Consumers Energy releases 56 turtles found in pipeline project into natural habitat

Marina Johnson, Detroit Free Press
·2 min read

Consumers Energy recently released 56 turtle hatchlings into a natural habitat after rescuing the eggs along the Mid-Michigan Pipeline Project.

According to a news release, the adult females who hatched the eggs were safely relocated from the pipeline path and the eggs were incubated and nurtured by the Herpetological Resource and Management.

Chris Fultz, Consumers Energy’s vice president of gas operations, said it’s important to leave local communities better than before.

“At Consumers Energy, we believe in leaving our communities better than we found them, and that is why years of careful planning with environmental partners at the local, state and federal levels went into the execution of the first phase of this pipeline project,” said Fultz. “This work is not just about following the permit requirements, it is about doing what is best for the wildlife in the area, and we continue to be grateful for partners that help us do that.”

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The HRM rescued and released 39 Eastern Snapping turtles, 12 Midland Painted turtles, and five Blanding’s turtles on Thursday.

While not under federal protection, Blanding’s turtles are considered a protected species in the state of Michigan. Consumers Energy and HRM have rescued several Blanding’s hatchlings to be incubated and monitored throughout the winter. They will be released next spring with the hope of increasing future reproduction and chance of survival.

“HRM is proud to collaborate with Consumers Energy helping to ensure the next generation of turtles in Michigan,” said David Mifsud, owner and manager of HRM. “Through their efforts of rescuing turtles and headstarting hatchlings we are helping support the protection and conservation of these imperiled species.”

According to the news release, the two organizations have worked closely together on various projects since 2009, including the Saginaw Trail Pipeline.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Consumers Energy relocates baby hatchlings found near pipeline project