Agenda - Council - 09/14/2021 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Trott Brook Crossing EAW August 2021 Midwest Natural Resources (MNR) conducted two field surveys in the project area for State Threatened and Endangered vascular plant species. MNR found no State Threatened or Endangered species, however one Special Concern species, the St. Lawrence grapefern (Sceptridium rugulosum), was discovered on the northern portion of the site. The Special Concern status is given to plant species that are either uncommon in the state or have specific habitat requirements, but do not meet criteria for State Endangered or Threatened. The rare plant survey recommended an additional survey of the site within the wetland fringing Trott Brook during the spring of 2022. The rare plant survey is included in Appendix E. Federal Online information on rare species information maintained by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) was also reviewed for the project area. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) listed the northern long-eared bat (Myotis septentrionalis) as federally threatened on May 4, 2015. On February 2, 2017, the USFWS listed the rusty patched bumble bee (Bombus affinis) as federally endangered. A review of the USFWS Information for Planning and Consultation (IPaC) website with a polygon encompassing the project area identified the northern long-eared bat as the only federally -listed threatened or endangered species that may potentially be affected by activities at the project location. The IPaC website also noted that there are no critical habitats at this location. The northern long-eared bat hibernates in caves during winter and establishes maternity roosting colonies under the loose bark of trees during the summer. The project area is not known to include caves and includes limited tree cover. As of June 3, 2020, MN DNR data showed no documented maternity roost trees or hibernacula entrances of the northern long-eared bat in the project vicinity. A review of the USFWS Rusty Patched Bumble Bee Map indicates the project area falls within a Low Potential Zone. This means that the rusty patched bumble bee is not likely to be present in the project area. Most habitats suitable for rusty patched bumble bees in the Upper Midwest have been converted by agriculture or other land uses. Rusty patched bumble bees need areas that provide nectar and pollen from flowers, nesting sites (underground and abandoned rodent cavities or clumps of grasses), and overwintering sites for hibernating queens (undisturbed soil). Site reviews have not identified native prairie plantings or diverse areas of native wildflowers in the project area, indicating a lack of highly suitable bumble bee habitat. 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. Project development is expected to convert about 94 acres of cropland and 25 acres of woodland to streets, homes, lawns, landscaping, and stormwater features. The balance of the site will include about 7 acres of tree preservation, 56 acres of avoided wetlands and floodplain and about 11 acres of grassland preservation. 24