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Haviland Fields Development <br /> Finding of Facts and Record of Decision <br /> Agency Comment Response <br /> Page 21, Rare Species.This section states that no Comment noted.The project <br /> impacts to Blanding's turtles are anticipated because proposer is committed to following <br /> the project will not be impacting wetlands.That is the measures identified in the <br /> incorrect since Blanding's turtles also use upland sites Blanding's turtle fact sheet as noted <br /> and can travel great distances.The EAW should in Section 14 of the EAW. <br /> identify which fact sheet recommendations the <br /> proposer is willing to commit to in addition to the <br /> required avoidance measures.The Blanding's turtle <br /> fact sheet contains several measures regarding <br /> wetland buffers, roads, utilities, and landscaping that <br /> are pertinent to this type of project.The DNR <br /> recommends a wider buffer than the proposed 16.5' <br /> wetland buffer as well as the use of surmountable <br /> curbs. Please also refer to the required avoidance <br /> measures for Blanding's turtle that were provided in <br /> the July 7, 2023 Natural Heritage letter and have been <br /> copied below: <br /> Blanding's turtles(Emydoidea blandingii), a state- <br /> listed threatened species, have been documented in <br /> the vicinity of the proposed project. Blanding's turtles <br /> use upland areas up to and over a mile distant from <br /> wetlands,waterbodies, and watercourses. Uplands are <br /> used for nesting, basking, periods of dormancy, and <br /> traveling between wetlands. Factors believed to <br /> contribute to the decline of this species include <br /> collisions with vehicles,wetland drainage and <br /> degradation, and the development of upland habitat. <br /> Any added mortality can be detrimental to <br /> populations of Blanding's turtles, as these turtles have <br /> a low reproduction rate that depends upon a high <br /> survival rate to maintain population levels. <br /> This project has the potential to impact this rare turtle <br /> through direct fatalities and habitat <br /> disturbance/destruction due to excavation,fill, and <br /> other construction activities associated with the <br /> project. Minnesota's Endangered Species Statute <br /> (Minnesota Statutes,section 84.0895)and associated <br /> Rules(Minnesota Rules, part 6212.1800 to 6212.2300 <br /> and 6134) prohibit the take of threatened or <br /> endangered species without a permit.As such,the <br /> following avoidance measures are required: <br /> Avoid wetland and aquatic impacts during hibernation <br /> season, between September 15th and April 15th, if the <br /> area is suitable for hibernation. <br /> The use of erosion control blanket shall be limited to <br /> 'bio-netting'or`natural-netting'types, and specifically <br /> not products containing plastic mesh netting or other <br /> plastic components. <br /> Also, be aware that hydro-mulch products may <br /> contain small synthetic(plastic)fibers to aid in their <br /> matrix strength.These loose fibers could potentially <br /> 7 <br />