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Ryan Schroeder <br />May 23, 1994 <br />Page 2 <br />We appreciate recognition in Item 11b that the Blanding's Turtle, Emydoidea blandingii, a state -listed <br />threatened species, is known to frequent the general project area. It does not appear that the DNR <br />Natural Heritage Program was contacted to accurately answer this question. This is an important contact <br />and assists with planning efforts. A search of the Heritage database within a one -mile radius of the <br />proposed project produced a 1989 record for one Blanding's Turtle next to a small pond bordering <br />Sunfish Lake (see attachment). The EAW does not indicate if suitable habitat for the Blanding's Turtle <br />exists in the project area, and if it does, what efforts to avoid impacts to this species are offered. It is <br />possible that such a determination could be made as a component of the needed wetland delineation yet <br />to be done. Please contact Jan Shaw Wolff of the Heritage Program at (612) 296-8279 for further <br />information in this regard. <br />As previously mentioned, efforts to incorporate DNR staff input into the project design process is <br />appreciated. We request that this consultation continue. The DNR recognizes the City of Ramsey's <br />desire to provide a transportation network designed to meet the current and future needs of its citizenry. <br />However, environmental costs, specifically those involving wetlands, require incorporation into the <br />planning process as well. This issue in particular will be examined further as a component of any <br />required DNR permit associated with this development. <br />Thank you for the opportunity to review this document. We look forward to receiving your record of <br />decision and responses to comments. Minnesota Rules part 4410.1700, subparts 4 & 5, requires you to <br />send us your Record of Decision within five days of deciding this action. Please contact Don Buckhout of <br />my staff, at (612) 296-8212, if you have questions regarding this letter. <br />Sincerely, <br />Thomas W. Balcom, Supervisor <br />Natural Resources Environmental Review Section <br />Office of Planning <br />:attachment <br />c: Kathleen Wallace <br />Steve Colvin <br />Pete Otterson <br />Jan Shaw Wolff <br />Lynn M. Lewis, USFWS <br />Gregg Downing, EQB <br />#940170-01 <br />ER13.SUNWOOD.DOC <br />