Minutes - Environmental Policy Board - 04/03/2006

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aesthetics, recreation, or education noted. He referenced Trott Brook, which indicates the western pan is listed as a Preserve. Coordinator Anderson stated they do envision some of the "Manage 1" classifications to get bumped up to "Preserve" based off the ground-truthing work that will need to be done. He stated there were things that couldn't be included based off the office review. He noted the section that is "Manage 2" wouldn't be included in the ground-truthing work that gets done. However, the EPB could request that all of Trott Brook be ground-truthed based on the significance of Trott Brook. Board Member Sibilski stated he also needed more clarification about how wetland levels are classified. He stated that in the area where he lives, he sees amphibians come off the wetlands every year, but it's not noted as a wetland on the report. Chairperson McDilda stated that a lot of things in the report are just generated off of GIS maps. He stated there is a lot to be done prior to someone going out to look at the area. He stated that an exceptional part is that there are protected species noted. Board Member Bentz stated that part of the classification relies on the wildlife habitat but it doesn't apply according to the memo. He stated he felt that should be incorporated into the report because the biological and scientific surveys were done. He asked how current the data WaS. Chairperson McDilda concurred that was a good question to keep in mind for PEC as they walk the areas. Chairperson McDilda stated that this is really their best guess what that would be, not having walked the areas. Councilmember Strommen stated she felt that it was important that all of Trott Brook be ground- truthed. Coordinator Anderson stated that PEC has merged with Westwood Professional. He stated that currently he thought Ron Peterson will be doing the work, but there could be another botanist from Westwood Professional going out to do the work too. He stated they are anticipating starting in mid to late May because some of the things they will look for will begin blooming at that time. Chairperson McDilda asked whether the report would be ready in June or July. Coordinator Anderson stated that the report would be finalized once the ground-trothing is completed. Coordinator Anderson stated that Jim Amdt has left PEC. Councilmember Strommen asked who was heading up the study with the Builders Association now that Jim Amdt has left PEC. Coordinator Anderson stated that Alpine Woods was one of the targeted sites in Ramsey. She stated that the results of that study would be beneficial to be shared with this EPB. Environmental Policy Board/April 3, 2006 Page 4 of 10