Theft of turtle crossing signs hindering research

POTSDAM — A diamond-shaped sign featuring a large turtle found alongside several roads in St. Lawrence County has become a popular target for thieves.

The signs were erected earlier this month for the endangered Blanding's turtle in hopes of offering them a fighting chance to complete their risky journey across two lanes of traffic. The slow-moving turtles are attempting to reach their nesting grounds.

"The biggest killer of the Blanding's Turtle is cars," SUNY Potsdam Biology Chairman Glenn Johnson said. "We hope these signs would reduce their morality by making drivers aware of them and to slow down."

The research project is studying the effectiveness of turtle crossing signs as a conservation measure. The Blanding's turtle is classified as an endangered species by the state Department of Environmental Conversation.

Three students were assigned to check the daily number of turtles found dead and speed of vehicles using radar guns traveling through the turtle-crossing areas.

The signs were placed at five locations, including Route 68 in the town of Canton, Route 310 and County Route 39 in the town of Louisville, County Route 30 in the town of Madrid, and Potsdam-Morley Road in the town of Canton between Sykes Road and the village of Morley.

The signs on County Route 30 and Route 310 have either been shot or stolen. A few replacement signs have also disappeared on County Route 30. The biology professor has talked with the St. Lawrence County sheriff's department about the incidents.

"They're unique signs, but with motorists hitting just a couple of female Blanding's turtles, it can be the turning point of a population dying off or not," Mr. Johnson said.

The signs, installed by the county highway department and state Department of Transportation, will be removed June 30.