10/27/2009 Env Bd Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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• Agenda Item 5A • Environmental Board Meeting Date: October 27, 2009 Topic: Wollan's Park Wetland Bank Background: Wetland banking is a process of tracking wetland and upland buffer credits that are designated for replacement of future wetland losses. These wetland credits may result from a prior replacement project with excess credits earmarked for banking, or from a wetland creation /restoration project done solely for the purpose of establishing wetland credits in the State Wetland Bank. Wetland banking allows wetland acreage to be purchased from an account holder who has an account of functioning wetland credits. Wetland banking must conform to the requirements in the Wetland Conservation Act (WCA). The LGU's control the banking program as they must approve banking project plans and certify all deposits and withdrawals to ensure the wetland impacts meet sequencing requirements. The Bureau of Water and Soil Resources (BSWR) maintains a record of deposits and withdrawals and oversees banking operations statewide. The sale of the credits remain with the account holder. BWSR is the only officially recognized wetland bank in Minnesota. Attachment 1 is a submittal by Jason Husveth of Critical Connections Inc., to work with the City of Lino Lakes to initiate a wetland mitigation bank project in Woolen's Park. Wollan's park is a City owned park in Section 5 North of Main Street. Analysis: The scope and cost of banking the wetlands in Wollan's Park are outlined in Jason Husveth's submittal. The project cost of $8,915.00 can be paid with $5,000 available in Professional Services in the 2009 Environmental budget, and the remainder of the project cost would be paid either in the 2010 Environmental budget or through the Surface Water Management Fund. Recommendations and Comments Staff recommends initiation of this project/ other comments of the Environmental Board and Park Board. Attachments 1. Proposal from Jason Husveth /Critical Connections, Inc.