Voluntary Conservation Measures for Protecting Butler's Gartersnake Habitat

Tier 1

Tier 2

Tier 3

Voluntary Protection Measures

Install trenched-in silt fencing just outside the wetland boundary prior to Mar. 16 to prevent snakes from entering the project site once snakes emerge from hibernation. The fence will need to encompass the construction site on all sides up to 300 feet from any snake overwintering wetlands in order to avoid snake mortality. The fence should be installed with loop-arounds at the ends and at openings in order to redirect the snakes away from them (see Diagram 1). Fences should be maintained throughout the snake's entire active period (Mar. 16 - Nov. 5).

Time projects so that they occur during the snake's inactive period (Nov. 6- Mar. 15).

Redesign project to maximize remaining suitable habitat patch size. This can include building in natural green space, especially including unmanicured upland habitat adjacent to the natural wetlands, including the perimeters of stormwater management ponds.

Redesign stormwater management ponds to be retention (hold water temporarily) rather than detention (permanent/semi-permanent) ponds where permissible.

Support research that increases our knowledge of snake habitat requirements and management. This could include providing access to your properties by researchers or helping fund this research.

Conduct periodic maintenance of the suitable upland habitat area, including either mowing, burning or brush/tree removal with glyphosate applications to cut stems during the snake's inactive period to prevent the habitat from becoming unsuitable habitat (see definition of suitable upland habitat).

Land Trusts or other conservation organizations obtain conservation easements to protect additional habitat.

Establish voluntary protection agreements with private landowners.

Establish upland habitats to further protect and/or maintain Butler's habitat.

Fee Title acquisition by DNR or other conservation organizations.