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fact sheet contains specific recommendations regarding roads, utilities, and <br />landscaping that will pertain to this project. <br />➢ For further assistance regarding the Blanding's turtle, please contact Erica <br />Hoaglund, DNR Regional Nongame Specialist, at 651-259-5772. <br />The attached flyer should be given to all contractors working in the area. If Blanding's <br />turtles are encountered on site, please remember that state law and rules prohibit the <br />destruction of threatened or endangered species, except under certain prescribed <br />conditions. If turtles are in imminent danger they should be moved by hand out of harm's <br />way, otherwise they should be left undisturbed. <br />There are multiple observations of trumpeter swans (Cygnus buccinator), a state -listed <br />species of special concern, nesting in the vicinity of the proposed project. During the <br />breeding season, trumpeter swans select small ponds and lakes with extensive beds of <br />cattails, bulrush, sedges, and/or horsetail. Ideal habitat includes about 100 m of open <br />water for take -off, stable levels of unpolluted water, emergent vegetation, low levels of <br />human disturbance, and the presence of muskrat (Ondatra zibethicus) houses and <br />American beaver (Castor canadensis) lodges for use as nesting platforms. If any of the <br />wetlands on site provide suitable habitat, swans may choose to nest in these wetlands. <br />Construction activities that occur during the breeding season could disrupt nesting swans, if <br />present. <br />Federally Protected Species <br />• Bald eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) may nest in the area. Bald eagles are federally <br />protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and under the Bald and Golden Eagle <br />Protection Act. Both acts prohibit killing, selling, or otherwise harming eagles, their nests, or <br />eggs. If there will be any tree removal associated with the proposed project, the trees <br />should be inspected for nests prior to being cut down. The USFWS does issue permits for <br />unintentional disturbance and for the taking of a tree. Please visit the USFWS website at <br />http://www.fws.gov/midwest/eagle/ for more information regarding conservation <br />measures, management guidelines, and permitting. <br />The northern long-eared bat (Myotis septentrionalis), federally listed as threatened and <br />state -listed as special concern, can be found throughout Minnesota. During the winter this <br />species hibernates in caves and mines, and during the active season (approximately April - <br />October) it roosts underneath bark, in cavities, or in crevices of both live and dead trees. <br />Pup rearing is during June and July. Activities that may impact this species include, but are <br />not limited to, wind farm operation, any disturbance to hibernacula, and <br />destruction/degradation of habitat (including tree removal). <br />The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) has published a final 4(d) rule that identifies <br />prohibited take. To determine whether you need to contact the USFWS, please refer to the <br />USFWS Key to the Northern Long -Eared Bat 4(d) Rule (see links below). Please note that the <br />NHIS does not contain any known occurrences of northern long-eared bat roosts or <br />hibernacula within an approximate one -mile radius of the proposed project. <br />Page 3 of 5 <br />