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Titel: 'Turtle Xing' drive a sure sign of spring (Tim Wacker) Bericht door: schildpaddennetcrew op 2 December 2008, 05:40:57 BOSTON GLOBE (Massachusetts) 15 May 08 'Turtle Xing' drive a sure sign of spring (Tim Wacker)
Turtles crossing the road are known to stop traffic in the Shawsheen River watershed area this time of year, but not all motorists are aware of the amphibians' springtime activities. Responding to concerns raised by residents near the river, the Shawsheen River Watershed Association is launching its first "Turtle Xing" road-sign campaign. The organization has about 30 signs it would like put up but isn't exactly sure where to put them all, said its president, Robert Rauseo. Places like River Road in Andover and Ames Pond in Tewksbury are known turtle-crossing locations, but the association knows there are many more. "Anyplace where there is marsh on one side of the road and dry land on the other," Rauseo said. The turtles need dry, sandy soil to lay their eggs, he said. The primary species are painted and snapping turtles, but rare Blandings turtles are also on the move in this area. The watershed association is asking people who have seen these turtles this time of year, or know of areas that fit the description, to call 978-851-9505 or e-mail bobotter@aol.com. Permission will be sought to post the signs on private property, and Rauseo promises his group will take them down at the end of June when the egg-laying season ends. Meanwhile, the organization hopes motorists will drive a little slower near marshy areas - or where they see Turtle Xing signs. http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2008/05/15/turtle_xing_drive_a_sure_sign_of_spring/ |