03/06/2002 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION MARCH 6, 2002 the exact reason for the Heron leaving is still unknown. The DNR is continually gathering information but the current consensus is that a no -wake zone will minimize any potential disturbances. She stated the eagle and heron do get along together and almost every rookery has an eagle nest nearby. This particular colony has failed twice and everyone needs to do what they can to sustain the colony. The ordinance is a standard management concept that is often used. Utilizing the no -wake zone only on the north side of the lake will accommodate the recreation on the lake. Time is a factor because the birds nest in the spring, usually beginning in the middle of March. The quality of the lake is also an issue and the no -wake zone will help with the quality also. Mayor Bergeson asked if eagles could be competing with the birds for the same food. Ms. Galli stated she does not think that herons and eagles cost e for the same food because they hunt food differently and eat different -sized food. Councilmember Reinert asked if the herons have been on 's only 12 years. Ms. Galli stated the herons have only been on the isl. ; f. bars, but eagle nests have been there also. Eagles have nested on the island at ea ''twice. Some of the herons have left the island after being there only a few months uccessfully nesting. The birds have left the island two years in a row. Mr. Jeff Perry, Anoka County, stated the studies that were done in 1995. Studies resource. The 20/20 Vision also indi County but to residents as well. Th the north side of the lake and the is be protected. The rookery was the previous rookery location C. . pective on the island dates back to e island is a very significant island is not only important to the d put together a master plan that showed ing very important and an area that should d prior to 1989. Due to the disturbances in eltier Island. Mr. Perry stated the A °°n'. rem the importance of the rookery is very beneficial. The Coun doc ent d the heron's habits for quite some time. The County put together a tas $ force to determine how to sustain the rookery. After reviewing all the available informatio it was determined that a no -wake zone should be put into effect. It seems now that a detailed discussion of where the line should be is appropriate. Mr. Perry added that the County has agreed to post signs and buoys. A minimum of 300 meters is needed for a buffer. There are 530 nests on the island but the majority of them are on the northern half of the island. He recommended pushing the no -wake zone just a bit further than the bog poles and referred to a map pointing that line out. He also pointed out the portion of the area that is owned by the County. Mr. Art Hawkins, 6102 Centerville Road, stated he is present to answer any questions regarding the Blue Heron. He stated he has been observing the birds for three years and has information available regarding the desertion of the birds. He stated a rookery must 4