06/27/2007 Env Bd Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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Critical Connections Ecological Services, Inc. 14760 Oakhitt Road, Scandia, Minnesota 55073 Phone: 651.433.4410 Fax: 651.433.4528 Email: infoeccesinc.com June 28, 2007 Mr. Marty Asleson Natural Resources Specialist Lino Lakes City Hall 600 Town Center Pkwy Lino Lakes, Minnesota 55014 Re: Results of Rare Plant Survey Wessel Property, Proposed Rural Residential Subdivision NE1 /4 of the NE1 /4 Section 2 of Township 31N Range 22W, Lino Lakes, Minnesota Dear Mr. Asleson: Web: www.ccesinc.com Critical Connections Ecological Services, Inc. (CCES) was retained by Mr. Brian Wessel (The Wessel Company) to conduct a botanical survey for state - listed vascular plant species on his property in northeast Lino Lakes. The 25 acre property is located within the NE1 /4 of the NE1 /4 Section 2 of Township 31N Range 22W, and is within the Northeast Lino Lakes AUAR area. Mr. Wessel is currently proposing to subdivide the property as a rural residential subdivision. The 25 acre site contains many of the soils, vegetation, and hydrological characteristics that could support a number of state - listed (or otherwise rare) vascular plant species. For these reasons, Mr. Jason Husveth (CCES Principal Ecologist) conducted a site -wide botanical survey for the presence of state - listed plant species on June 26, 2007. Mr. Husveth reviewed recent aerial photographs, soils, topography, and hydrology information, as well as proposed site plans, prior to visiting the site. Mr. Husveth met with Mr. Wessel on site to review site background information and proposed residential site plans. Mr. Husveth surveyed all suitable habitats for the presence of rare plant species that could potentially occur within the wetland and upland habitats within the property. All habitats were surveyed regardless of whether or not they were proposed for direct or indirect development impacts. No state - listed (or otherwise rare) vascular plant species were detected during the June 26, 2007 survey. Several of the higher quality wetland habitats within the site contain suitable habitats for select rare plant species. However, these wetland habitats (wet meadows, wet prairies, emergent marshes) were too overgrown, were fire- suppressed, and contained too much perennial thatch to be optimal habitats for the rare species we surveyed for. Future restoration and management of these wetland systems (such as prescribed burning, mowing, clearing) may result in improved habitat quality, increased native species diversity, and emergence of sensitive (and rare) species from the native seed bank.