Agenda - Council - 06/22/1999 - Laserfiche WebLink

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I Mim csota Deparlment of Nalural Resources I DNR. Waters - Mdtro .R. eg/on, 1200 Warner Road, St. Paul, MN 55106-6793 Telephone: (651) 772-7910 Fax: (651) 772-7977 i May 27, 1999 Mr, Scan Walther Community Development Assistant City of Ramsey 15153 Nowthen Boulevard N.W, Ramsey, MN 55303 i I I ENVIRONMENTAL PERMITS, LUKE (14250 BOWERS DR.IVE NW) AND W~EI~ENBACH (14230 BOWERS DRIVE N.W.), MISSISSIPPI 1LIVER, CITY OF RAMSEY, ANOKA COLrNTY Dear Mr. Walther: I I Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the above referenced projects. Please allow these comments into the record regarding the permit applications. I It is my opinion that the applicants need professional 14elp with their restoration plans. The drawings are nicely done, but they lack any indication that the work is being done in an area of special concern. Patricia Peltier, formerly of this office, and 1 have written letters (March 16, 1998 and October 21, 1998) explaining the uniqueness of this area and the additional rules and guidelines involved in being part ofthe Wild and Scenic River system as well as the Mississippi River Critical Area and Mi.q.4~sippi National River and Recreation Area 1 recommend the following actions before the plans are acceptable: 1. A professional landscape architect, ne~ds to be consulted, The plans need to have specifics about what is to be planted md where. I don't have the expertise in landscape design or plant materials to offer specific ideas. The individual hired should have experience with native plants and natural communities. Tkis is not the location for a typical city lot with mowed grass down to the rock. A significant feature, the bluff, was disturbed in recent months; an equally significant restoration needs to take place. 2. A substantial number oftrees have been removed. There needs to be a method for quantifying the loss and compensating for it. One method I've seen used is where the cumulative di~u'neter inches of trees removed is calculated and replaced with the same number of diameter inches. Since mature trees cannot be planted, a greater number of smaller trees will need to be planted. Native species, similar to the ones removed should be used. I I i I I I I I I