Amphibian & Reptile Best Management Practices for Michigan
The Michigan Amphibian & Reptile Best Management Practices manual is a comprehensive resource on amphibian and reptile conservation and management provided through a partnership with Herpetological Resource Management (HRM) and the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) for no cost.
A Complete Guide to the Conservation of Michigan Herpetofauna
HRM created the Michigan Amphibian and Reptile Best Management Practices (BMPs) Second Edition for EGLE, formerly the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ), to provide an updated comprehensive guide to improve and maintain the viability of Michigan amphibian and reptile populations. Building off the information of the original manual, the Second Edition expands upon the success of its predecessor by incorporating expanded content sections and updated scientific research. Similar to the original, this manual addresses existing and emerging threats to Michigan’s amphibian and reptile (i.e., herpetofauna) communities posed by development and conservation management practices. The manual contains alternatives that are based on the best available science to facilitate conservation actions to protect specific species and the communities that support them. These BMPs are designed to inform land management, development, and conservation activities, including restoration. This BMP manual is a Michigan-focused guide that provides specific recommendations to regulators, agency land managers, consultants, commercial and residential developers, and private citizens to protect, preserve, and restore the herpetofauna of Michigan.
This manual is to be used as a quick-reference guide throughout all phases of site development and construction, mitigation, restoration, and management. Specific laws and applicable BMPs for the mitigation of potential impacts to amphibians and reptiles are provided. These are listed and described within the appropriate BMP section to best address specific concerns as they are encountered while a project moves into implementation. It is our hope that this resource will continue to be a living document. As new threats, technologies, and management techniques arise, revisions will be made to help best manage and protect Michigan’s herpetofauna.
Second Edition Updates
The Michigan Amphibian and Reptile BMP Second Edition features new informative sections including rare species showcases, vernal pool protection and conservation, and an overview of geologic and climatic history of herpetofauna in Michigan. Other additions to the Second Edition include new case studies, updated photographs and illustrations, and large expansions of the restoration, management, and development chapters of the manual. In addition to new content, the Michigan Amphibian and Reptile BMP Second Edition incorporates the most recent scientific literature and updated State and Federal regulations to provide the most effective and valuable information.
Content Included
- Natural History of Herpetofauna in Michigan
- Threats to Amphibians and Reptiles
- Conservation Efforts
- Project Planning
- Ecological Restoration, Mitigation & Habitat Design
- Management Techniques
- Development Techniques