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• • • Mr. J. Smyser July 10, 2001 Page 2 This item in the EAW also states that the proposed fill for the parking lot is necessary due to the "central location of the subject wetland in the most visible area of freeway frontage." It is uncertain how this justification meets the impact sequencing requirements of the Wetland Conservation Act. Regarding the proposed impacts to Wetland Basin B, the EAW states that impacts to Wetland Basin B have been totally avoidcd. While Wetland B may not be proposed to be filled or dredged, the trees are still likely to be impacted by the development. While the proposed project will not directly impact Wetland B, the close proximity of that wetland to the storm water storage pond is likely to influence groundwater levels in the wetland. The changing water levels can reduce the health of the existing trees and make them more susceptible to insect and disease attack. These effects will develop slowly and will become apparent several years after the project is complete. Similar comments about the impacts of this project on wetland basins have been provided to the Rice Creek Watershed District as part of the DNR comments on the Wetland Conservation Act (WCA) Replacement Plan application. The DNR also recommends that the trees removed should be used for commercial forest products and not just piled and burned. DNR Metro Utilization Forester Jean Mouelle, can be contacted at 651- 772 -7567 for additional information. Exhibit 1( in the EAW contains the proposed tree preservation plan. However, this exhibit does not provide sufficient readable information to be able to determine the proposed tree preservation plans. The exact plans are not well described. Landscaping a site with trees does not replace the habitat values lost when the original forested area is removed. If the City of Lino Lakes does not have tree mitigation /replacement guidelines, then it is difficult for the project proposer to know whether they have met the goals and objectives of the city. Thank you for the opportunity to review this project and the EAW. We look forward to receiving your record of decision and responses to comments at the conclusion of environmental review. Minnesota Rules part 4410.1700, subparts 4 and 5, require you to send us your Record of Decision within five days of your decision on this action.