04/26/2000 Env Bd Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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04/20/2000 09:00 6124018798 • • KJOLHAUG ENVIR SERV PAGE 03 Clearwater Creek 3'i Addition is among the most unique and ecologically sensitive residential developments within the metro area. Gor -em Development and the City of Lino Lakes have made significant efforts to protect and incorporate more than 60 acres of woodland, prairie, and wetland open space habitats for the benefit of the environment and residents. Walking trails and habitat corridors connect this series of greenways, which will ultimately be owned by the City of Lino Lakes. Nearly 60 percent of all lots in the development abut these greenways and trails, allowing convenient access and visual enjoyment of the areas. The concept for this project originated as a joint effort between the City and developer and represents a focussed effort to protect the environment while meeting demands for single - family homes in Lino Lakes. Wetlands have received considerable attention during the past 2 decades because of an increased public recognition of the abundant social and ecological benefits that they provide. These benefits include: • Wetlands filter surface water runoff prior to discharge into s, protecting water quality • Wetlands store water during peak runoff periods, lessening potential for downstream flooding. Water is then released gradnaiy, contributing to the maintenance of stream flow rates during low flow periods. • Wetlands provide habitat for a variety of insects, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and mammals. Deeper wetlands also provide important spawning habitat for a several fish species. More recently, attention has been given to providing upland buffers to protect wetlands from runoff from developed and agricultural areas. Buffers remove contaminants before they enter wetlands, preventing degradation of water quality and plant communities. Buffers also provide habitat for upland wildlife species and nesting cover for waterfowl and other water birds. Protecting areas supporting mature, high value oak, ash, maple, and basswood trees benefits wildlife and adds visual diversity to the development. Opportunities for observing birds and many other species of woodland wildlife enhance the enjoyment of development residents and all users of the trail. The developer has made substantial efforts to restore and enhance wetland and upland habitats within the greenways. In wooded areas dominated by mature oak, maple and basswood trees, these efforts have included removal of non - native invasive shrubs such as buckthorn, prickly ash, and honeysuckle. Removing dense shrub growth will allow sunlight to reach the ground and stimulate the growth of lush herbaceous ground cover. Some degraded wetland and grassland plant communities have been removed and replaced with diverse, native plant communities. Because of past use of portions of the site as pasture, many of the grasslands had been previously converted to agricultural