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

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August [ 4, 200 [ Mr. James E. Norman City, Administrator City of R. amsey ' [5 I53 Nowthen Boulevard NW Ramsey, ~[innesota 55..303 Subject: Threatened and Endangered Species Review: The Ponds Residentia[ Development Project Nowthen Boulevard and St. Francis Boulevard NW (Highway 47) Ramsey, Minnesota ProSource Project No. 0 t.-317 Dear Mr. Norman: ProSource Technologies, inc. (ProSou.rce)' has recently received a response letter from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) regarding a Minnesota Natural Heritage information System Data Request (threatened and endangered species). ProSource submit'red this data request for areas surrounding the proposed ~'Poads" residential development. Due to a prolonged turnaround time for this information, we were unab{e to incorporate the results of this data request in the report which was submit'ted to the City of Ramsey on August 3, 2001. However, prior to the report submittal, ProSource did complete an Environmental Data Resources, Inc. (EDR)/NEPA Check which is a regulatory database review. This EDR report, which was referenced in the August 3 submittal, revealed no threatened or endangered' species on or immediately adjacent to die site. The Natural Heritage [nfbrmation System (NHIS) provides the most complete source of data on Minnesota's rare p[ants, animals, native plant communities, and other rare features. This evaluation examines a one mile radius from the project site. The results of this NHIS review indicate three known occurrences of rare species or natural communities in the vicinity o~' the proposed "Ponds" project. Ail three occurrences were individual reports of Blanding's Turtle sightings. These observations were made in three different locations, all of Which are more than a half mile fi.om the project site (see attached site location map). The DNP,. response stated that although there 'is no record of the turtles existing within the project site, turtle existence is possible because the site contains suitable habitat. The habitat of the Btanding's Turtle inc[udes shallow wetlands (I-3' feet deep), and they typically nest in open, sandy uplands up to one mile ['rom the wetlands. Although the observed Blanding's Turtles were not within or directly adjacent to the project boundaries, due to the similar/ties in habitat of the project area and that of the Blanding's Turtle, it is ProSource's recommendation that a limited biological survey be completed betbre the commencement of construction. As previously discussed. ProSource is prepared to provide this biological survey for the City. of Ramsey. A budget for this task can be provided upon request.