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c. Discuss how the identified fish, wildlife, plant communities, rare features and ecosystems may be <br />affected by the project including how current Minnesota climate trends and anticipated climate <br />change in the general location of the project may influence the effects. Include a discussion on <br />introduction and spread of invasive species from the project construction and operation. Separately <br />discuss effects to known threatened and endangered species. <br />Existing plant communities will be affected by the change in land use. The prominent land use that will <br />be converted is active agricultural land which provides poor habitat for wildlife. Impacts to more <br />sensitive natural areas including Wilkinson and Cedar lakes were avoided and minimized to the extent <br />feasible. An approximate 0.7 acres of unavoidable permanent wetland impacts are anticipated to <br />occur as a result of the construction of the Project. Wetland impacts were limited to currently farmed <br />wetland areas. Additionally, approximately 2.9 acres of wooded land will be removed. <br />The habitat of the RPBB varies throughout the year. Per the DNR NHIS Letter "April through October <br />this species uses underground nests in upland grasslands, shrublands, and forest edges, and forages <br />where nectar and pollen are available. From October through April the species overwinters under tree <br />litter in upland forests and woodlands." Due to several of these habitats being present within the <br />Project site, it was determined that the project will result in a "May Effect" for the RPBB. <br />Monarch butterfly's live in a variety of habitats but need nectar sources for food and can only lay eggs <br />on milkweed plants. There is potential for Monarch Butterfly to be located at the Project site. Due to <br />this, it was determined that the project will result in a "May Effect" for the Monarch butterfly. <br />Salamander Mussels inhabits rivers, streams, and in some cases lakes with natural flow regimes. None <br />of these habitats will be impacted by the Project. As a result, it was determined that the project will <br />result in a "No Effect" determination to the Salamander Mussel. <br />Measures to prevent the spread of invasive species during construction include working in non -infested <br />areas first before moving to infested areas, thoroughly cleaning equipment after working in infested <br />areas and before mobilizing to a different portion of the project site or a different project and <br />revegetating disturbed areas as soon as possible after construction is completed in an area. <br />d. Identify measures that will betaken to avoid, minimize, or mitigate the adverse effects to fish, <br />wildlife, plant communities, ecosystems, and sensitive ecological resources. <br />Unavoidable wetland impacts will be minimized to the greatest extent feasible, considering the site <br />constraints of each proposed wetland impact and surrounding area (such as special considerations per <br />MN Rules 8420.0515). <br />Wetland impacts were avoided to the extent possible during the preliminary design phase of the overall <br />site plan (Appendix B). The final design will attempt to avoid and/or minimize impacts to the extent <br />possible. Should unavoidable impacts remain, the proper permitting processes will be followed in <br />accordance with the WCA and/or Section 404 of the Clean Water Act as applicable. This process would <br />involve applying for a replacement plan potentially requiring compensatory mitigation. <br />The area of wetland impact and jurisdictional status of the wetlands will be determined by the proper <br />governmental agency during the permitting process following conclusion of the environmental review <br />process. <br />Page 22 <br />