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littp://www.dnr.state.mn.us/npc/index.html One of the species that shows up in Mounds View in the Rare Features database is Blanding's Turtles (Enays blandingii). For your information, the DNR's Blanding's Turtle fact sheet describes the habitat use and life history of this species. The fact sheet also provides two lists of recommendations for avoiding and minimizing impacts to this rare turtle. Consider adding the following language to the natural resource discussion of your plan, or consult the DNR's Rare Species Guide to communicate information about the type of habitat that may harbor these turtles. Blanding's turtles use upland areas up to and over a mile distant from wetlands, as well as wetlands. Uplands are used for nesting, basking, periods of dormancy, and traveling between wetlands. Because of the tendency to travel long distances over land, Blanding's turtles regularly travel across roads and are therefore susceptible to collisions with vehicles. Any added mortality can be detrimental to populations of Blanding's turtles, as these turtles have a low reproduction rate that depends upon a high survival rate to maintain population levels. Other factors believed to contribute to the decline of this species include wetland drainage and degradation, and Toss of upland habitat to development. Community Forestry. Your plan recognizes the important role of vegetation and vegetated buffers in stabilizing and strengthening neighborhoods (p. 2-1). The loss of tree canopy due to threats such as emerald ash borer and oak wilt has negative impacts on the health and environment of many Minnesota cities, and a planned community forest can provide numerous community benefits. The first step to achieving a resilient community forest is conducting a tree inventory. The second step is developing a community forestry management plan that includes strategies for managing trees, especially ash, and encouraging a diverse tree canopy on private and public lands. It would be worth mentioning in the narrative of the comprehensive plan if Mounds View has developed a plan for the city's foresty needs as part of an overall strategy to meet its environmental goals and policies. Native Species. We appreciate the vision for Mounds View Boulevard as a pollinator -friendly corridor. We suggest developing policies that encourage all developers of private and public lands to use native flowers, grasses, shrubs and tree species. Species such as monarchs rely on these plants, and it does not take many plants to attract butterflies and other beneficial pollinators, as well as migrating and resident birds. Adding more native plants into landscaping enhances the health and diversity of pollinators and wildlife populations, and these plants can also help filter and store storm water, a positive effect that also furthers other goals in your city's plan. For more information consult National Wildlife Federation's Monarch Conservation in America's Cities and DNR's pollinator page. Your city may also wish to consider adopting pollinator friendly resolutions to encourage support and raise the profile of pollinator -friendly practices in your community. Plant lists and suggestions for native plants can be incorporated into: • Proposed landscape guidelines to improve the aesthetics in for commercial and industrial areas • Street tree planting plans • City gateway features • Along ponds and waterways. • Small nature play areas in children's parks • Along the edges of ballfield complexes. • Lakeshores Development / Transportation Policies to protect wildlife. Consider adding policies that take wildlife into consideration as transportation and redevelopment projects occur. To enhance the health and diversity of wildlife populations, encourage developers of private and public lands to retain natural areas or restore them 2401 Mounds View Blvd. Mounds View, MN 55112 (763) 717-4000 * Fax (763) 717-4019 www.moundsview•mn.org * infagamoundsviewmn.org