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Federally Protected Species <br />• The area of interest overlaps with a U.S Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) Rusty Patched Bumble <br />Bee High Potential Zone. The rusty patched bumble be( (Bombus affinis) is federally listed as <br />endangered and is likely to be present in suitable habitat within High Potential Zones. From April <br />through October this species uses underground nests in upland grasslands, shrublands, and <br />forest edges, and forages where nectar and pollen are available. From October through April the <br />species overwinters under tree litter in upland forests and woodlands. The rusty patched bumble <br />bee may be impacted by a variety of land management activities including, but not limited to, <br />prescribed fire, tree -removal, haying, grazing, herbicide use, pesticide use, land -clearing, soil <br />disturbance or compaction, or use of non-native bees. If applicable, the DNR recommends <br />reseeding disturbed soils with native species of grasses and forbs using <br />or OnDOT Seed Mixes. <br />To ensure compliance with federal law, please conduct a federal regulatory review using the <br />U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's online Information for Planning and Consultation (IPaC) tool. <br />Please note that all projects, regardless of whether there is a federal nexus, are subject to federal <br />take prohibitions. The IPaC review will determine if prohibited take is likely to occur and, if not, <br />will generate an automated letter. The USFWS RPBB guidancE provides guidance on avoiding <br />impacts to rusty patched bumble bee and a key for determining if actions are likely to affect the <br />species; the determination key can be found in the appendix. <br />Environmental Review and Permitting <br />• The Environmental Assessment Worksheet should address whether the proposed project has the <br />potential to adversely affect the above rare features and, if so, it should identify specific <br />measures that will be taken to avoid or minimize disturbance. Sufficient information should be <br />provided so the DNR can determine whether a takings permit will be needed for any of the above <br />protected species. <br />• Please include a copy of this letter and the MCE-generated Final Project Report in any state or <br />local license or permit application. Please note that measures to avoid or minimize disturbance <br />to the above rare features may be included as restrictions or conditions in any required permits <br />or licenses. <br />The Natural Heritage Information System (NHIS), a collection of databases that contains information <br />about Minnesota's rare natural features, is maintained by the Division of Ecological and Water <br />Resources, Department of Natural Resources. The NHIS is continually updated as new information <br />becomes available and is the most complete source of data on Minnesota's rare or otherwise significant <br />species, native plant communities, and other natural features. However, the NHIS is not an exhaustive <br />inventory and thus does not represent all of the occurrences of rare features within the state. Therefore, <br />ecologically significant features for which we have no records may exist within the project area. If <br />Page 4 of 5 <br />