destroyed
when discovered, was recovered with soil, and protected on June 17, 2009. Nests were monitored
for hatching success and where no evidence of hatching was observed these nests were excavated
on October 20-21, 2009. Four Blanding‟s turtle nests hatched (ADY; BDI; BDJ; ADX), and
based upon actual number of hatched turtles and an estimate from egg cap remains, a minimum of
57 turtles were produced. Research has shown that few Blanding‟s turtle hatchlings actually
arrive at a wetland. Therefore, a five inch berm was created along the exterior of protected nests,
which facilitated escorting hatchlings to a nearby shrub wetland such as Marne Marsh (Training
Area 17) and Firebreak Marsh (Training Area 65). Nest incubation for hatched nests ranged from
97 to 120 days.
Page 85
2009 Conservation Program Report