09/10/2003 Env Bd Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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July 29, 2003 Page 2 of 2 On Thursday July 17th, 2003, Mr. Husveth and Mr. Asleson met on site and conducted meander surveys within appropriate habitats for the species of concern. The surveys lasted for three hours and the entire site was walked and assessed for the presence /absence of rare species with focused ground surveys. A thorough field review by Mr. Husveth and Mr. Asleson revealed that most of the site was too disturbed and too densely vegetated with primarily non - native forage grasses and weeds to support the rare species of interest. However, in isolated shallow depressions with sparse vegetation, focused searches were conducted for suitable habitat for such species as lance leaved violet (Viola lanceolata; State Threatened), autumn fimbristylis (Fimbristylis autumnalis; State Special Concern), tubercled rein orchid (Platanthera flava var. herbiola; State Endangered), cross leaved milkwort (Polygala cruciata; State Endangered), Clinton's bulrush (Scirpus clintonii; State Special Concern), marginated rush (Juncus marginatus; State Special Concern), and several other species of concern. No rare plant populations were encountered during the July 17th surveys of the subject property. The site was primarily maintained as non- native herbaceous old -field vegetation, dominated by smooth brome (Bromus inermis), Kentucky blue grass (Poa pratensis), and reed canary grass (Phalaris arundinacea). A deep ditch transects the site from north to south through the center of the site, and from east to west at the north end of the site The ditch also has several smaller laterals along its extent. The vegetation along the ditch was primarily second growth woodland vegetation dominated by box elder (Acer negundo), elm (Ulmus americana), buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica), and hackberry (Celtis occidentalis). Furthermore, a pronounced fill pad was encountered at the southeast corner of the site This area was dominated by smooth brome and spotted knapweed (Centaurea maculosa), a Minnesota noxious weed. Most of the site was too disturbed and too densely vegetated with primarily non- native forage grasses and weeds to support the rare species of interest. Furthermore, no rare species were found within the limited suitable habitat that did occur on the site Based on the findings of the July 17th surveys of the Marshan Lake Business Park proposed development site and the absence of state- listed plant populations on the site, we conclude that no rare plant populations will be directly impacted by the proposed development activities on the site If you have questions regarding the information contained within this letter or the project in general, please feel free to contact me at (952) 736 -2770 Ext. 22. on Husveth, , .S. Senior Ecologist Enclosures