Agenda - Council - 10/24/2023 - Laserfiche WebLink

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A record for the Northern Long-Eared Bat, a federally endangered species,was identified within Anoka County. During the summer, Northern Long-Eared Bats roost singly or in colonies underneath bark, in cavities, or crevices of both live and dead trees. The bat uses tree species based on suitability to retain bark or provide cavities or crevices. It has also been found, rarely, roosting in structures like barns or sheds. Tree stands in the eastern portion of the project site may present suitable habitat for the Northern Long-Eared Bat. A record for the Tricolored Bat, a proposed federally endangered species, was identified within Anoka County. During the summer, Tricolored Bats roost among live and dead leaf clusters of live or recently dead deciduous hardwood trees Tree stands in the eastern portion of the project site may present suitable habitat for the Tricolored Bat. Other Sensitive Ecological Resources The identified Sites of Biodiversity Significance and Regionally Significant Ecological Areas are not within the project site, therefore; no adverse impacts in these areas are anticipated. c. Discuss how the identified fish, wildlife, plant communities, rare features, and ecosystems may be affected by the project, including how current Minnesota climate trends and anticipated climate change in the general location of the project may influence the effects. 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. Effects to Wildlife Habitat and Sensitive Ecological Resources Minimal tree removal will be required as part of the project; however, most trees will be preserved and a tree replacement plan will be developed and implemented per city code requirements. Limited tree removal is anticipated on the northeast side of the site where the City of Ramsey's 2007 survey identifies native plant species. Effective erosion prevention and sediment control practices will be implemented and maintained near the water resources on site throughout the duration of the project. Redevelopment will not have a significant adverse impact to any wildlife currently utilizing the site or the surrounding area. Wildlife currently using the site are highly adaptive and should not be adversely affected by the project. Invasive species will be controlled on site during construction, and turf grass and other ornamental landscape plants will be used on the site and may provide some additional habitat for songbirds, small mammals, and insects. Impacts to Threatened and Endangered Species The wetlands within the project site are likely to be suitable habitat for Blanding's Turtle. Development is not proposed within the wetland areas; therefore, no long-term adverse impacts to Blanding's Turtle are anticipated. Adverse impacts are not anticipated to the Creek Heelsplitter due to the lack of suitable habitat within the project site or the likelihood that the species is present in the area given the historical observation dates for the species. d. Identify measures that will be taken to avoid, minimize, or mitigate adverse effects to fish, wildlife, plant communities,and sensitive ecological resources. Invasive Species Haviland Fields EAW 21 September 2023