06-03-2019 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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5/29/2019 10 I-35E Corridor Alternative Urban Areawide Review (AUAR) The I-35E Corridor Alternative Urban Areawide Review (AUAR) was a proactive, citizen-driven environmental review process that comprehensively assessed the environmental impacts of development in a 4,600-acre growth area in the city. The AUAR was completed in 2005 and the AUAR area is shown by Figure 2-3.The overarching goal of the project was to balance development with natural resource conservation. The result of the AUAR process was a Mitigation Plan that documents the actions the city will take to mitigate environmental impacts. The AUAR and mitigation plan are updated every 5 years. Lino Lakes Resource Management Plan (RMP)/Comprehensive Wetland Management Plan In 2008, as part of the integrated comprehensive planning process, the Rice Creek Watershed District prepared a Resource Management Plan to provide a watershed-based approach to wetland management. This process included an analysis of the city’s future land use plan to determine the impacts of future growth on the area’s aquatic resources. A key component of the plan was to establish a Wetland Management Corridor. This corridor includes high priority wetlands (see Figure 2-4), natural open space (uplands), greenway connections and marginally suitable development areas. The plan identifies several strategies to mitigate development impacts, particularly within the Wetland Management Corridor. This study was approved by the Board of Water and Soil Resources as a Comprehensive Wetland Management Plan in 2008. Lino Lakes Special Area Management Plan (SAMP) In 2010, Lino Lakes developed this plan with the intent that it could be used to expedite US Army Corps of Engineer’s Section 404 Permits within the city. The purpose of the SAMP was to provide a watershed-based and conservation-based framework for aquatic resource management, particularly as development and redevelopment occur within the city. The study included an inventory of wetlands and other land cover within the city using MLCCS process. The function of the wetlands was also assessed to identify high priority wetlands and potential wetland restoration sites. These data were used to determine criteria for the SAMP that would maintain wetland function. Natural Resources Revolving Fund Plan In 2017, the City of Lino Lakes undertook a study to evaluate the potential for establishing wetland banks at several locations throughout the city. The study identified six sites (shown on Figure 2-5) for potential wetland banks. The goal of the plan is to establish a self-funding mechanism to acquire, protect, and enhance high value ecological areas within the city. The wetland banks would provide local opportunities to mitigate wetland impacts for both public and private projects in Lino Lakes. The proceeds will provide for ongoing stewardship and expansion of the greenway system.