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1-35E Corridor AUAR Update MCE-2025-00105 Page 3 of 6 State-listed Species • Butternut (Juglans cinerea), a state-listed endangered tree species, have been documented within the proposed project area.This species occurs in mesic hardwood forests with loamy or alluvial soils or in sandy soil if the water table is relatively near the surface. It is perhaps most common on river terraces elevated several feet or more above the active floodplain, where it is protected from siltation and flood scouring.This species is susceptible to a lethal fungal disease called butternut canker(Sirococcus clavigignenti juglandacearum). Nearly all of Minnesota's butternuts are dead or dying from the fungus, triggering the protected status of this tree within the state. Minnesota's Endangered Species Statute (Minnesota Statutes, section 84.0895) and associated Rules (Minnesota Rules, part 6212.1800 to 6212.2300 and 6134) prohibit the take of endangered or threatened plants or animals, including their parts or seeds, without a permit.As this species has been documented in the proposed project area, a qualified surveyor will need to(1) resurvey known occurrences and (2)conduct a habitat assessment to determine if suitable habitat exists within the activity impact area and, if so,conduct a rare plant survey of any trees in the proposed project area that are proposed to be removed. Surveys must be conducted by a qualified surveyor and follow the standards contained in the Rare Species Survey Process and Rare Plant Guidance.Visit the Natural Heritage Review page for a list of certified surveyors and more information on this process. Survey proposals should be submitted to Reports.NH IS@state.mn.us prior to initiating survey work. Project planning should take into account that any botanical survey needs to be conducted during the appropriate time of the year, which may be limited. Please consult Review.NHIS@state.mn.us if you have any questions regarding this process. • Blanding's turtles (Emydoidea blandingii), a state-listed threatened species, have been documented in the direct vicinity of the proposed project. Blanding's turtles use upland areas up to and over a mile distant from wetlands, waterbodies, and watercourses. Uplands are used for nesting, basking, periods of dormancy, and traveling between wetlands. Factors believed to contribute to the decline of this species include collisions with vehicles, wetland drainage and degradation, and the development of upland habitat.Any added mortality can be detrimental to populations of Blanding's turtles, as these turtles have a low reproduction rate that depends upon a high survival rate to maintain population levels. Development in this area has the potential to impact this rare turtle through direct fatalities and habitat disturbance/destruction. Minnesota's Endangered Species Statute (Minnesota Statutes, section 84.0895) and associated Rules (Minnesota Rules, part 6212.1800 to 6212.2300 and 6134) prohibit the take of threatened or endangered species without a permit. Given that project details are unknown at this time and the presence of Blanding's turtles and suitable habitat in the project area, we are unable to provide specific avoidance measures at this time. Individual projects should request a Natural Heritage Review via Minnesota Conservation Explorer to ensure compliance with Minnesota Endangered Species Statute and Rules. Below are some resources to help plan avoidance for projects within the AUAR: o Blanding's Turtle Fact Sheet (state.mn.us) o Blanding's Turtle Flyer(state.mn.us) o Emydoidea blandingii : Blanding's Turtle I Rare Species Guide I Minnesota DNR(state.mn.us) Page 146 of 240