At Hollaway Environmental + Communications, we are proud of the wide range of expertise our team brings to each project. Meet Monty Criswell, a herpetologist whose extensive experience working with the Alligator Snapping Turtle has proven invaluable. His deep knowledge of wildlife conservation has contributed significantly to Hollaway’s protected species management and environmental services.
Expertise in Alligator Snapping Turtle Conservation
Monty’s is driven by a passion for reptiles and their conservation. With years of experience working with species like the Houston Toad, Gopher Tortoise, Dunes Sagebrush Lizard, and the Alligator Snapping Turtle, there is no doubt Monty’s work has had a lasting impact on the protection of Texas wildlife! Through his involvement in the Alligator Snapping Turtle monitoring project with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department in Harris County, Monty has helped gather critical data to better understand the population and movements of this unique and threatened species.
Hollaway’s Value in Protected Species Management
Monty’s expertise has proven to be a valuable asset to Hollaway’s environmental services, especially in the context of protected species management. Hollaway is committed to helping clients navigate compliance with state and federal regulations related to endangered and threatened species. Monty’s role in ensuring the protection of the Alligator Snapping Turtle directly supports our clients’ projects by addressing the complexities of wildlife conservation.
Monty’s experience includes monitoring and tracking the Alligator Snapping Turtle through techniques like Passive Integrated Transponder (PIT) tagging and shell notching. These methods allow scientists to track individual turtles and gather data critical to their conservation.
Challenges in the Field: Conservation in Action
Working with the Alligator Snapping Turtle presents both challenges and rewards. The delicate process of trapping and monitoring the turtles requires a deep understanding of their behavior and habitat. Monty’s hands-on approach ensures the turtles are safely handled, and data is collected in a way that supports long-term conservation efforts.
“The work with the Alligator Snapping Turtle has given us a closer look at the turtle populations in Harris County,” says Monty. “It’s rewarding to know that we are helping to protect a species that plays such a critical role in our local ecosystems.”
Why This Work Matters
The Alligator Snapping Turtle is not just a fascinating and ancient species; it plays an essential role in maintaining the balance of local wetland ecosystems. But as a threatened species, it faces significant challenges to its survival. This is why Monty’s work and others are so important.
The Alligator Snapping Turtle is currently proposed for federal protection under the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, which would provide additional safeguards for its habitat. Once this protection is formalized, any projects that might impact these critical habitats will be subject to a higher level of scrutiny. This means that development projects, infrastructure plans, and even land-use changes in areas where the Alligator Snapping Turtle resides will need to undergo thorough environmental assessments to ensure they do not negatively affect the species or its habitat.
At Hollaway Environmental + Communications, we’re committed to helping our clients navigate these regulatory requirements. With our expertise in protected species management, we assist in ensuring that projects meet all necessary environmental guidelines and work in harmony with conservation efforts. As we continue to integrate wildlife protection into our projects, we aim to foster a balance between development and the preservation of the natural world, ensuring that vulnerable species like the Alligator Snapping Turtle continue to thrive.
A Commitment to Sustainability and Conservation
We are proud to have experts like Monty on our team. The in-depth knowledge he has gained working with the Alligator Snapping Turtle helps ensure our clients have a trusted expert by their side as they undertake land development and infrastructure projects, and that long-term conservation goals for this species are met—a delicate balance.
Hollaway remains dedicated to helping our clients achieve success while also safeguarding endangered species and their habitats. If you’re interested in learning more about how Hollaway’s environmental services can assist with compliance for protected species or want to support conservation efforts, we invite you to reach out to us.
Together, we can ensure that projects not only succeed but also protect the incredible species that make our world unique.
