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meadows and wet meadows adjacent to these habitats. This species is semi -terrestrial and <br />individuals may spend quite a bit of time on land. They often move between a variety of <br />wetland habitats during the active season, which can extend from early March to mid - <br />November. They overwinter in standing water that is typically more than 3 feet deep and <br />with a deep organic substrate, but will also use both warm and cold -water streams and <br />rivers where they can avoid freezing. Blanding's turtles generally breed in spring, late <br />summer or fall. Nesting occurs from about mid -May through early July depending on spring <br />temperatures. They strongly prefer to nest in sandy soils and may travel up to 300 m (984 <br />ft) from a wetland or waterbody to find suitable nesting sites. This species appears to <br />display nest site fidelity, returning to its natal site and then nesting in a similar location <br />annually. Hatching occurs from early August through mid -October. This species takes 17 to <br />20 years or more to reach maturity. <br />We recommend installing turtle exclusion fencing along the lake side of CTH H between <br />Benoit Lake Road and Point Road. This fencing should prevent adult female Blanding's <br />turtles from laying eggs in the shoulder of CTH H or in any other suitable nesting habitat <br />along the project limits near Benoit Lake. <br />Inspections <br />The Department conducts routine inspections and may follow up to inspect your project to verify <br />compliance with state statutes and codes. If you decide to modify your project, please contact your <br />local Department Transportation Liaison to discuss any proposed modifications. <br />Federal & Local Permitting <br />The municipality is responsible for obtaining any local, state or federal permits that may be required <br />before starting your project. Please note that this project also requires DNR stormwater <br />permit coverage, and the project cannot begin until that coverage has been provided. <br />Please coordinate with Ruth King, Stormwater Specialist in the Spooner DNR office, to <br />obtain stormwater permit coverage. <br />If you have any questions regarding the contents of this letter, please call me at (715) 635-4229 or <br />email amy.cronk@wisconsin.gov. <br />Sincerely, <br />A_h'_11 C"--Y_k <br />Amy Cronk <br />WDNR Transportation Liaison <br />cc: Jason DiPiazza, MSA Professional Services <br />Dan Munson, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers <br />Jason Towne, Burnett County Zoning Administrator <br />