Agenda - Council - 02/12/2002 - Laserfiche WebLink

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-184- Because "The Ponds" development proposal does not contain sufficient information on these potential effects to wetlands, we strongly urge the City of Ramsey to prepare an EAW to better guide the decision-making Process. Effects on Wildlife Development of the proposed area will reduce wildlife habitat. Our neighborhood wetlands and mature groves of trees are important wildlife habitat for deer, opossum, fox, and a variety of bird species. The 61.1 acres proposed for development is one of the few remaining undeveloped, wooded parcels remaining in this area of Ramsey (Map 1). The preliminary plat for 'The Ponds" shows that no open space will remain after development except for protected wetland areas (Map 2). We are concerned that the elimination of this forest habitat will lead to a reduction in wildlife in our area. For example, bird populations across the country have been declining due to loss of habitat (Terborgh 1989). The area proposed ' for development is a sizeable area of habitat in an otherwise in hospitable landscape. It is potential habitat for rails, sandhill cranes, bald eagles as well as loggerhead shrikes. If the area is developed, we could risk losing bird species from our area. In fact, we know that the City is already concerned with a potential loss of wildlife (Strommen 2001 ). Before development of this area proceeds, we strongly request that the City of Ramsey prepare an EAW to determine which species currently use the area and examine any potentiat effects posed by the proposed development. 3) Effects of WaSte Treatment More information is needed regarding how the proposed development will handle waste .treatment and how' that treatment will affect local water and wildlife, Waste treatment regulations and technologies can vary. We believe that more information is required regarding which regulations and what kinds of technology will be employed in "The Ponds" development. We also ask for-a discussion of alternative waste treatment plans and a clear explanation for why the chosen plan is preferred. We strongly urge the City of Ramsey to prepare an EAW to examine the potential impact of the chosen waste treatment method and other alternative methods to wildlife and water.