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November 29,2023 <br /> Environmental Board <br /> Page 2 <br /> Mr. Nelson, Environmental Coordinator,presented the staff report. <br /> M/I Homes submitted a land use application for a Planned Unit Development, which <br /> includes 108 single-family residential lots on the approximately 59.3 acres site. <br /> Approximately 30 acres of open space will be provided. <br /> Mr. Nelson had seven recommendations for the Board: <br /> 1. A new rare plant and animal survey must be completed for the project area. <br /> • Ms. Nelson asked who identifies a rare plant or animal. Mr. Nelson explained that <br /> the applicant will have to hire a qualified company to perform the surveys. <br /> 2. If rare species are found on site, design layout should be revised to avoid impacts <br /> to these species. <br /> 3. If rare species are found on site and impacts are unavoidable, include features that <br /> minimize impacts (ex: buffers around rare plant locations for any that can be <br /> preserved, surmountable curbs to facilitate Blanding's turtle movement, <br /> restoration of undisturbed project areas). DNR permits may be required for any <br /> impacts to rare species. <br /> 4. Coordinate with the Rare Plant Rescue group (contact Carrie Taylor at Anoka <br /> Conservation District) to allow for transport of any rare plants for which impact is <br /> unavoidable to a donor site, such as Wollan's Park Wetland Bank in Lino Lakes. <br /> 5. A tree survey and inventory must be completed. <br /> • Ms. Holmes asked if there are modifications that could be made to the proposal <br /> for better retention of the older trees. Mr. Nelson explained there would be trees <br /> in enhancement areas and depending on the area; they have to provide a certain <br /> amount of trees proportionally to the amount of trees removed. Mr. Nelson also <br /> suggested having more conversation on this when the tree survey is submitted. <br /> • Ms. Buchmeier expressed concerns for what would happen if the private lot <br /> owners remove mitigation trees. Mr. Nelson replied that mitigation trees would be <br /> planted in protected easement areas and outlots rather than on the single-family <br /> lots. <br /> 6. Preserve as many trees as possible, particularly along the west and north <br /> perimeters of the site to provide buffer and screening between project site and <br /> existing residential lots. Tree protection zones in accordance with the City Tree <br /> Protection Fence Detail must be shown for all trees that are being preserved. <br /> These zones must be shown on the Tree Preservation Plan and Grading Plans <br /> submitted at the Preliminary Plat phase. <br /> 7. Consider restoration of upland and wetland areas as a community benefit. <br /> • Chair Sullivan asked what would be examples of restoration work in upland and <br /> wetland areas. Mr. Nelson explained that sometimes the developer would receive <br /> wetland credit if they do restoration, or sometimes they create wetland on-site. If <br /> they were to do restoration work such as invasive species management in upland <br /> areas that would provide community benefit. <br /> DRAFT MINUTES <br />