06/12/2009: "Signs For Turtle Crossings"

Thanks to Russel Barsh, Director of Kwiaht (Center for the Historical Ecology of the Salish Sea), concerned citizens and cooperation from SJC Public Works, drivers may soon be alerted to known turtle crossing locations on county roads.

As Kwiaht previously reported , Barsh and others contacted the County about the need to protect turtles and other amphibian crossing points, and offered to pay for and install the Turtle Crossiong signs -without cost to Public Works.

Barsh reports that intern Tasha Wilson has made an appointment with John van Lund to discuss design criteria - and “once we have John's input, we'll design something and disseminate the template along with criteria as to placement, materials, etc.”

Next step? You guessed it: “Volunteers to help construct signboards and install them will be very welcome! Tasha and I can help coordinate.” Barsh added “I think we can keep this down to under $50 per sign, and I will help pay for materials myself where necessary.”

The need is obvious on county roads. Barsh said he “checked the road that passes by Richardsons Pond (Deer Harbor), where there is a major newt crossing, and found 89 newt corpses on the road. That's not a trivial number. No crushed turtles reported yet anywhere, thank goodness.”

Barsh can be reached by phone at 468-2808; by email rlbarsh@gmail.com, or at (we have to say it) snail mail to KWIAHT, PO Box 415, Lopez, WA 98261