Agenda - Environmental Policy Board - 08/21/2023

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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 The proposed project would not result in the introduction of invasive species. Disturbed areas would be reestablished using appropriate native and stabilization seed mix. Invasive species will be controlled on site during construction, and proposed landscaping will not include any DNR-identified invasive species. Additionally, best management practices will be followed when relocating construction equipment from other sites (see correspondence in Appendix Q. Threatened and Endangered Species If Blanding's turtles are found on the project site, state law and rules prohibit the destruction of threatened or endangered species, except under certain prescribed conditions. The DNR provided several required avoidance measures in their NHIS correspondence: • Avoid wetland and aquatic impacts during hibernation season, between September 15t" and April 15t", if the area is suitable for hibernation. • The use of erosion control blankets shall be limited to "bio-netting" or "natural- netting" types, and specifically not products containing plastic mesh netting or other plastic components. Be aware that hydro mulch products may contain small synthetic Haviland Fields EAW 21 July 2023