The Blanding's turtle (Emydoidea blandingii) is a state-listed threatened species. It depends upon riparian areas, a variety of wetland types, and is frequently associated with sandy upland soils for nesting. However, its specific habitats and conservation needs differ across Minnesota. An ongoing project locates areas where this rare species is found and provides critical habitat protections . There is an intensive effort in southwestern Minnesota to assess Blanding’s turtle presence and distribution and estimate its abundance. These data help determine conservation recommendations.
Habitat conservation efforts for Blanding's turtles fit well with other initiatives aimed at conservation and restoration of rivers corridors, wetlands and adjacent grasslands. Resident cooperation plays a key role in this project. The DNR requests that all Blanding's turtle sightings be reported to:
Lisa Gelvin-Innvaer, Nongame Wildlife Specialist
[email protected]
261 Highway 15 South
New Ulm, MN 56073
More information about Blanding's turtle, species conservation and management is available on this DNR webpage.