Post
by Whitman » September 9th, 2019, 4:40 am
Richard Hoyer -
First and foremost, thank you sir for your reply to my inquiry regarding MgCl2.
At this point, I've not designed a reasonable method of testing the effects of this application on the roads and the impacts it may have on herpetofauna. Started noticing the lack of serpents on the roads last year, and have payed close attention this summer along those routes where it is used, versus similar roads where it is not in use. The dissimilarities are striking. I will continue to look into it. Most of the applications on gravel or dirt roads have been in the late spring when dust starts to become an issue, and the single application seems to eliminate use throughout the summer. Thus, in my limited observations, it appears to be a severe problem for at least 4 months after application.
The majority of my current efforts with herps is being conducted in Lemhi County. I have been conducting wolf work for Idaho Fish and Game (as a contractor) in northern Idaho (Mostly Shoshone, Clearwater, and Idaho Counties), so have done limited herp work in those areas as well, mainly along the Coeur d'Alene, St. Joe, N. Fork Clearwater, Kelly Creek, and Lochsa Rivers, simply looking at distribution of northern tailed frogs, n. alligator lizards, western skinks, and Coeur d'Alene salamanders. Those herping efforts, however, have been a bit less formal than the work in the Lemhi River area.
As an aside, I've been reading and greatly enjoying your Charina work for many years. Thank you sir, for that work. I tip my hat to you...
If other forum members out there have any experience with magnesium chloride and it's effects on herpetofauna, I'd sure appreciate your observations.
Jack Whitman