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Environmental Board <br /> April 24, 2024 <br /> Page 2 <br /> disappointed with the decision to cut them down. She asked the Board to hold <br /> MI Homes accountable for replacing the 3,900 trees due to the mitigation <br /> process. <br /> Raymond Stanke, 663 Andall Street, Lino Lakes, MN 55014, Mr. Stanke <br /> appreciates the wildlife that he has enjoyed since moving here in the 1990's. He <br /> said reptiles and amphibians were bountiful. He stated there has been a decline <br /> in the wildlife over the last ten years. Mr. Stanke stated he saw a wood turtle on <br /> a neighboring property that was on the endangered list. Mr. Stanke feels it is <br /> criminal and self harming to ignore what is happening. He feels whatever is <br /> getting into the water and killing the tree frogs is not helping. He spoke to the <br /> Metropolitan Mosquito Control and feels it is criminal what they are putting in the <br /> water. <br /> Open Mike was closed at 6.46 p.m. <br /> 7. DISCUSSION ITEMS <br /> A. Nature's Refuge North — Restoration and Tree Mitigation Plan <br /> Natures Refuge North is a proposed subdivision with 99 single-family residential <br /> lots on an approximately 59.3 acres site located just north of the Natures Refuge <br /> development on Main Street. The Environmental Board first reviewed a concept <br /> plan for the Natures Refuge North project at the October 25', 2023 meeting. <br /> Since the initial meetings with the Environmental Board and Planning and Zoning <br /> Board, the developer, M/I Homes, has been working through the <br /> recommendations and requirements to further explore the feasibility of the <br /> project. <br /> Mr. Nelson wanted to know if the Board would be open to some flexibility on the <br /> tree mitigation numbers knowing what we know about this site. He said there is <br /> restoration and establishment potential to bring in the rarest native plant <br /> community to this area, which is Oak Savanna. Mr. Nelson indicated the <br /> suggestion is to find the best possible ecological and environmental outcome for <br /> this specific patch of land while honoring the landscape requirements that are <br /> valued by the residents. He said the development team has been working to <br /> minimize tree impacts and determine what areas have potential for vegetive <br /> restoration. <br /> Mr. Nelson stated there are conservation developments in the City that are <br /> examples of how native plant restoration work can be better incorporated into <br /> design. These sites include Foxborough, the Preserve, Saddle Club and Nature's <br /> Refuge. He stated tree mitigation numbers were waived or altered in the past in <br /> DRAFT MINUTES <br />