Agenda - Planning Commission - 08/02/2018

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North Dayton Development AUAR nesting, basking, periods of dormancy, and traveling between wetlands. Factors believed to contribute to the decline of this species include collisions with vehicles, wetland drainage and degradation, and the development of upland habitat. Any added fatality can be detrimental to populations of Blanding's turtles, as these turtles have a low reproduction rate that depends upon a high survival rate to maintain population levels. The project has the potential to impact this rare turtle through direct fatalities or habitat disturbance/destruction due to dewatering, excavation, fill, or other construction activities associated with the project. The black sandshell (Ligumia recta), a state -listed mussel of special concern, has been documented in the Mississippi River in the vicinity of the proposed project. Mussels are particularly vulnerable to deterioration in water quality, especially increased siltation. As such, it is important that effective erosion prevention and sediment control practices be implemented and maintained near the river during construction and incorporated into any stormwater management plan. The northern long-eared bat (Myotis septentrionalis), federally listed as threatened and state -listed as special concern, can be found throughout Minnesota. During the winter this species hibernates in caves and mines, and during the active season (approximately April -October) it roosts underneath bark, in cavities, or in crevices of both live and dead trees. Pup rearing is during June and July. Activities that may impact this species include, but are not limited to, wind farm operation, any disturbance to hibernacula, and destruction/degradation of habitat (including tree removal). The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) has published a final 4(d) rule that identifies prohibited take. The NHIS does not contain any known occurrences of northern long-eared bat roosts or hibernacula within an approximate one -mile radius of the proposed project. c. Discuss how the identified fish, wildlife, plant communities, rare features and ecosystems may be affected by the project. Include a discussion on introduction and spread of invasive species from the project construction and operation. Separately discuss effects to known threatened and endangered species. Populations of species that depend upon cropland will likely be displaced to nearby farm fields and the Three Rivers 3,000 acre park area; some songbirds that readily adapt to suburban habitats may become more numerous. Overall, the project is not expected to result in a regionally significant decline in wildlife abundance or species diversity. d. Identify measures that will be taken to avoid, minimize, or mitigate adverse effects to fish, wildlife, plant communities, and sensitive ecological resources. The creation of new stormwater ponds will help to mitigate the adverse effects on some wildlife. Stormwater management plans will be drawn up to ensure rates and volumes of surface water discharge are acceptable or better than pre -development conditions, which in turn will support the health of surrounding ecosystems. Preservation of open space will also be implemented to reduce impacts to trees and tree removal as is relates to the Mississippi River IBA. 28