The Maryland State Highway Administration does not put up road signs to protect any animal that is too small to damage a car. Only large animals, such as deer, which can endanger drivers and their vehicles receive road signage. This is unacceptable. Small animals like turtles and ducks should also be considered road hazards because many drivers are distracted by their unexpected crossing.

Recently, I identified an area in my own community which is a path of frequent turtle migration. When I contacted the MD State Highway System, I was told by one of their engineers that the current signage policy does not extend to turtles. I am frustrated by this because, as I drive down Route 50, there are numerous signs that read "Do not Mow Wildflowers" along the highway. And yet, the highway administration does not feel compelled to protect our state mascot, the diamond back terrapin? 

Since I am determined to try to address the problems in my community, I went on line and at my own expense purchased two 24 x 24 inch reflective signs which I hope I can persuade local property owns to allow me to erect near the turtle crossings area of RT 18 in Grasonville, MD. Please visit my GoFundMe page so I can purchase more signs for this mating season at http://www.gofundme.com/turtlesigns

My goal is to erect signage alerting drivers to the presence of turtles along Route 18. The initiative will improve turtle safety along Route 18 and maintain the rich biodiversity of our state by making it a safer place for turtles and drivers.

Ultimately, I am on a mission to contact our state legislature and highway dept to change to policy of road signage in MD to include small animals signage along state highways. Please help support this initiative by signing this petition and showing support for the safety of drivers and animals alike! 

Please visit my Prezi presentation for more details about this project here: https://prezi.com/u-oibuwzpjof/saving-the-bay-one-turtle-at-a-time/