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DEPARTMENT OF <br />NATURAL RESOURCES <br />Division of Ecological and Water Resources <br />Region 3 Headquarters <br />1200 Warner Road <br />Saint Paul, MN 55106 <br />March 11, 2021 <br />Tim Gladhill <br />Community Development Director <br />City of Ramsey <br />7550 Sunwood Drive NW <br />Ramsey, MN 55303 <br />Dear Mr. Gladhill, <br />Transmitted by Email <br />Thank you for the opportunity to review the Riverstone South EAW. The DNR respectfully submits the <br />following comments for your consideration: <br />1. Page 2, Project Description; Appendix E, Tree Survey. While we appreciate that over 7 acres of <br />forest will remain, we would prefer that as much of the remaining 16.17 acres of woodland be <br />preserved as possible. According to the tree survey, 2,305 significant trees were identified of 28 <br />different species. This region of the state once had vast areas of contiguous forest and <br />wetlands, which in the more recent past has been converted to non-forested/natural land uses. <br />It's important to preserve this natural heritage to the greatest extent possible. Albeit small and <br />fragmented, these remnant forests are still ecologically important and can better buffer <br />activities from other land -uses as well as provide more habitat for the plants and animals if <br />larger sections are left intact. <br />2. Page 6 & 7, Floodplain. We are pleased that the lowest levels of the homes will be above the <br />flood protection elevations. <br />3. Page 15, Stormwater. The development should consider using water from the "Lake" for <br />irrigating landscaping in the development. The use of water from a constructed stormwater <br />facility (not previously a wetland, stream, or lake) is exempt from the need for a DNR Water <br />Appropriation Permit. <br />4. Page 16, Stormwater. The planned increase in impervious surfaces will also increase the <br />amount of road salt used in the project area. Chloride released into local lakes and streams <br />does not break down, and instead accumulates in the environment, potentially reaching levels <br />that are toxic to aquatic wildlife and plants. Consider promoting local business and city <br />applicator participation in the Smart Salting Training offered through the Minnesota Pollution <br />Control Agency. More information and resources can be found at this website. Many winter <br />