Wallkill River National Wildlife Refuge and the University of Georgia's Savannah River Ecological Laboratory are developing a habitat management plan for the refuge's rare turtles. Wallkill River is one of only two refuges that provide habitat for bog turtle, wood turtle and spotted turtle. Bog turtles are a threatened species also protected by a state of New Jersey designation as endangered. Wood turtles and spotted turtles are considered threatened species by the state.

Field surveys at the refuge began in April and quickly found good quality turtle habitat. The university researchers have recommended establishing a wooded buffer where the Wallkill River flows through open fields to improve wood turtle habitat. The researchers also pointed out the value of biocontrols to suppress purple loosestrife plants in marshes that have spotted and bog turtles. Importantly, these recommendations coincide with habitat management plans for wildlife such as waterfowl and grassland birds.

NORTHEAST REGION, U.S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE -- Conserving the Nature of the Northeast