03/11/2002 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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COUNCIL MINUTES MARCH 11, 2002 Councilmember Reinert stated he would like for there to be an ongoing study in order to validate this evening's action. Councilmember Carlson noted Ms. Galli, Mr. Hawkins, the Anoka County Parks and Recreation Department and the Department of Natural Resources will continue to cooperate in the study of the heron rookeries. She felt that for the City to perform its own study during a time of budget uncertainties would not be appropriate and would result in duplicated efforts. Councilmember Carlson noted, per the assessment of wildlife habitats in the City of Lino Lakes, the only known and currently active water bird colony is the Peltier Lake heronry. She indicated the herons seen in the local area outside of Lino Lakes are coming from the Peltier Island rookery. Councilmember Carlson added it was not only the heron rooke that needs to be protected but also the fish and aquatic plant materials. She quoted Charles Johnso quatic Biologist with the Rice Creek Watershed District, from his letter dated March 11, 2002 • •. s: "...Without adequate plant material to buffer wave action caused y boating and wind, bottom sediments would suspend and be transported either into e �• asin or into the water column of the north basin. This action could increase the nutrie oa to the water column, decrease water clarity, cause stress on resident fish populations, an • • ote lly give algae the competitive edge to expand their range and have even more severe bl • ms: The north basin also serves another important function to the lake ecosystem. This obably acting as a spawning area for many fish species and also as a nursery area for yo ish...High speed boating in this area may cause sediment re -suspension, nutrient release fr diments, and severe damage to the existing aquatic macrophyte community. All of .bo- mentioned items could be detrimental to the overall water quality and biological health of - e." Councilmember Carlson felt,. tion sho •e taken to preserve the lake for the public and property owners. She did not see this .° • lac g blame on any one person or group, however, some causes can be prevented. She n ed enumber of possible causes have been identified and she believed the causes other than thgh-speed boating are being acted upon. She stated the proposed ordinance establishing a no -wake zone is an action the City can act upon and she felt it was the duty of the City Council to take such action. Councilmember Carlson noted the issue of eagles preying on herons has been discussed and there have been different opinions. She noted per the information provided to the City Council the areas in which eagles prey on herons are primarily British Columbia and Tacoma, Washington. She pointed out the eagles' nests on Peltier Lake island have been closely examined and there has been no sign of the eagles preying on the herons living on the island. Councilmember Carlson noted approximately one-half of Mr. Marier's property would be affected by the no -wake zone and he has suggested a no -wake zone 400 feet south of the island, which she felt would be a better choice. However, she acknowledged that this would likely not be supported by the City Council. She noted in his staff report Environmental Specialist Asleson stated that research 25