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ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD MEETING NOVEMBER 29, 2000 <br />Ms. Sand stated the other component of this project is the local unit of government <br />project to establish a set of materials and determine what they would recommend for <br />various projects. She stated they received federal funding for this component and decided <br />to work with the cities of Hugo and Lino Lakes on this project. Ms. Sand noted the <br />information provided to the Board which detailed a permitting process time line <br />indicating this project would be completed in August or September of 2001. She <br />reviewed their primary activities will include the development of a checklist for natural <br />resource guidance, conducting natural resource inventory and assessments, and to provide <br />information and assistance to local communities. <br />Ms. Sand asked if the Board is working on other plans and policies on which they would <br />like DNR involvement. She stated they would also like to provide some voluntary input <br />to work with developers. Ms. Sand provided a detailed list of what the DNR would like <br />to produce as part of the Wildland Interface Project to help local units, a checklist for <br />natural resource inventory and analysis checklist, a checklist for addressing natural <br />resources in the City's Comprehensive Plan, and a checklist for a site based management <br />plan for natural areas. Ms. Sand also provided a copy of the Best Management Practices <br />in Minnesota booklet entitled Conserving Wooded Areas in Developing Communities. <br />Ms. Sand displayed a digital aerial photograph of the Saddle Club property depicting land <br />cover classification data including different vegetation communities, imperviousness, <br />forest, non-native, and wetland areas. She also provided maps identifying the level of <br />disturbance and map of tree canopy cover which creates environmental benefits. Ms. <br />Sand stated they intend to do mapping for the site by the elementary school that may be <br />developed. <br />Asleson reviewed the site to the west of the Lino Lakes Elementary that is currently under <br />a purchase agreement for development. He noted the trail corridor alignment and advised <br />of the uses of the property to the north. <br />Ms. Sand stated Metro Greenway staff reviewed the site to consider the potential for a <br />planning grant and land acquisition assistance. She presented Chair Lanyon with copies <br />of that information. Asleson advised of possible involvement with the Anoka <br />Conservation District to assist with grant writing. <br />Mach stated this property by the school is valuable and asked if the Board can do <br />anything to assure it is protected. Asleson stated the Board can support a statement <br />encouraging that preservation. <br />Chair Lanyon stated in the past, the Board has not made specific recommendations about <br />particular sites that need to be saved. He indicated support to move toward that position <br />and suggested the development of a statement to the City Council emphasizing the <br />importance of preserving this site, noting it contains an almost pristine wetland and abuts <br />a school. <br />7 <br />