Bog Turtle (Clemmys muhlenbergii).

The Service's New Jersey Field Office participated in a series of meetings with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) and the Township of Hardyston in Sussex County regarding a proposed expansion of the township's sewer service area. The expansion area originally included several known bog turtle populations, which could be adversely affected via secondary and indirect impacts. As a result of the discussions, Hardyston Township agreed to minimize the expansion area, avoiding all but two known bog turtle locations. Hardyston Township agreed to provide a written letter to the two landowners involved, alerting them to Service concerns regarding any planned development activities on their property. The New Jersey Field Office also agreed to provide additional assistance, including guidance on developing a Habitat Conservation Plan if needed.

Landowners who propose to develop the last of three golf course/residential communities that had been planned within the Township met with the Service and NJDEP to identify project designs that would have adversely affected bog turtles. The project proponents noted that they were interested in protecting the bog turtle population and agreed to redesign the project to avoid adverse effects. The New Jersey Field Office will continue to coordinate with the NJDEP and the project proponents to ensure the long-term survival and viability of the Hardyston bog turtle population.