Highest turtle road mortality ever documented - Tallahassee, FL
by Eric L. Walters, Dept. of Biological Science Florida State University
Web Exclusive Article, September 2002

Matthew Aresco, a 4th year PhD student in the Department of Biological Science at Florida State University, has been involved in a turtle rescue project at Lake Jackson (near Tallahassee) for the past several years. During the recent drying of Lake Jackson there was an unparalleled migration of turtles. As the turtles moved across highway 27 (in order to move from the drying lake to a lake on the other side of the highway) they were being killed in unprecedented levels (the highest rate ever recorded in North America).

Matt built a temporary fence to divert turtles (and other wildlife, > 41 species) away from the road and into a culvert that joined the two lakes. Over the past 2.5 years he has monitored the temporary fence at least twice per day and maintained it at his personal expense (at least $2000 out-of-pocket).

Florida State University recently honored him for his work by presenting him with a Student Profiles of Service Award. This award is sponsored by the Division of Student Affairs (Center for Civic Education and Service) recognizing individual students who demonstrate exemplary commitment to community service at campus, local, national, or international levels. Matt was also recognized for his volunteer efforts by Leon County in an awards ceremony last year.

While Matt appreciates receiving these awards, his real goal is to see the construction of a permanent ecopassage along highway 27 where it bisects Lake Jackson. The construction of this ecopassage will stop the needless slaughter of thousands of amphibians and reptiles each year by diverting wildlife to culverts that pass under the highway.He has single-handedly already saved over 8,500 amphibians and reptiles (over 8,000 turtles alone) using his temporary fence.

Matt will soon be finishing his PhD and leaving FSU for greener pastures. When he does eventually leave Tallahassee there will be no one left to monitor and maintain his temporary fence. He has been building public support to "encourage" the Department of Transportation to erect a permanent ecopassage at Lake Jackson. As Matt's departure date nears it is all the more imperative that steps toward this goal move forward.

I encourage you to visit Matt's web site and read more about what you can do to make the Lake Jackson Ecopassage a reality (and all of Matt's efforts worthwhile).