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2.0 Critical Wetland Resources <br />Wetlands in the assessment area should be evaluated for designation as critical resources based on <br />several features defined in Minnesota Statutes. These critical wetland resources should be classified <br />into the Preserve management class due to their special functions. Criteria for designating wetlands <br />as critical resources are as follows: <br /> Outstanding Resource Value Waters (Minn. Rules 7050.0180) <br /> Designated Scientific and Natural Areas (Minn. Rules 86A.05) <br /> Wetlands with known occurrences of Threatened or Endangered Species (Minn. Stat. <br />84.0895) <br /> State Wildlife Management Areas (Minn. Stat. 86A.05, subpart 8) <br /> State Aquatic Management Areas (Minn. Stat. 86A.05, subpart 14). <br /> Wellhead Protection Areas (Minn. Stat. 103I.101, MN Rules Chapter 4720). <br /> Sensitive Ground Water Areas (MN Rules 8420.0548, Subp. 6). <br /> Designated trout streams or trout lakes (MN Rules 6264.0050). <br /> Calcareous fens (MN Rules 8420.1010 through 8420.1060). <br /> High priority areas for wetland preservation, enhancement, restoration and establishment <br />(MN Rules 8420.0350, subpart 2). <br /> Designated Historic or Archaeological Sites <br /> State or federal designated wild and scenic rivers (MN Rule Chapter 7050) <br />2.1 Outstanding Resource Value Waters <br />"Outstanding resource value waters" are defined in MN Rules 7050.0180 as waters within the <br />Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness; Voyageur's National Park; and Department of Natural <br />Resources designated scientific and natural areas; wild, scenic, and recreational river segments; Lake <br />Superior; those portions of the Mississippi River from Lake Itasca to the southerly boundary of <br />Morrison County that are included in the Mississippi Headwaters Board comprehensive plan dated <br />February 12, 1981; and other waters of the state with high water quality, wilderness characteristics, <br />unique scientific or ecological significance, exceptional recreational value, or other special qualities <br />which warrant stringent protection from pollution. <br />2.1.1 Calcareous Fens <br />Calcareous fens are defined in MN Rules 8420.1020 as peat-accumulating wetlands dominated by <br />distinct groundwater inflows having specific chemical characteristics. The water is characterized as <br />circumneutral to alkaline, with high concentrations of calcium and low dissolved oxygen content. <br />12 <br />The chemistry provides an environment for specific and often rare hydrophytic plants. Minnesota <br />Rules 8420.1010-1070 sets out minimum standards and criteria for the identification, protection, and <br />management of calcareous fens as authorized by Minnesota Statutes, section 103G.223. The <br />MnDNR is charged with identifying and maintaining a list of calcareous fens in the state and <br />maintains a database of them. Calcareous fens are also listed in the Classifications for Waters in <br /> <br />12 <br /> MN Rules 8420.1020 <br />Management Classification 11 <br /> <br />