Amphibian & Reptile Best Management Practices for Michigan
The Amphibian & Reptile BMP Manual for Michigan is a comprehensive resource on amphibian and reptile conservation and management provided through a partnership with Herpetological Resource Management and Michigan Department of Environmental Quality for no cost.
Intro
This manual was created for the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) by Herpetological Resources and Management (HRM) to provide a comprehensive guide to Best Management Practices (BMPs) to improve and maintain the viability of Michigan amphibian and reptile populations. This manual addresses 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 and, 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 be a living document and work in progress. As new threats, technologies, and management techniques arise revisions will be made to help best manage and protect Michigan’s herpetofauna.
Content to Include
- Natural History of Herpetofauna in Michigan
- Threats to Amphibians and Reptiles
- Conservation Efforts
- Management & Development Planning
- Ecological Restoration, Mitigation & Habitat Design
- Management Techniques
- Development Techniques