Dear Editor:
The excitement in Hillsburgh this week has been the migration of snapping turtles from the lower to upper millpond. This year, more than before, the migration has been cause for concern as snapping turtles have struggled to navigate the new bridge and dam system completed last September. Several turtles have been stuck facing a large eight foot wall separating them from their migration path and nesting grounds on the north and west sides of the pond. I personally witnessed one snapping turtle launch herself down a three foot drop from the edge of the bridge to the rocks below. Luckily she survived and made it into the water.
In response to concerns from the public, a hastily constructed ramp has been erected. Nearby residents are assisting the turtles to head up the ramp and into the water. While it is a testament to the goodness of our townsfolk to see this display of support for Hillsburgh’s oldest residents, the question remains why the bridge was built without a plan in place for these reptiles?
Certainly the town and county knew about the migration of these turtles as turtle crossing signs flank the bridge. So why no culvert to ensure turtles can cross without human intervention?
For those concerned about the inadequacy of other environmental assessments performed in the area, this does not bode well. Environmental planning must be a first concern, otherwise we may end up in a situation where no amount of scrap wood can save us and our non-human neighbours.
Joanna Mullen,
Hillsburgh