Agenda - Council - 04/13/2021 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Record of Decision — Riverstone South Environmental Assessment Worksheet Wildlife and Ecological Resources While we appreciate that over 7 acres of forest will remain, we would prefer that as much of the remaining 16.17 acres of woodland be preserved as possible. Albeit small and fragmented, these remnant forests are still ecologically important. Tree trimming and removal is strongly discouraged from April 1 through July 15 unless all cuts and wounds on oaks (Quercus spp.) are painted within 10 minutes with a water-soluble paint or shellac. Consider incorporating native, pollinator -friendly landscaping into open park space and stormwater features. The following avoidance measures are required for the state threatened Blanding's turtle (Emydoidea blandingii): 1. The Blanding's turtle flyer must be given to all contractors working in the area. 2. Use of erosion control blanket shall be limited to `bio-netting' or `natural netting' types, and specifically not products containing plastic mesh netting or other plastic components; 3. Hydro -mulch products may contain small plastic fibers that can wash into public waters and are not allowed. 4. Monitor for turtles during construction and report any sightings to the DNR Nongame Specialist, Erica Hoaglund (Erica.Hoaglund@state.mn.us). 5. Turtles in imminent danger must be moved out of harm's way by hand. Response The City began reviewing this project and related planning policies in June of 2020. The tree cover and the MRCCA were considered early in the planning process. The proposed tree preservation plan is consistent with City of Ramsey ordinances and the City's MRCCA Plan. Preserved woodland open space will cover about 10% of the project area and 24% of the MRCCA. Trees cover about 30% of the project area and it is not practicable to leave the entire wooded area as open space. The project will include about 17.46 acres (22% of project area) of open space consisting of tree preservation, stormwater features, parks, and buffers. The City's Tree Preservation Ordinance requires that clearing in oak stands be performed prior to April 15 or after July 15 of each season. As noted in the EAW, potential effects on woodland wildlife can be minimized by clearing trees during October to April, outside of the wildlife breeding season. The project proponent has agreed to use native seed mixes containing wildflowers beneficial to animal pollinators for areas such as stormwater basin margins. The EAW noted that the project could have effects on the state -threatened Blanding's turtle. The project design will use surmountable curbs and the construction process will specify erosion control materials constructed of organic fibers rather than plastic. Blanding's turtle stipulations will be added to project construction plans with a Blanding's turtle detail sheet that will: 1. spccify use of surmountable curbs whenever new curbs are to be installed on roadways; -v- 2. limit use of erosion control blankets to `bio-netting' or `natural netting' types that do not contain plastic; 5