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An initial habitat assessment was conducted by MNR in September 2023 after which follow-up <br />surveys for the 2024 field season were recommended. Accordingly, MNR completed surveys in <br />May and July 2024 resulting in observations during the early and mid -growing seasons. In total <br />six species of threatened or endangered species were found onsite and are listed in the table <br />below: <br />Species <br />Classification <br />Rubus fulled <br />Threatened <br />Rubus semisetosus <br />Threatened <br />Trichophorum clintonii <br />Threatened <br />Viola lanceolata <br />Threatened <br />Rubus stipulates <br />Endangered <br />Carex pallescens <br />Endangered <br />A take permit application has been submitted to DNR for proposed impacts to onsite protected <br />plant species. <br />Opportunities for transplant of some species to the adjacent Wollan's Park wetland bank with <br />approval from the DNR. Stockpiling and using existing topsoil onsite will help preserve native <br />plant communities and possibly extend the range of threatened species. <br />Environmental Review Record <br />As previously noted, in 2006 a mandatory Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EAW) was <br />prepared for the original Natures Refuge concept because the proposed 278 housing units <br />exceeded the 250 housing unit threshold. The EAW thoroughly analyzed potential impacts to <br />wetlands, rare plant and animal species, floodplain, water quality, noise, traffic and archeology. <br />It was determined the project did not have the potential for significant environmental effects <br />and the Council passed Resolution No. 07-06 making a Negative Declaration on the Need for an <br />EIS. <br />The scope and size of the existing Natures Refuge and revised Natures Refuge North (152 <br />housing units on 155 gross acres) is smaller than the original 2006 proposal (278 housing units <br />on 232 gross acres). A revised EAW is not required because the 152 housing units do not <br />exceed the 250 housing unit threshold. <br /># Lots <br />Acres <br />Natures Refuge <br />60 <br />95 <br />Natures Refuge North <br />94 <br />60 <br />TOTAL <br />154 <br />155 <br />13 <br />