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• AGENDA ITEM 7A STAFF ORIGINATOR: COUNCIL MEETING DATE: TOPIC: VOTE REQUIRED: BACKGROUND Marty Asleson, Environmental Specialist March 11, 2002 Public Hearing /First Reading of Ordinance No. 03 -02, Adopting Surface Water Zoning Requirements for Peltier Lake. Joint Powers Agreement with City of Centerville 3/5 Vote Required Peltier Island is a 30 -acre island on the north end of Peltier Lake and lies within the Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park Reserve. Peltier Island and the surrounding lake contain a very unique and environmentally sensitive ecosystem. This area is sensitive because of the shallow water depths, unique aquatic vegetation, and a muddy bottom that is rich in nutrients. The area is also sensitive because of the unique colony of Great Blue Herons and Great Egrets that nest on the island. In fact, Peltier Lake Island is classified as the second largest heron colony in the Twin Cities Metropolitan Area. Records of the herons nesting habits in the Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Park Reserve have been maintained since 1945. Historically, there were three nesting sites in the Lino Lakes area. The birds appeared to have migrated to a single nesting area located on Peltier Island. In June of 2000, the herons and egrets began deserting the island, leaving behind nests, eggs, and offspring. In 2001, the colony was abandoned once again. On January 23, 2002, a task force of stakeholders met to discuss the problem. The group identified a number of possible reasons that may have led to the disappearance of the birds. Several strategies were formulated to protect both the bird colonies on Peltier Island, as well as the unique vegetative and aquatic features on the North side of the island. The creation of a no -wake zone area around the north side of the island was suggested and unanimously supported by the task force. ANALYSIS The purpose of the no -wake zone is to minimize human disturbance to adjacent nesting birds, aquatic vegetation and water quality around the island. The need for buffer areas around nesting birds is well documented. Research indicates the need for at least a 300 -meter nesting and buffer zone for Great Blue Heron nests, and that the birds tend to abandon nests when larger disturbances occur within 500 meters. Butler, 1992.