12/15/2010 Env Bd Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Search

• • Preservation as a Component of ENRV ENRV credit cannot be granted for preservation alone. However, ENRV replacement credit can be allocated for the preservation of exceptional wetlands when the project includes a significant restoration component. Typically, restoration of native, non - invasive vegetation or hydrology must occur on at least 25 percent of the project area. Restoration could be of a portion of the exceptional wetland itself, or of adjacent buffer if it substantially improves the function and sustainability of the exceptional resource. Preservation credit can only be granted for areas of native, non - invasive vegetation that do not require management intervention. To be eligible for preservation credit as part of ENRV, the TEP must also determine that there is a high probability the wetland proposed for preservation will be degraded or impacted and that the wetland either: A. Contains or benefits an exceptional resource; B. Is a type or function that is rare, difficult to replace, or of high value to the watershed; C. Contains a rare or declining plant community; or D. Is of a type that is not likely to regenerate, such as northern white cedar. Allocation of credit for preservation under ENRV is not limited by land ownership or area of the state. However, MN Rule 8420.0526, Subp. 9 and BWSR Preservation Guidance should be consulted for additional details. Feeding and resting habitat for migrating scaup is of international importance. Avoid allocating credit for actions or sites that will depend on perpetual, on -going management to be successful. Focus on achieving sustainable results. Preservation can be considered for portions of sites containing a significant northern white cedar component. Assessment Tools to Assist in Credit Allocation Functional assessment methods (such as MnRAM) should not be used as the sole determinant of credit. However, such inventory and assessment methods can be useful tools to assist the TEP in determining the functional gain and success of a project as well as the resulting credit allocation in accordance with identified performance standards. For example, the more important the function and the greater the increase, the more justification for a higher credit allocation within the possible range. The following are some examples of such tools: • MnRAM • Floristic Quality Assessment (FQA) for MN Wetlands • The Hydrogeomorphic Approach for Assessing Wetland Functions (HGM) • An Index of Biotic Integrity (IBI) appropriate for the location and primary function of the site. • Forest stand inventories and assessments. • Hydrologic monitoring. Applicants should coordinate with the TEP to include appropriate assessment tools in the restoration plan. 5