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• Environmental Assessment Worksheet Nature's Refuge Conservation Development Lino Lakes, Anoka County, Minnesota Draft Document — September 25, 2006 Page 24 Summary of issues. no not co nip ete'this section the EAR' being done for EIS scoping; instead address' relevant'issues in the 'draft Scoping Decision dvcumer which ,must accompany the SAW.. List any impacts and issues identified above that may require" further investigation he fore the project is begun. Discuss any' alternatives or mitigative measures that have been or may be considered for these impacts and issues, mcluding' those that have been or may ordered as permit conditions. Conservation Development The project will combine desired infill residential development in Lino Lakes with conservation of a valuable wetland complex. This rare wetland type and its rare plant species will be restored to higher - quality conditions and managed to remain a high - quality system dominated by native plant species, while maintaining its present suite of wetland services and values (e.g. flood retention, protection of downstream public waters). The revenue generated by the development of the residential subdivision will allow for the full funding of the restoration and management plan. A small percentage of wetland area and a quantity of forested upland will be lost as a result of the development, in exchange for creation of the high - quality conservation reserve including the remaining wetlands and surrounding forested uplands. This plan has been given initial provisional support by several regulatory agencies. Wetland Impacts The project will result in filling of 7.5 acres of wetland, and in the restoration, management, and preservation of 132 acres under a conservation easement with an ongoing management plan in perpetuity. Most wetland area to be filled is presently in a disturbed, degraded condition. All wetland acreage to be put under conservation management will be restored to higher - quality conditions with greater floristic diversity and reduced abundance of exotic invasive plant species. The conservation plan will also include restoration and management of upland wooded areas and other vegetated buffers along wetland boundaries. Wetland losses are expected to be mitigated by wetland credits generated through the establishment and management of the conservation area. It is hoped that this area will be designated as an area of Exceptional Natural Resource Value (ENRV) based on the existence of several rare (state- listed) plant species and a rare wetland community. The BWSR Wetland Committee has expressed initial approval of this approach for this site (April 2006 meeting). This designation will allow greater wetland credit generation. It is expected that the conservation plan will allow accumulation of excess wetland credit, which will be banked for future mitigation needs. Forest and Tree Impacts The project will cause the conversion of 51 acres of forest, resulting in the loss of forest wildlife habitat and a large number of trees. The development is designed to preserve existing trees and forested upland buffers wherever possible. Remaining forest patches will be restored and maintained as part of the conservation area, but will be a smaller and more fragmented habitat than presently exists, and habitat for a variety of forest - interior animals and plants will be lost or degraded. All mature trees have been surveyed and tagged in accordance with City ordinance. Rare Species Impacts Blanding's turtles and five rare plant species have been recorded on the site. At present, it is unknown how many turtles use the site, but they are most likely to occur in and around the larger, deeper wetlands, which will be protected from loss or impact by the project. By including upland wooded buffer zones in the planned conservation areas, upland foraging and nesting habitat for Blanding's turtles will be maintained, though there may be some permanent reduction in this type of habitat. As recommended by DNR, signs will be installed to inform residents and visitors of the need for caution around turtle habitat. The installation of ribbon curbs in some places will reduce barriers to turtle movements. Flyers will be given to all contractors working in the area, and future residents will be informed of the presence of the turtles and their habitat needs. Silt fencing will exclude the turtles from construction areas, but will be removed after construction and revegetation to allow free turtle movement. Culverts connecting wetlands and ponding areas will be of recommended size and shape to allow turtle passage. The runoff and sedimentation controls, and restriction on fertilizer use, will help maintain habitat quality for the turtles. In general, the placing of the conservation areas under easement and long -term management will maintain habitat quality.