More than a dozen turtles that previously lived in the reservoir behind the Gorge Dam are now swimming in a new watery home.
The four-legged, slow-moving, hard-shelled travelers were caught and released this summer in the Valley View Area river access point to protect them from the $130 million dam deconstruction project, which includes dredging sediment, scoop by scoop.
These reptile rescues will likely be completed over two construction seasons. So far, three staff members have rescued 15 to -20 snapping, midland painted, red-eared sliders and musk turtles…