06-03-2019 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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5/29/2019 8 Minnesota Land Cover Classification System (MLCCS) and Natural Resources Inventory From 2000 to 2001, the city participated in a detailed land cover classification and natural resources inventory of the city, using the newly established Minnesota Land Cover Classification System (MLCCS). The MLCCS survey of Lino Lakes documented all existing developed, agricultural, semi-natural, and natural land cover types within the city (see Figure 2-2).The MLCCS assessment and resulting natural resources inventory identified and mapped 1,978 natural community remnants and semi-natural landscapes of various ecological quality throughout the city. Furthermore, the MLCCS inventory identified 11 additional rare plant populations that had not previously been documented within Lino Lakes, as well as dozens of potential natural rare species habitats that were flagged for future field checking. The MLCCS assessment determined the ecological quality of remnant natural areas and classified each natural area into high, moderate and low-quality areas. Rare Wildlife and Plant Habitat Models Using available natural resources inventory data and land cover information, and known habitat affinities of rare animals, city staff developed a GIS based wildlife model to assess potential habitats for rare animal populations known to occur within the city. This predictive model identifies potential habitats for a state threatened reptile, the Blanding’s Turtle (Emydoidea blandingii). The city also assisted with the development of a predictive model to assess potential habitats that could support rare plant populations within the city. The model parameters were based on environmental data collected with historic and recent records of rare plant population records documented within Lino Lakes and adjacent communities on the Anoka Sandplain (e.g. Blaine, Ham Lake, and Columbus).The model analyzes available MLCCS land cover and natural resources inventory data, as well as soils, wetlands, hydrology data, and recent aerial photographs to determine natural and semi-natural habitats with a high likelihood of supporting undocumented rare plant species populations. The results of these models are used to review proposed development plans and conservation projects, and to identify areas within the city that may require additional field survey and assessment for the presence of rare wildlife or plant populations. Lino Lakes Greenway System Plan In 2004, the city updated its Comprehensive Parks, Natural Open Space/ Greenways, and Trail System Plan (Greenway System Plan).The planning process incorporated updated and detailed natural resources information and environmental analysis to develop a greenway system plan that incorporated important natural resources into a contiguous network of recreational and habitat corridors throughout the city. This program has resulted in the design and implementation of residential conservation developments within the city that achieve ecological restoration, open space reservation, recreational, and economic development goals of the city. This plan has been updated for the 2040 Comprehensive Plan.