Agenda - Economic Development Authority - 02/11/2021

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Minnesota Department of Natural Resourc Natural Heritage and Nongarne Research Program. Box 25 500 Lalayetic Road SI, Pati1.111innesoia 5515540 Phone: (651)296-7863 Fax: (651)296-1811 E-mail: sarah.ho November 27, 2001 Courtnay Bot SRF Consulting Group, Inc. One Carlson Parkway North, Suite 150 Minneapolis, MN 55447-4443 Re: Request for Natural Heritage information for vicinity of proposed County Road 116 Corridor Study, T32N R24W Section 30 84 T32N R25W Sections 25-29,35,36, Anoka County NENRP Contact #: ERDB 20020460 Dear Ms. Bot, The Minnesota Natural Heritage database has been reviewed to determine if any rare plant or animal species or other significant natural features are known to occur within an approximate one -mile radius of the area indicated on the map enclosed with your information request. Based on this review, there are 14 known occurrences of rare species or natural communities in the area searched (for details, see enclosed database printout and explanation of selected fields). Following are specific comments for only those elements that may be impacted by the proposed project. Rare feature occurrences not listed below are not anticipated to be affected by the proposed project. Blanding's Turtles (Emydoidea blandingii), a state -listed threatened species, are reported from the vicinity of the project area. Blanding's Turtles spend much of their time in shallow wetlands (1-3 feet deep), but they nest in open, sandy uplands up to 1 mile from wetlands. Nesting is in June and eggs hatch in September, at which time young turtles enter deep wetlands where they over -winter in soft sediments. Factors believed to contribute to the decline of this species include wetland drainage and degradation, development on upland nesting areas, and possibly collection for the pet trade. In addition, because of the tendency for Blanding's Turtles to travel long distances over land, they are often forced to cross roads in developed areas. Many of the records we have of Blanding's Turtles are from turtles killed crossing roads. For your information, I have attached a fact sheet and a flyer about the Blanding's Turtle. The fact sheet is intended to provide you with background information regarding habitat use, life history, and reasons for the specie's decline, as well as recommendations for avoiding and minimizing impacts to this rare turtle. As you will note, there are two lists of recommendations. The first list contains recommendations to prevent harm to turtles during construction work, and is relative to all areas inhabited by Blanding's Turtles. Please refer to this list of recommendations for your project. The second column expands on the first column, and contains eater protective measures to be considered for areas known to be of state-wide importance to Blanding's Turtles, or any area where greater protection for turtles is desired. The flyer, which should be given to all contractors working in the area, contains an illustration and description of the Blanding's Turtle, as well as a summary of the recommendations provided in the fact sheet. DNR Information: 651-296-6157 • 1-888-646-6367 * 1TY: 651-296-5484 • 1-800-657-3929 An Equal Opportunity Employer Printed on Recycled Paper Containing a Who Values Diversity Minimum al 10% Post-Consiimer Waste