Turtles will be better protected in Avalon. The Avalon Department of Public Works has installed brand new tubing along Avalon Boulevard to provide greater protection and safety for adult female diamondback terrapin turtles. The new tubing will prevent the turtles from a dangerous crossing across the boulevard during their nesting season.
Avalon is using black corrugated plastic drainage pipe as a barrier for the terrapins. Research at the Wetlands Institute showed that even the largest terrapins were unable to scale and climb over the drainage pipe. The system was tested in Margate in 2010 as over 7,000 feet of pipe was installed along the Margate Causeway. This pipe provided an excellent source of protection for the terrapins in that community. This type of protective fencing has a much lower profile than other types of turtle fencing and pedestrian-induced damage to the fencing is insignificant.
The Avalon Department of Public Works will be responsible for its maintenance. The cost of the project is largely financed by funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
