07/15/2004 Env Bd Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Search

• • b. Are any state - listed (endangered, threatened or special concern) species, rare plant communities or other sensitive ecological resources such as native prairie habitat, colonial waterbird nesting colonies or regionally rare plant communities on or near the site? Q Yes ❑ No If yes, describe the resource and how it would be affected by the project. Indicate if a site survey of the resources has been conducted and describe the results. If the DNR Natural Heritage and Nongame Research program has been contacted give the correspondence reference number: ERDB 20020842 . Describe measures to minimize or avoid adverse impacts. A search in the Minnesota Natural Heritage database revealed four documented occurrences of " Blanding's Turtles ", a state threatened species. Although none of these occurrences were within the project area, they were within a few miles, and it is likely that Blanding's Turtles may use the site if habitat is suitable. The letter from the DNR also outlines recommendations for avoiding and minimizing impacts on Blanding's Turtles (See Exhibit C). Based on recommendations of the DNR, the following mitigation techniques are proposed by the project proposer for avoiding and minimizing impacts to Blanding's Turtle populations: 1. Flyers will be distributed and posted on site to inform the contractors and existing homeowners of the possibility of Blanding's Turtles in the area. 2. Contractors and residents will be informed by flyer that turtles on roads or in areas of imminent danger will be moved out of harms way. 3. In addition to protecting wetlands, silt fencing will be set up to keep turtles out of harms way. Silt fencing will be removed after area has been re- vegetated. 4. No wetlands will be dredged, deepened, filled, nor will any culverts be used to connect wetland areas. A bridge is proposed to connect the upland area, so north south movements within the wetland area would not be a problem from a road crossing standpoint. 5. An erosion control plan has been adopted and the use of certain fertilizers and pesticides on lawn areas will be regulated through the homeowner covenants. Due to the type of development proposed, and the custom grading of the homes, most of the property is proposed to remain in its natural wooded state with little area to be grass lawn. 6. Roads are proposed to be 20 feet in width, without curb and will allow for turtles to cross safely if so inclined. 7. Terrain will be left with as much natural contour as possible. Minimal grading is proposed with this development. The site has been engineered to minimize grading to the site and preserve natural areas to the greatest extent possible. 8. If vegetation management is necessary in tall grassland areas, it shall be done after October 1St and before June 1St and be done mechanically rather than chemically. Environmental Assessment Worksheet Page 7 Pheasant Hills 12'" Addition