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<br />9 <br /> <br />• Swamp Blackberry (Rubus semisetosus), a state-listed endangered species, has been <br />documented in the vicinity of the project. A qualified surveyor needs to conduct a <br />botanical survey if any shrub removal is associated with the proposed project. Surveys <br />must be conducted by a DNR approved surveyor (see attached list) and follow the <br />standards contained in the Rare Species Survey Process and Rare Plant Guidance. <br />Project planning should take into account that any botanical survey needs to be <br />conducted during the appropriate time of the year, which may be limited. Please consult <br />with the NH Review Team (Reports.NHIS@state.mn.us) regarding this process. <br />• Blanding’s turtles (Emydoidea blandingii), a state-listed threatened species, have been <br />documented in the vicinity of the proposed project. As such, the following avoidance <br />measures are required: <br />o Avoid wetland impacts during hibernation season, between October 15th and <br />April 15th, unless the area is unsuitable for hibernation. <br />o The use of erosion control blanket shall be limited to ‘bio-netting’ or ‘natural- <br />netting’ types, and specifically not products containing plastic mesh netting or <br />other plastic components. <br /> Also, be aware that hydro-mulch products may contain small synthetic <br />(plastic) fibers to aid in their matrix strength. These loose fibers could <br />potentially re-suspend and make their way into Public Waters. As such, <br />please review mulch products and not allow any materials with synthetic <br />(plastic) fiber additives in areas that drain to Public Waters. <br />o Areas where there will be construction should be checked for turtles before the <br />use of heavy equipment or any ground disturbance. <br />o The Blanding’s turtle flyer must be given to all contractors working in the area. <br />o Monitor for turtles during construction and report any sightings to the DNR <br />Nongame Specialist, Erica Hoaglund (Erica.Hoaglund@state.mn.us). <br />o If turtles are in imminent danger they must be moved by hand out of harm’s <br />way, otherwise, they are to be left undisturbed. <br />• If the above avoidance measures are not possible, please contact Samantha Bump <br />(Samantha.Bump@state.mn.us) as further action may be needed. <br />• For additional information, see the Blanding’s turtle fact sheet, which describes the <br />habitat use and life history of this species. The fact sheet also provides two lists of <br />recommendations for avoiding and minimizing impacts to this rare turtle. Please refer to <br />both lists of recommendations and apply those that are relevant to your project. For <br />further assistance regarding the Blanding’s turtle, please contact the DNR Regional <br />Nongame Specialist, Erica Hoaglund. <br />Response: The NHIS letter from the DNR is included in Appendix C of the EAW and states <br />the information stated above about the Swamp Blackberry and Blanding’s turtles. The <br />need for a botanical survey of Swamp Blackberry will be evaluated if shrub removal is <br />necessary for the project and the avoidance measures will be required, forwarded to the <br />project proposer and incorporated into construction notes to avoid any potential impacts