Montgomery, KentNiemi, Gerald J2015-03-042017-04-142015-03-042017-04-141997https://hdl.handle.net/11299/187253Herpetofauna (reptiles and amphibians) have been experiencing declines in populations worldwide. Explanations for these declines include increased ultraviolet radiation, decreased water quality, and habitat alterations. Although the causes of these losses are unknown, the point remains that this vertebrate group may be one of the most sensitive indicators of environmental health. Identifying habitat requirements of herpetofaunal communities and monitoring trends in their populations may enable forest managers to better understand the effect of forest management activities upon wildlife dependent on forested habitats. We initiated herpetofaunal inventories during 1996 on selected biophysical plots established within the Boulder Lake Management Area by St. Louis County Land Department personnel. Northern white cedar, eastern white pine, and early successional habitats were selected for inventory A variety of inventory techniques were used within each habitat, including drift fences, cover boards, and calling anuran (frogs and toads) surveys. The sampling efficiency, cost effectiveness, and durability of each technique were evaluated. Recommended protocols for herpetofaunal inventory on St. Louis County biophysical plots included in this report were created based upon these evaluations.enHerpetofaunaAmphibiansReptilesForest managementBoulder Lake Management AreaSt. Louis County, MinnesotaBiophysical plotsNatural Resources Research InstituteUniversity of Minnesota DuluthTechnical Report