Agenda - Environmental Policy Board - 02/22/2016

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• All areas that will be idle for one year or more and are within 100 feet of a wetland boundary should be seeded with the native plant mix. • Seeding all areas that will be idle for one year or more, even if more distant from the wetland, is encouraged for wildlife benefits, lower long-term maintenance, and aesthetics. Native plant seeding adjacent to stormwater management areas is also encouraged. • Areas where the city or land manager plans an active land use inconsistent with unmowed vegetation can be excluded from the native plant seeding requirement. For example, if an area is planned to be developed into a playground within one year, native plant seeding need not occur. • Seeding should only occur within the 16.5 -foot wide area around the wetland that was left undisturbed during construction if it is dominated by invasive or noxious weeds. In all other cases this area should remain undisturbed. The LRRWMO does not require this native plant seeding to be maintained. Native plants are favored in areas near wetlands and on idle lands because of their benefits to wildlife and water quality. However if the desired use or landscaping of the area changes, the vegetation may be replaced without any restrictions or penalties imposed by the LRRWMO. These provisions do not apply to private properties; they only apply to common spaces. Wetland Protections After Construction Following construction, site stabilization, and vegetation establishment certain activities shall be prohibited within 16.5 feet of the wetland edge. Activities prohibited include: • Structures, excluding fences. Fences are not allowed inside the wetland boundary. • Paving, except projects with a public purpose such as public trails. • Retaining walls. • Filling, dumping, or yard waste disposal. • Fertilization. • Septic systems. If portions of a wetland have been lawfully impacted (filled, drained, etc.) during the construction process through a MN Wetland Conservation Act permit, the 16.5 -foot area of wetland protections shall be measured from the new, post -impact wetland boundary. Relationship to Drainage and Utility Easement The LRRWMO wetland protections after construction are similar to restrictions cities impose within drainage and utility easements. In most cases the drainage and utility easement (defined by the designed or designated 100 year flood elevation) extends more than 16.5 feet from the Comprehensive Watershed Management Plan Lower Rum River Watershed Management Organization October 2011 G-6