Multnomah County Drainage District Turtle Study

Preparing a turtle study was the first step in moving forward with planned drainage improvements for the district. As part of the study, AKS analyzed potential impacts on the western pond turtle and western painted turtle. Both species are considered vulnerable species and the district wanted to be sure appropriate protection measures were in place. Our natural resources staff worked with our in-house GIS analysts to develop a manual that featured best management practices for future development projects and maps of known turtle habitats.