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Environmental Assessment Worksheet Nature's Refuge Conservation Development Lino Lakes, Anoka County, Minnesota Draft Document — September 25, 2006 25. Nearby resources. Are any of the following resources on or in pro xi' chaeological historical or architectural resources? �_- Yes X No Prime or unique farmlands or land - within an agricidtural preserve? Designated parks, recreation areas or trails? X Yes - _„No Scenic views and vistas? _Yes X No l er unique resources? Yes X No the s Page 20 yes, describe'the resource axd identify any or avoid Ear According to the State Historic Preservation Office, "no archaeological sites or historic structures were identified in a search of the Minnesota Archaeological Inventory and Historic Structures Inventory for the search area requested." During May of 2006, The 106 Group conducted a Phase I archaeological survey and architectural history assessment for the Nature's Refuge Development project (see Archaeological Survey, Attachment C). The proposed housing development project area encompassed approximately 232 acres, of which one acre was tested for archaeological resources. Shovel testing was performed within three identified areas of high archaeological potential. A total of 28 shovel tests were excavated to an average depth of 83 cmbs, but no archaeological materials were recovered. Based on the lack of archaeological materials found within the surveyed areas, no further archaeological work is recommended prior to construction of the proposed project. The athletic fields and wooded/wetland area immediately north of (and belonging to) Lino Lakes Elementary School are adjacent to the project property. The wetland area is an off -site part of Wetland 7. Also, the small portion of the project site that extends to the east and lies within Section 4 is part of Wetland 7 and is currently designated as City Park land. No permanent adverse impacts are expected to affect these resources. Temporary impacts would include exposure to routine construction- related noise and dust. 26. Visual impacts from intense li telm? 'eyes X No If yes,, e: lights visible in w dverse visual impacts du ernes areas and large vi In regard to "scenic views and vistas ", the EAW Guidelines states: "ng coilstr ible plume ton or Such as g] r`exln g tower These may include spectacular viewing points along lakes, rivers, or bluffs; virgin timber tracts; prairie remnants; geological features; waterfalls; specimen trees; or plots of wildflowers. Many are not officially designated or marked, but because of their local or statewide interest should be considered by the RGU. Impacts on the visual quality or integrity of these resources should be addressed as well as the physical impacts. The proposed project site is presently a large, open area presenting a view from Main Street of a varied quasi - natural expanse of grassland, forest, and wetland. From Pine Street it presents a view of forest with unbroken canopy, except at wetland openings. The southern portion of the site visible from Main Street was recently clearcut and can be expected to be a weedy and scrubby field for many years to come if no further action is taken. These views may well be regarded by some as scenic, although "spectacular" would probably be an overstatement because the views of fields, wetlands, and woods present on the project site are common in the Lino Lakes region. If the project goes forward, the views for local residents will include new houses in places that presently have no buildings. The appearance of new homes is a common change in any outer suburb in a metropolitan area. Most of the existing wetlands and some of the forested area will become part of the conservation area, and thus will be restored and preserved. New trails and boardwalks created as part of the project will allow the public access to viewing points at the margins of several of the wetland conservation areas. Temporary visual impacts will occur as a result of restoration and management activities in the conservation areas. These activities will involve brush cutting, use of mechanized equipment, and prescribed burning during specific