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

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Trott Brook Crossing EAW August 2021 The project may affect the number and type of wildlife species in the area, but changes in wildlife abundance are not expected to be regionally significant. The existing cropland and woodland provide wildlife food and cover. Some wildlife species that depend on agricultural cropland and woodland will be displaced by the project. The project will likely have short-term negative effects and long-term positive effects on species adapted to suburban habitats. Non -migratory species with small home ranges, like small mammals, may experience adverse effects such as mortality during project construction. The project may have effects on Blanding's turtles that may occur in the area. To minimize potential adverse effects on turtles and their mobility, the project will minimize wetland impacts, implement sediment and erosion controls, design with primarily surmountable curbs on roadways, and consider using erosion control materials constructed of organic fibers rather than plastic. The project involves removal of woodland that may provide suitable roosting habitat for the northern long-eared bat, but the federally threatened bat has not been documented on the site and the majority of the construction area is cropland devoid of potential roost trees. The majority of the woodland proposed for removal with project implementation consists of planted rows of conifers. Northern long-eared bats (NLEB) prefer large, mature trees with shaggy bark. The trees proposed for removal with development of Trott Brook Crossing do not appear to be consistent with NLEB habitat. Although project construction could be expected to slightly increase the potential for spread of invasive and weedy species, much of the project area has been disturbed by agricultural use for decades. BMPs may include the cleaning of construction equipment before transport, which might reduce the potential spread of invasive species. d. Identify measures that will be taken to avoid, minimize, or mitigate adverse effects to fish, wildlife, plant communities, and sensitive ecological resources. Measures to minimize and mitigate adverse effects on wildlife include the preservation of 7.37acres of woodland, creation of 17.03 acres of stormwater basins, dedicating wetland buffers adjacent to avoided wetlands and dedicating 21.9 acres of land for a public park. As indicated above, the project proponent will minimize potential effects on Blanding's turtles through wetland impact minimization and avoidance, implementing erosion and sediment control and designing with surmountable curbs on roadways. To the extent practicable, potential effects on northern long-eared bats and other woodland wildlife can be further minimized by clearing trees during October to April, outside of the wildlife breeding season. The most important practice is to avoid tree clearing during June 1 to August 15 when bats are rearing young. A City of Ramsey staff member observed showy lady slippers (Cypripedium reginae) adjacent to Trott Brook near the project site (not within project limits). While showy lady slippers are not listed by the State or Federal government as a threatened or endangered species, they do have public value. When the pedestrian bridge is constructed over Trott Brook, the location of the crossing will be inspected to determine whether showy lady slippers are present. If present, the location of the trail or boardwalk access may be shifted to minimize impacts to this vascular plant species. 25