Agenda - Environmental Policy Board - 08/21/2023

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b. Describe rare features such as state-listed (endangered, threatened, or special concern) species, native plant communities, Minnesota Biological Survey Sites of Biodiversity Significance, and other sensitive ecological resources on or within close proximity to the site. Provide the license agreement number (LA-1074) and/or correspondence number (MCE ) from which the data were obtained and attach the Natural Heritage Review letter from the DNR. Indicate if any additional habitat or species survey work has been conducted within the site and describe results. State-Listed Threatened and Endangered Species A review of the DNR Natural Heritage Inventory System (LA-1074) database was conducted for the project site and the area within one mile of the project site. This review identified two species within one mile of the project site and one species within the project site itself. A record for the Blanding's Turtle (Emys blandingii), a state-listed threatened species, is located within the project site. Three records for the Blanding's Turtle are located within one mile of the project site. Blanding's Turtles prefer wetland complexes and adjacent sandy uplands, including calm, shallow waters associated with river and stream. In southeastern Minnesota, open marshes and bottomland wetlands provide summer and winter habitat. Ephemeral wetlands are utilized in spring and early summer, while deeper marshes and backwater pools are utilized in both the summer and winter. A record for the Creek Heelsplitter (Lasmigona compressa), a state-listed species of special concern, is located within one mile of the project site. The Creek Heelsplitter prefers creeks, small rivers, and the upstream portions of large rivers. The wetlands on site do not represent suitable habitat; therefore, no long-term adverse impacts to Creek Heelsplitters are anticipated. Federally Listed Threatened and Endangered Species A review of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's Information for Planning and Consultation (IPaQ tool was completed for Anoka County. This review identified two federally listed endangered or proposed endangered species that may be present within the project site. 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 Haviland Fields EAW 20 July 2023