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Minnesota Department of Natural Resources January 30, 2006 Natural Heritage and Nongame Research Program, Box 25 500 Lafayette Road St. Paul, Minnesota 55155 -40_ Phone: (651) 259 -5107 Fax: (651) 296 -1811 E -mail: sarah.hoffmann @dnr.state.mn.us Jason Husveth Critical Connections Ecological Services, Inc. 14760 Oakhill Road Scandia, MN 55073 Re: Request for Natural Heritage information for vicinity of proposed Carlson / Peterson Conservation Development, T3 1N R22W Sections 4 & 5, Anoka County NHNRP Contact #: ERDB 20060543 Dear Mr. Husveth, The Minnesota Natural Heritage database has been reviewed to determine if any rare plant or animal species or other significant natural features are known to occur within an approximate one -mile radius of the area indicated on the map enclosed with your information request. Based on this review, there are 31 known occurrences of rare species or native plant communities in the area searched (for details, see enclosed database printout and explanation of selected fields). Following are specific comments for only those elements that may be impacted by the proposed project. Rare feature occurrences not listed below are not anticipated to be affected by the proposed project. • As you are aware, several rare plant species including Tubercled Rein- Orchid (Platantltera} lava var. herbiola), Cross - Leaved Milkwort (Polygala cruciata), and Twisted Yellow -Eyed Grass (Xyris torta), all endangered species; Lance - Leaved Violet (Viola ianceolata) and Tooth —Cup (Rotala ramosiar), both threatened species; and Autumn Fimbristylis (Fimbristylis autumnalis), Marginated Rush (Juncus marginatus), and Clinton's Bulrush (Scirpus clintonii), all special concern species, have been documented within or immediately adjacent to the proposed development site. These locations should be identified as high priority areas for protection and/or restoration. If these areas are not protected and the project will impact any species listed as either endangered or threatened, you willl need to contact Bonita Eliason, Supervisor, Natural Heritage and Nongame Research Program, at (651) 259 -5090 to discuss the endangered species permitting process. Minnesota's endangered species law (MS 84.0895) and associated rules (Chapter 6212.1800 - 6212.2300 and 6134) prohibit taking, importing, transporting, or selling endangered or threatened plants or animals, including their parts or seeds, without a permit. For plants, taking includes picking, digging, or destroying. For additional information on the permitting process, please see http:llwww.dnr.state.mn.us /ecological services /nhnrn /endangered permits.html • The project area is within a "known concentration" area of Blanding's Turtles (Emydoidea blandingii), a state threatened species. There are 15 such areas in the state. These areas have been determined by the DNR to be locations of highest priority for research and management activities, and are relied upon to maintain the species' security in the state. Blanding' s Turtles spend much of their time in shallow wetlands (1 -3 feet deep), but they nest in open, sandy uplands up to 1 mile from wetlands. Nesting is in June and eggs hatch in September, at which time young turtles enter deep wetlands where they over - winter in soft sediments. Factors believed to DNR Information: 651- 296 -6157 • 1- 888 - 646 -6367 • TTY: 651- 296 -5484 • 1 -800- 657 -3929 An Equal Opportunity Employer �/ Printed on Recycled Paper Containing a Minimum of I Orlf Post- Consumer Waste