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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCorrespondence Miscellaneous 4/28/2004 ~. I , C.J To: Mike Evans Land Planning Consultants 1071 Harlow Road Spriugfield OR 97477 Date: 26 April 2004 Subject: Rattlesnake survey Because eoueern had been expressed by some area residents about the possible emigratiou of rattlesnakes from the quarry during the anticipated modifieati6n of the quarry, you contacted me about a survey for rattlesnakes in the quarry. On 19 March 2004 I rriet with you and Geri Betz to see the quarry. and at that time I agreed to conduct a survey consisting of nlliltiple searches for rattlesnakes when season and weather , are favorable. In the southern Willamette Valley the Western Rattlesnake is at the northern limit of its range on the west side of the Cascade Range. Fu~her north the c1osed-canopy conifer forests are not suitable habitat. In Lane County rattlesnakes are found in a few scattered places where there are open, usually oak-conifer woodlands and often where robk outcrops made breaks in the tree canopy in prehistoric I1T'nlles. . . f' '1 . h I h . d' I I k tere 1$ a vanety 0 natiVe som now III t e quarry t at III lcatcs t lefe was a natura roc outcrop present when the area was settled. Rattlesnakes may have been present at that time but have probably been extirpated from the quarry because of inteuse past~ and present use of the area. Proving the absence of anything is difficult so, to improve my chance of detecting any rattlesnakes that Inight be present, with your help 1 imported and subjectively distributed 48 pi~ces of sheet metal. Rattlesnakes are generally secretive and try to hide under objects by day and move ab6ut at night and during twilight conditions. lu the spring and early in summer mornings wheu air and groJnd temperatures are cool, snakes and lizards will favor sheet metal as a cover because the metal function~ as a solar collector and is wanner than surrounding rocks and ground. I This method of testing for the presence of reptiles is widely used in scientific studies, and the imported items are referred to as 'placements' because tllCyiare subjective placed where reptiles might find them. Although there has been disturbance of these sheet metal placements in the quarry. apparently by voung , 1-' boys having fun, a harmless gopher snake and over a dozen lizards have been found under these placements so far. The best time of year for detecting local reptiles will be in late spring during the months of May and June. Juvenile reptiles can warm themselves more easily and therefore will emerge earlier in the year, and this is consistent with the fact that most of the reptiles observed thus far have been juveniles, including the gopher snake. I At your direction I will continue my survey through the latc spring months. If rattlesnakes arc found at the site they will be relocated to a predetermined loca1ion that is remote from the project area and where people seldom visit. During the construction project I wpI continue to be available, through you. to any neighborhood residents who want a snake identified and relocated. Note that the harmless Gopher Snake often is mistaken for a rattlesnake because it will [mimic rattlesnake behavior when it is frightened. Many are killed by people who think they are killing a rattlesnake. Harmless garter snakes are also expected to be present, especially in the forest and wetland part~ of the entire project area. All removed snakes will be relocated for comfort of the public and safety of the animals. No endangered or protected species are anticipated in this area. Sincerely yours, I I ~~2k'Df Dattil Reoei\le;'~~'. ~~- A71 ~ Planner. VJ~...,~ ~w~ pt f-lffV i John S. Applegarth PhD Herpetologist and Zoological Consultant 1915 Terresa Avenue Eugene OR 97408-5903