07/15/2004 Env Bd Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Search

1 1 1 1 1 i 1 1 1 • 1 1 1 1 1. 1 1 April 2, 2002 REC'D APR 0 3 2002 Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Natural Heritage and Nongame Research Program, Box 25 500 Lafayette Road St. Paul, Minnesota 55155 -40 Fax: (651) 296 -1811 E -mail: sarah.hoffmann @dnr.state.mn.us Phone: (651) 296 -7863 Jared Andrews Loucks & Associates, Inc. 7200 Hemlock Lane Maple Grove, MN 55369 Re: Request for Natural Heritage information for vicinity of proposed Pheasant Hills 12`s Addition, T31N R22W Sections 27 & 28, Anoka County NHNRP Contact #: ERDB 20020842 Dear Mr. Andrews, The Minnesota Natural Heritage database has been reviewed to determine if any rare plant or animal species or other significant natural features are known to occur within an approximate one -mile radius of the area indicated on the map enclosed with your information request. Based on this review, there are 4 known occurrences of a rare species in the area searched (for details, see enclosed database printout and explanation of selected fields). Following are specific comments for that species. • The project area is within a "known concentration" area of Blanding's Turtles (Emydoidea blandingii), a state threatened species. There are 13 such areas in the state. These areas have been determined by the DNR to be locations of highest priority for research and management activities, and are relied upon to maintain the species' .security in the state. Although no turtle records have been reported directly from the project site, it is highly likely Blanding' s Turtles use the site, if habitat is suitable. Blanding' s Turtles spend much of their time in shallow wetlands (1 -3 feet deep), but they nest in open, sandy uplands up to 1 mile from wetlands. Nesting is in June and eggs hatch in September, at which time young turtles enter deep wetlands where they over - winter in soft sediments. Factors believed to contribute to the decline of this species include wetland drainage and degradation, development on upland nesting areas, and possibly collection for the pet trade. In addition, because of the tendency for Blanding' s Turtles to travel long distances over land, they are often forced to cross roads in developed areas. Many of the records we have of Blanding' s Turtles are from turtles killed crossing roads. For your information, I have attached a fact sheet and a flyer about the Blanding's Turtle. The fact sheet is intended to provide you with background information regarding habitat use, life history, and reasons for the specie's decline, as well as recommendations for avoiding and minimizing impacts to this rare turtle. As you will note, there are two lists of recommendations. The first list contains recommendations to prevent harm to turtles during construction work, and is relative to all areas inhabited by. Blanding's Turtles. The second column expands on the first column, and contains greater protective measures to be considered for areas known to be of state -wide importance to Blanding's Turtles. Because your project is DNR Information: 651- 296 -6157 • 1- 888 - 646 -6367 • TTY: 651- 296 -5484 • 1 -800- 657 -3929 An Equal Opportunity Employer Who Values Diversity 0 Printed on Recycled Paper Containing a Minimum of 10% Post - Consumer Waste