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• Met Council states that a site evaluation should be done by a professional ecologist for rare �-- and endangered species. City response: A natural resource inventory analysis of the site was conducted in 1998-99 by a consultant hired by the City. The study revealed no rare or endangered species. In addition, as described in the EAW, the Minnesota Dept. of Natural Resources Natural Heritage Database includes no record of rare or endangered species on the site. • Met Council states that there is some question of the rationale for proposing to fill a wetland so that there is better visibility from the freeway frontage. The avoidance argument (page 15) is not very compelling as there seems to be significant ability to develop the site to the west. City response: The Rice Creek Watershed District (RCWD) is the Local Governmental Unit under the Minnesota Wetlands Conservation Act. The project applicant has submitted a sequencing analysis and mitigation plan to the RCWD. The City of Lino Lakes relies on the RCWD for administration of the requirements of the Wetlands Conservation Act. The City will require that RCWD approval is obtained as a condition of City approval of the project. • Met Council states that any wetland mitigation (page 16) within the regional park would have to be a part of the existing master plan or a master plan update that would require approval by the Council. There should be at least an equal amount of public parkland purchased to replace the areas being used for wetland mitigation for this private development. Funding should also be provided for on going maintenance and monitoring of the "created" wetlands. City response: City staff discussed this comment with John VonDeLinde, Director of Anoka County Parks and Recreation. Anoka Parks has anticipated the improvements to the park proposed as part of the wetland mitigation plan for the Lino Lakes Marketplace project. The wetland mitigation provides an opportunity to fulfill the Anoka Parks plans. Implementation of the wetland creation projects is intended to further park master plan goals in several ways. The wetlands to be created near the campgrounds will enhance biodiversity and provide an opportunity for public interpretation on natural resources and wildlife related to wetlands. There is currently no such opportunity at the campgrounds. The wetlands on the golf course will add biodiversity and enhance the recreation goals of the park. Thus, the wetland mitigation plans are consistent with the park master plan goals. Anoka Parks would not have expressed interest in the arrangement if it did not promote park goals. Responses to Comments On Lino Lakes Marketplace EAW page 9 of 11