Agenda - Parks and Recreation Commission - 04/13/2017

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Blanding's turtles (Emydoidea blandingii), a state -listed threatened species, have been reported within a one -mile search radius of the park and could very well be encountered on site. The area is an important migratory stop for waterfowl, waterbirds, raptors and neotropical migrants and as such is designated as part of the North Metro Mississippi River Important Bird Area. In the past, Bald Eagles (Haliaeetus Ieucocephalus) and colonial waterbirds have been known to nest on Cloquet and Foster Islands. Therefore, the County had a survey conducted to locate any nests near the project area. The only nest found was a Bald Eagle's nest, which is currently located across the river from the park and is greater than 660' from any proposed disturbance. Therefore, no further action should be required to comply with the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act, but prior to each phase of development, a new survey shall be conducted to verify nesting locations and ensure compliance with Protection Act. The County is confident it can avoid disturbance to the listed species during the development of the park using recommendations and best management practices as outlined by the Department of Natural Resources and US Fish and Wildlife Service. • MCBS Native Plant Communities • National Wetlands Inventory, (Palustrine System) DNR's Regional Ecological Corridors ONR's Regionally Significant Ecological Areas Moderate High ▪ Outstanding ..�cd ranvana Mornninura� FIGURE 27 As shown in Figure 27, Areas within the park and Foster and Cloquet Islands are listed as sites with High or Outstanding biodiversity significance, therefore any proposed development strive to enhance the biodiversity within the park and not negatively impact it. Care will be taken during the planning and design phase of development to ensure minimal impacts and maximize diversity. 3/6/2017 Mississippi West Regional Park Master Plan Amendment 23