Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hello. I'm looking for more wood turtle fans! I have lots of questions. Whoever has the time, feel free to write back. I am especially interested in learning how to help this species.
***In farfield county, CT they just completed a survey of the local wood turtles... They only found FIVE animals! Is that heartbreaking or what?*** The state just publised the findings in this months pamphlet. I had heard of the survey last month and was waiting to see what they'd find... It's rather disappointing I think.
I currently live in TX and would like to find out how to get my turtles to CT and possibly work with the sate to help with the conservation of the N.A. wood turtle. Not sure how to go about it or what to do. Anyone from CT?
Does anyone know of anyone who is currently working any kind of conservation efforts with their state?
I'm interested in breeding and releasing efforts as well.
Any thoughts, ideas or advice would be greatly appreciated!
-Michelle

I know we're doing work here in VT to conserve the species... we certainly have the ability to find more than 5 within state boundaries but it is listed as a species of greatest conservation need. I would be a little concerned about breeding and releasing animals into the wild -- it's possible that animals from texas would be genetically different enough from ones up here that there would be outbreeding complications and the co-adapted gene complexes might get thrown out of whack in successive generations... the place I intern at has (had) 3 wood turtles on display but recently one of our wood turtles was stolen as they are quite valuable. If you want to read something incredibly depressing, check out this article,
A 20-Yr Study Documenting the Relationship Between Turtle Decline and Human Recreation by Garber and Burger. If you don't have access to the article I can email it to you.

I live in Southern California now, but I grew up in Connecticut in the 1980s-1990s. I lived in Greenwich, New Canaan, and Darien, and I found Wood Turtles in all of those locations, adults to hatchlings.
In New Canaan (and adjoining Westchester County, NY), I personally know of three (3) locations that produce regular populations of both adult and hatchling Wood Turtles and Spotted Turtles. However, these locations are on private property.
I have a Wood Turtle hatchling now and 3 adult Eastern Box Tutles that are thriving in the SoCal climate. I'd like to give something back to these species, since they gave me so much enjoyment in my childhood.