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ITEM 5- PROJECT SITE EVALUATION <br /> <br />Part 3 - Descrip�on of Environment and Environmental Impact of Proposed Project <br /> <br />A. Present Land Use <br />The present land use consists of a former homesite, former tree farm, and natural vegeta�on. Following <br />purchase of the property in 2001, the city allowed the former owners (Bernins) to remain in their home <br />un�l the estate ended the lease in 2022. The Bernins were great stewards of the land and worked to <br />diversify the tree species following the discon�nua�on of the Christmas tree farm in the early 2000s. A <br />variety of oaks have been planted on the 10 acres that was previously farmed. A home and outbuildings <br />used to occupy 2 acres of the property, but all structures have been removed. The exis�ng well was <br />capped in 2023. The remaining property consists of a high quality sedge meadow wetland, wooded ice <br />ridge, and natural lakeshore plants. <br />1. The site is a prime loca�on for outdoor recrea�on due to its proximity to Oneka Lake and easy <br />pedestrian access. Oneka Lake is 381 acres and its shoreline is largely undeveloped. This <br />contributes to a scenic viewshed and also atracts a variety of wildlife. The significant natural <br />features and scenic quali�es of the property will be accessible through educa�onal signage and <br />improved trails. Public access to the park would be provided not only through the parking lot off <br />of Greene Avenue but also through several trail and sidewalk connec�ons including trails <br />through the ac�ve park, from the north, and from the west (Goodview Avenue). These strong <br />connec�ons provide easy access for the neighboring residen�al areas and beyond. <br /> <br />2. The site does not include elements that visually detract from the outdoor recrea�on experience <br />or present a poten�al public safety hazard. <br /> <br />B. Environmental Intrusions <br /> <br />An ar�ficial outlet to maintain the ordinary high water mark of the lake drains to a pipe which bisects the <br />property. No changes are proposed. <br /> <br />C. Fish and Wildlife <br />The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Informa�on for Planning and Consulta�on (IPaC) report iden�fied a <br />few species are poten�ally affected by ac�vi�es on the property. These are the Northern Long-eared <br />Bat, Tricolored Bat, Whooping Crane, Salamander Mussel, Monarch Buterfly and Rusty Patched Bumble <br />Bee. However, the report stated that there are no cri�cal habitats in the area. Addi�onally, the U.S. Fish <br />and Wildlife Service made the determina�on of no effect or not likely adversely affected for the <br />iden�fied species. <br />D. Vegeta�on <br />It is not known if there are any major plant species and communi�es that are endangered, threatened or <br />of special concern. Select trees will be removed and the area cleared where trails will be constructed.