08-01-2022 Council Work Session Packet

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aALLIANT ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT WORKSHEET 11 Robinson Sod Farm PAGE23 The project is not likely to adversely affect the northern long-eared bat (NLEB) because there are no known maternity roosts or hibernacula of this species on the project site and within the project vicinity (MN DNR & USFWS, 2021). There are less than 10 tree species on site and they are concentrated by the sod farm office space. Tree clearing is not expected to substantially impact NLEB's roosting, breeding, and feeding given the limited amount of available existing trees on site. Construction will be mindful of the tree clearing exclusion dates and to the extent possible, clear trees between October and April. This will reduce the risk of impacting migratory songbirds and roosting bats, if they are potentially in the small cluster of trees present by the existing sod farm office space. • The project site is not known to contain highly suitable habitat for the monarch butterfly and the rusty patched bumble bee. The vegetation habitat available on site is dominantly by sod and not flowering plants that would attract the monarch butterfly and rusty patched bumble bee. The residential development of the site will likely improve pollinator habit by increasing native plant diversity through landscapes buffers and reducing pesticide use. BMPs consisting of erosion control measures, listed under Item 11.b.ii., will be installed on the project site prior to construction to control invasive species and weeds to the extent practicable. Since the project site is in sod farm production, the site has been manipulated to reduce weedy and invasive species. After construction and grading are complete, the exposed soil will be planted with turf grass (for residential units) or approved, native seed mixes designed to establish desirable vegetation in order to mitigate the risk of invasive species. d. Identify measures that will be taken to avoid, minimize, or mitigate adverse effects to fish, wildlife, plant communities, and sensitive ecological resources. As part of the development, the creation of stormwater basins, lawn/landscaping, and trees will greatly improve the existing conditions of the project site. The proposed improvements will increase habitat for fish, wildlife, and plant communities on -site that did not exist before. Any slopes requiring semi -permanent reinforced netting will use non -plastic biodegradable fabric or rectangular shapes to mitigate impacts to wildlife. 14. Historic Properties Describe any historic structures, archeological sites, and/or traditional cultural properties on or in close proximity to the site. Include: 1) historic designations, 2) known artifact areas, and 3) architectural features. Attach letter received from the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO). Discuss any anticipated effects to historic properties during project construction and operation. Identify measures that will be taken to avoid, minimize, or mitigate adverse effects to historic properties. A data request was submitted to the Minnesota State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) to determine if there were any historical or archaeological sites identified on site. The SHPO responded stating that there are no known historical or archaeological records for the project site. See Appendix E for the SHPO correspondence.