MDC invites public to help with turtle trapping study in Columbia

Volunteers will help trap and tag turtles, then release them back to the area they were found.

COLUMBIA, Mo. — Have you ever thought about being a conservation scientist? Do you like

turtles and are looking for an opportunity to study these animals up close? The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) invites the public to get their hands wet and dirty and discover nature by helping with trapping and tagging turtles at Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area (CA) in Columbia. Upcoming dates and times are:

• Wednesday, May 14, noon to 5 p.m.
• Thursday, May 15, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Monday, May 19, noon to 5 p.m.
• Tuesday, May 20, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Volunteers will help trap and tag turtles, then release them back to the area they were found. The opportunity is open to all ages, but children must be accompanied by an adult or mentor.

Turtle trapping is fairly messy work, and those who participate should plan on wearing clothing that they don’t mind getting dirty. Additionally, if staying for the entire day, volunteers should bring water and a sack lunch.

Since 2011, Eagle Bluffs CA Manager Vic Bogosian has been trapping turtles and entering the information in a large database. Turtle trapping is important for Eagle Bluffs CA because knowing where the area’s turtle populations are concentrated helps Bogosian make decisions about water levels on the wetland area. The Department of Conservation makes management decisions based in part on scientific research like turtle trapping.

“As the manager of a wetland, I make decisions each day that help keep conditions ideal for migratory bird populations,” said Bogosian. “However, I also consider how those decisions affect other wildlife species.”

Similar to migratory birds, aquatic turtles need access to appropriate water levels, temperature, food and vegetation for cover.

“Because turtles are sensitive to their environment, the information I collect about the turtle population at Eagle Bluffs helps me make sound management decisions for the area,” Bogosian said. 

This project also benefits volunteers by providing an opportunity to participate in a research experience.

“This is a great way to discover nature and to learn more about your wetland,” said Bogosian. “There are opportunities for every age level. I encourage anyone with an interest to come and volunteer.”

To sign up, or to learn more about future turtle trapping opportunities, contact Bogosian atTurtleguy@mdc.mo.gov or 573-445-3882.

Eagle Bluffs CA is in Boone County at the southwest edge of Columbia, near McBaine. For more information about Eagle Bluffs CA, visit http://tinyurl.com/ya37rfv.

Boaters, anglers should watch for zebra mussels

Image via Wikipedia

With the return of warm weather just around the corner, thousands of Missourians will be taking boats out of mothballs and preparing for fishing and pleasure boating trips. If you are among these, remember that Missouri waters still are at risk of infestation by zebra mussels. The most common way these economically and ecologically damaging pests enter new waters is by hitching a ride on boats or boat trailers.

Adult zebra mussels can live for several days out of water. Their microscopic larvae can survive for weeks in boat bilge water, live wells, engine cooling-water systems and bait buckets.

To help prevent the spread of zebra mussels:

• Inspect your boat and trailer thoroughly, and remove any trash, mussels or aquatic weeds after each outing.
• Drain water from the motor, live well, bilge and transom wells and other parts of your boat.
• Dump leftover bait in trash receptacles away from the water.
• Rinse boat, trailer and equipment (including live wells, bilge and cooling systems) thoroughly with hard spray from a garden hose, and allow to dry for at least 48 hours. If your boat or equipment was used in zebra mussel-infested waters, use a commercial car wash with hot water.
• Dry boat, motor, trailer and equipment thoroughly in the hot sun before using again.
• Learn to identify zebra mussels. Adults have a distinct triangular shell, with a striped pattern. They can reach 2 inches, but most are fingernail-sized.

To report a potential zebra mussel sighting or for additional information, contact a Department of Conservation office (see page 1 for a list of regional office phone numbers). For more information see below.

Missouri Elk Arrival Delayed

WINONA - Arrival of elk at Peck Ranch has been delayed because all necessary health protocol testing is not complete, according to Ron Dent, elk restoration program coordinator for the Missouri Department of Conservation.

Dent said MDC will select a new arrival date for the elk once health protocol testing is complete. Testing was inconclusive on one animal. Additional testing will be conducted on that one animal and results could be available as early as next week. Final testing is being completed and verified to ensure elk held in Kentucky meet the highest standard of health prior to arriving at their holding pen on Peck Ranch Conservation Area.

The Department of Agriculture and the Department of Conservation continue to implement the strongest health testing protocols in the nation. Missouri’s elk restoration is moving forward and the Conservation Department will continue to keep citizens informed on this conservation initiative.