Eastern Hellbender & Blanchard’s Cricket Frog

River Camp &  Blackiston Mill Launch Sites

On May 31, 2022, RES conducted inspection surveys for two species listed by the State of Indiana State: the eastern hellbender salamander (Cryptobranchus alleganiensis) at the Blackiston Mill paddling launch site and the Blanchard’s cricket frog (Acris blanchardi) at the River Camp launch. These inspections were required as part of the Floodway Construction Permits issued by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (IDNR). They were conducted by two RES biologists who are familiar with the habits, life cycles, and with identifying both the hellbender and Blanchard’s cricket frog. The methods used, as well as the results, are discussed in more detail below.