03-13-2002 Council Agenda - Laserfiche WebLink

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III. WILDLIFE ISSUES: As mentioned above this is a healthy ecosystem consisting of plant and animal life both immature and mature. Biological species are represented from protozoa through invertebrata culminating in mammalia. The lower and higher plant species manage themselves. The lower and higher animal species manage themselves. Together the plants and animals cohabit and coexist here to produce a healthy ecosystem. In our opinion anything that would threaten such a balance is "Unnecessary" and "Unhealthy ". There are a variety of plant and animal species in this wetland. We will mention them here hut of particular interest are the "Civet Cat ", "Bald Eagle" and the "Ladyslipper Orchid ". The Civet Cat or "spotted skunk" is very rare and is on the DNR's "Threatened Species" list. In 1994 there were only 3 reported in our State. The civet cat was trapped here for many years and we believe it still exists here. We had two resident sightings last year and one resident report of a road kill on Viking Drive near the Edgerton intersection. The DNR is willing to help us substantiate this. *Attached Letter from Joan Galli DNR. The Bald Eagle hunts here but does not live here. Many residents have sighted the Bald Eagle hunting on this wetland and the surrounding wetlands. The Ladyslipper Orchard is Federally protected and reported to be here as well. It was here in the 1950's and 1960's and they are still seen here today. Other species that inhabit /frequent this wetland are as follows: Mammals: Whitetail deer, Coyote, Red fox, Striped skunk, Mink, Weasel /ermine, Raccoon, Opossum, I heaver was sighted, Woodchuck, Muskrat, Gray squirrel, Black squirrel (melanistic), Red squirrel (pine), Flying squirrel, Chipmunk, various other more common specimens such as rabbit, etc. Birds: Bald Eagle, Osprey, Great horned owl, Snowy owl, Barred owl, Long eared owl, Screech owl. Hawks: Red tail, Coopers, Sharpshinned, Kestrel. Egret, Blue heron, Green heron, Black- crowned night heron, Belted kingfisher, Yellow headed blackbird, Pileated woodpecker, Red bellied woodpecker, various other more common specimens such as waterfowl, wild turkeys, cedar wax wings, bluebirds, bluejays, cardinals, finch, etc. The mammals use this area as part of their "corridor ". They travel from areas west and south of this wetland to the Gristmill area north of this wetland. We will be disturbing the natural corridors of these mammals by destruction of the urban forest. Is it necessary to have this project here and disturb our wild inhabitants? STIMULUS: Mr. Bill Penning, DNR Metro Greenways has visited the site twice. He asked us to submit the "Site Protection Nomination Form" with the help of our City by March 29, 2002 which is the deadline. We offer our assistance in completing the form if the City so desires.