02-03-25 - Council Work Session Agenda

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project is proposing to impact wetlands, which requires the preparation of a wetland replacement plan. Please refer to WCA Technical Guidance on RNCs as the project moves forward, and contact DNR Regional Plant Ecologist, Amanda Weise (651-259-5793; Amanda.Weise@state.mn.us) for further coordination on RNC evaluation during the WCA process. 11. Page 21, Rare Features. Please refer to the previous comment. Current and historical (1991- present) aerial imagery show no apparent differences in land use or vegetation between the Outstanding MBS site closer to Wilkinson and the contiguous wetlands within the project area. They are all part of the wetlands surrounding Wilkinson Lake and it is likely that the conditions and NPCs in the MBS Site continue into these wetlands within the project area. "Outstanding" sites contain the best occurrences of the rarest species, the most outstanding examples of the rarest native plant communities, and/or the largest, most ecologically intact or functional landscapes. The condition of the wetlands on the western side of the project is not known. 12. Page 21, Rare Features. This section does not represent the abundance of state threatened, Blanding's turtles, in the area. There are two mapped element occurrences of the Blanding's Turtle that overlap with the Project site and several other documented occurrences within a mile. Blanding's Turtles may move up to or over a mile during the active season. They use wetlands, creeks, ponds, and lakes to overwinter and use uplands during the active season for travel, feeding, and nesting. 13. Page 22, Rare Features. Given the number of Blanding's turtles documented in and near the project area, it is likely this species uses the area for summer activities - nesting, feeding, basking, and/or travel - and/or for overwintering. Direct impacts to wetlands will be minimized but conversion of uplands to housing and associated infrastructure will make those areas of little use to Blanding's turtles and will likely make them more dangerous to these turtles as they will have greater exposure to the cars and other potentially harmful activities. A Blanding's turtle avoidance plan is required for this project, and should be described in this section of the EAW.