Griffy Lake Master Plan Update 2008 Monroe County, Indiana
August 13, 2008
Common musk turtle (Sternotherus odoratus) can be common, but not readily detected as they spend a lot of time in hiding. Eastern box turtle (Terrapene carolina carolina) are readily detected and probably common at GLNP. Individuals disperse widely and should not be picked up. This species is listed by Indiana DNR as a “Species of Special Concern”. This is primarily due to the frequency with which people collect them as pets. They are common at GLNP, although some are regularly killed on the road leading to the boathouse. Red-eared slider (Trachemys scripta elegans) were present but are probably not very numerous in Griffy Lake.
Snakes Northern copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix mokasen) snakes like dry hillsides, which at GLNP includes some hiking trails, thus encounters with hikers is possible. A bite should not result in panic, just a drive to Bloomington Hospital with an advance phone call. Northern ringneck snake (Diadophis punctatus edwardsi) is common at GLNP and are often found in sunny openings in the woods. However, it is usually hiding in or under logs. Black rat snake (Elaphe obsoleta obsoleta) are present at GLNP. Midland banded water snake (Nerodia sipedon pleuralis; taxonomy of this species sometimes changes) is fairly common along rocky shores of Griffy Lake. When cornered it strikes fiercely and is, as a result, needlessly killed. Rough green snake (Opheodrys aestivus) is usually found in sunny blowdown areas clinging to branches of small trees. This species is listed by Indiana DNR as a “Species of Special Concern”, which means that some decline has been noted, so remaining populations should be monitored. Since GLNP has a fair number of recent blowdowns and many old trees to fall regularly, habitat in the short term at least should be good for this snake. Eastern garter snake (Thamnophis sirtalis sirtalis) is likely to be found in much of GLNP.
Lizards Five-lined skink (Eumeces fasciatus) are often found darting along logs on the slopes by Griffy Lake, but also can be found in somewhat shady areas. Northern fence lizard (Sceloporus undulatus hyacinthinus) are also common on logs on slopes by Griffy Lake, this species is doing very well in its favorite sunny spots.
6.4.5 Recommendations Blowdowns Snakes, lizards, and turtles all require sunny areas, so allow for windblown trees to remain down in place and become open habitat areas for sun-loving reptile and amphibians away from roadsides and trails. Dry-mesic woodland GLNP is like much of south-central Indiana in that it historically was a mosaic of woodland types. In floodplains a mixed woodland tolerant of short-lived flood was present. In moist soil areas (low slopes grading to floodplain), dense beech-maple forest primarily existed as a climax forest. Extensive disturbance was infrequent as low position tempered high winds and moister soils reduced frequency and intensity of fire. From there, this forest could at times spread to mesic slopes, especially when disturbances (e.g. wind, fire) were reduced. Drier, more exposed (e.g. south or southwest facing slopes) probably faced more frequent intense wind and fire. Historically, this meant that dense shade of beech-maple forest was rare on these sites. However, decades of fire suppression have allowed beech and maple (among others) to invade
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